bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Identification of the Cell-Intrinsic and -Extrinsic Pathways Downstream of EGFR and IFNγ That Induce PD-L1 Expression in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Concha-Benavente Fernando , Srivastava Raghvendra M. , Trivedi Sumita , Lei Yu , Chandran Uma , Seethala Raja R. , Freeman Gordon J. , Ferris Robert L.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Many cancer types, including head and neck cancers (HNC), express programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). Interaction between PD-L1 and its receptor, programmed death 1 (PD-1), inhibits the function of activated T cells and results in an immunosuppressive microenvironment, but the stimuli that induce PD-L1 expression are not well characterized. Interferon gamma (IFNγ) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) utilize Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) as a common signaling node to transmit tumor cell–mediated extrinsic or intrinsic signals, respectively. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which these factors upregulate PD-L1 expression in HNC cells in the context of JAK/STAT pathway activation, Th1 inflammation, and HPV status. We found that wild-type, overexpressed EGFR significantly correlated with JAK2 and PD-L1 expression in a large cohort of HNC specimens. Furthermore, PD-L1 expression was induced in an EGFR- and JAK2/STAT1-dependent manner, and specific JAK2 inhibition prevented PD-L1 upregulation in tumor cells and enhanced their immunogenicity. Collectively, our findings suggest a novel role for JAK2/STAT1 in EGFR-mediated immune evasion, and therapies targeting this signaling axis may be beneficial to block PD-L1 upregulation found in a large subset of HNC tumors. Cancer Res; 76(5); 1031–43. ©2015 AACR.
Data from Balancing Protein Stability and Activity in Cancer: A New Approach for Identifying Driver Mutations Affecting CBL Ubiquitin Ligase Activation
Authors: Li Minghui , Kales Stephen C. , Ma Ke , Shoemaker Benjamin A. , Crespo-Barreto Juan , Cangelosi Andrew L. , Lipkowitz Stanley , Panchenko Anna R.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Oncogenic mutations in the monomeric Casitas B-lineage lymphoma (Cbl) gene have been found in many tumors, but their significance remains largely unknown. Several human c-Cbl (CBL) structures have recently been solved, depicting the protein at different stages of its activation cycle and thus providing mechanistic insight underlying how stability—activity tradeoffs in cancer-related proteins—may influence disease onset and progression. In this study, we computationally modeled the effects of missense cancer mutations on structures representing four stages of the CBL activation cycle to identify driver mutations that affect CBL stability, binding, and activity. We found that recurrent, homozygous, and leukemia-specific mutations had greater destabilizing effects on CBL states than random noncancer mutations. We further tested the ability of these computational models, assessing the changes in CBL stability and its binding to ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2, by performing blind CBL-mediated EGFR ubiquitination assays in cells. Experimental CBL ubiquitin ligase activity was in agreement with the predicted changes in CBL stability and, to a lesser extent, with CBL-E2 binding affinity. Two thirds of all experimentally tested mutations affected the ubiquitin ligase activity by either destabilizing CBL or disrupting CBL-E2 binding, whereas about one-third of tested mutations were found to be neutral. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that computational methods incorporating multiple protein conformations and stability and binding affinity evaluations can successfully predict the functional consequences of cancer mutations on protein activity, and provide a proof of concept for mutations in CBL. Cancer Res; 76(3); 561–71. ©2015 AACR.
Data from Cancer Stem-like Cells Act via Distinct Signaling Pathways in Promoting Late Stages of Malignant Progression
Authors: da Silva-Diz Victoria , Simón-Extremera Pilar , Bernat-Peguera Adrià , de Sostoa Jana , Urpí Maria , Penín Rosa M. , Sidelnikova Diana Pérez , Bermejo Oriol , Viñals Joan Maria , Rodolosse Annie , González-Suárez Eva , Moruno Antonio Gómez , Pujana Miguel Ángel , Esteller Manel , Villanueva Alberto , Viñals Francesc , Muñoz Purificación
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Cancer stem-like cells (CSC) play key roles in long-term tumor propagation and metastasis, but their dynamics during disease progression are not understood. Tumor relapse in patients with initially excised skin squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) is characterized by increased metastatic potential, and SCC progression is associated with an expansion of CSC. Here, we used genetically and chemically-induced mouse models of skin SCC to investigate the signaling pathways contributing to CSC function during disease progression. We found that CSC regulatory mechanisms change in advanced SCC, correlating with aggressive tumor growth and enhanced metastasis. β-Catenin and EGFR signaling, induced in early SCC CSC, were downregulated in advanced SCC. Instead, autocrine FGFR1 and PDGFRα signaling, which have not been previously associated with skin SCC CSC, were upregulated in late CSC and promoted tumor growth and metastasis, respectively. Finally, high-grade and recurrent human skin SCC recapitulated the signaling changes observed in advanced mouse SCC. Collectively, our findings suggest a stage-specific switch in CSC regulation during disease progression that could be therapeutically exploited by targeting the PDGFR and FGFR1 pathways to block relapse and metastasis of advanced human skin SCC.Cancer Res; 76(5); 1245–59. ©2015 AACR.
