DDR1 and MT1-MMP Expression Levels Are Determinant for Triggering BIK-Mediated Apoptosis by 3D Type I Collagen Matrix in Invasive Basal-Like Breast Carcinoma Cells

Cancer immune exclusion: breaking the barricade for a successful immunotherapy

Immunotherapy has changed the course of cancer treatment. The initial steps were made through tumor-specific antibodies that guided the setup of an antitumor immune response. A new and successful generation of antibodies are designed to target immune checkpoint molecules aimed to reinvigorate the antitumor immune response. The cellular counterpart is the adoptive cell therapy, where specific immune cells are expanded or engineered to target cancer cells. In all cases, the key for achieving positive clinical resolutions rests upon the access of immune cells to the tumor. In this review, we focus on how the tumor microenvironment architecture, including stromal cells, immunosuppressive cells and extracellular matrix, protects tumor cells from an immune attack leading to immunotherapy resistance, and on the available strategies to tackle immune evasion.

New target DDR1: A "double-edged sword" in solid tumors

Globally, cancer is a major catastrophic disease that seriously threatens human health. Thus, there is an urgent need to find new strategies to treat cancer. Among them, identifying new targets is one of the best ways to treat cancer at present. Especially in recent years, scientists have discovered many new targets and made breakthroughs in the treatment of cancer, bringing new hope to cancer patients. As one of the novel targets for cancer treatment, DDR1 has attracted much attention due to its unique role in cancer. Hence, here, we focus on a new target, DDR1, which may be a "double-edged sword" of human solid tumors. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of how DDR1 acts as a "double-edged sword" in cancer. First, we briefly introduce the structure and normal physiological function of DDR1; Second, we delineate the DDR1 expression pattern in single cells; Next, we sorte out the relationship between DDR1 and cancer, including the abnormal expression of DDR1 in cancer, the mechanism of DDR1 and cancer occurrence, and the value of DDR1 on cancer prognosis. In addition, we introduced the current status of global drug and antibody research and development targeting DDR1 and its future design prospects; Finally, we summarize and look forward to designing more DDR1-targeting drugs in the future to make further progress in the treatment of solid tumors.

Discoidin domain receptor 1 may be involved in biological barrier homeostasis

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is a receptor tyrosine kinase involved in the pathological processes of several diseases, such as keloid formation, renal fibrosis, atherosclerosis, tumours, and inflammatory processes. The biological barrier is the first line of defence against pathogens, and its disruption is closely related to diseases. In this review, we attempt to elucidate the relationship between DDR1 and the biological barrier, explore the potential biological value of DDR1, and review the current research status and clinical potential of DDR1-selective inhibitors.

METHODS

We conducted an extensive literature search on PubMed to collect studies on the relevance of DDR1 to biological barriers and DDR1-selective inhibitors. With these studies, we explored the relationship between DDR1 and biological barriers and briefly reviewed representative DDR1-selective inhibitors that have been reported in recent years.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

First, the review of the potential mechanisms by which DDR1 regulates biological barriers, including the epithelial, vascular, glomerular filtration, blood-labyrinth, and blood-brain barriers. In the body, DDR1 dysfunction and aberrant expression may be involved in the homeostasis of the biological barrier. Secondly, the review of DDR1 inhibitors reported in recent years shows that DDR1-targeted inhibition is an attractive and promising pharmacological intervention.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS

This review shows that DDR1 is involved in various physiological and pathological processes and in the regulation of biological barrier homeostasis. However, studies on DDR1 and biological barriers are still scarce, and further studies are needed to elucidate their specific mechanisms. The development of targeted inhibitors provides a new direction and idea to study the mechanism of DDR1.

