1
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Altintas DM, Comoglio PM. An Observatory for the MET Oncogene: A Guide for Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4672. [PMID: 37760640 PMCID: PMC10526818 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184672] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The MET proto-oncogene encodes a pivotal tyrosine kinase receptor, binding the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF, also known as scatter factor, SF) and governing essential biological processes such as organogenesis, tissue repair, and angiogenesis. The pleiotropic physiological functions of MET explain its diverse role in cancer progression in a broad range of tumors; genetic/epigenetic alterations of MET drive tumor cell dissemination, metastasis, and acquired resistance to conventional and targeted therapies. Therefore, targeting MET emerged as a promising strategy, and many efforts were devoted to identifying the optimal way of hampering MET signaling. Despite encouraging results, however, the complexity of MET's functions in oncogenesis yields intriguing observations, fostering a humbler stance on our comprehension. This review explores recent discoveries concerning MET alterations in cancer, elucidating their biological repercussions, discussing therapeutic avenues, and outlining future directions. By contextualizing the research question and articulating the study's purpose, this work navigates MET biology's intricacies in cancer, offering a comprehensive perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo M. Comoglio
- IFOM ETS—The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, 20139 Milano, Italy;
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2
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De Bacco F, Orzan F, Crisafulli G, Prelli M, Isella C, Casanova E, Albano R, Reato G, Erriquez J, D'Ambrosio A, Panero M, Dall'Aglio C, Casorzo L, Cominelli M, Pagani F, Melcarne A, Zeppa P, Altieri R, Morra I, Cassoni P, Garbossa D, Cassisa A, Bartolini A, Pellegatta S, Comoglio PM, Finocchiaro G, Poliani PL, Boccaccio C. Coexisting cancer stem cells with heterogeneous gene amplifications, transcriptional profiles, and malignancy are isolated from single glioblastomas. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112816. [PMID: 37505981 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112816] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is known as an intractable, highly heterogeneous tumor encompassing multiple subclones, each supported by a distinct glioblastoma stem cell (GSC). The contribution of GSC genetic and transcriptional heterogeneity to tumor subclonal properties is debated. In this study, we describe the systematic derivation, propagation, and characterization of multiple distinct GSCs from single, treatment-naive GBMs (GSC families). The tumorigenic potential of each GSC better correlates with its transcriptional profile than its genetic make-up, with classical GSCs being inherently more aggressive and mesenchymal more dependent on exogenous growth factors across multiple GBMs. These GSCs can segregate and recapitulate different histopathological aspects of the same GBM, as shown in a paradigmatic tumor with two histopathologically distinct components, including a conventional GBM and a more aggressive primitive neuronal component. This study provides a resource for investigating how GSCs with distinct genetic and/or phenotypic features contribute to individual GBM heterogeneity and malignant escalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Bacco
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Francesca Orzan
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | | | - Marta Prelli
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Claudio Isella
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; Laboratory of Oncogenomics, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Elena Casanova
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Raffaella Albano
- Core Facilities, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Gigliola Reato
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Jessica Erriquez
- Core Facilities, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Ambrosio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Mara Panero
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Carmine Dall'Aglio
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Laura Casorzo
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Manuela Cominelli
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Pagani
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Melcarne
- Neurosurgery Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Pietro Zeppa
- Neurosurgery Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Roberto Altieri
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Isabella Morra
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Cassoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Diego Garbossa
- Neurosurgery Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Cassisa
- Laboratory of Oncogenomics, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Alice Bartolini
- Core Facilities, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Serena Pellegatta
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Brain Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- IFOM ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Pietro L Poliani
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10060 Candiolo, Italy.
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3
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Brundu S, Napolitano V, Franzolin G, Lo Cascio E, Mastrantonio R, Sardo G, Cascardi E, Verginelli F, Sarnataro S, Gambardella G, Pisacane A, Arcovito A, Boccaccio C, Comoglio PM, Giraudo E, Tamagnone L. Mutated axon guidance gene PLXNB2 sustains growth and invasiveness of stem cells isolated from cancers of unknown primary. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e16104. [PMID: 36722641 PMCID: PMC9994481 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202216104] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetic changes sustaining the development of cancers of unknown primary (CUP) remain elusive. The whole-exome genomic profiling of 14 rigorously selected CUP samples did not reveal specific recurring mutation in known driver genes. However, by comparing the mutational landscape of CUPs with that of most other human tumor types, it emerged a consistent enrichment of changes in genes belonging to the axon guidance KEGG pathway. In particular, G842C mutation of PlexinB2 (PlxnB2) was predicted to be activating. Indeed, knocking down the mutated, but not the wild-type, PlxnB2 in CUP stem cells resulted in the impairment of self-renewal and proliferation in culture, as well as tumorigenic capacity in mice. Conversely, the genetic transfer of G842C-PlxnB2 was sufficient to promote CUP stem cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in mice. Notably, G842C-PlxnB2 expression in CUP cells was associated with basal EGFR phosphorylation, and EGFR blockade impaired the viability of CUP cells reliant on the mutated receptor. Moreover, the mutated PlxnB2 elicited CUP cell invasiveness, blocked by EGFR inhibitor treatment. In sum, we found that a novel activating mutation of the axon guidance gene PLXNB2 sustains proliferative autonomy and confers invasive properties to stem cells isolated from cancers of unknown primary, in EGFR-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Virginia Napolitano
- Department of Life Sciences and Public HealthUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
| | | | - Ettore Lo Cascio
- Department of Biotechnological Sciences and Intensive CareUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
| | - Roberta Mastrantonio
- Department of Life Sciences and Public HealthUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
| | | | - Eliano Cascardi
- Candiolo Cancer InstituteFPO‐IRCCSTurinItaly
- Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | | | | | - Gennaro Gambardella
- Telethon Institute of Genetic and MedicinePozzuoliItaly
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information TechnologyUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | | | - Alessandro Arcovito
- Department of Biotechnological Sciences and Intensive CareUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
- Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli (FPG) – IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Candiolo Cancer InstituteFPO‐IRCCSTurinItaly
- Department of OncologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | | | - Enrico Giraudo
- Candiolo Cancer InstituteFPO‐IRCCSTurinItaly
- Department of Science and Drug TechnologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Department of Life Sciences and Public HealthUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
- Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli (FPG) – IRCCSRomeItaly
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4
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Candiello E, Reato G, Verginelli F, Gambardella G, D Ambrosio A, Calandra N, Orzan F, Iuliano A, Albano R, Sassi F, Luraghi P, Comoglio PM, Bertotti A, Trusolino L, Boccaccio C. MicroRNA 483-3p overexpression unleashes invasive growth of metastatic colorectal cancer via NDRG1 downregulation and ensuing activation of the ERBB3/AKT axis. Mol Oncol 2023. [PMID: 36862005 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13408] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In colorectal cancer, the mechanisms underlying tumor aggressiveness require further elucidation. Taking advantage of a large panel of human metastatic colorectal cancer xenografts and matched stem-like cell cultures (m-colospheres), here we show that the overexpression of microRNA 483-3p (miRNA-483-3p; also known as MIR-483-3p), encoded by a frequently amplified gene locus, confers an aggressive phenotype. In m-colospheres, endogenous or ectopic miRNA-483-3p overexpression increased proliferative response, invasiveness, stem cell frequency, and resistance to differentiation. Transcriptomic analyses and functional validation found that miRNA-483-3p directly targets NDRG1, known as a metastasis suppressor involved in EGFR family downregulation. Mechanistically, miRNA-483-3p overexpression induced the signaling pathway triggered by ERBB3, including AKT and GSK3β, and led to the activation of transcription factors regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Consistently, treatment with selective anti-ERBB3 antibodies counteracted the invasive growth of miRNA-483-3p-overexpressing m-colospheres. In human colorectal tumors, miRNA-483-3p expression inversely correlated with NDRG1 and directly correlated with EMT transcription factor expression and poor prognosis. These results unveil a previously unrecognized link between miRNA-483-3p, NDRG1, and ERBB3-AKT signaling that can directly support colorectal cancer invasion and is amenable to therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermes Candiello
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Gigliola Reato
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Italy
| | - Federica Verginelli
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Gennaro Gambardella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy.,Department of Chemical Materials and Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | - Antonio D Ambrosio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Noemi Calandra
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Italy
| | - Francesca Orzan
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Albano
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Sassi
- Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Luraghi
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Bertotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Italy.,Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Livio Trusolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Italy.,Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Italy
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5
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Orzan F, De Bacco F, Lazzarini E, Crisafulli G, Gasparini A, Dipasquale A, Barault L, Macagno M, Persico P, Pessina F, Bono B, Giordano L, Zeppa P, Melcarne A, Cassoni P, Garbossa D, Santoro A, Comoglio PM, Indraccolo S, Simonelli M, Boccaccio C. Liquid biopsy of cerebrospinal fluid enables selective profiling of glioma molecular subtypes at first clinical presentation. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:1252-1266. [PMID: 36648487 PMCID: PMC10068436 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2903] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Current glioma diagnostic guidelines call for molecular profiling to stratify patients into prognostic and treatment subgroups. In case the tumor tissue is inaccessible, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been proposed as a reliable tumor DNA source for liquid biopsy. We prospectively investigated the use of CSF for molecular characterization of newly diagnosed gliomas. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We recruited two cohorts of newly diagnosed glioma patients, one (n=45) providing CSF collected in proximity of the tumor, the other (n=39) CSF collected by lumbar puncture. Both cohorts provided tumor tissues by surgery concomitant with CSF sampling. DNA samples retrieved from CSF and matched tumors were systematically characterized and compared by comprehensive (NGS) or targeted (ddPCR) methodologies. Conventional and molecular diagnosis outcomes were compared. RESULTS We report that tumor DNA is abundant in CSF close to the tumor, but scanty and mostly below NGS sensitivity threshold in CSF from lumbar puncture. Indeed, tumor DNA is 15 mostly released by cells invading liquoral spaces, generating a gradient that attenuates by departing from the tumor. Nevertheless, in >60% of lumbar puncture CSF samples, tumor DNA is sufficient to assess a selected panel of genetic alterations (IDH and TERT promoter mutations, EGFR amplification, CDKN2A/B deletion: ITEC protocol) and MGMT methylation that, combined with imaging, enable tissue-agnostic identification of main glioma molecular subtypes. CONCLUSIONS This study shows potentialities and limitations of CSF liquid biopsy in achieving molecular characterization of gliomas at first clinical presentation and proposes a protocol to maximize diagnostic information retrievable from CSF DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca De Bacco
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO-IRCCS, University of Torino, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marco Macagno
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo, -- select state --, Italy
| | | | | | - Beatrice Bono
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Giordano
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Zeppa
- University of Turin Medical School, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Matteo Simonelli
- Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele; and Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
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6
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Martinelli I, Modica C, Chiriaco C, Basilico C, Hughes JM, Corso S, Giordano S, Comoglio PM, Vigna E. hOA-DN30: a highly effective humanized single-arm MET antibody inducing remission of ‘MET-addicted’ cancers. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:112. [PMID: 35351166 PMCID: PMC8962049 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02320-6] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The tyrosine kinase receptor encoded by the MET oncogene is a major player in cancer. When MET is responsible for the onset and progression of the transformed phenotype (MET-addicted cancers), an efficient block of its oncogenic activation results in potent tumor growth inhibition. Methods Here we describe a molecular engineered MET antibody (hOA-DN30) and validate its pharmacological activity in MET-addicted cancer models in vitro and in vivo. Pharmacokinetics and safety profile in non-human primates have also been assessed. Results hOA-DN30 efficiently impaired MET activation and the intracellular signalling cascade by dose and time dependent removal of the receptor from the cell surface (shedding). In vitro, the antibody suppressed cell growth by blocking cell proliferation and by concomitantly inducing cell death in multiple MET-addicted human tumor cell lines. In mice xenografts, hOA-DN30 induced an impressive reduction of tumor masses, with a wide therapeutic window. Moreover, the antibody showed high therapeutic efficacy against patient-derived xenografts generated from MET-addicted gastric tumors, leading to complete tumor regression and long-lasting effects after treatment discontinuation. Finally, hOA-DN30 showed a highly favorable pharmacokinetic profile and substantial tolerability in Cynomolgus monkeys. Conclusions hOA-DN30 unique ability to simultaneously erase cell surface MET and release the ‘decoy’ receptor extracellular region results in a paramount MET blocking action. Its remarkable efficacy in a large number of pre-clinical models, as well as its pharmacological features and safety profile in non-human primates, strongly envisage a successful clinical application of this novel single-arm MET therapeutic antibody for the therapy of MET-addicted cancers. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02320-6.
