Tumorigenic Signaling Research Articles

Abstract 2670: Natural compound tetrocarcin-A downregulates junctional adhesion molecule-A in conjunction with erα, her2 and inhibitor of apoptosis proteins and inhibits tumor cell growth

Abstract Overexpression of the tight junction protein Junctional Adhesion Molecule-A (JAM-A) has been linked to aggressive disease in breast and several other cancers, but JAM-targeting drugs remain elusive. Screening of a natural compound library identified the cytotoxic antibiotic Tetrocarcin-A as a novel downregulator of JAM-A protein expression in breast cancer cells. Specifically, Tetrocarcin-A-induced cytotoxicity was accompanied by downregulation of JAM-A protein expression in conjunction with that of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in MCF7-HER2-overexpressing breast cells. Lysosomal inhibition partially rescued the downregulation of JAM-A, HER2 and ERα caused by Tetrocarcin-A, and attenuated its cytotoxicity. Interestingly, Tetrocarcin-A repressed the transcriptional activity of c-FOS by inhibiting ERK1/2-mediated phosphorylation at Threonine-232, and downregulated protein expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP). Investigation of cell death pathways revealed that Tetrocarcin-A induced caspase-dependent apoptosis. To begin testing the potential clinical relevance of our findings, we extended our studies into various other models. Encouragingly, Tetrocarcin-A downregulated JAM-A expression and caused cytotoxicity in primary breast cancer and lung cancer stem cells, and inhibited the growth of model human breast tumors in an in vivo model involving invasion across the chicken egg chorioallantoic membrane. Taken together, our data suggest that Tetrocarcin-A merits future evaluation as a novel cancer therapeutic by virtue of its ability to downregulate JAM-A expression, induce apoptosis and reduce tumorigenic signalling. This work was financially supported by Science Foundation Ireland (grant 13/IA/1994 to AMH). Tetrocarcin-A was provided by the NCI/DTP Open Chemical Repository https://dtp.cancer.gov. (NSC 333856) Citation Format: Sri Harikrishna Vellanki, Lance Hudson, Hanne Jahns, Rodrigo G.B. Cruz, Giovanni Sette, Adriana Eramo, Ann M. Hopkins. Natural compound tetrocarcin-A downregulates junctional adhesion molecule-A in conjunction with erα, her2 and inhibitor of apoptosis proteins and inhibits tumor cell growth [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 2670.

Abstract 5: The histone acetyltransferase inhibitor CPTH6 impairs tumor angiogenesis acting on both endothelial and cancer cells

Abstract Protein acetylation is typically catalyzed by enzymes with histone acetyltransferase (HATs) or histone deacetylase (HDACs) activity. To date, it has been identified the involvement of protein acetylation in different tumorigenic signaling events, including angiogenesis. The biological process of neo-vasculature formation from pre-existing blood vessels is widely considered to be an essential process to sustain tumor growth as well as to provide a route for tumor cell metastatization. In this context, the role exerted by HDACs in tumor angiogenesis is well known, whilst the role of HATs is largely unknown. Among molecules with HAT inhibitory activity, the thiazole derivative CPTH6 has been characterized by our group for its antitumor activity in different tumor models, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we assessed the effect of CPTH6 on angiogenesis-related properties of both endothelial and NSCLC cells. The human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) and H1299 NSCLC cell lines were used. HUVEC and H1299 morphogenesis was analyzed by plating cells on matrigel and evaluating their ability to organize capillary-like structures. The effect of CPTH6 on protein acetylation was assessed by WB analysis. Transwell supports were employed to evaluate HUVEC migration and invasion. Human Angiogenesis Antibody Array was used to test the conditioned media derived from CPTH6-treated H1299 cells. C57/BL6 and nude mice were used to perform matrigel plug assay and to evaluate tumor growth, respectively. IHC analysis of CD31 was employed to evaluate the number of intra-tumor vessels in tumor xenografts. The HAT inhibitor CPTH6 affected some endothelial cell functions in vitro. In particular, CPTH6 impaired HUVEC invasion, migration and differentiation abilities at doses that did not alter proliferation. Although CPTH6 did not affect histone H3 acetylation, it slightly reduced α-tubulin acetylation in HUVEC. In addition, CPTH6 decreased the neovascularization in vivo, as evidenced by the impairment of the VEGF-induced vascularization of matrigel plugs. Interestingly, CPTH6 affected also the angiogenesis-related properties of cancer cells. In particular, this compound reduced the ability of H1299 to organize capillary like structures and, conditioned media derived from CPTH6-treated H1299 cells, impaired HUVEC morphogenesis. Accordingly, CPTH6 reduced the secretion of some pro-angiogenic factors (VEGF, EGF, ANG, TIE-2, TNF-α) and, at the same time, increased the release of anti-angiogenic ones (Endostatin, PLG). Finally, in H1299-tumor xenografts, CPTH6 decreased significantly the number of intra-tumor vessels, even though it did not impair tumor growth. Overall, this study adds information to the role of HATs in tumor angiogenesis, and proposes HAT inhibition as an attractive target for antiangiogenic therapy of NSCLC. Citation Format: Marta Di Martile, Marianna Desideri, Simonetta Buglioni, Carla Azzurra Amoreo, Daniela Trisciuoglio, Donatella Del Bufalo. The histone acetyltransferase inhibitor CPTH6 impairs tumor angiogenesis acting on both endothelial and cancer cells [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 5.