Data from The Proliferative Activity of Mammary Epithelial Cells in Normal Tissue Predicts Breast Cancer Risk in Premenopausal Women
Authors: Huh Sung Jin , Oh Hannah , Peterson Michael A. , Almendro Vanessa , Hu Rong , Bowden Michaela , Lis Rosina L. , Cotter Maura B. , Loda Massimo , Barry William T. , Polyak Kornelia , Tamimi Rulla M.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The frequency and proliferative activity of tissue-specific stem and progenitor cells are suggested to correlate with cancer risk. In this study, we investigated the association between breast cancer risk and the frequency of mammary epithelial cells expressing p27, estrogen receptor (ER), and Ki67 in normal breast tissue. We performed a nested case–control study of 302 women (69 breast cancer cases, 233 controls) who had been initially diagnosed with benign breast disease according to the Nurses' Health Studies. Immunofluorescence for p27, ER, and Ki67 was performed on tissue microarrays constructed from benign biopsies containing normal mammary epithelium and scored by computational image analysis. We found that the frequency of Ki67+ cells was positively associated with breast cancer risk among premenopausal women [OR = 10.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.12–48.0]. Conversely, the frequency of ER+ or p27+ cells was inversely, but not significantly, associated with subsequent breast cancer risk (ER+: OR = 0.70, 95% CI, 0.33–1.50; p27+: OR = 0.89, 95% CI, 0.45–1.75). Notably, high Ki67+/low p27+ and high Ki67+/low ER+ cell frequencies were significantly associated with a 5-fold higher risk of breast cancer compared with low Ki67+/low p27+ and low Ki67+/low ER+ cell frequencies, respectively, among premenopausal women (Ki67hi/p27lo: OR = 5.08, 95% CI, 1.43–18.1; Ki67hi/ERlo: OR = 4.68, 95% CI, 1.63–13.5). Taken together, our data suggest that the fraction of actively cycling cells in normal breast tissue may represent a marker for breast cancer risk assessment, which may therefore impact the frequency of screening procedures in at-risk women. Cancer Res; 76(7); 1926–34. ©2016 AACR.
Data from EGFR Signaling Enhances Aerobic Glycolysis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells to Promote Tumor Growth and Immune Escape
Authors: Lim Seung-Oe , Li Chia-Wei , Xia Weiya , Lee Heng-Huan , Chang Shih-Shin , Shen Jia , Hsu Jennifer L. , Raftery Daniel , Djukovic Danijel , Gu Haiwei , Chang Wei-Chao , Wang Hung-Ling , Chen Mong-Liang , Huo Longfei , Chen Chung-Hsuan , Wu Yun , Sahin Aysegul , Hanash Samir M. , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Hung Mien-Chie
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Oncogenic signaling reprograms cancer cell metabolism to augment the production of glycolytic metabolites in favor of tumor growth. The ability of cancer cells to evade immunosurveillance and the role of metabolic regulators in T-cell functions suggest that oncogene-induced metabolic reprogramming may be linked to immune escape. EGF signaling, frequently dysregulated in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), is also associated with increased glycolysis. Here, we demonstrated in TNBC cells that EGF signaling activates the first step in glycolysis, but impedes the last step, leading to an accumulation of metabolic intermediates in this pathway. Furthermore, we showed that one of these intermediates, fructose 1,6 bisphosphate (F1,6BP), directly binds to and enhances the activity of the EGFR, thereby increasing lactate excretion, which leads to inhibition of local cytotoxic T-cell activity. Notably, combining the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxy-d-glucose with the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib effectively suppressed TNBC cell proliferation and tumor growth. Our results illustrate how jointly targeting the EGFR/F1,6BP signaling axis may offer an immediately applicable therapeutic strategy to treat TNBC. Cancer Res; 76(5); 1284–96. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Therapeutic Targeting of Tumor-Derived R-Spondin Attenuates β-Catenin Signaling and Tumorigenesis in Multiple Cancer Types
Authors: Chartier Cecile , Raval Janak , Axelrod Fumiko , Bond Chris , Cain Jennifer , Dee-Hoskins Cristina , Ma Shirley , Fischer Marcus M. , Shah Jalpa , Wei Jie , Ji May , Lam Andrew , Stroud Michelle , Yen Wan-Ching , Yeung Pete , Cancilla Belinda , O'Young Gilbert , Wang Min , Kapoun Ann M. , Lewicki John , Hoey Timothy , Gurney Austin
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Deregulation of the β-catenin signaling has long been associated with cancer. Intracellular components of this pathway, including axin, APC, and β-catenin, are frequently mutated in a range of human tumors, but the contribution of specific extracellular ligands that promote cancer development through this signaling axis remains unclear. We conducted a reporter-based screen in a panel of human tumors to identify secreted factors that stimulate β-catenin signaling. Through this screen and further molecular characterization, we found that R-spondin (RSPO) proteins collaborate with Wnt proteins to activate β-catenin. RSPO family members were expressed in several human tumors representing multiple malignancies, including ovarian, pancreatic, colon, breast, and lung cancer. We generated specific monoclonal antibody antagonists of RSPO family members and found that anti-RSPO treatment markedly inhibited tumor growth in human patient-derived tumor xenograft models, either as single agents or in combination with chemotherapy. Furthermore, blocking RSPO signaling reduced the tumorigenicity of cancer cells based on serial transplantation studies. Moreover, gene-expression analyses revealed that anti-RSPO treatment in responsive tumors strongly inhibited β-catenin target genes known to be associated with cancer and normal stem cells. Collectively, our results suggest that the RSPO family is an important stimulator of β-catenin activity in many human tumors and highlight a new effective approach for therapeutically modulating this fundamental signaling axis. Cancer Res; 76(3); 713–23. ©2015 AACR.