Mechanical Confinement and DDR1 Signaling Synergize to Regulate Collagen-Induced Apoptosis in Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells

Fibrillar collagens promote cell proliferation, migration, and survival in various epithelial cancers and are generally associated with tumor aggressiveness. However, the impact of fibrillar collagens on soft tissue sarcoma behavior remains poorly understood. Unexpectedly, this study finds that fibrillar collagen-related gene expression is associated with favorable patient prognosis in rhabdomyosarcoma. By developing and using collagen matrices with distinct stiffness and in vivo-like microarchitectures, this study uncovers that the activation of DDR1 has pro-apoptotic and of integrin β1 pro-survival function, specifically in 3D rhabdomyosarcoma cell cultures. It demonstrates that rhabdomyosarcoma cell-intrinsic or extrinsic matrix remodeling promotes cell survival. Mechanistically, the 3D-specific collagen-induced apoptosis results from a dual DDR1-independent and a synergistic DDR1-dependent TRPV4-mediated response to mechanical confinement. Altogether, these results indicate that dense microfibrillar collagen-rich microenvironments are detrimental to rhabdomyosarcoma cells through an apoptotic response orchestrated by the induction of DDR1 signaling and mechanical confinement. This mechanism helps to explain the preference of rhabdomyosarcoma cells to grow in and metastasize to low fibrillar collagen microenvironments such as the lung.

Genetic and pharmacological tools to study the role of discoidin domain receptors in kidney disease

Following injury the kidney undergoes a repair process, which results in replacement of the injured tissue with little evidence of damage. However, repetitive injuries or inability of the kidney to stop the repair process result in abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components leading to fibrosis and organ dysfunction. The synthesis/degradation of ECM components is finely regulated by several factors, including discoidin domain receptors (DDRs). These are receptor tyrosine kinases that are activated by collagens. Upon activation, DDRs control several cell functions that, when exacerbated, contribute to kidney injury and fibrosis. DDRs are undetectable in healthy kidney, but become rapidly upregulated in several kidney fibrotic conditions, thus making them attractive anti-fibrotic targets. DDRs contribute to kidney injury and fibrosis by promoting apoptosis of injured kidney cells, stimulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and regulating the production of ECM components. They achieve these effects by activating canonical intracellular molecules or by directly interacting with nuclear chromatin and promoting the transcription of pro-fibrotic genes. The goal of this review is to highlight canonical and non-canonical mechanisms whereby DDRs contribute to kidney injury/fibrosis. This review will summarize key findings obtained using cells and mice lacking DDRs and it will discuss the discovery and development of targeted DDR small molecule- and antisense-based inhibitors. Understanding the molecular mechanisms whereby DDRs control kidney injury and fibrosis might enable us to not only develop more selective and potent inhibitors, but to also determine when DDR inhibition needs to be achieved to prevent and/or halt the development of kidney fibrosis.

Discoidin domain receptor 1(DDR1) promote intestinal barrier disruption in Ulcerative Colitis through tight junction proteins degradation and epithelium apoptosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes. DDR1 is expressed in the intestinal epithelium, but its role in Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is poorly understand. This study aimed to identify the function of DDR1 in maintaining the homeostasis of UC.

METHODS

The DDR1 expression level in non-inflamed and inflamed colon samples from IBD patients were assessed. DDR1 knock-out (DDR1^-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were administered dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to induce colitis and assessed based on colitis symptoms. In addition, intestinal epithelial barrier injury was induced by TNF-α and IFN-γ incubation to cell monolayers transfected with PCDH-DDR1 or pLKO.1-sh-DDR1-1 plasmids. The effect of DDR1 in regulating barrier integrity, tight junctions (TJ) protein status, and cell apoptosis was investigated in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the activation of the NF-κB p65-MLCK-p-MLC2 pathway was also investigated.

RESULTS

Decreased DDR1 expression levels were observed at the inflamed sites compared with the non-inflamed. DDR1^-/- mice had alleviated intestinal mucosal barrier injuries, upregulated TJ proteins, decreased epithelium apoptosis from DSS-induced colitis, and reduced proinflammatory cytokines production in the colon. These findings were further confirmed in vitro. DDR1 over-expression aggravated the TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced TJ disruption, while DDR1 shRNA prevented TJ damage even in the presence of JSH-23. DDR1 dependently destroyed the intestinal barrier via the NF-κB p65-MLCK-p-MLC2 pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed that DDR1 regulated the intestinal barrier in colitis by modulating TJ proteins expression and epithelium apoptosis, making it a potential target of UC.