Loss of PTEN promotes formation of signaling-capable clathrin-coated pits.

Defective endocytosis and vesicular trafficking of signaling receptors has recently emerged as a multifaceted hallmark of malignant cells. Clathrin-coated pits (CCPs) display highly heterogeneous dynamics on the plasma membrane where they can take from 20 s to over 1min to form cytosolic coated vesicles. Despite the large number of cargo molecules that traffic through CCPs, it is not well understood whether signaling receptors activated in cancer, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), are regulated through a specific subset of CCPs. The signaling lipid phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate [PI(3,4,5)P3], which is dephosphorylated by phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), is a potent tumorigenic signaling lipid. By using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and automated tracking and detection of CCPs, we found that EGF-bound EGFR and PTEN are enriched in a distinct subset of short-lived CCPs that correspond with clathrin-dependent EGF-induced signaling. We demonstrated that PTEN plays a role in the regulation of CCP dynamics. Furthermore, increased PI(3,4,5)P3 resulted in higher proportion of short-lived CCPs, an effect that recapitulates PTEN deletion. Altogether, our findings provide evidence for the existence of short-lived 'signaling-capable' CCPs.

Shp2 deletion in hepatocytes suppresses hepatocarcinogenesis driven by oncogenic β-Catenin, PIK3CA and MET

Shp2 is an SH2-tyrosine phosphatase acting downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Most recent data demonstrated a liver tumor-suppressing role for Shp2, as ablating Shp2 in hepatocytes aggravated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induced by chemical carcinogens or Pten loss. We further investigated the effect of Shp2 deficiency on liver tumorigenesis driven by classical oncoproteins c-Met (receptor for HGF), β-catenin and PIK3CA. We performed hydrodynamic tail vein injection of two pairs of plasmids expressing c-Met and ΔN90-β-catenin (MET/CAT), or c-Met and PIK3CAH1047R (MET/PIK), into WT and Shp2hep-/- mice. We compared liver tumor loads and investigated the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms involved using multidisciplinary approaches. Despite the induction of oxidative and metabolic stresses, Shp2 deletion in hepatocytes suppressed hepatocarcinogenesis driven by overexpression of oncoproteins MET/CAT or MET/PIK. Shp2 loss inhibited proliferative signaling from c-Met, Wnt/β-catenin, Ras/Erk and PI3K/Akt pathways, but triggered cell senescence following exogenous expression of the oncogenes. Shp2, acting downstream of RTKs, is positively required for hepatocyte-intrinsic tumorigenic signaling from these oncoproteins, even if Shp2 deficiency induces a tumor-promoting hepatic microenvironment. These data suggest a new and more effective therapeutic strategy for HCCs driven by oncogenic RTKs and other upstream molecules, by inhibiting Shp2 and also suppressing any tumor-enhancing stromal factors produced because of Shp2 inhibition. Primary liver cancer is a malignant disease with poor prognosis, largely because there are limited systemic therapies available. We show here that a cytoplasmic tyrosine phosphatase Shp2 is required for liver tumorigenesis. This tumorigenesis is driven by two oncoproteins that are implicated in human liver cancer. This, together with our previous studies, uncovers the complexity of liver tumorigenesis, by elucidating the pro- and anti-tumor effects of Shp2 in mouse models. This data can be used to guide new therapies.