Data from Hypoxia-Induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Induces an Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment to Promote Metastasis
Authors: Ye Long-Yun , Chen Wei , Bai Xue-Li , Xu Xing-Yuan , Zhang Qi , Xia Xue-Feng , Sun Xu , Li Guo-Gang , Hu Qi-Da , Fu Qi-Han , Liang Ting-Bo
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is a significant risk factor for metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and is therefore associated with poor prognosis. The presence of PVTT frequently accompanies substantial hypoxia within the tumor microenvironment, which is suggested to accelerate tumor metastasis, but it is unclear how this occurs. Recent evidence has shown that the hypoxia-inducible factor HIF-1α induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells to facilitate metastasis. In this study, we investigated whether hypoxia-induced EMT in cancer cells also affects immune cells in the tumor microenvironment to promote immunosuppression. We found that hypoxia-induced EMT increased the expression of the CCL20 cytokine in hepatoma cells. Furthermore, coculture of monocyte-derived macrophages with hypoxic hepatoma cells revealed that the expression of indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) was induced in monocyte-derived macrophages in a CCL20-dependent manner. In turn, these IDO-expressing monocyte-derived macrophages suppressed T-cell proliferation and promoted the expansion of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells. Moreover, high CCL20 expression in HCC specimens was associated with PVTT and poor patient survival. Collectively, our findings suggest that the HIF-1α/CCL20/IDO axis in hepatocellular carcinoma is important for accelerating tumor metastasis through both the induction of EMT and the establishment of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, warranting further investigation into the therapeutic effects of blocking specific nodes of this signaling network. Cancer Res; 76(4); 818–30. ©2016 AACR.
Data from MYC-Driven Neuroblastomas Are Addicted to a Telomerase-Independent Function of Dyskerin
Authors: O'Brien Rosemary , Tran Sieu L. , Maritz Michelle F. , Liu Bing , Kong Cheng Fei , Purgato Stefania , Yang Chen , Murray Jayne , Russell Amanda J. , Flemming Claudia L. , von Jonquieres Georg , Pickett Hilda A. , London Wendy B. , Haber Michelle , Gunaratne Preethi H. , Norris Murray D. , Perini Giovanni , Fletcher Jamie I. , MacKenzie Karen L.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The RNA-binding protein dyskerin, encoded by the DKC1 gene, functions as a core component of the telomerase holoenzyme as well as ribonuclear protein complexes involved in RNA processing and ribosome biogenesis. The diverse roles of dyskerin across many facets of RNA biology implicate its potential contribution to malignancy. In this study, we examined the expression and function of dyskerin in neuroblastoma. We show that DKC1 mRNA levels were elevated relative to normal cells across a panel of 15 neuroblastoma cell lines, where both N-Myc and c-Myc directly targeted the DKC1 promoter. Upregulation of MYCN was shown to dramatically increase DKC1 expression. In two independent neuroblastoma patient cohorts, high DKC1 expression correlated strongly with poor event-free and overall survival (P < 0.0001), independently of established prognostic factors. RNAi-mediated depletion of dyskerin inhibited neuroblastoma cell proliferation, including cells immortalized via the telomerase-independent ALT mechanism. Furthermore, dyskerin attenuation impaired anchorage-independent proliferation and tumor growth. Overexpression of the telomerase RNA component, hTR, demonstrated that this proliferative impairment was not a consequence of telomerase suppression. Instead, ribosomal stress, evidenced by depletion of small nucleolar RNAs and nuclear dispersal of ribosomal proteins, was the likely cause of the proliferative impairment in dyskerin-depleted cells. Accordingly, dyskerin suppression caused p53-dependent G1 cell-cycle arrest in p53 wild-type cells, and a p53-independent pathway impaired proliferation in cells with p53 dysfunction. Together, our findings highlight dyskerin as a new therapeutic target in neuroblastoma with crucial telomerase-independent functions and broader implications for the spectrum of malignancies driven by MYC family oncogenes. Cancer Res; 76(12); 3604–17. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Identification of Bone-Derived Factors Conferring De Novo Therapeutic Resistance in Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lee Yu-Chen , Lin Song-Chang , Yu Guoyu , Cheng Chien-Jui , Liu Bin , Liu Hsuan-Chen , Hawke David H. , Parikh Nila U. , Varkaris Andreas , Corn Paul , Logothetis Christopher , Satcher Robert L. , Yu-Lee Li-Yuan , Gallick Gary E. , Lin Sue-Hwa
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Resistance to currently available targeted therapies significantly hampers the survival of patients with prostate cancer with bone metastasis. Here we demonstrate an important resistance mechanism initiated from tumor-induced bone. Studies using an osteogenic patient-derived xenograft, MDA-PCa-118b, revealed that tumor cells resistant to cabozantinib, a Met and VEGFR-2 inhibitor, reside in a “resistance niche” adjacent to prostate cancer-induced bone. We performed secretome analysis of the conditioned medium from tumor-induced bone to identify proteins (termed “osteocrines”) found within this resistance niche. In accordance with previous reports demonstrating that activation of integrin signaling pathways confers therapeutic resistance, 27 of the 90 osteocrines identified were integrin ligands. We found that following cabozantinib treatment, only tumor cells positioned adjacent to the newly formed woven bone remained viable and expressed high levels of pFAK-Y397 and pTalin-S425, mediators of integrin signaling. Accordingly, treatment of C4-2B4 cells with integrin ligands resulted in increased pFAK-Y397 expression and cell survival, whereas targeting integrins with FAK inhibitors PF-562271 or defactinib inhibited FAK phosphorylation and reduced the survival of PC3-mm2 cells. Moreover, treatment of MDA-PCa-118b tumors with PF-562271 led to decreased tumor growth, irrespective of initial tumor size. Finally, we show that upon treatment cessation, the combination of PF-562271 and cabozantinib delayed tumor recurrence in contrast to cabozantinib treatment alone. Our studies suggest that identifying paracrine de novo resistance mechanisms may significantly contribute to the generation of a broader set of potent therapeutic tools that act combinatorially to inhibit metastatic prostate cancer. Cancer Res; 75(22); 4949–59. ©2015 AACR.