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7
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Cerqua M, Botti O, Arigoni M, Gioelli N, Serini G, Calogero R, Boccaccio C, Comoglio PM, Altintas DM. MET∆14 promotes a ligand-dependent, AKT-driven invasive growth. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/10/e202201409. [PMID: 35636967 PMCID: PMC9152130 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201409] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
MET is an oncogene encoding the tyrosine kinase receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Upon ligand binding, MET activates multiple signal transducers, including PI3K/AKT, STAT3, and MAPK. When mutated or amplified, MET becomes a "driver" for the onset and progression of cancer. The most frequent mutations in the MET gene affect the splicing sites of exon 14, leading to the deletion of the receptor's juxtamembrane domain (MET∆14). It is currently believed that, as in gene amplification, MET∆14 kinase is constitutively active. Our analysis of MET in carcinoma cell lines showed that MET∆14 strictly depends on HGF for kinase activation. Compared with wt MET, ∆14 is sensitive to lower HGF concentrations, with more sustained kinase response. Using three different models, we have demonstrated that MET∆14 activation leads to robust phosphorylation of AKT, leading to a distinctive transcriptomic signature. Functional studies revealed that ∆14 activation is predominantly responsible for enhanced protection from apoptosis and cellular migration. Thus, the unique HGF-dependent ∆14 oncogenic activity suggests consideration of HGF in the tumour microenvironment to select patients for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Cerqua
- Istituto Fondazione di Oncologia Molecolare - La Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (IFOM - FIRC) Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | - Orsola Botti
- Istituto Fondazione di Oncologia Molecolare - La Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (IFOM - FIRC) Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | - Maddalena Arigoni
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Noemi Gioelli
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Turin, Italy
| | - Guido Serini
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Turin, Italy
| | - Raffaele Calogero
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, Fondazione Piemontese per Oncologia - Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (FPO-IRCCS), Turin, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Istituto Fondazione di Oncologia Molecolare - La Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (IFOM - FIRC) Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | - Dogus M Altintas
- Istituto Fondazione di Oncologia Molecolare - La Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (IFOM - FIRC) Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milano, Italy
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8
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De Bacco F, Orzan F, Erriquez J, Casanova E, Barault L, Albano R, D'Ambrosio A, Bigatto V, Reato G, Patané M, Pollo B, Kuesters G, Dell'Aglio C, Casorzo L, Pellegatta S, Finocchiaro G, Comoglio PM, Boccaccio C. Abstract 942: ErbB3 overexpression unleashed by miR-205 epigenetic silencing is a therapeutic target in glioblastoma. Cancer Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2021-942] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In glioblastoma (GBM), the most frequent and lethal brain tumor, targeted therapies suppressing commonly altered signaling pathways has remained so far disappointing. However, in selected patient subsets, specific genetic alterations can confer sensitivity to targeted agents. In this study, by generating an integrated model based on patient-derived stem-like cells, faithfully recapitulating the original GBMs in vitro and in vivo, we identified a human GBM subset (around 9% of all GBMs) characterized by ERBB3 overexpression and nuclear accumulation. This was driven by inheritable epigenetic or post-transcriptional silencing of the oncosuppressor miR-205 and sustained the malignant phenotype. Unexpectedly, ERBB3, known to be devoid of autonomous signaling properties, was overexpressed in the absence of the other members of the EGFR family, but behaved as a specific signaling platform for FGFRs. ERBB3/FGFR dimerization led to hyperactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and consequent upregulation of glycolysis, oxidative metabolism and de novo fatty acid biosynthesis. Treatment with a specific antibody (MM121) preventing ERBB3 association with FGFR caused metabolic shutdown and consequent proliferative arrest and apoptosis induction in vitro. Moreover, experimental tumors regenerated through ERBB3 overexpressing stem-like cell transplantation reproduced the features of the original GBMs and, upon treatment with the anti-ERBB3 antibody, significantly regressed. These findings identify a subset of GBM patients where exploitation of an ERBB3-targeted therapy could be effective.
Citation Format: Francesca De Bacco, Francesca Orzan, Jessica Erriquez, Elena Casanova, Ludovic Barault, Raffaella Albano, Antonio D'Ambrosio, Viola Bigatto, Gigliola Reato, Monica Patané, Bianca Pollo, Geoffrey Kuesters, Carmine Dell'Aglio, Laura Casorzo, Serena Pellegatta, Gaetano Finocchiaro, Paolo M. Comoglio, Carla Boccaccio. ErbB3 overexpression unleashed by miR-205 epigenetic silencing is a therapeutic target in glioblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 942.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elena Casanova
- 1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (To), Italy
| | | | | | | | - Viola Bigatto
- 1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (To), Italy
| | - Gigliola Reato
- 1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (To), Italy
| | - Monica Patané
- 2Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan (MI), Italy
| | - Bianca Pollo
- 2Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan (MI), Italy
| | | | | | - Laura Casorzo
- 1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (To), Italy
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9
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D'Ambrosio A, Verginelli F, Orzan F, Albano R, Casanova E, Luraghi P, De Bacco F, Bertotti A, Trusolino L, Senetta R, Sapino A, Mastro ED, Gatti M, Comoglio PM, Boccaccio C. Abstract 1387: MET inhibition radiosensitizes KRAS-mutant rectal cancer. Cancer Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2021-1387] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Rectal carcinoma, representing about a third of all newly diagnosed colorectal cancers, is one of the most common malignant tumors. The standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), consisting of neoadjuvant chemo/radiotherapy prior to surgical resection, is poorly effective, leading to complete tumor regression only in 10-30% of the cases. Approximately 40% of LARC harbor activating KRAS mutations, which have been extensively associated with primary resistance to targeted EGFR therapy and with radioresistance as well. Previous work showed that the MET receptor tyrosine kinase supports radioresistance and can be inhibited to radiosensitize tumor cell subpopulations retaining stem-like properties. Here, we show that LARC often express high levels of MET and can be successfully radiosensitized by MET inhibition. This was assessed in rectal stem-like cells isolated from human tumors (rectospheres), and transplanted in the mouse to regenerate tumors that faithfully reproduce the phenotype, the genotype and the therapeutic response of the original tumor. Mechanistically, we found that radioresistant KRAS-mutant rectospheres display significantly higher basal levels of RAD51, a master regulator of DNA homologous recombination repair, and increased RAD51 recruitment to irradiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks, as compared with KRAS-wild type rectospheres. Importantly, we showed that MET pharmacological inhibition by small-molecule kinase inhibitors, combined with radiotherapy, impairs RAD51 expression and function. This leads to DNA damage accumulation and results in effective radiosensitization of K-RAS-mutant rectal stem-like cells in vitro and in vivo, and significant inhibition of experimental tumors. Therefore, preclinical evidence is provided that MET can be exploited as a therapeutic target to radiosensitize KRAS-mutant rectal cancer at stem-like cell level.
Citation Format: Antonio D'Ambrosio, Federica Verginelli, Francesca Orzan, Raffaella Albano, Elena Casanova, Paolo Luraghi, Francesca De Bacco, Andrea Bertotti, Livio Trusolino, Rebecca Senetta, Anna Sapino, Elena Del Mastro, Marco Gatti, Paolo M. Comoglio, Carla Boccaccio. MET inhibition radiosensitizes KRAS-mutant rectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1387.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio D'Ambrosio
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Federica Verginelli
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Francesca Orzan
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Raffaella Albano
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Elena Casanova
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paolo Luraghi
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Francesca De Bacco
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Andrea Bertotti
- 2Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Livio Trusolino
- 2Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Rebecca Senetta
- 3Unit of Pathology FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Anna Sapino
- 3Unit of Pathology FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Elena Del Mastro
- 4Unit of Radiotherapy FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Marco Gatti
- 4Unit of Radiotherapy FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paolo M. Comoglio
- 5Laboratory of Exploratory Research and Molecular Cancer Therapy FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
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Candiello E, Reato G, Verginelli F, D'Ambrosio A, Gambardella G, Albano R, Luraghi P, Comoglio PM, Bertotti A, Trusolino L, Boccaccio C. Abstract 2358: miRNA-483-3p overexpression unleashes invasiveness of metastatic colorectal cancer by NDRG1 targeting and upregulation of the HER3-AKT axis. Cancer Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2021-2358] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In colorectal cancer, the genetic mechanisms underlying the metastatic switch are still poorly understood. Here we show that overexpression of miRNA-483-3p, encoded by a frequently amplified gene locus encompassing also insulin-like growth factor 2, confers an aggressive phenotype to stem-like cells derived from colorectal cancer metastases (m-colospheres). As result of miRNA-483-3p ectopic overexpression, m-colospheres displayed (i) increased proliferative response to exogenous EGFR family ligands EGF and NRG1; (ii) increased spontaneous and growth factor-induced in vitro invasiveness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT); (iii) enhanced stem-cell frequency and resistance to differentiation. By transcriptomic analyses and functional validation, we found that miRNA-483-3p targets NDRG1, a known ‘metastasis suppressor', which is responsible for degradation of EGFR family members, in particular HER3. As result, ectopic or native miRNA-483-3p overexpression was associated with hyper-activation of the signaling pathway triggered by HER3, including AKT and GSK3β, responsible for activation of EMT transcription factors. Consistently, treatment of miRNA-483-3p overexpressing m-colospheres with HER3 specific antibodies counteracted their proliferative and invasive phenotype. The pro-invasive role of miRNA-483-3p in patients was further confirmed by (i) analysis of colorectal tumors, where miRNA-483-3p expression levels directly correlated with expression of EMT transcription factors and poor-prognosis, and (ii) downregulation of naturally occurring miRNA-483-3p overexpression, which prevented invasion of tumors formed by m-colosphere transplantation. These results indicate that miRNA-483-3p can support colorectal cancer invasion through a signaling pathway amenable to targeting in human patients.
Citation Format: Ermes Candiello, Gigliola Reato, Federica Verginelli, Antonio D'Ambrosio, Gennaro Gambardella, Raffaella Albano, Paolo Luraghi, Paolo M. Comoglio, Andrea Bertotti, Livio Trusolino, Carla Boccaccio. miRNA-483-3p overexpression unleashes invasiveness of metastatic colorectal cancer by NDRG1 targeting and upregulation of the HER3-AKT axis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2358.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermes Candiello
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Gigliola Reato
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Federica Verginelli
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Ambrosio
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Luraghi
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paolo M. Comoglio
- 4Laboratory of Exploratory Research and Molecular Cancer Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Andrea Bertotti
- 5Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Livio Trusolino
- 5Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
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11
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Verginelli F, Pisacane A, Gambardella G, D'Ambrosio A, Candiello E, Ferrio M, Panero M, Casorzo L, Benvenuti S, Cascardi E, Senetta R, Geuna E, Ballabio A, Montemurro F, Sapino A, Comoglio PM, Boccaccio C. Abstract 2871: Hypermetastatic stem-like cells from 'cancer of unknown primary' (CUP) model multi-organ dissemination and unveil liability to MEK inhibition. Cancer Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2021-2871] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Cancers of Unknown Primary (CUPs), featuring metastatic dissemination in the absence of a primary tumor, anatomically or histologically recognizable through a standardized work-up, are a fatal disease and still a biological enigma. Here, we propose CUPs as a distinct, yet unrecognized, pathological entity originating from stem-like cells endowed with unique properties, irrespective of their different genetic backgrounds. These cells were isolated and long-term propagated in vitro in highly stringent conditions as ‘agnospheres', and serially transplanted in vivo, displaying an extremely high tumorigenic potential and reproducing the undifferentiated histology of the original tumors. Early after subcutaneous engraftment, agnospheres recapitulated the CUP clinical presentation, as they spontaneously and quickly disseminated, establishing widespread metastases and retracing the whole metastatic cascade. Agnospheres invariably displayed cell-autonomous proliferation and self-renewal, mostly relying on unrestrained activation of the MAP kinase/MYC axis. This feature conferred sensitivity to MEK inhibitors, which induced apoptosis in vitro and impaired in vivo growth and dissemination. We generated and validated a transcriptional signature that, applied to original tumors, predicts eligibility to MEK inhibition in 75% of CUP patients. Altogether, these findings shed light on CUP biology, unveiling an opportunity for a targeted therapeutic intervention and, concomitantly, provide a novel in vivo model, suitable for assessing molecular determinants of the metastatic cascade.