Collagen and Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 Partnership: A Multifaceted Role in the Regulation of Breast Carcinoma Cell Phenotype

Type I collagen, the major components of breast interstitial stroma, is able to regulate breast carcinoma cell behavior. Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is a type I collagen receptor playing a key role in this process. In fact, collagen/DDR1 axis is able to trigger the downregulation of cell proliferation and the activation of BIK-mediated apoptosis pathway. The aim of this review is to discuss the role of two important factors that regulate these processes. The first factor is the level of DDR1 expression. DDR1 is highly expressed in epithelial-like breast carcinoma cells, but poorly in basal-like ones. Moreover, DDR1 undergoes cleavage by MT1-MMP, which is highly expressed in basal-like breast carcinoma cells. The second factor is type I collagen remodeling since DDR1 activation depends on its fibrillar organization. Collagen remodeling is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis through age- and proteolysis-related modifications.

Temporal imaging of drug dynamics in live cells using stimulated Raman scattering microscopy and a perfusion cell culture system

Multimodal imaging of drug uptake and cell viability analysis in the same live cell population is enabled using a perfusion cell culture system.

Recent Advances in the Role of Discoidin Domain Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 1 and Discoidin Domain Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 2 in Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Discoidin domain receptor tyrosine kinases (DDRs) are a class of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and their dysregulation is associated with multiple diseases (including cancer, chronic inflammatory conditions, and fibrosis). The DDR family members (DDR1a-e and DDR2) are widely expressed, with predominant expression of DDR1 in epithelial cells and DDR2 in mesenchymal cells. Structurally, DDRs consist of three regions (an extracellular ligand binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular region containing a kinase domain), with their kinase activity induced by receptor-specific ligand binding. Collagen binding to DDRs stimulates DDR phosphorylation activating kinase activity, signaling to MAPK, integrin, TGF-β, insulin receptor, and Notch signaling pathways. Abnormal DDR expression is detected in a range of solid tumors (including breast, ovarian, cervical liver, gastric, colorectal, lung, and brain). During tumorigenesis, abnormal activation of DDRs leads to invasion and metastasis, via dysregulation of cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, secretion of cytokines, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Differential expression or mutation of DDRs correlates with pathological classification, clinical characteristics, treatment response, and prognosis. Here, we discuss the discovery, structural characteristics, organizational distribution, and DDR-dependent signaling. Importantly, we highlight the key role of DDRs in the development and progression of breast and ovarian cancer.

Emerging roles of MT-MMPs in embryonic development

Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs) are cell membrane-tethered proteinases that belong to the family of the MMPs. Apart from their roles in degradation of the extracellular milieu, MT-MMPs are able to activate through proteolytic processing at the cell surface distinct molecules such as receptors, growth factors, cytokines, adhesion molecules, and other pericellular proteins. Although most of the information regarding these enzymes comes from cancer studies, our current knowledge about their contribution in distinct developmental processes occurring in the embryo is limited. In this review, we want to summarize the involvement of MT-MMPs in distinct processes during embryonic morphogenesis, including cell migration and proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell polarity and branching, axon growth and navigation, synapse formation, and angiogenesis. We also considered information about MT-MMP functions from studies assessed in pathological conditions and compared these data with those relevant for embryonic development.