Data from Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Promote the Development and Progression of Liver Metastases after Surgical Stress
Authors: Tohme Samer , Yazdani Hamza O. , Al-Khafaji Ahmed B. , Chidi Alexis P. , Loughran Patricia , Mowen Kerri , Wang Yanming , Simmons Richard L. , Huang Hai , Tsung Allan
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Risks of tumor recurrence after surgical resection have been known for decades, but the mechanisms underlying treatment failures remain poorly understood. Neutrophils, first-line responders after surgical stress, may play an important role in linking inflammation to cancer progression. In response to stress, neutrophils can expel their protein-studded chromatin to form local snares known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NET). In this study, we asked whether, as a result of its ability to ensnare moving cells, NET formation might promote metastasis after surgical stress. Consistent with this hypothesis, in a cohort of patients undergoing attempted curative liver resection for metastatic colorectal cancer, we observed that increased postoperative NET formation was associated with a >4-fold reduction in disease-free survival. In like manner, in a murine model of surgical stress employing liver ischemia-reperfusion, we observed an increase in NET formation that correlated with an accelerated development and progression of metastatic disease. These effects were abrogated by inhibiting NET formation in mice through either local treatment with DNAse or inhibition of the enzyme peptidylarginine deaminase, which is essential for NET formation. In growing metastatic tumors, we found that intratumoral hypoxia accentuated NET formation. Mechanistic investigations in vitro indicated that mouse neutrophil–derived NET triggered HMGB1 release and activated TLR9-dependent pathways in cancer cells to promote their adhesion, proliferation, migration, and invasion. Taken together, our findings implicate NET in the development of liver metastases after surgical stress, suggesting that their elimination may reduce risks of tumor relapse. Cancer Res; 76(6); 1367–80. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Targeting Calcium Signaling Induces Epigenetic Reactivation of Tumor Suppressor Genes in Cancer
Authors: Raynal Noël J.-M. , Lee Justin T. , Wang Youjun , Beaudry Annie , Madireddi Priyanka , Garriga Judith , Malouf Gabriel G. , Dumont Sarah , Dettman Elisha J. , Gharibyan Vazganush , Ahmed Saira , Chung Woonbok , Childers Wayne E. , Abou-Gharbia Magid , Henry Ryan A. , Andrews Andrew J. , Jelinek Jaroslav , Cui Ying , Baylin Stephen B. , Gill Donald L. , Issa Jean-Pierre J.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Targeting epigenetic pathways is a promising approach for cancer therapy. Here, we report on the unexpected finding that targeting calcium signaling can reverse epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes (TSG). In a screen for drugs that reactivate silenced gene expression in colon cancer cells, we found three classical epigenetic targeted drugs (DNA methylation and histone deacetylase inhibitors) and 11 other drugs that induced methylated and silenced CpG island promoters driving a reporter gene (GFP) as well as endogenous TSGs in multiple cancer cell lines. These newly identified drugs, most prominently cardiac glycosides, did not change DNA methylation locally or histone modifications globally. Instead, all 11 drugs altered calcium signaling and triggered calcium-calmodulin kinase (CamK) activity, leading to MeCP2 nuclear exclusion. Blocking CamK activity abolished gene reactivation and cancer cell killing by these drugs, showing that triggering calcium fluxes is an essential component of their epigenetic mechanism of action. Our data identify calcium signaling as a new pathway that can be targeted to reactivate TSGs in cancer. Cancer Res; 76(6); 1494–505. ©2015 AACR.
Data from miR-196b Is Epigenetically Silenced during the Premalignant Stage of Lung Carcinogenesis
Authors: Tellez Carmen S. , Juri Daniel E. , Do Kieu , Picchi Maria A. , Wang Teresa , Liu Gang , Spira Avrum , Belinsky Steven A.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
miRNA silencing by promoter hypermethylation may represent a mechanism by which lung cancer develops and progresses, but the miRNAs involved during malignant transformation are unknown. We previously established a model of premalignant lung cancer wherein we treated human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) with low doses of tobacco carcinogens. Here, we demonstrate that next-generation sequencing of carcinogen-transformed HBECs treated with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2′deoxycytidine revealed miR-196b and miR-34c-5p to be epigenetic targets. Bisulfite sequencing confirmed dense promoter hypermethylation indicative of silencing in multiple malignant cell lines and primary tumors. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies further demonstrated an enrichment in repressive histone marks on the miR-196b promoter during HBEC transformation. Restoration of miR-196b expression by transfecting transformed HBECs with specific mimics led to cell-cycle arrest mediated in part through transcriptional regulation of the FOS oncogene, and miR-196b reexpression also significantly reduced the growth of tumor xenografts. Luciferase assays demonstrated that forced expression of miR-196b inhibited the FOS promoter and AP-1 reporter activity. Finally, a case–control study revealed that methylation of miR-196b in sputum was strongly associated with lung cancer (OR = 4.7, P < 0.001). Collectively, these studies highlight miR-196b as a tumor suppressor whose silencing early in lung carcinogenesis may provide a selective growth advantage to premalignant cells. Targeted delivery of miR-196b could therefore serve as a preventive or therapeutic strategy for the management of lung cancer. Cancer Res; 76(16); 4741–51. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Novel Protein Disulfide Isomerase Inhibitor with Anticancer Activity in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Vatolin Sergei , Phillips James G. , Jha Babal K. , Govindgari Shravya , Hu Jennifer , Grabowski Dale , Parker Yvonne , Lindner Daniel J. , Zhong Fei , Distelhorst Clark W. , Smith Mitchell R. , Cotta Claudiu , Xu Yan , Chilakala Sujatha , Kuang Rebecca R. , Tall Samantha , Reu Frederic J.