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Hsu CF, Khine AA, Huang HS, Chu TY. The Double Engines and Single Checkpoint Theory of Endometriosis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1403. [PMID: 35740424 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic disease characterized by the ectopic localization of the endometrial tissue in the peritoneal cavity. Consequently, it causes local pathological changes and systemic symptoms, affecting at least one in every ten women. This disease is difficult to diagnose early, it is prone to dissemination, is difficult to eradicate, tends to recur, and is regarded as “a cancer of no kill”. Indeed, the development of endometriosis closely resembles that of cancer in the way of mutagenesis, pelvic spreading, and immunological adaptation. While retrograde menstruation has been regarded as the primary cause of endometriosis, the role of ovulation and menstrual stimuli in the development of endometriosis has long been overlooked. The development of ovarian and peritoneal endometrioses, similar to the development of high-grade serous carcinoma in the fallopian tube fimbriae with intraperitoneal metastasis, depends highly on the carcinogens released during ovulation. Moreover, endometriosis carries an extremely hypermutated genome, which is non-inferior to the ultra-mutated endometrial cancer. The hypermutation would lead to an overproduction of new proteins or neoantigens. Because of this, the developing endometriosis may have to turn on the PD-1/PDL-1 “self-tolerance” checkpoint to evade immune surveillance, leaving an Achilles tendon for an immune checkpoint blockade. In this review, we present the double engines and single checkpoint theory of the genesis of endometriosis, provide the current pieces of evidence supporting the hypothesis, and discuss the new directions of prevention and treatment.
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Huang HS, Chen PC, Chu SC, Lee MH, Huang CY, Chu TY. Ovulation sources coagulation protease cascade and hepatocyte growth factor to support physiological growth and malignant transformation. Neoplasia 2021; 23:1123-36. [PMID: 34688971 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovulatory follicular fluid exerts a long-lasting transformation activity covering throughout the ovulation cycle. The ovulation injury-coagulation proteases-hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) cascade is responsible for the sustained activity. Ovulation sources HGF into the peritoneal cavity, then into the blood circulation. This coagulation-HGF cascade promotes the transformation of fallopian tube epithelial cells and ovarian cancer cells. Physiologically, it promotes the growth of the corpus luteum and injured epithelium after ovulation.
The fallopian tube fimbrial epithelium, which is exposed to the follicular fluid (FF) contents of ovulation, is regarded as the main origin of ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma. Previously, we found that growth factors in FF, such as IGF2, are responsible for the malignant transformation of fallopian tube epithelium. However, ovulation is a monthly transient event, whereas carcinogenesis requires continuous, long-term exposure. Here, we found the transformation activity of FF sustained for more than 30 days after drainage into the peritoneal fluid (PF). Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), activated through the ovulation injury-tissue factor–thrombin–HGF activator (HGFA)–HGF cleavage cascade confers a sustained transformation activity to fallopian tube epithelium, high-grade serous carcinoma. Physiologically, the high reserve of the coagulation-HGF cascade sources a sustained level of HGF in PF, then to the blood circulation. This HGF axis promotes the growth of the corpus luteum and repair of tissue injury after ovulation.
