bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Nuclear Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Is a Functional Molecular Target in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Brand Toni M. , Iida Mari , Dunn Emily F. , Luthar Neha , Kostopoulos Kellie T. , Corrigan Kelsey L. , Wleklinski Matthew J. , Yang David , Wisinski Kari B. , Salgia Ravi , Wheeler Deric L.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subclass of breast cancers (i.e., estrogen receptor–negative, progesterone receptor–negative, and HER2-negative) that have poor prognosis and very few identified molecular targets. Strikingly, a high percentage of TNBCs overexpresses the EGF receptor (EGFR), yet EGFR inhibition has yielded little clinical benefit. Over the last decade, advances in EGFR biology have established that EGFR functions in two distinct signaling pathways: (i) classical membrane-bound signaling and (ii) nuclear signaling. Previous studies have demonstrated that nuclear EGFR (nEGFR) can enhance resistance to anti-EGFR therapies and is correlated with poor overall survival in breast cancer. On the basis of these findings, we hypothesized that nEGFR may promote intrinsic resistance to cetuximab in TNBC. To examine this question, a battery of TNBC cell lines and human tumors were screened and found to express nEGFR. Knockdown of EGFR expression demonstrated that TNBC cell lines retained dependency on EGFR for proliferation, yet all cell lines were resistant to cetuximab. Furthermore, Src Family Kinases (SFKs) influenced nEGFR translocation in TNBC cell lines and in vivo tumor models, where inhibition of SFK activity led to potent reductions in nEGFR expression. Inhibition of nEGFR translocation led to a subsequent accumulation of EGFR on the plasma membrane, which greatly enhanced sensitivity of TNBC cells to cetuximab. Collectively, these data suggest that targeting both the nEGFR signaling pathway, through the inhibition of its nuclear transport, and the classical EGFR signaling pathway with cetuximab may be a viable approach for the treatment of patients with TNBC. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(5); 1356–68. ©2014 AACR.
Data from Dual Metronomic Chemotherapy with Nab-Paclitaxel and Topotecan Has Potent Antiangiogenic Activity in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Previs Rebecca A. , Armaiz-Pena Guillermo N. , Lin Yvonne G. , Davis Ashley N. , Pradeep Sunila , Dalton Heather J. , Hansen Jean M. , Merritt William M. , Nick Alpa M. , Langley Robert R. , Coleman Robert L. , Sood Anil K.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
There is growing recognition of the important role of metronomic chemotherapy in cancer treatment. On the basis of their unique antiangiogenic effects, we tested the efficacy of nab-paclitaxel, which stimulates thrombospondin-1, and topotecan, which inhibits hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α, at metronomic dosing for the treatment of ovarian carcinoma. In vitro and in vivo SKOV3ip1, HeyA8, and HeyA8-MDR (taxane-resistant) orthotopic models were used to examine the effects of metronomic nab-paclitaxel and metronomic topotecan. We examined cell proliferation (Ki-67), apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3), and angiogenesis (microvessel density, MVD) in tumors obtained at necropsy. In vivo therapy experiments demonstrated treatment with metronomic nab-paclitaxel alone and in combination with metronomic topotecan resulted in significant reductions in tumor weight (62% in the SKOV3ip1 model, P < 0.01 and 96% in the HeyA8 model, P < 0.03) compared with vehicle (P < 0.01). In the HeyA8-MDR model, metronomic monotherapy with either cytotoxic agent had modest effects on tumor growth, but combination therapy decreased tumor burden by 61% compared with vehicle (P < 0.03). The greatest reduction in MVD (P < 0.05) and proliferation was seen in combination metronomic therapy groups. Combination metronomic therapy resulted in prolonged overall survival in vivo compared with other groups (P < 0.001). Tube formation was significantly inhibited in RF-24 endothelial cells exposed to media conditioned with metronomic nab-paclitaxel alone and media conditioned with combination metronomic nab-paclitaxel and metronomic topotecan. The combination of metronomic nab-paclitaxel and metronomic topotecan offers a novel, highly effective therapeutic approach for ovarian carcinoma that merits further clinical development. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(12); 2677–86. ©2015 AACR.
Data from The Combination of the PARP Inhibitor Rucaparib and 5FU Is an Effective Strategy for Treating Acute Leukemias
Authors: Falzacappa Maria Vittoria Verga , Ronchini Chiara , Faretta Mario , Iacobucci Ilaria , Di Rorà Andrea Ghelli Luserna , Martinelli Giovanni , Meyer Lüder Hinrich , Debatin Klaus-Michael , Orecchioni Stefania , Bertolini Francesco , Pelicci Pier Giuseppe
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The existing treatments to cure acute leukemias seem to be nonspecific and suboptimal for most patients, drawing attention to the need of new therapeutic strategies. In the last decade the anticancer potential of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors became apparent and now several PARP inhibitors are being developed to treat various malignancies. So far, the usage of PARP inhibitors has been mainly focused on the treatment of solid tumors and not too much about their efficacy on leukemias is known. In this study we test, for the first time on leukemic cells, a combined therapy that associates the conventional chemotherapeutic agent fluorouracil (5FU), used as a source of DNA damage, and a PARP inhibitor, rucaparib. We demonstrate the efficacy and the specificity of this combined therapy in killing both acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoid leukemia cells in vitro and in vivo. We clearly show that the inhibition of DNA repair induced by rucaparib is synthetic lethal with the DNA damage caused by 5FU in leukemic cells. Therefore, we propose a new therapeutic strategy able to enhance the cytotoxic effect of DNA-damaging agents in leukemia cells via inhibiting the repair of damaged DNA. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(4); 889–98. ©2015 AACR.