Mechanotransduction in tumor progression: The dark side of the force.

Cancer has been characterized as a genetic disease, associated with mutations that cause pathological alterations of the cell cycle, adhesion, or invasive motility. Recently, the importance of the anomalous mechanical properties of tumor tissues, which activate tumorigenic biochemical pathways, has become apparent. This mechanical induction in tumors appears to consist of the destabilization of adult tissue homeostasis as a result of the reactivation of embryonic developmental mechanosensitive pathways in response to pathological mechanical strains. These strains occur in many forms, for example, hypervascularization in late tumors leads to high static hydrodynamic pressure that can promote malignant progression through hypoxia or anomalous interstitial liquid and blood flow. The high stiffness of tumors directly induces the mechanical activation of biochemical pathways enhancing the cell cycle, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cell motility. Furthermore, increases in solid-stress pressure associated with cell hyperproliferation activate tumorigenic pathways in the healthy epithelial cells compressed by the neighboring tumor. The underlying molecular mechanisms of the translation of a mechanical signal into a tumor inducing biochemical signal are based on mechanically induced protein conformational changes that activate classical tumorigenic signaling pathways. Understanding these mechanisms will be important for the development of innovative treatments to target such mechanical anomalies in cancer.

Abstract P1-03-07: Junctional adhesion molecule-A is a novel upstream regulator of human epidermal growth factor receptor-3 signaling in breast cancer

Abstract Junctional Adhesion Molecule-A (JAM-A) is a transmembrane protein with important physiological functions in regulating cell-cell adhesion. Pathophysiologically, its high expression in breast tumour tissue has been shown to correlate with that of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 (HER2), whilst JAM-A knockdown in breast cancer cells has been shown to reduce HER2 expression and signaling. Although HER2 has been successfully targeted in the oncology setting for several years, the problem of clinical drug resistance to HER2-targeted therapies (among other factors) has recently put the spotlight on other HER family members and their upstream regulators as potential drug targets. HER3 is the most potent binding partner of HER2 in activating tumor growth signaling, and accumulating evidence suggests that HER3 plays an important role in resistance to anti-HER2 therapies. Furthermore HER3 is frequently overexpressed in HER2-negative breast cancers, and, along with other HER family members, may drive HER2-independent tumorigenic mechanisms. Since JAM-A levels have been reported to regulate HER2 expression (Brennan et al, Oncogene 2013 32(22):2799-804), we hypothesised that JAM-A also regulates expression of HER3 in breast cancer cells. Results from our study showed that stable overexpression of JAM-A in MCF7 breast cancer cells (MCF7-JAM) increased both mRNA and protein expression of HER3. Correspondingly, transient gene silencing of JAM-A reduced the mRNA and protein expression of HER3 in MCF7 and MCF7-JAM cells. JAM-A silencing also reduced HER3 expression in HER2-positive BT474 breast cancer cells. As the cell lines tested were all Estrogen Receptor-α(ERα)-positive, we examined whether ERα was required to permit JAM-dependent regulation of HER3. However concomitant silencing of ERα in MCF7 cells did not alter the capacity of JAM-A silencing to reduce HER3 protein levels. In MCF7 and MCF7-JAM cells, JAM-A gene silencing phenocopied that of HER3 gene silencing by reducing protein expression of the HER downstream effectors phospho-AKT and phospho-ERK, in parallel with significant reductions in cell viability (measured by Alamar Blue assay). To begin exploring the mechanism whereby JAM-A regulates HER3 expression, we focused on the HER3 transcription factor FOXA1. JAM-A knockdown reduced expression of FOXA1 in MCF7 and MCF7-JAM cells, and knockdown of FOXA1 was sufficient to reduce HER3 expression in the same cells. Taken together, our data provide novel evidence of a direct relationship between levels of JAM-A, FOXA1 and HER3 in breast cancer cells. The relationship appears to be uni-directional, since silencing of HER3 did not alter JAM-A expression in any cell line tested. In conclusion, we suggest that JAM-A merits investigation as a novel target to inhibit HER3-dependent tumorigenic signaling in breast cancer. Our ongoing investigations will determine the pharmacological value of inhibiting JAM-A signaling in breast cancer models, and its potential significance in the setting of resistance to HER2-targeted therapies. Citation Format: Cruz RGB, Hopkins AM. Junctional adhesion molecule-A is a novel upstream regulator of human epidermal growth factor receptor-3 signaling in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-03-07.