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Multiple myeloma cells secrete more disulfide bond–rich proteins than any other mammalian cell. Thus, inhibition of protein disulfide isomerases (PDI) required for protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) should increase ER stress beyond repair in this incurable cancer. Here, we report the mechanistically unbiased discovery of a novel PDI-inhibiting compound with antimyeloma activity. We screened a 30,355 small-molecule library using a multilayered multiple myeloma cell–based cytotoxicity assay that modeled disease niche, normal liver, kidney, and bone marrow. CCF642, a bone marrow–sparing compound, exhibited a submicromolar IC50 in 10 of 10 multiple myeloma cell lines. An active biotinylated analog of CCF642 defined binding to the PDI isoenzymes A1, A3, and A4 in MM cells. In vitro, CCF642 inhibited PDI reductase activity about 100-fold more potently than the structurally distinct established inhibitors PACMA 31 and LOC14. Computational modeling suggested a novel covalent binding mode in active-site CGHCK motifs. Remarkably, without any further chemistry optimization, CCF642 displayed potent efficacy in an aggressive syngeneic mouse model of multiple myeloma and prolonged the lifespan of C57BL/KaLwRij mice engrafted with 5TGM1-luc myeloma, an effect comparable to the first-line multiple myeloma therapeutic bortezomib. Consistent with PDI inhibition, CCF642 caused acute ER stress in multiple myeloma cells accompanied by apoptosis-inducing calcium release. Overall, our results provide an illustration of the utility of simple in vivo simulations as part of a drug discovery effort, along with a sound preclinical rationale to develop a new small-molecule therapeutic to treat multiple myeloma. Cancer Res; 76(11); 3340–50. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Elucidation of the Roles of Tumor Integrin β1 in the Extravasation Stage of the Metastasis Cascade
Authors: Chen Michelle B. , Lamar John M. , Li Ran , Hynes Richard O. , Kamm Roger D.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Tumor integrin β1 (ITGB1) contributes to primary tumor growth and metastasis, but its specific roles in extravasation have not yet been clearly elucidated. In this study, we engineered a three-dimensional microfluidic model of the human microvasculature to recapitulate the environment wherein extravasation takes place and assess the consequences of β1 depletion in cancer cells. Combined with confocal imaging, these tools allowed us to decipher the detailed morphology of transmigrating tumor cells and associated endothelial cells in vitro at high spatio-temporal resolution not easily achieved in conventional transmigration assays. Dynamic imaging revealed that β1-depleted cells lacked the ability to sustain protrusions into the subendothelial matrix in contrast with control cells. Specifically, adhesion via α3β1 and α6β1 to subendothelial laminin was a critical prerequisite for successful transmigration. β1 was required to invade past the endothelial basement membrane, whereas its attenuation in a syngeneic tumor model resulted in reduced metastatic colonization of the lung, an effect not observed upon depletion of other integrin alpha and beta subunits. Collectively, our findings in this novel model of the extravasation microenvironment revealed a critical requirement for β1 in several steps of extravasation, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying metastasis. Cancer Res; 76(9); 2513–24. ©2016 AACR.
Data from FAP Promotes Immunosuppression by Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in the Tumor Microenvironment via STAT3–CCL2 Signaling
Authors: Yang Xuguang , Lin Yuli , Shi Yinghong , Li Bingji , Liu Weiren , Yin Wei , Dang Yongjun , Chu Yiwei , Fan Jia , He Rui
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are components of the tumor microenvironment whose contributions to malignant progression are not fully understood. Here, we show that the fibroblast activation protein (FAP) triggers induction of a CAF subset with an inflammatory phenotype directed by STAT3 activation and inflammation-associated expression signature marked by CCL2 upregulation. Enforcing FAP expression in normal fibroblasts was sufficient to endow them with an inflammatory phenotype similar to FAP+CAFs. We identified FAP as a persistent activator of fibroblastic STAT3 through a uPAR-dependent FAK–Src–JAK2 signaling pathway. In a murine liver tumor model, we found that FAP+CAFs were a major source of CCL2 and that fibroblastic STAT3–CCL2 signaling in this setting promoted tumor growth by enhancing recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). The CCL2 receptor CCR2 was expressed on circulating MDSCs in tumor-bearing subjects and FAP+CAF-mediated tumor promotion and MDSC recruitment was abrogated in Ccr2-deficient mice. Clinically, we observed a positive correlation between stromal expression of FAP, p-STAT3, and CCL2 in human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, a highly aggressive liver cancer with dense desmoplastic stroma, where elevated levels of stromal FAP predicted a poor survival outcome. Taken together, our results showed how FAP–STAT3–CCL2 signaling in CAFs was sufficient to program an inflammatory component of the tumor microenvironment, which may have particular significance in desmoplasia-associated cancers. Cancer Res; 76(14); 4124–35. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Fibroblast-Mediated Collagen Remodeling Within the Tumor Microenvironment Facilitates Progression of Thyroid Cancers Driven by BrafV600E and Pten Loss
Authors: Jolly Lee Ann , Novitskiy Sergey , Owens Phillip , Massoll Nicole , Cheng Nikki , Fang Wei , Moses Harold L. , Franco Aime T.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Contributions of the tumor microenvironment (TME) to progression in thyroid cancer are largely unexplored and may illuminate a basis for understanding rarer aggressive cases of this disease. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the TME and thyroid cancer progression in a mouse model where thyroid-specific expression of oncogenic BRAF and loss of Pten (BrafV600E/Pten−/−/TPO-Cre) leads to papillary thyroid cancers (PTC) that rapidly progress to poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC). We found that fibroblasts were recruited to the TME of BrafV600E/Pten−/−/TPO-Cre thyroid tumors. Conditioned media from cell lines established from these tumors, but not tumors driven by mutant H-ras, induced fibroblast migration and proliferation in vitro. Notably, the extracellular matrix of BrafV600E/Pten−/−/TPO-Cre tumors was enriched with stromal-derived fibrillar collagen, compared with wild-type or Hras-driven tumors. Further, type I collagen enhanced the motility of BrafV600E/Pten−/−/TPO-Cre tumor cells in vitro. In clinical specimens, we found COL1A1 and LOX to be upregulated in PTC and expressed at highest levels in PDTC and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Additionally, increased expression levels of COL1A1 and LOX were associated with decreased survival in thyroid cancer patients. Overall, our results identified fibroblast recruitment and remodeling of the extracellular matrix as pivotal features of the TME in promoting thyroid cancer progression, illuminating candidate therapeutic targets and biomarkers in advanced forms of this malignancy. Cancer Res; 76(7); 1804–13. ©2016 AACR.