Combined inhibition of DDR1 and CDK4/6 induces synergistic effects in ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer with PIK3CA/AKT1 mutations

Molecular alterations in the PI3K/AKT pathway occur frequently in hormone receptor-positive breast tumors. Patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer are often treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors such as palbociclib in combination with endocrine therapy. Although this is an effective regimen, most patients ultimately progress. The purpose of this study was identifying synthetic lethality partners that can enhance palbociclib's antitumor efficacy in the presence of PIK3CA/AKT1 mutations. We utilized a barcoded shRNA library to determine critical targets for survival in isogenic MCF7 cells with PIK3CA/AKT1 mutations. We demonstrated that the efficacy of palbociclib is reduced in the presence of PIK3CA/AKT1 mutations. We also identified that the downregulation of discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is synthetically lethal with palbociclib. DDR1 knockdown and DDR1 pharmacological inhibitor decreased cell growth and inhibited cell cycle progression in all cell lines, while enhanced the sensitivity of PIK3CA/AKT1 mutant cells to palbociclib. Combined treatment of palbociclib and 7rh further induced cell cycle arrest in PIK3CA/AKT1 mutant cell lines. In vivo, 7rh significantly enhanced palbociclib's antitumor efficacy. Our data indicates that DDR1 inhibition can augment cell cycle suppressive effect of palbociclib and could be effective strategy for targeted therapy of ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancers with PI3K pathway activation.

Active MT1-MMP is tethered to collagen fibers in DDR2-containing remnants

Type I collagen is a major extracellular matrix (ECM) component in the interstitial stroma of solid tumors, and it represents the first barrier against tumor cell invasion after basement-membrane degradation. The collagen receptors that convey molecular signals into the cells are collagen-binding discoidin domain receptors (DDRs) and integrins. Collagen-activated DDR2 clusters form DDR2-containing remnants in an integrin-dependent manner in three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrix. Although DDR2-containing remnants in the collagen matrix may generate sustained perturbation to ECM remodeling, the molecular components and function of the remnants are largely unknown. Here we determined the interaction and co-localization between DDR2 and membrane type I-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) in the cells and the DDR2-containing remnants on collagen fibers, and we found that MT1-MMP was co-tethered to collagen fibers in the remnants. These collagen fiber-associated MT1-MMP remained active. Furthermore, DDR2 enhanced MT1-MMP proteolytic activity. These results demonstrate that DDR2 ensures the remnant-associated MT1-MMP to continue the degradation of ECM in addition to pericellular ECM degradation mediated by cell surface tethered MT1-MMP. Thus, our findings reveal a new alternative ECM degradation mechanism mediated by MT1-MMP in the DDR2-containing remnants.

The Yin and Yang of Discoidin Domain Receptors (DDRs): Implications in Tumor Growth and Metastasis Development

Simple Summary

The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in tumor development and metastasis. Collagens are major components of the extracellular matrix and can influence tumor development and metastasis by activating discoidin domain receptors (DDRs). This work shows the different roles of DDRs in various cancers and highlights the complexity of anti-DDR therapies in cancer treatment.

Abstract

The tumor microenvironment is a complex structure composed of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and nontumoral cells (notably cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and immune cells). Collagens are the main components of the ECM and they are extensively remodeled during tumor progression. Some collagens are ligands for the discoidin domain receptor tyrosine kinases, DDR1 and DDR2. DDRs are involved in different stages of tumor development and metastasis formation. In this review, we present the different roles of DDRs in these processes and discuss controversial findings. We conclude by describing emerging DDR inhibitory strategies, which could be used as new alternatives for the treatment of patients.

Complex roles of discoidin domain receptor tyrosine kinases in cancer

Discoidin domain receptors, DDR1 and DDR2 are members of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family that serves as a non-integrin collagen receptor and were initially identified as critical regulators of embryonic development and cellular homeostasis. In recent years, numerous studies have focused on the role of these receptors in disease development, in particular, cancer where they have been reported to augment ECM remodeling, invasion, drug resistance to facilitate tumor progression and metastasis. Interestingly, accumulating evidence also suggests that DDRs promote apoptosis and suppress tumor progression in various human cancers due to which their functions in cancer remain ill-defined and presents a case of an interesting therapeutic target. The present review has discussed the role of DDRs in tumorigenesis and the metastasis.