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Abstract
The endometrium is an essential component of the female uterus which provides the environment for pregnancy establishment and maintenance. Abnormalities of the endometrium not only lead to difficulties in establishing and maintaining pregnancy but also play a causative role in diseases of endometrial origin including endometriosis and endometrial cancer. Non-coding RNAs are proposed to play a role in regulating the genome in both normal endometrial physiology and pathophysiology. In this review, we first provide a general overview of non-coding RNAs and reproductive physiology of the endometrium. We then discuss the role on non-coding RNAs in normal endometrial physiology and pathophysiology of endometrial infertility. We then conclude with non-coding RNAs in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatimah Aljubran
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Warren B Nothnick
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA; Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
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Liu Y, Cai Y, Chang Y. Dual inhibition of RNAi therapeutic miR-26a-5p targeting cMet and immunotherapy against EGFR in endometrial cancer treatment. Ann Transl Med 2021; 9:5. [PMID: 33553298 PMCID: PMC7859788 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-3166] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Precise prediction of drug combination targeting tumor cells effectively is a crucial challenge for tumor therapy, especially for endometrial cancer (EC). Considering the resistance, crosstalk that occurs between the receptor tyrosine kinase mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (cMet) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and their indispensable influence on the occurrence of EC, this study aimed to explore a novel therapeutic approach for EC treatment through blocking cMet and EGFR simultaneously. Methods In the present study, the expression of miR-26a-5p in EC cell lines was detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. The potential role of miR-26a-5p in the development of EC was examined using cell counting kit assay, 5-ethynyl-2’- deoxyuridine staining, wound healing assay, and cell apoptosis staining assay. Subsequently, the effect of upregulated miR-26a-5p in vivo was confirmed on a xenograft model. Luciferase reporter assay and Western blot analysis were performed to verify the relation between miR-26a-5p and cMet. Furthermore, the dual therapeutic effect of miR-26a-5p and EGFR monoclonal antibody cetuximab was confirmed in vivo and in vitro. Results The results indicated that miR-26a-5p expression significantly reduced in EC cell lines compared with the normal endometrial cell line. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-26a-5p inhibited the progression of EC, including cell migration, cell proliferation, and cell apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Subsequently, mir-26a-5p regulated the expression of cMet and the downstream the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/cMet pathway, thus exerting an inhibitory effect on EC cells. In addition, the study also demonstrated that the upregulation of miR-26a-5p could significantly enhance the inhibitory effect of cetuximab compared with the use of cetuximab alone in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions RNAi therapeutic miR-26a-5p suppressed the progression of EC through regulating the cMet/HGF pathway. The dual therapy using RNA interference and neutralizing antibody simultaneously blocked tumor targets, including cMet and EGFR, thus providing a novel approach for overcoming the resistance to the inhibitors against a single target in EC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yixuan Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Kurimchak AM, Kumar V, Herrera-Montávez C, Johnson KJ, Srivastava N, Davarajan K, Peri S, Cai KQ, Mantia-Smaldone GM, Duncan JS. Kinome Profiling of Primary Endometrial Tumors Using Multiplexed Inhibitor Beads and Mass Spectrometry Identifies SRPK1 as Candidate Therapeutic Target. Mol Cell Proteomics 2020; 19:2068-2090. [PMID: 32994315 PMCID: PMC7710141 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra120.002012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common gynecologic malignancy in the United States, with limited effective targeted therapies. Endometrial tumors exhibit frequent alterations in protein kinases, yet only a small fraction of the kinome has been therapeutically explored. To identify kinase therapeutic avenues for EC, we profiled the kinome of endometrial tumors and normal endometrial tissues using Multiplexed Inhibitor Beads and Mass Spectrometry (MIB-MS). Our proteomics analysis identified a network of kinases overexpressed in tumors, including Serine/Arginine-Rich Splicing Factor Kinase 1 (SRPK1). Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of endometrial tumors confirmed MIB-MS findings and showed SRPK1 protein levels were highly expressed in endometrioid and uterine serous cancer (USC) histological subtypes. Moreover, querying large-scale genomics studies of EC tumors revealed high expression of SRPK1 correlated with poor survival. Loss-of-function studies targeting SRPK1 in an established USC cell line demonstrated SRPK1 was integral for RNA splicing, as well as cell cycle progression and survival under nutrient deficient conditions. Profiling of USC cells identified a compensatory response to SRPK1 inhibition that involved EGFR and the up-regulation of IGF1R and downstream AKT signaling. Co-targeting SRPK1 and EGFR or IGF1R synergistically enhanced growth inhibition in serous and endometrioid cell lines, representing a promising combination therapy for EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M Kurimchak
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Katherine J Johnson
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nishi Srivastava
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Karthik Davarajan
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Suraj Peri
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kathy Q Cai
- Histopathology Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gina M Mantia-Smaldone
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James S Duncan
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Wang Q, Peng H, Qi X, Wu M, Zhao X. Targeted therapies in gynecological cancers: a comprehensive review of clinical evidence. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:137. [PMID: 32728057 PMCID: PMC7391668 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0199-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced and recurrent gynecological cancers are associated with poor prognosis and lack of effective treatment. The developments of the molecular mechanisms on cancer progression provide insight into novel targeted therapies, which are emerging as groundbreaking and promising cancer treatment strategies. In gynecologic malignancies, potential therapeutic targeted agents include antiangiogenic agents, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, tumor-intrinsic signaling pathway inhibitors, selective estrogen receptor downregulators, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the clinical evidence of targeted agents in gynecological cancers and discuss the future implication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Hongling Peng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiaorong Qi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China.