Data from An Immune-Inflammation Gene Expression Signature in Prostate Tumors of Smokers
Authors: Prueitt Robyn L. , Wallace Tiffany A. , Glynn Sharon A. , Yi Ming , Tang Wei , Luo Jun , Dorsey Tiffany H. , Stagliano Katherine E. , Gillespie John W. , Hudson Robert S. , Terunuma Atsushi , Shoe Jennifer L. , Haines Diana C. , Yfantis Harris G. , Han Misop , Martin Damali N. , Jordan Symone V. , Borin James F. , Naslund Michael J. , Alexander Richard B. , Stephens Robert M. , Loffredo Christopher A. , Lee Dong H. , Putluri Nagireddy , Sreekumar Arun , Hurwitz Arthur A. , Ambs Stefan
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Smokers develop metastatic prostate cancer more frequently than nonsmokers, suggesting that a tobacco-derived factor is driving metastatic progression. To identify smoking-induced alterations in human prostate cancer, we analyzed gene and protein expression patterns in tumors collected from current, past, and never smokers. By this route, we elucidated a distinct pattern of molecular alterations characterized by an immune and inflammation signature in tumors from current smokers that were either attenuated or absent in past and never smokers. Specifically, this signature included elevated immunoglobulin expression by tumor-infiltrating B cells, NF-κB activation, and increased chemokine expression. In an alternate approach to characterize smoking-induced oncogenic alterations, we also explored the effects of nicotine in human prostate cancer cells and prostate cancer–prone TRAMP mice. These investigations showed that nicotine increased glutamine consumption and invasiveness of cancer cells in vitro and accelerated metastatic progression in tumor-bearing TRAMP mice. Overall, our findings suggest that nicotine is sufficient to induce a phenotype resembling the epidemiology of smoking-associated prostate cancer progression, illuminating a novel candidate driver underlying metastatic prostate cancer in current smokers. Cancer Res; 76(5); 1055–65. ©2015 AACR.
Data from A Small-Molecule Antagonist of HIF2α Is Efficacious in Preclinical Models of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wallace Eli M. , Rizzi James P. , Han Guangzhou , Wehn Paul M. , Cao Zhaodan , Du Xinlin , Cheng Tzuling , Czerwinski Robert M. , Dixon Darryl D. , Goggin Barry S. , Grina Jonas A. , Halfmann Megan M. , Maddie Melissa A. , Olive Sarah R. , Schlachter Stephen T. , Tan Huiling , Wang Bin , Wang Keshi , Xie Shanhai , Xu Rui , Yang Hanbiao , Josey John A.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
More than 90% of clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC) exhibit inactivation of the von Hippel–Lindau (pVHL) tumor suppressor, establishing it as the major underlying cause of this malignancy. pVHL inactivation results in stabilization of the hypoxia-inducible transcription factors, HIF1α and HIF2α, leading to expression of a genetic program essential for the initiation and progression of ccRCC. Herein, we describe the potent, selective, and orally active small-molecule inhibitor PT2385 as a specific antagonist of HIF2α that allosterically blocks its dimerization with the HIF1α/2α transcriptional dimerization partner ARNT/HIF1β. PT2385 inhibited the expression of HIF2α-dependent genes, including VEGF-A, PAI-1, and cyclin D1 in ccRCC cell lines and tumor xenografts. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with PT2385 caused dramatic tumor regressions, validating HIF2α as a pivotal oncogenic driver in ccRCC. Notably, unlike other anticancer agents that inhibit VEGF receptor signaling, PT2385 exhibited no adverse effect on cardiovascular performance. Thus, PT2385 represents a novel class of therapeutics for the treatment of RCC with potent preclincal efficacy as well as improved tolerability relative to current agents that target the VEGF pathway. Cancer Res; 76(18); 5491–500. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Neural Cell Adhesion Protein CNTN1 Promotes the Metastatic Progression of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yan Judy , Ojo Diane , Kapoor Anil , Lin Xiaozeng , Pinthus Jehonathan H. , Aziz Tariq , Bismar Tarek A. , Wei Fengxiang , Wong Nicholas , De Melo Jason , Cutz Jean-Claude , Major Pierre , Wood Geoffrey , Peng Hao , Tang Damu
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Prostate cancer metastasis is the main cause of disease-related mortality. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying prostate cancer metastasis is critical for effective therapeutic intervention. In this study, we performed gene-expression profiling of prostate cancer stem-like cells (PCSC) derived from DU145 human prostate cancer cells to identify factors involved in metastatic progression. Our studies revealed contactin 1 (CNTN1), a neural cell adhesion protein, to be a prostate cancer–promoting factor. CNTN1 knockdown reduced PCSC-mediated tumor initiation, whereas CNTN1 overexpression enhanced prostate cancer cell invasion in vitro and promoted xenograft tumor formation and lung metastasis in vivo. In addition, CNTN1 overexpression in DU145 cells and corresponding xenograft tumors resulted in elevated AKT activation and reduced E-cadherin (CDH1) expression. CNTN1 expression was not readily detected in normal prostate glands, but was clearly evident on prostate cancer cells in primary tumors and lymph node and bone metastases. Tumors from 637 patients expressing CNTN1 were associated with prostate cancer progression and worse biochemical recurrence-free survival following radical prostatectomy (P < 0.05). Collectively, our findings demonstrate that CNTN1 promotes prostate cancer progression and metastasis, prompting further investigation into the mechanisms that enable neural proteins to become aberrantly expressed in non-neural malignancies. Cancer Res; 76(6); 1603–14. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Nestin Mediates Hedgehog Pathway Tumorigenesis
