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Begg LR, Orriols AM, Zannikou M, Yeh C, Vadlamani P, Kanojia D, Bolin R, Dunne SF, Balakrishnan S, Camarda R, Roth D, Zielinski-Mozny NA, Yau C, Vassilopoulos A, Huang TH, Kim KYA, Horiuchi D. S100A8/A9 predicts response to PIM kinase and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition in triple-negative breast cancer mouse models. Commun Med (Lond) 2024; 4:22. [PMID: 38378783 PMCID: PMC10879183 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00444-8] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding why some triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients respond poorly to existing therapies while others respond well remains a challenge. This study aims to understand the potential underlying mechanisms distinguishing early-stage TNBC tumors that respond to clinical intervention from non-responders, as well as to identify clinically viable therapeutic strategies, specifically for TNBC patients who may not benefit from existing therapies. METHODS We conducted retrospective bioinformatics analysis of historical gene expression datasets to identify a group of genes whose expression levels in early-stage tumors predict poor clinical outcomes in TNBC. In vitro small-molecule screening, genetic manipulation, and drug treatment in syngeneic mouse models of TNBC were utilized to investigate potential therapeutic strategies and elucidate mechanisms of drug action. RESULTS Our bioinformatics analysis reveals a robust association between increased expression of immunosuppressive cytokine S100A8/A9 in early-stage tumors and subsequent disease progression in TNBC. A targeted small-molecule screen identifies PIM kinase inhibitors as capable of decreasing S100A8/A9 expression in multiple cell types, including TNBC and immunosuppressive myeloid cells. Combining PIM inhibition and immune checkpoint blockade induces significant antitumor responses, especially in otherwise resistant S100A8/A9-high PD-1/PD-L1-positive tumors. Notably, serum S100A8/A9 levels mirror those of tumor S100A8/A9 in a syngeneic mouse model of TNBC. CONCLUSIONS Our data propose S100A8/A9 as a potential predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarker in clinical trials evaluating combination therapy targeting PIM and immune checkpoints in TNBC. This work encourages the development of S100A8/A9-based liquid biopsy tests for treatment guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R Begg
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Adrienne M Orriols
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Markella Zannikou
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chen Yeh
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Biostatistics Collaboration Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Deepak Kanojia
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Mythic Therapeutics, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Rosemary Bolin
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Sara F Dunne
- High Throughput Analysis Laboratory, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Sanjeev Balakrishnan
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Pulze.ai, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Roman Camarda
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Novo Ventures US, Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Diane Roth
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nicolette A Zielinski-Mozny
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christina Yau
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Athanassios Vassilopoulos
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- AbbVie, Inc., North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tzu-Hsuan Huang
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kwang-Youn A Kim
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Biostatistics Collaboration Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dai Horiuchi
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Begg LR, Orriols AM, Zannikou M, Yeh C, Vadlamani P, Kanojia D, Bolin R, Dunne SF, Balakrishnan S, Camarda R, Roth D, Zielinski-Mozny NA, Yau C, Vassilopoulos A, Huang TH, Kim KYA, Horiuchi D. S100A8/A9 predicts triple-negative breast cancer response to PIM kinase and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition. bioRxiv 2023:2023.09.21.558870. [PMID: 37790346 PMCID: PMC10542194 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.21.558870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
It remains elusive why some triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients respond poorly to existing therapies while others respond well. Our retrospective analysis of historical gene expression datasets reveals that increased expression of immunosuppressive cytokine S100A8/A9 in early-stage tumors is robustly associated with subsequent disease progression in TNBC. Although it has recently gained recognition as a potential anticancer target, S100A8/A9 has not been integrated into clinical study designs evaluating molecularly targeted therapies. Our small molecule screen has identified PIM kinase inhibitors as capable of decreasing S100A8/A9 expression in multiple cell types, including TNBC and immunosuppressive myeloid cells. Furthermore, combining PIM inhibition and immune checkpoint blockade induces significant antitumor responses, especially in otherwise resistant S100A8/A9-high PD-1/PD-L1-positive tumors. Importantly, serum S100A8/A9 levels mirror those of tumor S100A8/A9 in a syngeneic mouse model of TNBC. Thus, our data suggest that S100A8/A9 could be a predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarker in clinical trials evaluating combination therapy targeting PIM and immune checkpoints in TNBC and encourage the development of S100A8/A9-based liquid biopsy tests.