Targeting and suppression of HER3-positive breast cancer by T lymphocytes expressing a heregulin chimeric antigen receptor.

Chimeric antigen receptor-modulated T lymphocytes (CAR-T) have emerged as a powerful tool for arousing anticancer immunity. Endogenous ligands for tumor antigen may outperform single-chain variable fragments to serve as a component of CARs with high cancer recognition efficacy and minimized immunogenicity. As heterodimerization and signaling partners for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), HER3/HER4 has been implicated in tumorigenic signaling and therapeutic resistance of breast cancer. In this study, we engineered T cells with a CAR consisting of the extracellular domain of heregulin-1β (HRG1β) that is a natural ligand for HER3/HER4, and evaluated the specific cytotoxicity of these CAR-T cells in cultured HER3 positive breast cancer cells and xenograft tumors. Our results showed that HRG1β-CAR was successfully constructed, and T cells were transduced at a rate of 50%. The CAR-T cells specifically recognized and killed HER3-overexpressing breast cancer cells SK-BR-3 and BT-474 in vitro, and displayed potent tumoricidal effect on SK-BR-3 xenograft tumor models. Our results suggest that HRG1β-based CAR-T cells effectively suppress breast cancer driven by HER family receptors, and may provide a novel strategy to overcome cancer resistance to HER2-targeted therapy.

Loss of sorting nexin 5 stabilizes internalized growth factor receptors to promote thyroid cancer progression.

Thyroid carcinoma is the most common endocrine malignancy and its prevalence has recently been increasing worldwide. We previously reported that the level of sorting nexin 5 (Snx5), an endosomal translocator, is preferentially decreased during the progression of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma into poorly differentiated carcinoma. To address the functional role of Snx5 in the development and progression of thyroid carcinoma, we established Snx5-deficient (Snx5-/- ) mice. In comparison to wild-type (Snx5+/+ ) mice, Snx5-/- mice showed enlarged thyroid glands that consisted of thyrocytes with large irregular-shaped vacuoles. Snx5-/- thyrocytes exhibited a higher growth potential and higher sensitivity to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). A high content of early endosomes enriched with TSH receptors was found in Snx5-/- thyrocytes, suggesting that loss of Snx5 caused retention of the TSH receptor (TSHR) in response to TSH. Similar data were found for internalized EGF in primary thyrocytes. The increased TSH sensitivities in Snx5-/- thyrocytes were also confirmed by results showing that Snx5-/- mice steadily developed thyroid tumors with high metastatic potential under high TSH. Furthermore, a thyroid cancer model using carcinogen and an anti-thyroidal agent revealed that Snx5-/- mice developed metastasizing thyroid tumors with activation of MAP kinase and AKT pathways, which are postulated to be major pathways of malignant progression of human thyroid carcinoma. Our results suggest that thyrocytes require Snx5 to lessen tumorigenic signaling driven by TSH, which is a major risk factor for thyroid carcinoma. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Inhibition of hypoxia decreases stemness and tumorigenic signaling due to impaired transcription complex in PDAC

Inhibition of hypoxia decreases stemness and tumorigenic signaling due to impaired transcription complex in PDAC

Hypoxia negates hyperglycaemia-induced chemo-resistance in breast cancer cells: the role of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2.

BackgroundWomen who suffer from breast cancer and type II diabetes with associated hyperglycaemia respond less well to chemotherapy. We have shown that hyperglycaemia induces resistance to chemotherapy through upregulation of fatty acid synthase (FASN) in breast cancer cells and increased insulin-like binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2) in prostate cancer cells. As a tumour develops the tumour mass can outgrow the blood supply resulting in the cancer cells being exposed to hypoxia that stimulates many tumorigenic signalling pathways.MethodsWe used MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cell lines. Trypan blue dye exclusion assay was employed to assess cell death and Western immunoblotting was used to determine changes in protein abundance. Hypoxia was induced both chemically by the addition of cobalt chloride (CoCl2) and using a hypoxia chamber.ResultsIGFBP-2 abundance increased with increasing concentrations of glucose (0-25 mM) that contributed to hyperglycaemia-induced chemo-resistance as it was abrogated by downregulating IGFBP-2 using siRNA. Production of IGFBP-2 is ER dependent: pre-treatment of MCF-7 cells with β-estradiol increased IGFBP-2 and induced chemo-resistance to doxorubicin. The hyperglycaemia-induced chemo-resistance and increases in FASN and IGFBP-2 were negated in a hypoxic environment, with levels of cell death unaffected by glucose concentrations.ConclusionsThe sensitivity of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy is reduced in hyperglycaemic conditions but this effect is negated by hypoxia. These effects appear to be mediated via regulation of IGFBP-2 and FASN. Understanding the role of FASN and IGFBP-2 in chemo-resistance could provide a novel target for improving the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment.