Citation Format: Federica Verginelli, Alberto Pisacane, Gennaro Gambardella, Antonio D'Ambrosio, Ermes Candiello, Marco Ferrio, Mara Panero, Laura Casorzo, Silvia Benvenuti, Eliano Cascardi, Rebecca Senetta, Elena Geuna, Andrea Ballabio, Filippo Montemurro, Anna Sapino, Paolo M. Comoglio, Carla Boccaccio. Hypermetastatic stem-like cells from 'cancer of unknown primary' (CUP) model multi-organ dissemination and unveil liability to MEK inhibition [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2871.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Marco Ferrio
- 1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Mara Panero
- 1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Laura Casorzo
- 1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Elena Geuna
- 1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Andrea Ballabio
- 2Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Anna Sapino
- 1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
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Modica C, Basilico C, Chiriaco C, Borrelli N, Comoglio PM, Vigna E. A receptor-antibody hybrid hampering MET-driven metastatic spread. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:32. [PMID: 33446252 PMCID: PMC7807714 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01822-5] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background The receptor encoded by the MET oncogene and its ligand Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) are at the core of the invasive-metastatic behavior. In a number of instances genetic alterations result in ligand-independent onset of malignancy (MET addiction). More frequently, ligand stimulation of wild-type MET contributes to progression toward metastasis (MET expedience). Thus, while MET inhibitors alone are effective in the first case, combination therapy with ligand inhibitors is required in the second condition. Methods In this paper, we generated hybrid molecules gathering HGF and MET inhibitory properties. This has been achieved by ‘head-to-tail’ or ‘tail-to-head’ fusion of a single chain Fab derived from the DN30 MET antibody with a recombinant ‘ad-hoc’ engineered MET extracellular domain (decoyMET), encompassing the HGF binding site but lacking the DN30 epitope. Results The hybrid molecules correctly bind MET and HGF, inhibit HGF-induced MET downstream signaling, and quench HGF-driven biological responses, such as growth, motility and invasion, in cancer cells of different origin. Two metastatic models were generated in mice knocked-in by the human HGF gene: (i) orthotopic transplantation of pancreatic cancer cells; (ii) subcutaneous injection of primary cells derived from a cancer of unknown primary. Treatment with hybrid molecules strongly affects time of onset, number, and size of metastatic lesions. Conclusion These results provide a strategy to treat metastatic dissemination driven by the HGF/MET axis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-020-01822-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Modica
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Cristina Basilico
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy.
| | - Cristina Chiriaco
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Nicla Borrelli
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Elisa Vigna
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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13
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Benvenuti S, Milan M, Geuna E, Pisacane A, Senetta R, Gambardella G, Stella GM, Montemurro F, Sapino A, Boccaccio C, Comoglio PM. Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP): genetic evidence for a novel nosological entity? A case report. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e11756. [PMID: 32511869 PMCID: PMC7338804 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201911756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is an obscure disease characterized by multiple metastases in the absence of a primary tumor. No consensus has been reached whether CUPs are simply generated from cancers that cannot be detected or whether they are the manifestation of a still unknown nosological entity. Here, we report the complete expression and genetic analysis of multiple synchronous metastases harvested at warm autopsy of a patient with CUP. The expression profiles were remarkably similar and astonishingly singular. The whole exome analysis yielded a high number of mutations present in all metastases (fully shared), additional mutations (partially shared) accumulated one after another in a series, and few private mutations were unique to each metastasis. Surprisingly, the phylogenetic trajectory linking CUP metastases was atypical, depicting a common "stream", sprouting a series of linear "brooks", at variance from the extensive branched evolution observed in metastases from most cancers of known origin. The distinctive genetic and evolutionary features depicted suggest that CUP is a novel nosological entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Benvenuti
- Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research Laboratory, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (Turin), Italy
| | - Melissa Milan
- Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research Laboratory, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (Turin), Italy
| | - Elena Geuna
- Oncology Outpatient Clinic, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (Turin), Italy
| | - Alberto Pisacane
- Pathology Unit, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (Turin), Italy
| | - Rebecca Senetta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gennaro Gambardella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli (Naples), Italy.,University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia M Stella
- Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Unit of Respiratory System Diseases, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Filippo Montemurro
- Oncology Outpatient Clinic, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (Turin), Italy
| | - Anna Sapino
- Pathology Unit, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (Turin), Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cells, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (Turin), Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Candiolo (Turin), Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research Laboratory, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (Turin), Italy
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14
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Cassano M, Biressi S, Finan A, Benedetti L, Omes C, Boratto R, Martin F, Allegretti M, Broccoli V, Cusella De Angelis G, Comoglio PM, Basilico C, Torrente Y, Michieli P, Cossu G, Sampaolesi M. Correction: Magic-Factor 1, a Partial Agonist of Met, Induces Muscle Hypertrophy by Protecting Myogenic Progenitors from Apoptosis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220357. [PMID: 31339946 PMCID: PMC6655771 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Martin V, Chiriaco C, Modica C, Acquadro A, Cortese M, Galimi F, Perera T, Gammaitoni L, Aglietta M, Comoglio PM, Vigna E, Sangiolo D. Met inhibition revokes IFNγ-induction of PD-1 ligands in MET-amplified tumours. Br J Cancer 2019; 120:527-536. [PMID: 30723303 PMCID: PMC6461865 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0315-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [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: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interferon-induced expression of programmed cell death ligands (PD-L1/PD-L2) may sustain tumour immune-evasion. Patients featuring MET amplification, a genetic lesion driving transformation, may benefit from anti-MET treatment. We explored if MET-targeted therapy interferes with Interferon-γ modulation of PD-L1/PD-L2 in MET-amplified tumours. METHODS PD-L1/PD-L2 expression and signalling pathways downstream of MET or Interferon-γ were analysed in MET-amplified tumour cell lines and in patient-derived tumour organoids, in basal condition, upon Interferon-γ stimulation, and after anti-MET therapy. RESULTS PD-L1 and PD-L2 were upregulated in MET-amplified tumour cells upon Interferon-γ treatment. This induction was impaired by JNJ-605, a selective inhibitor of MET kinase activity, and MvDN30, an antibody inducing MET proteolytic cleavage. We found that activation of JAKs/ STAT1, signal transducers downstream of the Interferon-γ receptor, was neutralised by MET inhibitors. Moreover, JAK2 and MET associated in the same signalling complex depending on MET phosphorylation. Results were confirmed in MET-amplified organoids derived from human colorectal tumours, where JNJ-605 treatment revoked Interferon-γ induced PD-L1 expression. CONCLUSIONS These data show that in MET-amplified cancers, treatment with MET inhibitors counteracts the induction of PD-1 ligands by Interferon-γ. Thus, therapeutic use of anti-MET drugs may provide additional clinical benefit over and above the intended inhibition of the target oncogene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Martin
- Medical Oncology Division, Experimental Cell Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Cristina Chiriaco
- Laboratory of Gene Transfer, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Chiara Modica
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Anna Acquadro
- Medical Oncology Division, Experimental Cell Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Cortese
- Laboratory of Gene Transfer, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco Galimi
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Loretta Gammaitoni
- Medical Oncology Division, Experimental Cell Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Massimo Aglietta
- Medical Oncology Division, Experimental Cell Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Elisa Vigna
- Laboratory of Gene Transfer, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.
| | - Dario Sangiolo
- Medical Oncology Division, Experimental Cell Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
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Miglio U, Berrino E, Panero M, Ferrero G, Coscujuela Tarrero L, Miano V, Dell'Aglio C, Sarotto I, Annaratone L, Marchiò C, Comoglio PM, De Bortoli M, Pasini B, Venesio T, Sapino A. The expression of LINE1-MET chimeric transcript identifies a subgroup of aggressive breast cancers. Int J Cancer 2018; 143:2838-2848. [PMID: 30144023 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Demethylation of the long interspersed nuclear element (LINE-1; L1) antisense promoter can result in transcription of neighboring sequences as for the L1-MET transcript produced by the L1 placed in the second intron of MET. To define the role of L1-MET, we investigated the sequence and the transcription of L1-MET in vitro models and heterogeneous breast cancers, previously reported to show other L1-derived transcripts. L1-MET expressing cell lines were initially identified in silico and investigated for L1-MET promoter methylation, cDNA sequence and cell fraction mRNA. The transcriptional level of L1-MET and MET were then evaluated in breast specimens, including 9 cancer cell lines, 41 carcinomas of different subtypes, and 11 normal tissues. In addition to a L1-MET transcript ending at MET exon 21, six novel L1-MET splice variants were identified. Normal breast tissues were negative for the L1-MET expression, whereas the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and the high-grade carcinomas were enriched with the L1-MET mRNA (p = 0.005 and p = 0.018, respectively). In cancer cells and tissues the L1-MET expression was associated with its promoter hypomethylation (ρ = -0.8 and -0.9, respectively). No correlation was found between L1-MET and MET mRNA although L1-MET expressing tumors with higher L1-MET/MET ratio were negative for the MET protein expression (p = 0.006). Besides providing the first identification and detailed description of L1-MET in breast cancer, we clearly demonstrate that higher levels of this transcript specifically recognize a subset of more aggressive carcinomas, mainly TNBC. We suggest the possible evaluation of L1-MET in the challenging diagnosis of early TNBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Miglio
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Enrico Berrino
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Mara Panero
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Giulio Ferrero
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy.,Department of Computer Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Miano
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Carmine Dell'Aglio
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Ivana Sarotto
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Laura Annaratone
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Caterina Marchiò
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research Laboratory, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Michele De Bortoli
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Barbara Pasini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Tiziana Venesio
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Anna Sapino
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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17
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Abstract
Cancer clonal evolution is based on accrual of driving genetic alterations that are expected to cooperate and progressively increase malignancy. Little is known on whether any genetic alteration can hinder the oncogenic function of a coexisting alteration, so that therapeutic targeting of the one can, paradoxically, revive the function of the other. We report the case of a driver oncogene (MET) that is not only bypassed, but also disabled by the mutation of a downstream transducer (BRAF), and reignited by inhibition of the latter. In a metastasis originated from a cancer of unknown primary (CUP), the MET oncogene was amplified eightfold, but unexpectedly, the kinase was dephosphorylated and inactive. As result, specific drugs targeting MET (JNJ-38877605) failed to inhibit growth of xenografts derived from the patient. In addition to MET amplification, the patient harbored, as sole proliferative driver, a mutation hyperactivating BRAF (G469A). Surprisingly, specific blockade of the BRAF pathway was equally ineffective, and it was accompanied by rephosphorylation of the amplified MET oncoprotein and by revived addiction to MET. Mechanistically, MET inactivation in the context of the BRAF-activating mutation is driven through a negative feedback loop involving inactivation of PP2A phosphatase, which in turn leads to phosphorylation on MET inhibitory Ser985. Disruption of this feedback loop allows PP2A reactivation, removing the inhibitory phosphorylation from Ser985 and thereby unleashing MET kinase activity. Evidence is provided for a mechanism of therapeutic resistance to single-oncoprotein targeting, based on reactivation of a genetic alteration functionally dormant in targeted cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rita Virzì
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (FPO-IRCCS), 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gentile
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (FPO-IRCCS), 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Silvia Benvenuti
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (FPO-IRCCS), 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (FPO-IRCCS), 10060 Candiolo, Italy
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Basilico C, Modica C, Maione F, Vigna E, Comoglio PM. Abstract 828: Targeting the MET oncogene by concomitant inhibition of receptor and ligand by an antibody-‘decoy' strategy. Cancer Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2018-828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: MET, a master gene sustaining ‘invasive growth', is a relevant target for cancer precision therapy. In a limited number of cases, a MET genetic lesion drives the malignant phenotype in ligand-independent manner (oncogene ‘addiction'). In the vast majority of tumors, however, wild-type MET behaves as a ‘stress-response' gene and relies on the ligand (HGF) to sustain cell ‘scattering', invasive growth and apoptosis protection (oncogene ‘expedience'). In this context -i.e. ligand-dependent MET activation- concomitant targeting of MET and HGF could be crucial to reach effective inhibition. Methods: To test this hypothesis we combined an anti-MET antibody (MvDN30), characterized by the property of inducing ‘shedding' (i.e. removal of MET from the cell surface), with a ‘decoy' (i.e. the soluble extracellular domain of the MET receptor) endowed with HGF-sequestering ability. To avoid antibody/decoy interaction -and subsequent neutralization- we identified by site directed mutagenesis a single aminoacid in the extracellular domain of MET -lysine 842- that is critical for MvDN30 binding, and engineered the corresponding recombinant decoyMET (K842E). The effect of MvDN30 and decoyMETK842E in combination on the inhibition of MET phosphorylation and on the impairment of different MET driven biological responses (motility, invasion, cell proliferation, apoptosis and anchorage independent cell growth) was evaluated on a panel of cancer cells (lines and patient derived-primary cultures) expressing wild-type MET sensitive to HGF stimulation. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed in an orthotopic model of pancreatic cancer generated in SCID mice engineered to express human HGF. Results: The decoyMETK842E retains the ability to bind HGF with high affinity and inhibits HGF-induced MET phosphorylation. In HGF-dependent cellular models, MvDN30 antibody and decoyMETK842E used in combination cooperate in restraining invasive growth, and synergize in blocking cancer cell ‘scattering'. The antibody and the decoy unbridle apoptosis of colon cancer stem cells grown in vitro as spheroids. In the preclinical model of MET ‘expedience' concomitant treatment with antibody and decoy significantly reduces metastatic spread. Conclusions: The data reported indicate that vertical targeting of the MET/HGF axis results in powerful inhibition of ligand-dependent MET activation, providing proof of concept in favor of combined targeted therapy of MET ‘expedience'.