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Grifferty G, Shirley H, O'Brien K, Hirsch JL, Orriols AM, Amechi KL, Lo J, Chanda N, El Hamzaoui S, Kahn J, Yap SV, Watson KE, Curran C, Atef AbdelAlim A, Bose N, Cilfone AL, Wamai R. The leishmaniases in Kenya: A scoping review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011358. [PMID: 37262045 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The leishmaniases are a group of four vector-borne neglected tropical diseases caused by 20 species of protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through a bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. Endemic in over 100 countries, the four types of leishmaniasis-visceral leishmaniasis (VL) (known as kala-azar), cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL), and post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL)-put 1.6 billion people at risk. In Kenya, the extent of leishmaniasis research has not yet been systematically described. This knowledge is instrumental in identifying existing research gaps and designing appropriate interventions for diagnosis, treatment, and elimination. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS This study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology to determine the state of leishmaniases research in Kenya and identify research gaps. We searched seven online databases to identify articles published until January 2022 covering VL, CL, MCL, and/or PKDL in Kenya. A total of 7,486 articles were found, of which 479 underwent full-text screening, and 269 met our eligibility criteria. Most articles covered VL only (n = 141, 52%), were published between 1980 and 1994 (n = 108, 39%), and focused on the theme of "vectors" (n = 92, 34%). The most prevalent study types were "epidemiological research" (n = 88, 33%) tied with "clinical research" (n = 88, 33%), then "basic science research" (n = 49, 18%) and "secondary research" (n = 44, 16%). CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE While some studies still provide useful guidance today, most leishmaniasis research in Kenya needs to be updated and focused on prevention, co-infections, health systems/policy, and general topics, as these themes combined comprised less than 4% of published articles. Our findings also indicate minimal research on MCL (n = 1, <1%) and PKDL (n = 2, 1%). We urge researchers to renew and expand their focus on these neglected diseases in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Grifferty
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- African Centre for Community Investment in Health, Nginyang, Baringo County, Kenya
| | - Hugh Shirley
- African Centre for Community Investment in Health, Nginyang, Baringo County, Kenya
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Katherine O'Brien
- African Centre for Community Investment in Health, Nginyang, Baringo County, Kenya
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jason L Hirsch
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Adrienne M Orriols
- African Centre for Community Investment in Health, Nginyang, Baringo County, Kenya
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Kiira Lani Amechi
- Department of International Affairs, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joshua Lo
- Department of Mathematics and Department of Psychology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Neeharika Chanda
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sarra El Hamzaoui
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jorja Kahn
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Samantha V Yap
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kyleigh E Watson
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Christina Curran
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Amina Atef AbdelAlim
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Neeloy Bose
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alissa Link Cilfone
- Northeastern University Library, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Richard Wamai
- African Centre for Community Investment in Health, Nginyang, Baringo County, Kenya
- Department of Cultures, Societies and Global Studies, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Integrated Initiative for Global Health, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Global and Public Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Federal Ministry of Health, Lagos, Nigeria
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Kunder R, Velyunskiy M, Dunne SF, Cho BK, Kanojia D, Begg L, Orriols AM, Fleming-Trujillo E, Vadlamani P, Vialichka A, Bolin R, Perrino JN, Roth D, Clutter MR, Zielinski-Mozny NA, Goo YA, Cristofanilli M, Mendillo ML, Vassilopoulos A, Horiuchi D. Synergistic PIM kinase and proteasome inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for MYC-overexpressing triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:358-372.e5. [PMID: 34525344 PMCID: PMC8901784 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the breast cancer subtype with the poorest clinical outcome. The PIM family of kinases has emerged as a factor that is both overexpressed in TNBC and associated with poor outcomes. Preclinical data suggest that TNBC with an elevated MYC expression is sensitive to PIM inhibition. However, clinical observations indicate that the efficacy of PIM inhibitors as single agents may be limited, suggesting the need for combination therapies. Our screening effort identifies PIM and the 20S proteasome inhibition as the most synergistic combination. PIM inhibitors, when combined with proteasome inhibitors, induce significant antitumor effects, including abnormal accumulation of poly-ubiquitinated proteins, increased proteotoxic stress, and the inability of NRF1 to counter loss in proteasome activity. Thus, the identified combination could represent a rational combination therapy against MYC-overexpressing TNBC that is readily translatable to clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratika Kunder
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Michelle Velyunskiy
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire, IL 60069, USA
| | - Sara F Dunne
- High-Throughput Analysis Laboratory, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Byoung-Kyu Cho
- Proteomics Center for Excellence, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Deepak Kanojia
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Lauren Begg
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Adrienne M Orriols
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Erica Fleming-Trujillo
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Pranathi Vadlamani
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Alesia Vialichka
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Rosemary Bolin
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jessica N Perrino
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Diane Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Matthew R Clutter
- High-Throughput Analysis Laboratory, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nicolette A Zielinski-Mozny
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Center for Comparative Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Young Ah Goo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Proteomics Center for Excellence, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Massimo Cristofanilli
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Marc L Mendillo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Athanassios Vassilopoulos
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Dai Horiuchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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