Overexpression of DDR1 Promotes Migration, Invasion, Though EMT-Related Molecule Expression and COL4A1/DDR1/MMP-2 Signaling Axis

Purpose:

Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) belongs to a novel class of receptor tyrosine kinases. Previous evidence indicates that DDR1 overexpression promotes the aggressive growth of bladder cancer (BC) cells. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which DDR1 influences BC.

Methods:

DDR1 was transfected into human BC RT4 cells. DDR1, COL4A1, and MMP-2 expression in 30 BC tissues and paired adjacent tissues were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Transwell assays were conducted to determine cell migration and invasion. RT-PCR and western blot (WB) were also used to measure the DDR1, COL4A1, MMP-2, and EMT-related gene (ZEB1 and SLUG) expression in RT4 cells after DDR1 overexpression.

Results:

COL4A1 and MMP-2 interacted with DDR1 in the PPI network. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry results showed that both mRNA and protein levels of DDR1 and COL4A1 were significantly increased in BC tissue, while the expression of MMP-2 was increased only at the mRNA level (P < 0.05). Overexpression of DDR1 in RT4 cells significantly promoted their migratory and invasive capabilities in vitro (P < 0.05). Moreover, overexpression of DDR1 in RT4 cells increased the mRNA and protein expression of ZEB1, SLUG, COL4A1, and MMP-2 (P < 0.01). DDR1-mediated migration and invasion of RT4 cells were reversed after COL4A1-siRNA treatment.

Conclusion:

DDR1 may be a potential therapeutic target in BC patients.

Type I Collagen Aging Increases Expression and Activation of EGFR and Induces Resistance to Erlotinib in Lung Carcinoma in 3D Matrix Model

Type I collagen is the major structural component of lung stroma. Because of its long half-life, type I collagen undergoes post-translational modifications such as glycation during aging process. These modifications have been shown to impact the structural organization of type I collagen fibers. In the present work we evaluated the impact of collagen aging on lung carcinoma cells response to erlotinib-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis, and on Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) expression and phosphorylation. To this end, experiments were performed in 2D and 3D matrix models established from type I collagen extracted from adult (10 weeks-old) and old (100 weeks-old) rat's tail tendons. Our results show that old collagen induces a significant increase in EGFR expression and phosphorylation when compared to adult collagen in 3D matrix but not in 2D coating. Such modification was associated to an increase in the IC₅₀ of erlotinib in the presence of old collagen and a lower sensitivity to drug-induced apoptosis. These data suggest that collagen aging confers resistance to the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of therapies targeting EGFR kinase function in lung carcinoma. Moreover, our data underline the importance of the 3D matrix environment in this process.

Reciprocal Interplay Between Fibrillar Collagens and Collagen-Binding Integrins: Implications in Cancer Progression and Metastasis

Cancers are complex ecosystems composed of malignant cells embedded in an intricate microenvironment made of different non-transformed cell types and extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The tumor microenvironment is governed by constantly evolving cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions, which are now recognized as key actors in the genesis, progression and treatment of cancer lesions. The ECM is composed of a multitude of fibrous proteins, matricellular-associated proteins, and proteoglycans. This complex structure plays critical roles in cancer progression: it functions as the scaffold for tissues organization and provides biochemical and biomechanical signals that regulate key cancer hallmarks including cell growth, survival, migration, differentiation, angiogenesis, and immune response. Cells sense the biochemical and mechanical properties of the ECM through specialized transmembrane receptors that include integrins, discoidin domain receptors, and syndecans. Advanced stages of several carcinomas are characterized by a desmoplastic reaction characterized by an extensive deposition of fibrillar collagens in the microenvironment. This compact network of fibrillar collagens promotes cancer progression and metastasis, and is associated with low survival rates for cancer patients. In this review, we highlight how fibrillar collagens and their corresponding integrin receptors are modulated during cancer progression. We describe how the deposition and alignment of collagen fibers influence the tumor microenvironment and how fibrillar collagen-binding integrins expressed by cancer and stromal cells critically contribute in cancer hallmarks.