Citation Format: Cristina Basilico, Chiara Modica, Federica Maione, Elisa Vigna, Paolo M. Comoglio. Targeting the MET oncogene by concomitant inhibition of receptor and ligand by an antibody-‘decoy' strategy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 828.
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19
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Abstract
The MET oncogene encodes an unconventional receptor tyrosine kinase with pleiotropic functions: it initiates and sustains neoplastic transformation when genetically altered ('oncogene addiction') and fosters cancer cell survival and tumour dissemination when transcriptionally activated in the context of an adaptive response to adverse microenvironmental conditions ('oncogene expedience'). Moreover, MET is an intrinsic modulator of the self-renewal and clonogenic ability of cancer stem cells ('oncogene inherence'). Here, we provide the latest findings on MET function in cancer by focusing on newly identified genetic abnormalities in tumour cells and recently described non-mutational MET activities in stromal cells and cancer stem cells. We discuss how MET drives cancer clonal evolution and progression towards metastasis, both ab initio and under therapeutic pressure. We then elaborate on the use of MET inhibitors in the clinic with a critical appraisal of failures and successes. Ultimately, we advocate a rationale to improve the outcome of anti-MET therapies on the basis of thorough consideration of the entire spectrum of MET-mediated biological responses, which implicates adequate patient stratification, meaningful biomarkers and appropriate clinical end points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo M Comoglio
- Exploratory Research and Molecular Cancer Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy.
| | - Livio Trusolino
- Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Candiolo, Italy
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20
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Basilico C, Modica C, Maione F, Vigna E, Comoglio PM. Targeting the MET oncogene by concomitant inhibition of receptor and ligand via an antibody-"decoy" strategy. Int J Cancer 2018; 143:1774-1785. [PMID: 29693242 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
MET, a master gene sustaining "invasive growth," is a relevant target for cancer precision therapy. In the vast majority of tumors, wild-type MET behaves as a "stress-response" gene and relies on the ligand (HGF) to sustain cell "scattering," invasive growth and apoptosis protection (oncogene "expedience"). In this context, concomitant targeting of MET and HGF could be crucial to reach effective inhibition. To test this hypothesis, we combined an anti-MET antibody (MvDN30) inducing "shedding" (i.e., removal of MET from the cell surface), with a "decoy" (i.e., the soluble extracellular domain of the MET receptor) endowed with HGF-sequestering ability. To avoid antibody/decoy interaction-and subsequent neutralization-we identified a single aminoacid in the extracellular domain of MET-lysine 842-that is critical for MvDN30 binding and engineered the corresponding recombinant decoyMET (K842E). DecoyMETK842E retains the ability to bind HGF with high affinity and inhibits HGF-induced MET phosphorylation. In HGF-dependent cellular models, MvDN30 antibody and decoyMETK842E used in combination cooperate in restraining invasive growth, and synergize in blocking cancer cell "scattering." The antibody and the decoy unbridle apoptosis of colon cancer stem cells grown in vitro as spheroids. In a preclinical model, built by orthotopic transplantation of a human pancreatic carcinoma in SCID mice engineered to express human HGF, concomitant treatment with antibody and decoy significantly reduces metastatic spread. The data reported indicate that vertical targeting of the MET/HGF axis results in powerful inhibition of ligand-dependent MET activation, providing proof of concept in favor of combined target therapy of MET "expedience."
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Modica
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Maione
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Elisa Vigna
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
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21
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Mira A, Morello V, Céspedes MV, Perera T, Comoglio PM, Mangues R, Michieli P. Stroma-derived HGF drives metabolic adaptation of colorectal cancer to angiogenesis inhibitors. Oncotarget 2018; 8:38193-38213. [PMID: 28445144 PMCID: PMC5503526 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of paracrine Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) in the resistance to angiogenesis inhibitors (AIs) is hidden in xenograft models because mouse HGF fails to fully activate human MET. To uncover it, we compared the efficacy of AIs in wild-type and human HGF knock-in SCID mice bearing orthotopic human colorectal tumors. Species-specific HGF/MET signaling dramatically impaired the response to anti-angiogenic agents and boosted metastatic dissemination. In cell-based assays mimicking the consequences of anti-angiogenic therapy, colorectal cancer cells were completely resistant to hypoxia but extremely sensitive to nutrient deprivation. Starvation-induced apoptosis could be prevented by HGF, which promoted GLUT1-mediated glucose uptake, sustained glycolysis and activated autophagy. Pharmacological inhibition of GLUT1 in the presence of glucose killed tumor cells as effectively as glucose deprivation, and this effect was antagonized by HGF. Concomitant targeting of GLUT1 and HGF potently suppressed growth and dissemination of AI-resistant human tumors in human HGF knock-in SCID mice without exacerbating tumor hypoxia. These data suggest that stroma-derived HGF protects CRC cells against glucose starvation-induced apoptosis, promoting resistance to both AIs and anti-glycolytic agents. Combined inhibition of glucose metabolism and HGF/MET signaling (‘anti-METabolic therapy’) may represent a more effective CRC treatment compared to utterly blocking tumor blood supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Mira
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Virginia Morello
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Virtudes Céspedes
- Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau, Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Ramon Mangues
- Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau, Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paolo Michieli
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
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22
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Sponziello M, Benvenuti S, Gentile A, Pecce V, Rosignolo F, Virzì AR, Milan M, Comoglio PM, Londin E, Fortina P, Barnabei A, Appetecchia M, Marandino F, Russo D, Filetti S, Durante C, Verrienti A. Whole exome sequencing identifies a germline MET mutation in two siblings with hereditary wild-type RET medullary thyroid cancer. Hum Mutat 2017; 39:371-377. [PMID: 29219214 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Whole exome sequencing (WES) was used to investigate two Italian siblings with wild-type RET genotype, who developed medullary thyroid cancers (MTCs) and, later, primary prostate and breast cancers, respectively. The proband's MTC harbored a p.Met918Thr RET mutation; his sister's MTC was RET/RAS wild-type. Both siblings had a germline mutation (p.Arg417Gln) in the extracellular Sema domain of the proto-oncogene MET. Experiments involving ectopic expression of MET p.Arg417Gln in MET-negative T47D breast cancer cells documented the mutant receptor's functionality and its ability to enhance cell migration and invasion. Our findings highlight a possible link between MET germline mutations and MTCs and suggest that MET p. Arg417Gln may promote an invasive malignant phenotype. The possibility that MTC can be driven/co-driven by a MET mutation has potential management implications, since the tyrosine-kinase inhibitor cabozantinib-approved for treating advanced MTCs-is a specific MET inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialuisa Sponziello
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Benvenuti
- Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gentile
- Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Valeria Pecce
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Rosignolo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Virzì
- Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Melissa Milan
- Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Medical Oncology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Eric Londin
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Paolo Fortina
- Cancer Genomics Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese Barnabei
- Unit of Endocrinology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Filetti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cosimo Durante
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Verrienti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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23
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Luraghi P, Bigatto V, Cipriano E, Reato G, Orzan F, Sassi F, De Bacco F, Isella C, Bellomo SE, Medico E, Comoglio PM, Bertotti A, Trusolino L, Boccaccio C. A Molecularly Annotated Model of Patient-Derived Colon Cancer Stem-Like Cells to Assess Genetic and Nongenetic Mechanisms of Resistance to Anti-EGFR Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 24:807-820. [PMID: 28974546 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-2151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Patient-derived xenografts ("xenopatients") of colorectal cancer metastases have been essential to identify genetic determinants of resistance to the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab and to explore new therapeutic strategies. From xenopatients, a genetically annotated collection of stem-like cultures ("xenospheres") was generated and characterized for response to targeted therapies.Experimental Design: Xenospheres underwent exome-sequencing analysis, gene expression profile, and in vitro targeted treatments to assess genetic, biological, and pharmacologic correspondence with xenopatients, and to investigate nongenetic biomarkers of therapeutic resistance. The outcome of EGFR family inhibition was tested in an NRG1-expressing in vivo model.Results: Xenospheres faithfully retained the genetic make-up of their matched xenopatients over in vitro and in vivo passages. Frequent and rare genetic lesions triggering primary resistance to cetuximab through constitutive activation of the RAS signaling pathway were conserved, as well as the vulnerability to their respective targeted treatments. Xenospheres lacking such alterations (RASwt) were highly sensitive to cetuximab, but were protected by ligands activating the EGFR family, mostly NRG1. Upon reconstitution of NRG1 expression, xenospheres displayed increased tumorigenic potential in vivo and generated tumors completely resistant to cetuximab, and sensitive only to comprehensive EGFR family inhibition.Conclusions: Xenospheres are a reliable model to identify both genetic and nongenetic mechanisms of response and resistance to targeted therapies in colorectal cancer. In the absence of RAS pathway mutations, NRG1 and other EGFR ligands can play a major role in conferring primary cetuximab resistance, indicating that comprehensive inhibition of the EGFR family is required to achieve a significant therapeutic response. Clin Cancer Res; 24(4); 807-20. ©2017 AACRSee related commentary by Napolitano and Ciardiello, p. 727.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Luraghi
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Viola Bigatto
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Elia Cipriano
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Gigliola Reato
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Orzan
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco Sassi
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Isella
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Sara E Bellomo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Enzo Medico
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Bertotti