Authors: Li Peng , Lee Eric H. , Du Fang , Gordon Renata E. , Yuelling Larra W. , Liu Yongqiang , Ng Jessica M.Y. , Zhang Hao , Wu Jinhua , Korshunov Andrey , Pfister Stefan M. , Curran Tom , Yang Zeng-jie
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The intermediate filament protein Nestin serves as a biomarker for stem cells and has been used to identify subsets of cancer stem–like cells. However, the mechanistic contributions of Nestin to cancer pathogenesis are not understood. Here, we report that Nestin binds the hedgehog pathway transcription factor Gli3 to mediate the development of medulloblastomas of the hedgehog subtype. In a mouse model system, Nestin levels increased progressively during medulloblastoma formation, resulting in enhanced tumor growth. Conversely, loss of Nestin dramatically inhibited proliferation and promoted differentiation. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the tumor-promoting effects of Nestin were mediated by binding to Gli3, a zinc finger transcription factor that negatively regulates hedgehog signaling. Nestin binding to Gli3 blocked Gli3 phosphorylation and its subsequent proteolytic processing, thereby abrogating its ability to negatively regulate the hedgehog pathway. Our findings show how Nestin drives hedgehog pathway–driven cancers and uncover in Gli3 a therapeutic target to treat these malignancies. Cancer Res; 76(18); 5573–83. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Clonotypic Diversification of Intratumoral T Cells Following Sipuleucel-T Treatment in Prostate Cancer Subjects
Authors: Sheikh Nadeem , Cham Jason , Zhang Li , DeVries Todd , Letarte Simon , Pufnock Jeff , Hamm David , Trager James , Fong Lawrence
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Sipuleucel-T is an autologous cellular therapy for asymptomatic, or minimally symptomatic, metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer, designed to stimulate an immune response against prostate cancer. In a recent clinical trial (NCT00715104), we found that neoadjuvant sipuleucel-T increased the number of activated T cells within the tumor microenvironment. The current analysis examined whether sipuleucel-T altered adaptive T-cell responses by expanding pre-existing T cells or by recruiting new T cells to prostate tissue. Next-generation sequencing of the T-cell receptor (TCR) genes from blood or prostate tissue was used to quantitate and track T-cell clonotypes in these treated subjects with prostate cancer. At baseline, there was a significantly greater diversity of circulating TCR sequences in subjects with prostate cancer compared with healthy donors. Among healthy donors, circulating TCR sequence diversity remained unchanged over the same time interval. In contrast, sipuleucel-T treatment reduced circulating TCR sequence diversity versus baseline as measured by the Shannon index. Interestingly, sipuleucel-T treatment resulted in greater TCR sequence diversity in resected prostate tissue in sipuleucel-T–treated subjects versus tissue of nonsipuleucel-T–treated subjects with prostate cancer. Furthermore, sipuleucel-T increased TCR sequence commonality between blood and resected prostate tissue in treated versus untreated subjects with prostate cancer. The broadening of the TCR repertoire within the prostate tissue supports the hypothesis that sipuleucel-T treatment facilitates the recruitment of T cells into the prostate. Our results highlight the importance of assessing T-cell response to immunotherapy both in the periphery and in tumor tissue. Cancer Res; 76(13); 3711–8. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Inflammation-Dependent IL18 Signaling Restricts Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth by Enhancing the Accumulation and Activity of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes
Authors: Markowitz Geoffrey J. , Yang Pengyuan , Fu Jing , Michelotti Gregory A. , Chen Rui , Sui Jianhua , Yang Bin , Qin Wen-Hao , Zhang Zheng , Wang Fu-Sheng , Diehl Anna Mae , Li Qi-Jing , Wang Hongyang , Wang Xiao-Fan
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Chronic inflammation in liver tissue is an underlying cause of hepatocellular carcinoma. High levels of inflammatory cytokine IL18 in the circulation of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma correlates with poor prognosis. However, conflicting results have been reported for IL18 in hepatocellular carcinoma development and progression. In this study, we used tissue specimens from hepatocellular carcinoma patients and clinically relevant mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma to evaluate IL18 expression and function. In a mouse model of liver fibrosis that recapitulates a tumor-promoting microenvironment, global deletion of the IL18 receptor IL18R1 enhanced tumor growth and burden. Similarly, in a carcinogen-induced model of liver tumorigenesis, IL18R1 deletion increased tumor burden. Mechanistically, we found that IL18 exerted inflammation-dependent tumor-suppressive effects largely by promoting the differentiation, activity, and survival of tumor-infiltrating T cells. Finally, differences in the expression of IL18 in tumor tissue versus nontumor tissue were more predictive of patient outcome than overall tissue expression. Taken together, our findings resolve a long-standing contradiction regarding a tumor-suppressive role for IL18 in established hepatocellular carcinoma and provide a mechanistic explanation for the complex relationship between its expression pattern and hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis. Cancer Res; 76(8); 2394–405. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Inflammasome Adaptor ASC Suppresses Apoptosis of Gastric Cancer Cells by an IL18-Mediated Inflammation-Independent Mechanism