Targeting Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 (DDR1) Signaling and Its Crosstalk with β1-integrin Emerges as a Key Factor for Breast Cancer Chemosensitization upon Collagen Type 1 Binding

Collagen type 1 (COL1) is a ubiquitously existing extracellular matrix protein whose high density in breast tissue favors metastasis and chemoresistance. COL1-binding of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells is mainly dependent on β₁-integrins (ITGB1). Here, we elucidate the signaling of chemoresistance in both cell lines and their ITGB1-knockdown mutants and elucidated MAPK pathway to be strongly upregulated upon COL1 binding. Notably, Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 (DDR1) was identified as another important COL1-sensor, which is permanently active but takes over the role of COL1-receptor maintaining MAPK activation in ITGB1-knockdown cells. Consequently, inhibition of DDR1 and ERK1/2 act synergistically, and sensitize the cells for cytostatic treatments using mitoxantrone, or doxorubicin, which was associated with an impaired ABCG2 drug efflux transporter activity. These data favor DDR1 as a promising target for cancer cell sensitization, most likely in combination with MAPK pathway inhibitors to circumvent COL1 induced transporter resistance axis. Since ITGB1-knockdown also induces upregulation of pEGFR in MDA-MB-231 cells, inhibitory approaches including EGFR inhibitors, such as gefitinib appear promising for pharmacological interference. These findings provide evidence for the highly dynamic adaptation of breast cancer cells in maintaining matrix binding to circumvent cytotoxicity and highlight DDR1 signaling as a target for sensitization approaches.

LRP-1 Promotes Colon Cancer Cell Proliferation in 3D Collagen Matrices by Mediating DDR1 Endocytosis

Low density lipoprotein receptor related protein-1 (LRP-1) is a large ubiquitous endocytic receptor mediating the clearance of various molecules from the extracellular matrix. Several studies have shown that LRP-1 plays crucial roles during tumorigenesis functioning as a main signal pathway regulator, especially by interacting with other cell-surface receptors. Discoïdin Domain Receptors (DDRs), type I collagen receptors with tyrosine kinase activity, have previously been associated with tumor invasion and aggressiveness in diverse tumor environments. Here, we addressed whether it could exist functional interplays between LRP-1 and DDR1 to control colon carcinoma cell behavior in three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrices. We found that LRP-1 established tight molecular connections with DDR1 at the plasma membrane in colon cancer cells. In this tumor context, we provide evidence that LRP-1 regulates by endocytosis the cell surface levels of DDR1 expression. The LRP-1 mediated endocytosis of DDR1 increased cell proliferation by promoting cell cycle progression into S phase and decreasing apoptosis. In this study, we identified a new molecular way that controls the cell-surface expression of DDR1 and consequently the colon carcinoma cell proliferation and apoptosis and highlighted an additional mechanism by which LRP-1 carries out its sensor activity of the tumor microenvironment.

Influences of TP53 and the anti-aging DDR1 receptor in controlling Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt expression and chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity in prostate cancer cell lines

Background: TP53 plays critical roles in sensitivity to chemotherapy, and aging. Collagen is very important in aging. The molecular structure and biochemical properties of collagen changes during aging. The discoidin domain receptor (DDR1) is regulated in part by collagen. Elucidating the links between TP53 and DDR1 in chemosensitivity and aging could improve therapies against cancer and aging.

Results: Restoration of WT-TP53 activity resulted in increased sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs and elevated expression of key components of the Raf/MEK/ERK, PI3K/Akt and DDR1 pathways. DDR1 could modulate the levels of Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways as well as sensitize the cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. In contrast, suppression of WT TP53 with a dominant negative (DN) TP53 gene, suppressed DDR1 protein levels and increased their chemoresistance.

Conclusion: Restoration of WT TP53 activity or increased expression of the anti-aging DDR1 collagen receptor can result in enhanced sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. Our innovative studies indicate the important links between WT TP53 and DDR1 which can modulate Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling as well as chemosensitivity and aging.

Methods: We investigated the roles of wild type (WT) and mutant TP53 on drug sensitivity of prostate cancer cells and the induction of Raf/MEK/ERK, PI3K/Akt and DDR1 expression and chemosensitivity.