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Livio Trusolino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy. .,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
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24
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Stella GM, Benvenuti S, Gentile A, Comoglio PM. MET Activation and Physical Dynamics of the Metastatic Process: The Paradigm of Cancers of Unknown Primary Origin. EBioMedicine 2017; 24:34-42. [PMID: 29037604 PMCID: PMC5652293 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular and cellular mechanisms which drive metastatic spread are the topic of constant debate and scientific research due to the potential implications for cancer patients' prognosis. In addition to genetics and environmental factors, mechanics of single cells and physical interaction with the surrounding environment play relevant role in defining invasive phenotype. Reconstructing the physical properties of metastatic clones may help to clarify still open issues in disease progression as well as to lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In this perspective cancer of unknown primary origin (CUP) identify the ideal model to study physical interactions and forces involved in the metastatic process. We have previously demonstrated that MET oncogene is mutated with unexpected high frequency in CUPs. We here analyze and discuss how the MET activation by somatic mutation may affect physical properties in giving rise to such a highly malignant syndrome, as that defined by CUP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia M Stella
- Cardiothoracic Dept., Section of Respiratory System Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Silvia Benvenuti
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gentile
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
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25
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Orzan F, De Bacco F, Crisafulli G, Pellegatta S, Mussolin B, Siravegna G, D'Ambrosio A, Comoglio PM, Finocchiaro G, Boccaccio C. Genetic Evolution of Glioblastoma Stem-Like Cells From Primary to Recurrent Tumor. Stem Cells 2017; 35:2218-2228. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.2703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Orzan
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS; Candiolo Italy
| | - Francesca De Bacco
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS; Candiolo Italy
| | - Giovanni Crisafulli
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS; Candiolo Italy
- Department of Oncology; University of Torino; Candiolo Italy
| | - Serena Pellegatta
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta; Milan Italy
| | - Benedetta Mussolin
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS; Candiolo Italy
| | - Giulia Siravegna
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS; Candiolo Italy
| | - Antonio D'Ambrosio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS; Candiolo Italy
- Department of Oncology; University of Torino; Candiolo Italy
| | - Paolo M. Comoglio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS; Candiolo Italy
| | - Gaetano Finocchiaro
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta; Milan Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS; Candiolo Italy
- Department of Oncology; University of Torino; Candiolo Italy
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26
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Moran S, Martínez-Cardús A, Sayols S, Musulén E, Balañá C, Estival-Gonzalez A, Moutinho C, Heyn H, Diaz-Lagares A, de Moura MC, Stella GM, Comoglio PM, Ruiz-Miró M, Matias-Guiu X, Pazo-Cid R, Antón A, Lopez-Lopez R, Soler G, Longo F, Guerra I, Fernandez S, Assenov Y, Plass C, Morales R, Carles J, Bowtell D, Mileshkin L, Sia D, Tothill R, Tabernero J, Llovet JM, Esteller M. Epigenetic profiling to classify cancer of unknown primary: a multicentre, retrospective analysis. Lancet Oncol 2016; 17:1386-1395. [PMID: 27575023 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(16)30297-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 296] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer of unknown primary ranks in the top ten cancer presentations and has an extremely poor prognosis. Identification of the primary tumour and development of a tailored site-specific therapy could improve the survival of these patients. We examined the feasability of using DNA methylation profiles to determine the occult original cancer in cases of cancer of unknown primary. METHODS We established a classifier of cancer type based on the microarray DNA methylation signatures (EPICUP) in a training set of 2790 tumour samples of known origin representing 38 tumour types and including 85 metastases. To validate the classifier, we used an independent set of 7691 known tumour samples from the same tumour types that included 534 metastases. We applied the developed diagnostic test to predict the tumour type of 216 well-characterised cases of cancer of unknown primary. We validated the accuracy of the predictions from the EPICUP assay using autopsy examination, follow-up for subsequent clinical detection of the primary sites months after the initial presentation, light microscopy, and comprehensive immunohistochemistry profiling. FINDINGS The tumour type classifier based on the DNA methylation profiles showed a 99·6% specificity (95% CI 99·5-99·7), 97·7% sensitivity (96·1-99·2), 88·6% positive predictive value (85·8-91·3), and 99·9% negative predictive value (99·9-100·0) in the validation set of 7691 tumours. DNA methylation profiling predicted a primary cancer of origin in 188 (87%) of 216 patients with cancer with unknown primary. Patients with EPICUP diagnoses who received a tumour type-specific therapy showed improved overall survival compared with that in patients who received empiric therapy (hazard ratio [HR] 3·24, p=0·0051 [95% CI 1·42-7·38]; log-rank p=0·0029). INTERPRETATION We show that the development of a DNA methylation based assay can significantly improve diagnoses of cancer of unknown primary and guide more precise therapies associated with better outcomes. Epigenetic profiling could be a useful approach to unmask the original primary tumour site of cancer of unknown primary cases and a step towards the improvement of the clinical management of these patients. FUNDING European Research Council (ERC), Cellex Foundation, the Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Cancer Australia, Victorian Cancer Agency, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, the Health and Science Departments of the Generalitat de Catalunya, and Ferrer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Moran
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anna Martínez-Cardús
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sergi Sayols
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Eva Musulén
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, C/ Ctra de Canyet s/n, Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Carme Balañá
- Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), University Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anna Estival-Gonzalez
- Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), University Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Cátia Moutinho
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Holger Heyn
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Angel Diaz-Lagares
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Manuel Castro de Moura
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Giulia M Stella
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Pneumology Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Xavier Matias-Guiu
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics/Oncologic Pathology Group, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Roberto Pazo-Cid
- Medical Oncology Service, Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Antón
- Medical Oncology Service, Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rafael Lopez-Lopez
- Medical Oncology Service, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Gemma Soler
- Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Hospital Duran i Reynals, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Federico Longo
- Medical Oncology Service, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Guerra
- Biobanco Vasco, Hospital Universitario de Araba, Vitoria, Spain
| | - Sara Fernandez
- Biobanco Vasco, Hospital Universitario de Basurto, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Yassen Assenov
- Division of Epigenomics and Cancer Risk Factors at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Plass
- Division of Epigenomics and Cancer Risk Factors at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rafael Morales
- Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joan Carles
- Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - David Bowtell
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Linda Mileshkin
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniela Sia
- Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard Tothill
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; The Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Josep Tabernero
- Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Josep M Llovet
- Liver Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Manel Esteller
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Menegon S, Apicella M, Migliore C, Capeloa T, Cargnelutti M, Degiuli M, Sapino A, Cassoni P, De Simone M, Comoglio PM, Marsoni S, Corso S, Giordano S. Abstract 622: Gastric cancer in the age of targeted agents: identification and validation of novel therapeutic strategies through the generation of a patient-derived xenografts platform. Cancer Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2016-622] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Gastric cancer is the world third leading cause of cancer mortality. In spite of the significant therapeutic advances, the overall clinical outcome for patients with advanced gastric cancer is poor, with 5-20% 5-year survival. The only targeted therapy approved so far are trastuzumab, and Ramucirumab which have given unsatisfactory results. Around 50% of gastric tumors bear genetic alterations affecting tyrosine kinase pathways (mainly EGFR, HER3, FGFR2 and MET pathways, besides HER2) but their clinical validation as tumor drivers is missing. The need for new therapeutic options and the possible presence of ‘druggable’ targets prompted us to investigate potential targeted therapies for this disease.
Our project aims at identifying and validating targeted therapeutic strategies in gastric cancer, through the generation of a platform of gastric tumor patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), animal models in which tumor surgical specimens are directly transferred into mice. Upon engraftment, the tumor is split and re-implanted in a cohort of mice, allowing the simultaneous testing of different drugs on the same tumor. Thanks to the establishment of a network of 15 Italian centers for samples collection, we generated around 80 gastric PDXs and successfully derived cell lines and organoids from engrafted tumors. Among the tumors collected so far, we found HER2, EGFR, FGFR2, MET and KRAS amplifications. This gastric PDX platform will be exploited for: 1) Validation of candidate oncogenes as relevant targets and identification of efficient therapeutic strategies 2) Identification of novel molecular targets; 3) identification of genetic predictors of response/resistance.
In the PDX platform we identified one tumor bearing a high level of MET gene amplification (26 gene copies). We thus performed a preclinical study on a cohort of patient-derived xenografts generated from the MET-amplified gastroesophageal tumor. Despite the high amplification level, MET inhibitors induced only a partial response, while the combined anti-MET/EGFR treatment led to complete tumor regression. Most important, the combo treatment also prevented resistance onset. This data represent the proof of concept that a combined anti-MET/EGFR therapy can be more effective than anti-MET treatment alone in MET-amplified gastroesophageal tumors, in the absence of EGFR genetic lesions.