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Dai H, Zeng W, Luo H. C-MET-dependent signal transduction mediates retinoblastoma growth by regulating PKM2 nuclear translocation. Cell Biochem Funct 2020; 38:204-212. [PMID: 31729060 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal epithelial transition (C-MET) factor overexpression has been found in many types of cancer and has served as an important molecular target for therapeutic intervention. However, the role of C-MET in retinoblastoma remains largely unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the potential role and mechanism of C-MET in Y79 retinoblastoma cells. We found that C-MET was highly expressed in Y79 retinoblastoma cells, and, in addition, the levels of C-MET were positively correlated with cell proliferation and retinoblastoma growth. Inhibition of C-MET suppressed Y79 retinoblastoma cell proliferation and tumour growth. Mechanistically, we showed that HGF-induced C-MET-dependent signal transduction resulted in ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, which subsequently promoted the nuclear translocation of PKM2. Nuclear PKM2 further interacted with histone H3 and contributed to C-MET-dependent cyclin D1 and c-Myc expression and cell proliferation. These findings highlight the role of C-MET in Y79 retinoblastoma cells and reveal a C-MET-dependent signal transduction mechanism. C-MET may be a potential therapeutic target for retinoblastoma. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: We demonstrated a new target of retinoblastoma, C-MET. C-MET-dependent signal transduction promotes Y79 retinoblastoma cell proliferation and tumour growth through ERK 1/2/PKM2/histone H3 signalling pathway. C-MET may be a potential target for retinoblastoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjun Dai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijuan Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
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Liu D, Zhang H, Ge S, Lin D, Han J, Ying G, Ba Y. Identification of HGF as a novel target of miR-15a/16/195 in gastric cancer. Invest New Drugs 2020; 38:922-33. [PMID: 31414268 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-019-00834-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Gastric malignancy is the third most frequently encountered cancer globally and have been documented to confer extremely poor prognosis, given their limited treatment options. The up-regulation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been found in various tumor tissues, including GC tissue, and has been linked with tumor development. Nevertheless, the pathways leading to HGF upregulation have yet to be fully explored. Methods Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay was used to detect HGF expression in human gastric tumor tissues, while western blotting allowed quantification of protein levels. Bioinformatics tools were used to predict potential miRNA that may target HGF mRNA. Relative levels of miR-15a/16/195 as well as the target mRNA levels were analyzed with qRT-PCR. Direct targeting between miRNA and mRNA was then validated by luciferase assay. Finally, a mouse xenograft tumor model was selected to demonstrate the in vivo effects of miR-15a/16/195. Results HGF protein expressions were markedly raised, while miR-15a/16/195 levels were dramatically down-regulated in tumor tissues of GC. miR-15a/16/195 were shown to directly bind with the 3'-UTR of HGF mRNA. This study demonstrated that HGF can be repressed by overexpressed miR-15a/16/195, which resulted in the suppression of GC cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, in the xenograft mouse model, miR-15a/16/195 were also found to have a tumor growth suppression effect. Conclusions miR-15a/16/195 suppresses tumorigenesis by targeting HGF and may have a potential therapeutic application in the clinical treatment of GC.