Inhibition of hypoxic response decreases stemness and reduces tumorigenic signaling due to impaired assembly of HIF1 transcription complex in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic tumors are renowned for their extremely hypoxic centers, resulting in upregulation of a number of hypoxia mediated signaling pathways including cell proliferation, metabolism and cell survival. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that Minnelide, a water-soluble pro-drug of triptolide (anti-cancer compound), decreases viability of cancer cells in vitro as well as in vivo. However, its mechanism of action remain elusive. In the current study we evaluated the effect of Minnelide, on hypoxia mediated oncogenic signaling as well as stemness in pancreatic cancer. Minnelide has just completed Phase 1 trial against GI cancers and is currently awaiting Phase 2 trials. Our results showed that upon treatment with triptolide, HIF-1α protein accumulated in pancreatic cancer cells even though hypoxic response was decreased in them. Our studies showed even though HIF-1α is accumulated in the treated cells, there was no decrease in HIF-1 binding to hypoxia response elements. However, the HIF-1 transcriptional activity was significantly reduced owing to depletion of co-activator p300 upon treatment with triptolide. Further, treatment with triptolide resulted in a decreased activity of Sp1 and NF-kB the two major oncogenic signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer along with a decreased tumor initiating cell (TIC) population in pancreatic tumor.

Inhibition of basal-like breast cancer growth by FTY720 in combination with epidermal growth factor receptor kinase blockade

BackgroundNew molecular targets are needed for women with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This pre-clinical study investigated the combination of the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib with the sphingosine kinase (SphK) inhibitor FTY720 (Fingolimod), aiming to block tumorigenic signaling downstream of IGFBP-3, which is abundantly expressed in basal-like TNBC.MethodsIn studies of breast cancer cell growth in culture, proliferation was monitored by IncuCyte live-cell imaging, and protein abundance was determined by western blotting. In vivo studies of mammary tumor growth used two models: orthotopic xenograft tumors derived from three basal-like TNBC cell lines, grown in immune-deficient mice, and syngeneic murine 4T1 tumors grown in immune-competent mice. Protein abundance in tumor tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry.ResultsQuantitated by live-cell imaging, the inhibitor combination showed synergistic cytostatic activity in basal-like cell lines across several TNBC molecular subtypes, the synergy being decreased by IGFBP-3 downregulation. Suppression of the tumorigenic mediator CD44 by gefitinib was potentiated by FTY720, consistent with CD44 involvement in the targeted pathway. In MDA-MB-468 and HCC1806 orthotopic TNBC xenograft tumors in nude mice, the drug combination inhibited tumor growth and prolonged mouse survival, although this effect was not significant for the gefitinib-resistant cell line HCC70. Combination treatment of murine 4T1 TNBC tumors in syngeneic BALB/c mice was more effective in immune-competent than immune-deficient (nude) mice, and a relative loss of tumor CD3 (T-cell) immunoreactivity caused by FTY720 treatment alone was alleviated by the drug combination, suggesting that, even at an FTY720 dose causing relative lymphopenia, the combination is still effective in an immune-competent setting. Immunohistochemistry of xenograft tumors showed significant enhancement of caspase-3 cleavage and suppression of Ki67 and phospho-EGFR by the drug combination, but SphK1 downregulation occurred only in MDA-MB-468 tumors, so is unlikely to be integral to treatment efficacy.ConclusionsOur data indicate that targeting IGFBP-3-dependent signaling pathways through gefitinib-FTY720 co-therapy may be effective in many basal-like breast cancers, and suggest tissue IGFBP-3 and CD44 measurement as potential biomarkers of treatment efficacy.