Citation Format: Silvia Menegon, Maria Apicella, Cristina Migliore, Tania Capeloa, Marilisa Cargnelutti, Maurizio Degiuli, Anna Sapino, Paola Cassoni, Michele De Simone, Paolo M. Comoglio, Silvia Marsoni, Simona Corso, Silvia Giordano. Gastric cancer in the age of targeted agents: identification and validation of novel therapeutic strategies through the generation of a patient-derived xenografts platform. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 622.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paola Cassoni
- 3Department of Medical Science - University of Turin, Torino, Italy
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Pupo E, Ducano N, Lupo B, Vigna E, Avanzato D, Perera T, Trusolino L, Lanzetti L, Comoglio PM. Rebound Effects Caused by Withdrawal of MET Kinase Inhibitor Are Quenched by a MET Therapeutic Antibody. Cancer Res 2016; 76:5019-29. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-3107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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29
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De Bacco F, D'Ambrosio A, Casanova E, Orzan F, Neggia R, Albano R, Verginelli F, Cominelli M, Poliani PL, Luraghi P, Reato G, Pellegatta S, Finocchiaro G, Perera T, Garibaldi E, Gabriele P, Comoglio PM, Boccaccio C. MET inhibition overcomes radiation resistance of glioblastoma stem-like cells. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 8:550-68. [PMID: 27138567 PMCID: PMC5130292 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201505890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [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] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) contains stem‐like cells (GSCs) known to be resistant to ionizing radiation and thus responsible for therapeutic failure and rapidly lethal tumor recurrence. It is known that GSC radioresistance relies on efficient activation of the DNA damage response, but the mechanisms linking this response with the stem status are still unclear. Here, we show that the MET receptor kinase, a functional marker of GSCs, is specifically expressed in a subset of radioresistant GSCs and overexpressed in human GBM recurring after radiotherapy. We elucidate that MET promotes GSC radioresistance through a novel mechanism, relying on AKT activity and leading to (i) sustained activation of Aurora kinase A, ATM kinase, and the downstream effectors of DNA repair, and (ii) phosphorylation and cytoplasmic retention of p21, which is associated with anti‐apoptotic functions. We show that MET pharmacological inhibition causes DNA damage accumulation in irradiated GSCs and their depletion in vitro and in GBMs generated by GSC xenotransplantation. Preclinical evidence is thus provided that MET inhibitors can radiosensitize tumors and convert GSC‐positive selection, induced by radiotherapy, into GSC eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Bacco
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Ambrosio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Elena Casanova
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Francesca Orzan
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Roberta Neggia
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Raffaella Albano
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Federica Verginelli
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Manuela Cominelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Pathology Unit, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Pietro L Poliani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Pathology Unit, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paolo Luraghi
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Gigliola Reato
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Serena Pellegatta
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaetano Finocchiaro
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Pietro Gabriele
- Unit of Radiotherapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
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Sartore-Bianchi A, Trusolino L, Martino C, Bencardino K, Lonardi S, Bergamo F, Zagonel V, Leone F, Depetris I, Martinelli E, Troiani T, Ciardiello F, Racca P, Bertotti A, Siravegna G, Torri V, Amatu A, Ghezzi S, Marrapese G, Palmeri L, Valtorta E, Cassingena A, Lauricella C, Vanzulli A, Regge D, Veronese S, Comoglio PM, Bardelli A, Marsoni S, Siena S. Dual-targeted therapy with trastuzumab and lapatinib in treatment-refractory, KRAS codon 12/13 wild-type, HER2-positive metastatic colorectal cancer (HERACLES): a proof-of-concept, multicentre, open-label, phase 2 trial. Lancet Oncol 2016; 17:738-746. [PMID: 27108243 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(16)00150-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 644] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously found that dual HER2 blockade with trastuzumab and lapatinib led to inhibition of tumour growth in patient-derived xenografts of HER2-amplified metastatic colorectal cancer. In this study, we aimed to assess the antitumour activity of trastuzumab and lapatinib in patients with HER2-positive colorectal cancer. METHODS HERACLES was a proof-of-concept, multicentre, open-label, phase 2 trial done at four Italian academic cancer centres. We enrolled adult patients with KRAS exon 2 (codons 12 and 13) wild-type and HER2-positive metastatic colorectal cancer refractory to standard of care (including cetuximab or panitumumab), an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1, and at least one measurable lesion. We defined HER2 positivity in tumour samples by use of immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in-situ hybridisation in accordance with our previously validated colorectal cancer-specific diagnostic criteria. Eligible patients received intravenous trastuzumab at 4 mg/kg loading dose followed by 2 mg/kg once per week, and oral lapatinib at 1000 mg per day until evidence of disease progression. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving an objective response (defined as complete response or partial response), which was assessed by independent central review in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with EudraCT, number 2012-002128-33. FINDINGS Between Aug 27, 2012, and May 15, 2015, we screened 914 patients with KRAS exon 2 (codons 12 and 13) wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer and identified 48 (5%) patients with HER2-positive tumours, although two died before enrolment. Of these patients, 27 were eligible for the trial. All were evaluable for response. At the time of data cutoff on Oct 15, 2015, with a median follow-up of 94 weeks (IQR 51-127), eight (30%, 95% CI 14-50) of 27 patients had achieved an objective response, with one patient (4%, 95% CI -3 to 11) achieving a complete response, and seven (26%, 95% CI 9-43) achieving partial responses; 12 (44%, 95% CI 25-63) patients had stable disease. Six (22%) of 27 patients had grade 3 adverse events, which consisted of fatigue in four patients, skin rash in one patient, and increased bilirubin concentration in one patient. No grade 4 or 5 adverse events were reported. We detected no drug-related serious adverse events. INTERPRETATION The combination of trastuzumab and lapatinib is active and well tolerated in treatment-refractory patients with HER2-positive metastatic colorectal cancer. FUNDING Associazione Italiana Ricerca Cancro (AIRC), Fondazione Oncologia Niguarda Onlus, and Roche.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Livio Trusolino
- Istituto di Candiolo, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy; Dipartimento di Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Cosimo Martino
- Istituto di Candiolo, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Katia Bencardino
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Lonardi
- Oncologia Medica 1, Istituto Oncologico Veneto-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesco Leone
- Istituto di Candiolo, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy; Dipartimento di Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Ilaria Depetris
- Dipartimento di Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Patrizia Racca
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Bertotti
- Istituto di Candiolo, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy; Dipartimento di Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Siravegna
- Istituto di Candiolo, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy; Dipartimento di Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Alessio Amatu
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Ghezzi
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanna Marrapese
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Palmeri
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Emanuele Valtorta
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Cassingena
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Calogero Lauricella
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Angelo Vanzulli
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Daniele Regge
- Istituto di Candiolo, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy; Dipartimento di Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Silvio Veronese
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Istituto di Candiolo, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy; Dipartimento di Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Alberto Bardelli
- Istituto di Candiolo, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy; Dipartimento di Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Silvia Marsoni
- Istituto di Candiolo, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Siena
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy; Dipartimento di Oncologia e Emato-Oncologia Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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Cignetto S, Modica C, Chiriaco C, Fontani L, Milla P, Michieli P, Comoglio PM, Vigna E. Dual Constant Domain-Fab: A novel strategy to improve half-life and potency of a Met therapeutic antibody. Mol Oncol 2016; 10:938-48. [PMID: 27103110 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The kinase receptor encoded by the Met oncogene is a sensible target for cancer therapy. The chimeric monovalent Fab fragment of the DN30 monoclonal antibody (MvDN30) has an odd mechanism of action, based on cell surface removal of Met via activation of specific plasma membrane proteases. However, the short half-life of the Fab, due to its low molecular weight, is a severe limitation for the deployment in therapy. This issue was addressed by increasing the Fab molecular weight above the glomerular filtration threshold through the duplication of the constant domains, in tandem (DCD-1) or reciprocally swapped (DCD-2). The two newly engineered molecules showed biochemical properties comparable to the original MvDN30 in vitro, acting as full Met antagonists, impairing Met phosphorylation and activation of downstream signaling pathways. As a consequence, Met-mediated biological responses were inhibited, including anchorage-dependent and -independent cell growth. In vivo DCD-1 and DCD-2 showed a pharmacokinetic profile significantly improved over the original MvDN30, doubling the circulating half-life and reducing the clearance. In pre-clinical models of cancer, generated by injection of tumor cells or implant of patient-derived samples, systemic administration of the engineered molecules inhibited the growth of Met-addicted tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Cignetto
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; University of Turin, Department of Oncology, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Chiara Modica
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; University of Turin, Department of Oncology, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Cristina Chiriaco
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Lara Fontani
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paola Milla
- University of Turin, Department of Science and Drug Technology, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Michieli
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; University of Turin, Department of Oncology, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; University of Turin, Department of Oncology, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy.
| | - Elisa Vigna
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; University of Turin, Department of Oncology, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy.
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Cargnelutti M, Corso S, Pergolizzi M, Mévellec L, Aisner DL, Dziadziuszko R, Varella-Garcia M, Comoglio PM, Doebele RC, Vialard J, Giordano S. Activation of RAS family members confers resistance to ROS1 targeting drugs. Oncotarget 2016; 6:5182-94. [PMID: 25691052 PMCID: PMC4467141 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [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: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The ROS1 tyrosine kinase is activated in lung cancer as a consequence of chromosomal rearrangement. Although high response rates and disease control have been observed in lung cancer patients bearing rearranged ROS1 tumors (ROS1+) treated with the kinase inhibitor crizotinib, many of these patients eventually relapse.To identify mechanisms of resistance to ROS1 inhibitors we generated resistant cells from HCC78 lung cancer cells bearing the SLC34A2-ROS1 rearrangement. We found that activation of the RAS pathway in the HCC78 cell model, due to either KRAS/NRAS mutations or to KRAS amplification, rendered the cells resistant to ROS1 inhibition. These cells were cross-resistant to different ROS1 inhibitors, but sensitive to inhibitors of the RAS signaling pathway. Interestingly, we identified focal KRAS amplification in a biopsy of a tumor from a patient that had become resistant to crizotinib treatment.Altogether our data suggest that the activation of members of the RAS family can confer resistance to ROS1 inhibitors. This has important clinical implications as: (i) RAS genetic alterations in ROS1+ primary tumors are likely negative predictors of efficacy for targeted drugs and (ii) this kind of resistance is unlikely to be overcome by the use of more specific or more potent ROS1 targeting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simona Corso
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Italy
| | | | | | - Dara L Aisner
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Marileila Varella-Garcia
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Robert C Doebele
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jorge Vialard
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Italy
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Lupo B, Vialard J, Sassi F, Angibaud P, Puliafito A, Pupo E, Lanzetti L, Comoglio PM, Bertotti A, Trusolino L. Tankyrase inhibition impairs directional migration and invasion of lung cancer cells by affecting microtubule dynamics and polarity signals. BMC Biol 2016; 14:5. [PMID: 26787475 PMCID: PMC4719581 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-016-0226-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tankyrases are poly(adenosine diphosphate)-ribose polymerases that contribute to biological processes as diverse as modulation of Wnt signaling, telomere maintenance, vesicle trafficking, and microtubule-dependent spindle pole assembly during mitosis. At interphase, polarized reshaping of the microtubule network fosters oriented cell migration. This is attained by association of adenomatous polyposis coli with the plus end of microtubules at the cortex of cell membrane protrusions and microtubule-based centrosome reorientation towards the migrating front. RESULTS Here we report a new function for tankyrases, namely, regulation of directional cell locomotion. Using a panel of lung cancer cell lines as a model system, we found that abrogation of tankyrase activity by two different, structurally unrelated small-molecule inhibitors (one introduced and characterized here for the first time) or by RNA interference-based genetic silencing weakened cell migration, invasion, and directional movement induced by the motogenic cytokine hepatocyte growth factor. Mechanistically, the anti-invasive outcome of tankyrase inhibition could be ascribed to sequential deterioration of the distinct events that govern cell directional sensing. In particular, tankyrase blockade negatively impacted (1) microtubule dynamic instability; (2) adenomatous polyposis coli plasma membrane targeting; and (3) centrosome reorientation. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these findings uncover an unanticipated role for tankyrases in influencing at multiple levels the interphase dynamics of the microtubule network and the subcellular distribution of related polarity signals. These results encourage the further exploration of tankyrase inhibitors as therapeutic tools to oppose dissemination and metastasis of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Lupo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, 10060, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, km 3.95, 10060, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Jorge Vialard
- Janssen Research & Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Francesco Sassi
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, km 3.95, 10060, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Patrick Angibaud
- Janssen Research & Development, a Division of Janssen-Cilag, 27106, Val-de-Reuil, Cedex, France
| | - Alberto Puliafito
- Laboratory of Cell Migration, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Emanuela Pupo
- Laboratory of Membrane Trafficking, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Letizia Lanzetti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, 10060, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Laboratory of Membrane Trafficking, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, 10060, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Bertotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, 10060, Candiolo, Torino, Italy. .,Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, km 3.95, 10060, Candiolo, Torino, Italy. .,Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi, INBB, 00136, Rome, Italy.
| | - Livio Trusolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, 10060, Candiolo, Torino, Italy. .,Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, km 3.95, 10060, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.
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Zanella ER, Galimi F, Sassi F, Migliardi G, Cottino F, Leto SM, Lupo B, Erriquez J, Isella C, Comoglio PM, Medico E, Tejpar S, Budinská E, Trusolino L, Bertotti A. IGF2 is an actionable target that identifies a distinct subpopulation of colorectal cancer patients with marginal response to anti-EGFR therapies. Sci Transl Med 2015; 7:272ra12. [PMID: 25632036 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3010445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Among patients with colorectal cancer who benefit from therapy targeted to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), stable disease (SD) occurs more frequently than massive regressions. Exploring the mechanisms of this incomplete sensitivity to devise more efficacious treatments will likely improve patients' outcomes. We tested therapies tailored around hypothesis-generating molecular features in patient-derived xenografts ("xenopatients"), which originated from 125 independent samples that did not harbor established resistance-conferring mutations. Samples from xenopatients that responded to cetuximab, an anti-EGFR agent, with disease stabilization displayed high levels of EGFR family ligands and receptors, indicating high EGFR pathway activity. Five of 21 SD models (23.8%) characterized by particularly high expression of EGFR and EGFR family members regressed after intensified EGFR blockade by cetuximab and a small-molecule inhibitor. In addition, a subset of cases in which enhanced EGFR inhibition was unproductive (6 of 16, 37.5%) exhibited marked overexpression of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2). Enrichment of IGF2 overexpressors among cases with SD was demonstrated in the entire xenopatient collection and was confirmed in patients by mining clinical gene expression data sets. In functional studies, IGF2 overproduction attenuated the efficacy of cetuximab. Conversely, interception of IGF2-dependent signaling in IGF2-overexpressing xenopatients potentiated the effects of cetuximab. The clinical implementation of IGF inhibitors awaits reliable predictors of response, but the results of this study suggest rational combination therapies for colorectal cancer and provide evidence for IGF2 as a biomarker of reduced tumor sensitivity to anti-EGFR therapy and a determinant of response to combined IGF2/EGFR targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia R Zanella
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy. Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia (FPO) Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco Galimi
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy. Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia (FPO) Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco Sassi
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy. Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia (FPO) Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgia Migliardi
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy. Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia (FPO) Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Cottino
- Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia (FPO) Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Simonetta M Leto
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy. Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia (FPO) Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Barbara Lupo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy. Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia (FPO) Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Jessica Erriquez
- Cancer Genetics, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Claudio Isella
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy. Oncogenomics, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy. Molecular Clinical Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Enzo Medico
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy. Oncogenomics, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Sabine Tejpar
- University Hospital Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eva Budinská
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Masaryk University, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic. Regional Center of Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Livio Trusolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy. Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia (FPO) Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy.
| | - Andrea Bertotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy. Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia (FPO) Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy. National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, 00136 Rome, Italy.