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Sahoo SS, Zhang XD, Hondermarck H, Tanwar PS. The Emerging Role of the Microenvironment in Endometrial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:E408. [PMID: 30380719 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10110408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women, and despite recent therapeutic advances, in many cases, treatment failure results in cancer recurrence, metastasis, and death. Current research demonstrates that the interactive crosstalk between two discrete cell types (tumor and stroma) promotes tumor growth and investigations have uncovered the dual role of the stromal cells in the normal and cancerous state. In contrast to tumor cells, stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) are genetically stable. However, tumor cells modify adjacent stromal cells in the TME. The alteration in signaling cascades of TME from anti-tumorigenic to pro-tumorigenic enhances metastatic potential and/or confers therapeutic resistance. Therefore, the TME is a fertile ground for the development of novel therapies. Furthermore, disrupting cancer-promoting signals from the TME or re-educating stromal cells may be an effective strategy to impair metastatic progression. Here, we review the paradoxical role of different non-neoplastic stromal cells during specific stages of EC progression. We also suggest that the inhibition of microenvironment-derived signals may suppress metastatic EC progression and offer novel potential therapeutic interventions.
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Zhang H, Wang Y, Bai M, Wang J, Zhu K, Liu R, Ge S, Li J, Ning T, Deng T, Fan Q, Li H, Sun W, Ying G, Ba Y. Exosomes serve as nanoparticles to suppress tumor growth and angiogenesis in gastric cancer by delivering hepatocyte growth factor siRNA. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:629-641. [PMID: 29285843 PMCID: PMC5834801 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [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: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes derived from cells have been found to mediate signal transduction between cells and to act as efficient carriers to deliver drugs and small RNA. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is known to promote the growth of both cancer cells and vascular cells, and the HGF‐cMET pathway is a potential clinical target. Here, we characterized the inhibitory effect of HGF siRNA on tumor growth and angiogenesis in gastric cancer. In addition, we showed that HGF siRNA packed in exosomes can be transported into cancer cells, where it dramatically downregulates HGF expression. A cell co‐culture model was used to show that exosomes loaded with HGF siRNA suppress proliferation and migration of both cancer cells and vascular cells. Moreover, exosomes were able to transfer HGF siRNA in vivo, decreasing the growth rates of tumors and blood vessels. The results of our study demonstrate that exosomes have potential for use in targeted cancer therapy by delivering siRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Zhang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ming Bai
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Junyi Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Kegan Zhu
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shaohua Ge
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - JiaLu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Ning
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ting Deng
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qian Fan
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongli Li
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wu Sun
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Guoguang Ying
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Ba
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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Abstract
Binding of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) to the c-MET receptor has mitogenic, motogenic, and morphogenic effects on cells. The versatile biological effects of HGF and c-MET interactions make them important contributors to the development of malignant tumors. We and others have demonstrated a therapeutic value in targeting the interaction of c-MET and HGF in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). However, both HGF and c-MET are expressed in the normal ovary as well. Therefore, it is important to understand the differences in mechanisms that control HGF signaling activation and its functional role in the normal ovary and EOC. In the normal ovary, HGF signaling may be under hormonal regulation. During ovulation, HGF-converting proteases are secreted and the subsequent activation of HGF signaling enhances the proliferation of ovarian surface epithelium in order to replenish the area damaged due to expulsion of the ovum. In contrast, EOC cells that exhibit epithelial characteristics constitutively express both c-MET and HGF-converting proteases such as urokinase-type plasminogen activator. In EOC, mechanisms to control the activation of HGF signaling are absent since HGF is provided locally from the tissue microenvironment as well as remotely throughout the body. Potential incessant HGF signaling in EOC may lead to an increase in proliferation, invasion through the stroma, and migration to other tissues of cancer cells. Therefore, targeting the interaction of c-MET and HGF would be beneficial in treating EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngjoo Kwon
- 1 Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Andrew K Godwin
- 2 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,3 University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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