Cylindromatosis Tumor Suppressor Protein (CYLD) Deubiquitinase is Necessary for Proper Ubiquitination and Degradation of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor

Cylindromatosis tumor suppressor protein (CYLD) is a deubiquitinase, best known as an essential negative regulator of the NFkB pathway. Previous studies have suggested an involvement of CYLD in epidermal growth factor (EGF)-dependent signal transduction as well, as it was found enriched within the tyrosine-phosphorylated complexes in cells stimulated with the growth factor. EGF receptor (EGFR) signaling participates in central cellular processes and its tight regulation, partly through ubiquitination cascades, is decisive for a balanced cellular homeostasis. Here, using a combination of mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomic approaches with biochemical and immunofluorescence strategies, we demonstrate the involvement of CYLD in the regulation of the ubiquitination events triggered by EGF. Our data show that CYLD regulates the magnitude of ubiquitination of several major effectors of the EGFR pathway by assisting the recruitment of the ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b to the activated EGFR complex. Notably, CYLD facilitates the interaction of EGFR with Cbl-b through its Tyr15 phosphorylation in response to EGF, which leads to fine-tuning of the receptor's ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. This represents a previously uncharacterized strategy exerted by this deubiquitinase and tumors suppressor for the negative regulation of a tumorigenic signaling pathway.

Targeting the Stem Cell Properties of Adult Breast Cancer Cells: Using Combinatorial Strategies to Overcome Drug Resistance.

Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide. In aggressive cancers, which are heterogeneous in nature, there exists a paucity of targetable molecules that can be used to predict outcome and response to therapy in patients, especially those in the high risk category with a propensity to relapse following chemotherapy. This review addresses the challenges pertinent to treating aggressive cancer cells with inherent stem cell properties, with a special focus on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Plasticity underlies the cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype in aggressive cancers like TNBC. Progenitors and CSCs implement similar signaling pathways to sustain growth, and the convergence of embryonic and tumorigenic signaling pathways has led to the discovery of novel oncofetal targets, rigorously regulated during normal development, but aberrantly reactivated in aggressive forms of cancer. Translational studies have shown that Nodal, an embryonic morphogen, is reactivated in aggressive cancers, but not in normal tissues, and underlies tumor growth, invasion, metastasis and drug resistance. Front-line therapies do not inhibit Nodal, but when a combinatorial approach is used with an agent such as doxorubicin followed by anti-Nodal antibody therapy, significant decreases in cell growth and viability occur. These findings are of special interest in the development of new therapeutic interventions that target the stem cell properties of cancer cells to overcome drug resistance and metastasis.

Abstract 322: Distinct pools of ShcA coupled tyrosine kinase signaling influences breast tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic responsiveness