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Vigna E, Chiriaco C, Cignetto S, Fontani L, Basilico C, Petronzelli F, Comoglio PM. Inhibition of ligand-independent constitutive activation of the Met oncogenic receptor by the engineered chemically-modified antibody DN30. Mol Oncol 2015; 9:1760-72. [PMID: 26119717 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
An awesome number of experimental and clinical evidences indicate that constitutive activation of the Met oncogenic receptor plays a critical role in the progression of cancer toward metastasis and/or resistance to targeted therapies. While mutations are rare, the common mechanism of Met activation is overexpression, either by gene amplification ('addiction') or transcriptional activation ('expedience'). In the first instance ligand-independent kinase activation plays a major role in sustaining the transformed phenotype. Anti-Met antibodies directed against the receptor binding site behave essentially as ligand (Hepatocyte Growth Factor, HGF) antagonists and are ineffective to counteract ligand-independent activation. The monovalent chimeric MvDN30 antibody fragment, PEGylated to extend its half-life, binds the fourth IPT domain and induces 'shedding' of the Met extracellular domain, dramatically reducing both the number of receptors on the surface and their phosphorylation. Downstream signaling is thus inhibited, both in the absence or in the presence of the ligand. In vitro, MvDN30 is a strong inhibitor not only of ligand-dependent invasive growth, sustained by both paracrine and autocrine HGF, but notably, also of ligand-independent growth of 'Met-addicted' cells. In immunocompromised mice, lacking expression of Hepatocyte Growth Factor cross-reacting with the human receptor - thus providing, by definition, a model of 'ligand-independent' Met activation - PEGylated MvDN30 impairs growth of Met 'addicted' human gastric carcinoma cells. In a Met-amplified patient-derived colo-rectal tumor (xenopatient) MvDN30-PEG overcomes the resistance to EGFR targeted therapy (Cetuximab). The PEGylated MvDN30 is thus a strong candidate for targeting tumors sustained by ligand-independent Met oncogenic activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Vigna
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; University of Turin, Department of Oncology, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy.
| | - Cristina Chiriaco
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Simona Cignetto
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; University of Turin, Department of Oncology, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Lara Fontani
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Cristina Basilico
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | | | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; University of Turin, Department of Oncology, Str Prov 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy.
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Boccaccio C, Comoglio PM. MET, a driver of invasive growth and cancer clonal evolution under therapeutic pressure. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2014; 31:98-105. [PMID: 25305631 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2014.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The MET oncogene, encoding the hepatocyte growth factor receptor, drives invasive growth, a genetic program largely overlapping with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and governing physiological and pathological processes such as tissue development and regeneration, as well as cancer dissemination. Recent studies show that MET enables cells to overcome damages inflicted by cancer anti-proliferative targeted therapies, radiotherapy or anti-angiogenic agents. After exposure to such therapies, clones of MET-amplified cancer cells arise within the context of genetically heterogeneous tumors and-exploiting an ample platform of signaling pathways-drive recurrence. In cancer stem cells, not only amplification, but also MET physiological expression, inherited from the cell of origin (a stem/progenitor), can contribute to tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance, by sustaining the inherent self-renewing, self-preserving and invasive growth phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Boccaccio
- Candiolo Cancer Instiute-FPO (IRCCS), Center for Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy.
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Candiolo Cancer Instiute-FPO (IRCCS), Center for Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy.
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Bigatto V, De Bacco F, Casanova E, Reato G, Lanzetti L, Isella C, Sarotto I, Comoglio PM, Boccaccio C. TNF-α promotes invasive growth through the MET signaling pathway. Mol Oncol 2014; 9:377-88. [PMID: 25306394 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [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: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The inflammatory cytokine Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) is known to trigger invasive growth, a physiological property for tissue healing, turning into a hallmark of progression in cancer. However, the invasive response to TNF-α relies on poorly understood molecular mechanisms. We thus investigated whether it involves the MET oncogene, which regulates the invasive growth program by encoding the tyrosine kinase receptor for Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF). Here we show that the TNF-α pro-invasive activity requires MET function, as it is fully inhibited by MET-specific inhibitors (small-molecules, antibodies, and siRNAs). Mechanistically, we show that TNF-α induces MET transcription via NF-κB, and exploits MET to sustain MEK/ERK activation and Snail accumulation, leading to E-cadherin downregulation. We then show that TNF-α not only induces MET expression in cancer cells, but also HGF secretion by fibroblasts. Consistently, we found that, in human colorectal cancer tissues, high levels of TNF-α correlates with increased expression of both MET and HGF. These findings suggest that TNF-α fosters a HGF/MET pro-invasive paracrine loop in tumors. Targeting this ligand/receptor pair would contribute to prevent cancer progression associated with inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Bigatto
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO (IRCCS), Str. Prov. 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca De Bacco
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO (IRCCS), Str. Prov. 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Elena Casanova
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO (IRCCS), Str. Prov. 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Gigliola Reato
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO (IRCCS), Str. Prov. 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Letizia Lanzetti
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO (IRCCS), Str. Prov. 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Claudio Isella
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO (IRCCS), Str. Prov. 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Ivana Sarotto
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO (IRCCS), Str. Prov. 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO (IRCCS), Str. Prov. 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Italy.
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO (IRCCS), Str. Prov. 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Italy.
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Pennacchietti S, Cazzanti M, Bertotti A, Rideout WM, Han M, Gyuris J, Perera T, Comoglio PM, Trusolino L, Michieli P. Microenvironment-Derived HGF Overcomes Genetically Determined Sensitivity to Anti-MET Drugs. Cancer Res 2014; 74:6598-609. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-0761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Boccaccio C, Luraghi P, Comoglio PM. MET-Mediated Resistance to EGFR Inhibitors: An Old Liaison Rooted in Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells. Cancer Res 2014; 74:3647-51. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-1088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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40
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Martin V, Corso S, Comoglio PM, Giordano S. Increase of MET gene copy number confers resistance to a monovalent MET antibody and establishes drug dependence. Mol Oncol 2014; 8:1561-74. [PMID: 25011627 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2014.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The relevant role in cancer played by the tyrosine kinase receptor encoded by the MET oncogene led to the development of specific inhibitors, some of which are now in advanced phases of clinical trials. Previous experience has shown that the main limit to the efficacy of most targeted treatments is the advent of resistance. Mechanisms underlying resistance to MET-specific small tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been already described, while nothing is known about resistance to MET monoclonal antibodies, nor about bypassing resistance to chemical TKIs by antibodies or vice-versa. EBC1 lung cancer cells are MET-addicted as a consequence of gene amplification and thus sensitive to MET inhibitors, including the monovalent form of a MET monoclonal antibody (MV-DN30). We generated cells resistant to this antibody and found that resistance was due to a further increase of gene copy number and a dramatic overexpression of the MET receptor. Such an excess of expression saturated the 'shedding' activity of MV-DN30, and prevented both the efficient down-regulation of the MET receptor from the surface and the inhibition of the ensuing constitutive activation. Notably, antibody-resistant cells remained MET-'addicted' and were still sensitive to MET TKIs. Moreover, antibody-resistant cells became 'drug-dependent', since the removal of MV-DN30 led them to death due to excess of signal. In the mirror experiment, cells made resistant to MET-specific TKIs were still sensitive to treatment with the antibody MV-DN30. These findings suggest that a discontinuous, combined treatment by antibodies and chemical kinase inhibitors may increase the clinical response and bypass resistance to anti-MET targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Martin
- University of Torino, Department of Oncology, S.P. 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, S.P. 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Simona Corso
- University of Torino, Department of Oncology, S.P. 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, S.P. 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy.
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- University of Torino, Department of Oncology, S.P. 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, S.P. 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordano
- University of Torino, Department of Oncology, S.P. 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, S.P. 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy.