Authors: Deswaerte Virginie , Nguyen Paul , West Alison , Browning Alison F. , Yu Liang , Ruwanpura Saleela M. , Balic Jesse , Livis Thaleia , Girard Charlotte , Preaudet Adele , Oshima Hiroko , Fung Ka Yee , Tye Hazel , Najdovska Meri , Ernst Matthias , Oshima Masanobu , Gabay Cem , Putoczki Tracy , Jenkins Brendan J.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Inflammasomes are key regulators of innate immunity in chronic inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases, but their role in inflammation-associated tumorigenesis remains ill-defined. Here we reveal a protumorigenic role in gastric cancer for the key inflammasome adaptor apoptosis-related speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) and its effector cytokine IL18. Genetic ablation of ASC in the gp130F/F spontaneous mouse model of intestinal-type gastric cancer suppressed tumorigenesis by augmenting caspase-8-like apoptosis in the gastric epithelium, independently from effects on myeloid cells and mucosal inflammation. This phenotype was characterized by reduced activation of caspase-1 and NF-κB activation and reduced expression of mature IL18, but not IL1β, in gastric tumors. Genetic ablation of IL18 in the same model also suppressed gastric tumorigenesis, whereas blockade of IL1β and IL1α activity upon genetic ablation of the IL1 receptor had no effect. The specific protumorigenic role for IL18 was associated with high IL18 gene expression in the gastric tumor epithelium compared with IL1β, which was preferentially expressed in immune cells. Supporting an epithelial-specific role for IL18, we found it to be highly secreted from human gastric cancer cell lines. Moreover, IL18 blockade either by a neutralizing anti-IL18 antibody or by CRISPR/Cas9-driven deletion of ASC augmented apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells. In clinical specimens of human gastric cancer tumors, we observed a significant positive correlation between elevated mature IL18 protein and ASC mRNA levels. Collectively, our findings reveal the ASC/IL18 signaling axis as a candidate therapeutic target in gastric cancer.

Significance: Inflammasome activation that elevates IL18 helps drive gastric cancer by protecting cancer cells against apoptosis, with potential implications for new therapeutic strategies in this setting. Cancer Res; 78(5); 1293–307. ©2017 AACR.
Data from PROTOCADHERIN 7 Acts through SET and PP2A to Potentiate MAPK Signaling by EGFR and KRAS during Lung Tumorigenesis
Authors: Zhou Xiaorong , Updegraff Barrett L. , Guo Yabin , Peyton Michael , Girard Luc , Larsen Jill E. , Xie Xian-Jin , Zhou Yunyun , Hwang Tae Hyun , Xie Yang , Rodriguez-Canales Jaime , Villalobos Pamela , Behrens Carmen , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Minna John D. , O'Donnell Kathryn A.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-associated deaths worldwide. Given the efficacy of membrane proteins as therapeutic targets in human malignancies, we examined cell-surface receptors that may act as drivers of lung tumorigenesis. Here, we report that the PROTOCADHERIN PCDH7 is overexpressed frequently in NSCLC tumors where this event is associated with poor clinical outcome. PCDH7 overexpression synergized with EGFR and KRAS to induce MAPK signaling and tumorigenesis. Conversely, PCDH7 depletion suppressed ERK activation, sensitized cells to MEK inhibitors, and reduced tumor growth. PCDH7 potentiated ERK signaling by facilitating interaction of protein phosphatase PP2A with its potent inhibitor, the SET oncoprotein. By establishing an oncogenic role for PCDH7 in lung tumorigenesis, our results provide a rationale to develop novel PCDH7 targeting therapies that act at the cell surface of NSCLC cells to compromise their growth. Cancer Res; 77(1); 187–97. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Identification of a Natural Killer Cell Receptor Allele That Prolongs Survival of Cytomegalovirus-Positive Glioblastoma Patients
Authors: Dominguez–Valentin Mev , Gras Navarro Andrea , Rahman Aminur Mohummad , Kumar Surendra , Retière Christèle , Ulvestad Elling , Kristensen Vessela , Lund-Johansen Morten , Lie Benedicte Alexandra , Enger Per Øyvind , Njølstad Gro , Kristoffersen Einar , Lie Stein Atle , Chekenya Martha
Published: March 2023

Abstract
By affecting immunological presentation, the presence of cytomegalovirus in some glioblastomas may impact progression. In this study, we examined a hypothesized role for natural killer (NK) cells in impacting disease progression in this setting. We characterized 108 glioblastoma patients and 454 healthy controls for HLA-A,-B,-C, NK-cell KIR receptors, and CMV-specific antibodies and correlated these metrics with clinical parameters. Exome sequences from a large validation set of glioblastoma patients and control individuals were examined from in silico databases. We demonstrated that the KIR allele KIR2DS4*00101 was independently prognostic of prolonged survival. KIR2DS4*00101 displayed 100% concordance with cognate HLA-C1 ligands in glioblastoma patients, but not controls. In the context of both HLA-C1/C2 ligands for the KIR2DS4 receptor, patient survival was further extended. Notably, all patients carrying KIR2DS4*00101 alleles were CMV seropositive, but not control individuals, and exhibited increased NK-cell subpopulations, which expressed the cytotoxicity receptors CD16, NKG2D, and CD94/NKG2C. Finally, healthy controls exhibited a reduced risk for developing glioblastoma if they carried two KIR2DS4*00101 alleles, where protection was greatest among Caucasian individuals. Our findings suggest that KIR2DS4*00101 may offer a molecular biomarker to identify intrinsically milder forms of glioblastoma. Cancer Res; 76(18); 5326–36. ©2016 AACR.