Abstract Phospho-tyrosine (pTyr) signaling networks are frequently activated in breast cancers (BrCa) and are considered to be major oncogenic drivers of tumor progression. Therapeutic interventions, such as the tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitor Trastuzumab, focus on targeting TK activity and downstream effectors. Although successful for early stage tumors, a subset of patients experience relapse due to intrinsic or acquired resistance. This includes activation of alternative receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and/or cytoplasmic TKs, many of which require recruitment of the adaptor protein, ShcA. ShcA is a key convergence point downstream of RTKs and serves to integrate multiple signal transduction pathways dysregulated in BrCa. Specifically, ShcA contains two pTyr binding motifs including an amino-terminal PTB domain and a carboxy-terminal SH2 domain which facilitate its interactions with TKs including ErbB2 and Src Family Kinases (SFK), respectively. The CH-1 domain houses three tyrosine phosphorylation sites at residues 239/240 and 317 which transduce Ras-dependent and independent signals. Using a well characterized transgenic mouse model of BrCa where ShcA can no longer engage the transforming oncogene through its PTB domain, we demonstrate that loss of PTB-driven ShcA (ShcA-PTBMut) signaling delays mammary tumor onset. However, once formed, the growth and angiogenic potential of these tumors is significantly increased relative to control mice. Increased growth potential of ShcA-PTBMut tumors is associated with the hyper-activation of the c-Src tyrosine kinase. Deletion of c-Src in ShcA-PTBMut breast tumor cells significantly delays tumor onset but is dispensable for the growth of tumors that retain an intact ShcA PTB domain. These data suggest that the ShcA PTB domain can recruit negative regulators that limit the activation of downstream tumorigenic signaling networks. Interestingly, tumors expressing ShcA-PTBMut debilitated in SH2 driven pTyr interactions (SH2Mut), are significantly delayed in tumor onset relative to ShcA-PTBMut controls. Paradoxically, deletion of c-Src in the context of ShcA-PTBMut-SH2Mut further accelerates tumor growth which is attributed to increased levels of Fyn and Lyn. These observations support the high dependence of intracellular ShcA pools on other SFK family members to retain tumorigenic potential when adapting to low levels and/or activity of c-Src. We demonstrate that uncoupling of PTB-driven ShcA signaling from upstream RTKs can potentiate ShcA signaling from intracellular pools to hyper-activate SFKs. This data is clinically relevant as c-Src is frequently hyper-activated in Trastuzumab-resistant BrCa. This is the first study to identify a tumor suppressive role of the ShcA PTB domain and to characterize an intrinsic ShcA SH2 domain-SFK dependent resistance mechanism downstream of activated RTKs in mammary tumorigenesis. Citation Format: Jacqueline R. Ha, Ryuhjin Ahn, Young Kyuen Im, Valerie Sabourin, Harvey W. Smith, Ivan Topisirovic, Tony Pawson, Peter Siegel, William J. Muller, Josie Ursini-Siegel. Distinct pools of ShcA coupled tyrosine kinase signaling influences breast tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic responsiveness [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 322. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-322

Stat6 Promotes Intestinal Tumorigenesis in a Mouse Model of Adenomatous Polyposis by Expansion of MDSCs and Inhibition of Cytotoxic CD8 Response

Intestinal tumorigenesis in the ApcMin/+ model is initiated by aberrant activation of Wnt pathway. Increased IL-4 expression in human colorectal cancer tissue and growth of colon cancer cell lines implied that IL-4–induced Stat6-mediated tumorigenic signaling likely contributes to intestinal tumor progression in ApcMin/+ mice. Stat6 also appears to promote expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) cells. MDSCs promote polyp formation in the ApcMin/+ model. Hence, Stat6 could have a broad role in coordinating both polyp cell proliferation and MDSC expansion. We found that IL-4–induced Stat6-mediated proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells is augmented by platelet-derived growth factor–BB, a tumor-promoting growth factor. To determine whether polyp progression in ApcMin/+ mice is dependent on Stat6 signaling, we disrupted Stat6 in this model. Total polyps in the small intestine were fewer in ApcMin/+ mice lacking Stat6. Furthermore, proliferation of polyp epithelial cells was reduced, indicating that Stat6 in part controlled polyp formation. Stat6 also promoted expansion of MDSCs in the spleen and lamina propria of ApcMin/+ mice, implying regulation of antitumor T-cell response. More CD8 cells and reduced PD-1 expression on CD4 cells correlated with reduced polyps. In addition, a strong CD8-mediated cytotoxic response led to killing of tumor cells in Stat6-deficient ApcMin/+ mice. Therefore, these findings show that Stat6 has an oncogenic role in intestinal tumorigenesis by promoting polyp cell proliferation and immunosuppressive mediators, and preventing an active cytotoxic process.

N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 promotes oxaliplatin-triggered apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells via enhancing the ubiquitination of Bcl-2.

N-myc downstream-regulated gene1 (NDRG1) has been identified as a potent tumor suppressor gene. The molecular mechanisms of anti-tumor activity of NDRG1 involve its suppressive effects on a variety of tumorigenic signaling pathways. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of NDRG1 in the apoptosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. We first collected the clinical data of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients receiving oxaliplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in our medical center. Correlation analysis revealed that NDRG1 positively associated with the downstaging rates and prognosis of patients. Then, the effects of over-expression and depletion of NDRG1 gene on apoptosis of colorectal cancer were tested in vitro and in vivo. NDRG1 over-expression promoted apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells whereas depletion of NDRG1 resulted in resistance to oxaliplatin treatment. Furthermore, we observed that Bcl-2, a major anti-apoptotic protein, was regulated by NDRG1 at post-transcriptional level. By binding Protein kinase Cα (PKCα), a classical regulating factor of Bcl-2, NDRG1 enhanced the ubiquitination and degradation of Bcl-2, thus promoting apoptosis in CRC cells. In addition, NDRG1 inhibited tumor growth and promoted apoptosis in mouse xenograft model. In conclusion, NDRG1 promotes oxaliplatin-triggered apoptosis in colorectal cancer. Therefore, colorectal cancer patients can be stratified by the expression level of NDRG1. NDRG1-positive patients may benefit from oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy regimens whereas those with negative NDRG1 expression should avoid the usage of this cytotoxic drug.