1‑Palmitoyl‑2‑linoleoyl‑3‑acetyl‑rac‑glycerol ameliorates EGF‑induced MMP‑9 expression by promoting receptor desensitization in MDA‑MB‑231 cells

Activated epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) are crucial for inducing metastasis in cancer cells by promoting matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol (PLAG) on MMP expression in epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated breast cancer cells in vitro. EGF stimulation induced internalization of its cognate receptor, EGFR, for stimulus-desensitization. These internalized receptors, complexed with the ubiquitin ligase c-Cbl and EGFR pathway substrate 15 (EPS15) (for degradation), were evaluated by confocal microscopy at 5–90 min time intervals. During intracellular trafficking of EGFRs, EGF-induced signaling cascades were analyzed by examining EGFR and SHC phosphorylation. Modulation of MMP expression was assessed by evaluating the activity of transcription factor AP-1 using a luciferase assay. PLAG accelerated the assembly of EGFRs with c-Cbl and EPS15 and promoted receptor degradation. This faster intracellular EGFR degradation reduced AP-1-mediated MMP expression. PLAG stimulation upregulated thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) expression, and this mediated the accelerated receptor internalization. This PLAG-induced increase in EGFR trafficking was blocked in TXNIP-silenced cells. By downregulating MMP expression, PLAG effectively attenuated EGF-induced mobility and invasiveness in these cancer cells. These data suggest that PLAG may be a potential therapeutic agent for blocking metastasis.

Meeting report – first discoidin domain receptors meeting

For the first time, a meeting dedicated to the tyrosine kinase receptors DDR1 and DDR2 took place in Bordeaux, a famous and historical city in the south of France. Over the course of 3 days, the meeting allowed 60 participants from 11 different countries to exchange ideas and their new findings about these unique collagen receptors, focusing on their role in various physiological and pathological conditions and addressing their mechanisms of regulation and signalling. The involvement of these receptors in different pathologies was also considered, with emphasis on cancer development and potential therapeutic applications. Here, we summarize the key elements of this meeting.

Discoidin Domain Receptors, DDR1b and DDR2, Promote Tumour Growth within Collagen but DDR1b Suppresses Experimental Lung Metastasis in HT1080 Xenografts

The Discoidin Domain Receptors (DDRs) constitute a unique set of receptor tyrosine kinases that signal in response to collagen. Using an inducible expression system in human HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells, we investigated the role of DDR1b and DDR2 on primary tumour growth and experimental lung metastases. Neither DDR1b nor DDR2 expression altered tumour growth at the primary site. However, implantation of DDR1b- or DDR2-expressing HT1080 cells with collagen I significantly accelerated tumour growth rate, an effect that could not be observed with collagen I in the absence of DDR induction. Interestingly, DDR1b, but not DDR2, completely hindered the ability of HT1080 cells to form lung colonies after intravenous inoculation, suggesting a differential role for DDR1b in primary tumour growth and lung colonization. Analyses of tumour extracts revealed specific alterations in Hippo pathway core components, as a function of DDR and collagen expression, that were associated with stimulation of tumour growth by DDRs and collagen I. Collectively, these findings identified divergent effects of DDRs on primary tumour growth and experimental lung metastasis in the HT1080 xenograft model and highlight the critical role of fibrillar collagen and DDRs in supporting the growth of tumours thriving within a collagen-rich stroma.

Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Angiogenesis and Cancer

During angiogenesis, new vessels emerge from existing endothelial lined vessels to promote the degradation of the vascular basement membrane and remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM), followed by endothelial cell migration, and proliferation and the new generation of matrix components. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate in the disruption, tumor neovascularization, and subsequent metastasis while tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) downregulate the activity of these MMPs. Then, the angiogenic response can be directly or indirectly mediated by MMPs through the modulation of the balance between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. This review analyzes recent knowledge on MMPs and their participation in angiogenesis.