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Vigna E, Comoglio PM. Targeting the oncogenic Met receptor by antibodies and gene therapy. Oncogene 2014; 34:1883-9. [PMID: 24882574 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a tyrosine kinase encoded by the Met oncogene, has a crucial role in cancer growth, invasion and metastasis. It is a validated therapeutic target for 'personalized' treatment of a number of malignancies. Therapeutic tools prompting selective, robust and highly effective Met inhibition potentially represent a major step in the battle against cancer. Antibodies targeting either Met or its ligand HGF, although challenging, demonstrate to be endowed with promising features. Here we briefly review and discuss the state of the art in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Vigna
- University of Torino, Department of Oncology, and Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (TO), Italy
| | - P M Comoglio
- University of Torino, Department of Oncology, and Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (TO), Italy
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Gallo S, Gatti S, Sala V, Albano R, Costelli P, Casanova E, Comoglio PM, Crepaldi T. Agonist antibodies activating the Met receptor protect cardiomyoblasts from cobalt chloride-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1185. [PMID: 24743740 PMCID: PMC4001309 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Met, the tyrosine kinase receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), mainly activates prosurvival pathways, including protection from apoptosis. In this work, we investigated the cardioprotective mechanisms of Met activation by agonist monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Cobalt chloride (CoCl2), a chemical mimetic of hypoxia, was used to induce cardiac damage in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts, which resulted in reduction of cell viability by (i) caspase-dependent apoptosis and (ii) – surprisingly – autophagy. Blocking either apoptosis with the caspase inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-VAD-fluoromethylketone or autophagosome formation with 3-methyladenine prevented loss of cell viability, which suggests that both processes contribute to cardiomyoblast injury. Concomitant treatment with Met-activating antibodies or HGF prevented apoptosis and autophagy. Pro-autophagic Redd1, Bnip3 and phospho-AMPK proteins, which are known to promote autophagy through inactivation of the mTOR pathway, were induced by CoCl2. Mechanistically, Met agonist antibodies or HGF prevented the inhibition of mTOR and reduced the flux of autophagosome formation. Accordingly, their anti-autophagic function was completely blunted by Temsirolimus, a specific mTOR inhibitor. Targeted Met activation was successful also in the setting of low oxygen conditions, in which Met agonist antibodies or HGF demonstrated anti-apoptotic and anti-autophagic effects. Activation of the Met pathway is thus a promising novel therapeutic tool for ischaemic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gallo
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - S Gatti
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - V Sala
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - R Albano
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - P Costelli
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - E Casanova
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - P M Comoglio
- 1] Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy [2] Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - T Crepaldi
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Rocci A, Gambella M, Aschero S, Baldi I, Trusolino L, Cavallo F, Gay F, Larocca A, Magarotto V, Omedè P, Isaia G, Bertotti A, Liberati AM, Catalano L, De Rosa L, Musto P, Vallone R, Falcone A, Drandi D, Ladetto M, Comoglio PM, Boccadoro M, Palumbo A. MET dysregulation is a hallmark of aggressive disease in multiple myeloma patients. Br J Haematol 2014; 164:841-50. [PMID: 24450886 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal activation of MET/HGF (Hepatocyte Growth Factor) pathway has been described in several tumours and increased HGF plasmatic levels have been detected in patients with aggressive multiple myeloma (MM). MET and HGF mRNA expression was investigated in 105 samples of purified plasma cells derived from newly diagnosed MM patients treated with bortezomib-based induction therapy. Gene expression was compared with response to therapy and clinical outcome. MET gene copy number was also evaluated. MET mRNA expression was higher in CD138(+) than in CD138(-) cells (median 76·90 vs. 11·24; P = 0·0009). Low MET mRNA expression characterized patients with better response (complete response or very good partial response) compared to other patients (median 56·10 vs. 134·83; P = 0·0006). After a median follow-up of 50 months, patients with high MET mRNA expression displayed a worse progression-free survival (PFS; P = 0·0029) and overall survival (OS; P = 0·0023) compared to those with low MET mRNA levels. Patients with both high MET mRNA expression and high β2-microglobulin level (>5·5 mg/l) had further worse median PFS (P < 0·0001) and OS (P < 0·0001). Patients carrying 4 MET gene copies (8 out of 82, 9·8%) also had a short PFS. High MET mRNA expression identifies patients with dismal PFS and OS and the combination with high β2-microglobulin further characterizes patients with worse outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Rocci
- Myeloma Unit, Division of Haematology, University of Torino, Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
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Luraghi P, Reato G, Cipriano E, Sassi F, Orzan F, Bigatto V, De Bacco F, Menietti E, Han M, Rideout WM, Perera T, Bertotti A, Trusolino L, Comoglio PM, Boccaccio C. MET signaling in colon cancer stem-like cells blunts the therapeutic response to EGFR inhibitors. Cancer Res 2014; 74:1857-69. [PMID: 24448239 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-2340-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic colorectal cancer remains largely incurable, although in a subset of patients, survival is prolonged by new targeting agents such as anti-EGF receptor (anti-EGFR) antibodies. This disease is believed to be supported by a subpopulation of stem-like cells termed colon cancer-initiating cell (CCIC), which may also confer therapeutic resistance. However, how CCICs respond to EGFR inhibition has not been fully characterized. To explore this question, we systematically generated CCICs through spheroid cultures of patient-derived xenografts of metastatic colorectal cancer. These cultures, termed "xenospheres," were capable of long-term self-propagation in vitro and phenocopied the original patient tumors in vivo, thus operationally defining CCICs. Xenosphere CCICs retained the genetic determinants for EGFR therapeutic response in vitro and in xenografts; like the original tumors, xenospheres harboring a mutated KRAS gene were resistant to EGFR therapy, whereas those harboring wild-type RAS pathway genes (RAS(wt)) were sensitive. Notably, the effects of EGFR inhibition in sensitive CCICs could be counteracted by cytokines secreted by cancer-associated fibroblasts. In particular, we found that the MET receptor ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was especially active in supporting in vitro CCIC proliferation and resistance to EGFR inhibition. Ectopic production of human HGF in CCIC xenografts rendered the xenografts susceptible to MET inhibition, which sensitized the response to EGFR therapy. By showing that RAS(wt) CCICs rely on both EGFR and MET signaling, our results offer a strong preclinical proof-of-concept for concurrent targeting of these two pathways in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Luraghi
- Authors' Affiliations: Institute for Cancer Research at Candiolo (IRCC), Center for Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Aveo Oncology Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Janssen Research and Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
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Benvenuti S, Gentile A, Lazzari L, Arnesano A, Trusolino L, Comoglio PM. An 'in-cell trial' to assess the efficacy of a monovalent anti-MET antibody as monotherapy and in association with standard cytotoxics. Mol Oncol 2013; 8:378-88. [PMID: 24389243 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2013.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 09/27/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In clinical practice, targeted therapies are usually administered together with chemotherapeutics. However, little is known whether conventional cytotoxic agents enhance the efficacy of targeted compounds, and whether a possible synergy would be dictated by drug-sensitizing genetic alterations. To explore these issues, we leveraged the design of clinical studies in humans to conduct a multi-arm trial in an 'in-cell' format. Using the MET oncogene as a model target and a panel of genetically characterized cell lines as a reference population, we found that two different chemotherapeutic regimens - cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil - exerted widespread cytotoxic activity that was not further enhanced by MET inhibition with a monovalent anti-MET antibody. From a complementary perspective, targeted MET inhibition was successful in a selected complement of cells harboring MET genomic lesions. In this latter setting, addition of chemotherapy did not provide a therapeutic advantage. Mechanistically, chemotherapeutics did not influence the basal activity of MET in cells with normal MET genomic status nor did they contribute to neutralize MET signals in cells with MET amplification. These data suggest that tumors displaying MET aberrations achieve plateau responses by MET monotherapy and do not receive further benefit by addition of cytotoxic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Benvenuti
- IRCC - Institute for Cancer Research at Candiolo, Center for Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gentile
- IRCC - Institute for Cancer Research at Candiolo, Center for Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Luca Lazzari
- IRCC - Institute for Cancer Research at Candiolo, Center for Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Addolorata Arnesano
- IRCC - Institute for Cancer Research at Candiolo, Center for Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Livio Trusolino
- IRCC - Institute for Cancer Research at Candiolo, Center for Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- IRCC - Institute for Cancer Research at Candiolo, Center for Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, 10060 Candiolo, Italy.
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Casazza A, Finisguerra V, Capparuccia L, Camperi A, Swiercz JM, Rizzolio S, Rolny C, Christensen C, Bertotti A, Sarotto I, Risio M, Trusolino L, Weitz J, Schneider M, Mazzone M, Comoglio PM, Tamagnone L. Sema3E–Plexin D1 signaling drives human cancer cell invasiveness and metastatic spreading in mice. J Clin Invest 2013. [DOI: 10.1172/jci74037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Martin V, Corso S, Petronzelli F, De Santis R, Comoglio PM, Giordano S. Abstract C92: MET amplification and overexpression sustain resistance and drive drug dependency to the DN30Fab antibody in MET-addicted cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2013. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.targ-13-c92] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The establishment of the oncogenic role of the tyrosine kinase receptor for hepatocyte growth factor, encoded by the MET gene, led to the development of several specific inhibitors, many of which are currently in clinical trials. Clinical experience has shown that the main limit to the efficacy of targeted treatments is represented by resistance. Although the mechanisms underlying resistance to MET-specific Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) have been already described, nothing is known, up to now, about the emergence of resistance to treatment with MET monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). To predict the mechanisms of acquired resistance, we generated resistant cells by treating a MET-addicted lung cancer cell line (EBC1) with increasing concentrations of the monovalent form of the DN30mAb (DN30Fab), previously developed as a therapeutic tool to block MET activation. The molecular analyses revealed that resistant cells underwent MET amplification and reached such a level of MET overexpression that DN30Fab was no longer able to efficiently downregulate MET and to abrogate its constitutive activation. However, resistant cells remained MET-addicted as they were still sensitive to MET TKIs. Interestingly, resistant cells acquired drug dependence, since removal of DN30Fab led them to death due to excess of signal. Finally, we also show that cells with acquired resistance to MET TKIs are still sensitive to treatment with DN30Fab and that the two drugs have a synergistic effect on tumor cells. Our findings might have important clinical meaning, since they indicate a combined therapy (mAb plus TKI) and a discontinuous treatment as possible strategies to bypass resistance to anti-MET antibodies.
Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):C92.
Citation Format: Valentina Martin, Simona Corso, Fiorella Petronzelli, Rita De Santis, Paolo M. Comoglio, Silvia Giordano. MET amplification and overexpression sustain resistance and drive drug dependency to the DN30Fab antibody in MET-addicted cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C92.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Martin
- 1IRCC- Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Turin, Italy
| | - Simona Corso
- 1IRCC- Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Silvia Giordano
- 1IRCC- Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Turin, Italy
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Vigna E, Pacchiana G, Chiriaco C, Cignetto S, Fontani L, Michieli P, Comoglio PM. Targeted therapy by gene transfer of a monovalent antibody fragment against the Met oncogenic receptor. J Mol Med (Berl) 2013; 92:65-76. [PMID: 24013625 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-013-1079-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Due to the key role played in critical sub-populations, Met is considered a relevant therapeutic target for glioblastoma multiforme and lung cancers. The anti-Met DN30 antibody, engineered to a monovalent Fab (Mv-DN30), proved to be a potent antagonist, inducing physical removal of Met receptor from the cell surface. In this study, we designed a gene therapy approach, challenging Mv-DN30 in preclinical models of Met-driven human glioblastoma and lung carcinoma. Mv-DN30 was delivered by a Tet-inducible-bidirectional lentiviral vector. Gene therapy solved the limitations dictated by the short half-life of the low molecular weight form of the antibody. In vitro, upon doxycycline induction, the transgene: (1) drove synthesis and secretion of the correctly assembled Mv-DN30; (2) triggered the displacement of Met receptor from the surface of target cancer cells; (3) suppressed the Met-mediated invasive growth phenotype. Induction of transgene expression in cancer cells-transplanted either subcutaneously or orthotopically in nude mice-resulted in inhibition of tumor growth. Direct Mv-DN30 gene transfer in nude mice, intra-tumor or systemic, was followed by a therapeutic response. These results provide proof of concept for a gene transfer immunotherapy strategy by a Fab fragment and encourage clinical studies targeting Met-driven cancers with Mv-DN30. KEY MESSAGE Gene transfer allows the continuous in vivo production of therapeutic Fab fragments. Mv-DN30 is an excellent tool for the treatment of Met-driven cancers. Mv-DN30 gene therapy represents an innovative route for Met targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Vigna
- IRCC, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment at Candiolo, Strada Provinciale 142-Km 3.95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy,
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Burbridge MF, Bossard CJ, Saunier C, Fejes I, Bruno A, Léonce S, Ferry G, Da Violante G, Bouzom F, Cattan V, Jacquet-Bescond A, Comoglio PM, Lockhart BP, Boutin JA, Cordi A, Ortuno JC, Pierré A, Hickman JA, Cruzalegui FH, Depil S. S49076 is a novel kinase inhibitor of MET, AXL, and FGFR with strong preclinical activity alone and in association with bevacizumab. Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 12:1749-62. [PMID: 23804704 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activity of the receptor tyrosine kinases MET, AXL, and FGFR1/2/3 has been associated with tumor progression in a wide variety of human malignancies, notably in instances of primary or acquired resistance to existing or emerging anticancer therapies. This study describes the preclinical characterization of S49076, a novel, potent inhibitor of MET, AXL/MER, and FGFR1/2/3. S49076 potently blocked cellular phosphorylation of MET, AXL, and FGFRs and inhibited downstream signaling in vitro and in vivo. In cell models, S49076 inhibited the proliferation of MET- and FGFR2-dependent gastric cancer cells, blocked MET-driven migration of lung carcinoma cells, and inhibited colony formation of hepatocarcinoma cells expressing FGFR1/2 and AXL. In tumor xenograft models, a good pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship for MET and FGFR2 inhibition following oral administration of S49076 was established and correlated well with impact on tumor growth. MET, AXL, and the FGFRs have all been implicated in resistance to VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors such as bevacizumab. Accordingly, combination of S49076 with bevacizumab in colon carcinoma xenograft models led to near total inhibition of tumor growth. Moreover, S49076 alone caused tumor growth arrest in bevacizumab-resistant tumors. On the basis of these preclinical studies showing a favorable and novel pharmacologic profile of S49076, a phase I study is currently underway in patients with advanced solid tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(9); 1749-62. ©2013 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike F Burbridge
- Corresponding Author: Mike F. Burbridge, Oncology Research and Development Unit, Institut de Recherches Servier, 125 chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France.
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Abstract
The MET oncogene, a crucial regulator of the genetic program known as "invasive growth" or "epithelial-mesenchymal transition," has recently emerged as a functional marker of glioblastoma stem cells. Here, we review findings that associate MET expression and activity with a specific, genetically defined glioblastoma stem cell subtype, and data showing how MET sustains the stem cell phenotype in glioblastoma and other tumors. Finally, we discuss issues related to identification of tumorigenic clones driven by MET in the context of genetically heterogeneous tumors and strategies aimed at eradicating cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Boccaccio
- Institute for Cancer Research at Candiolo, Center for Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Candiolo, Italy.
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