Mitochondrial and Oxidative Stress-Mediated Activation of Protein Kinase D1 and Its Importance in Pancreatic Cancer

Due to alterations in their metabolic activity and decreased mitochondrial efficiency, cancer cells often show increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but at the same time, to avoid cytotoxic signaling and to facilitate tumorigenic signaling, have mechanism in place that keep ROS in check. This requires signaling molecules that convey increases in oxidative stress to signal to the nucleus to upregulate antioxidant genes. Protein kinase D1 (PKD1), the serine/threonine kinase, is one of these ROS sensors. In this mini-review, we highlight the mechanisms of how PKD1 is activated in response to oxidative stress, so far known downstream effectors, as well as the importance of PKD1-initiated signaling for development and progression of pancreatic cancer.

Downregulation of pathways implicated in liver inflammation and tumorigenesis of glycogen storage disease type Ia mice receiving gene therapy.

Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD-Ia) is characterized by impaired glucose homeostasis and long-term risks of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) and carcinoma (HCC). We have shown that the non-tumor-bearing (NT), recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector-treated GSD-Ia mice (AAV-NT mice) expressing a wide range (0.9-63%) of normal hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase-α activity maintain glucose homeostasis and display physiologic features mimicking animals living under calorie restriction (CR). We now show that in AAV-NT mice, the signaling pathways of the CR mediators, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and sirtuin-1 are activated. AMPK/sirtuin-1 inhibit the activity of STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) and NFκB (nuclear factor κB), the pro-inflammatory and cancer-promoting transcription factors. Sirtuin-1 also inhibits cancer metastasis via increasing the expression of E-cadherin, a tumor suppressor, and decreasing the expression of mesenchymal markers. Consistently, in AAV-NT mice, hepatic levels of active STAT3 and NFκB-p65 were reduced as were expression of mesenchymal markers, STAT3 targets, NFκB targets and β-catenin targets, all of which were consistent with the promotion of tumorigenesis. AAV-NT mice also expressed increased levels of E-cadherin and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), targets of sirtuin-1, and β-klotho, which can acts as a tumor suppressor. Importantly, treating AAV-NT mice with a sirtuin-1 inhibitor markedly reversed many of the observed anti-inflammatory/anti-tumorigenic signaling pathways. In summary, activation of hepatic AMPK/sirtuin-1 and FGF21/β-klotho signaling pathways combined with down-regulation of STAT3/NFκB-mediated inflammatory and tumorigenic signaling pathways can explain the absence of hepatic tumors in AAV-NT mice.

Prostate-specific IL-6 transgene autonomously induce prostate neoplasm through amplifying inflammation in the prostate and peri-prostatic adipose tissue

BackgroundThe causative role of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in prostate cancer progression has been well established at molecular level. However, whether and how IL-6 may play a role in prostate cancer risk and development is not well defined. One limitation factor to acquiring this knowledge is the lack of appropriate animal models.MethodsWe generated a novel line of prostate-specific IL-6 transgenic mouse model. We compared the prostate pathology, tumorigenic signaling components, and prostate tumor microenvironment of the IL-6 transgenic mice with wild type littermates.ResultsWith this model, we demonstrate that IL-6 induces prostate neoplasm autonomously. We further demonstrate that transgenic expression of IL-6 in the prostate activates oncogenic pathways, induces autocrine IL-6 secretion and steadily-state of STAT3 activation in the prostate tissue, upregulates paracrine insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling axis, reprograms prostate oncogenic gene expression, and more intriguingly, amplifies inflammation in the prostate and peri-prostatic adipose tissue.ConclusionsThe pro-inflammatory IL-6 is autonomous oncogene for the prostate. IL-6 induces prostate oncogenesis through amplifying local inflammation. We also presented a valuable animal model to study inflammation and prostate cancer development.