Data from Selective Inhibition of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Growth by the Mitotic MPS1 Kinase Inhibitor NMS-P715
Authors: Slee Roger B. , Grimes Brenda R. , Bansal Ruchi , Gore Jesse , Blackburn Corinne , Brown Lyndsey , Gasaway Rachel , Jeong Jaesik , Victorino Jose , March Keith L. , Colombo Riccardo , Herbert Brittney-Shea , Korc Murray
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Most solid tumors, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), exhibit structural and numerical chromosome instability (CIN). Although often implicated as a driver of tumor progression and drug resistance, CIN also reduces cell fitness and poses a vulnerability that can be exploited therapeutically. The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) ensures correct chromosome-microtubule attachment, thereby minimizing chromosome segregation errors. Many tumors exhibit upregulation of SAC components such as MPS1, which may help contain CIN within survivable limits. Prior studies showed that MPS1 inhibition with the small molecule NMS-P715 limits tumor growth in xenograft models. In cancer cell lines, NMS-P715 causes cell death associated with impaired SAC function and increased chromosome missegregation. Although normal cells appeared more resistant, effects on stem cells, which are the dose-limiting toxicity of most chemotherapeutics, were not examined. Elevated expression of 70 genes (CIN70), including MPS1, provides a surrogate measure of CIN and predicts poor patient survival in multiple tumor types. Our new findings show that the degree of CIN70 upregulation varies considerably among PDAC tumors, with higher CIN70 gene expression predictive of poor outcome. We identified a 25 gene subset (PDAC CIN25) whose overexpression was most strongly correlated with poor survival and included MPS1. In vitro, growth of human and murine PDAC cells is inhibited by NMS-P715 treatment, whereas adipose-derived human mesenchymal stem cells are relatively resistant and maintain chromosome stability upon exposure to NMS-P715. These studies suggest that NMS-P715 could have a favorable therapeutic index and warrant further investigation of MPS1 inhibition as a new PDAC treatment strategy. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(2); 307–15. ©2013 AACR.
Data from Antitumor Impact of p14ARF on Gefitinib-Resistant Non–Small Cell Lung Cancers
Authors: Saito Ken , Takigawa Nagio , Ohtani Naoko , Iioka Hidekazu , Tomita Yuki , Ueda Ryuzo , Fukuoka Junya , Kuwahara Kazuhiko , Ichihara Eiki , Kiura Katsuyuki , Kondo Eisaku
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been observed in many malignant tumors and its constitutive signal transduction facilitates the proliferation of tumors. EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as gefitinib, are widely used as a molecular-targeting agent for the inactivation of EGFR signaling and show considerable therapeutic effect in non–small cell lung cancers harboring activating EGFR mutations. However, prolonged treatment inevitably produces tumors with additional gefitinib-resistant mutations in EGFR, which is a critical issue for current therapeutics. We aimed to characterize the distinct molecular response to gefitinib between the drug-resistant and drug-sensitive lung adenocarcinoma cells in order to learn about therapeutics based on the molecular information. From the quantitative PCR analysis, we found a specific increase in p14ARF expression in gefitinib-sensitive lung adenocarcinoma clones, which was absent in gefitinib-resistant clones. Moreover, mitochondria-targeted p14ARF triggered the most augmented apoptosis in both clones. We identified the amino acid residues spanning from 38 to 65 as a functional core of mitochondrial p14ARF (p14 38-65 a.a.), which reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential and caused caspase-9 activation. The synthesized peptide covering the p14 38-65 a.a. induced growth suppression of the gefitinib-resistant clones without affecting nonneoplastic cells. Notably, transduction of the minimized dose of the p14 38-65 peptide restored the response to gefitinib like that in the sensitive clones. These findings suggest that the region of p14ARF 38-65 a.a. is critical in the pharmacologic action of gefitinib against EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma cells and has potential utility in the therapeutics of gefitinib-resistant cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(8); 1616–28. ©2013 AACR.
Data from Genome-wide siRNA Screen Identifies the Radiosensitizing Effect of Downregulation of MASTL and FOXM1 in NSCLC
Authors: Nagel Remco , Stigter-van Walsum Marijke , Buijze Marijke , van den Berg Jaap , van der Meulen Ida H. , Hodzic Jasmina , Piersma Sander R. , Pham Thang V. , Jiménez Connie R. , van Beusechem Victor W. , Brakenhoff Ruud H.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and on top of that has a very poor prognosis, which is reflected by a 5-year survival rate of 5% to 15%. Radiotherapy is an integral part of most treatment regimens for this type of tumor, often combined with radiosensitizing cytotoxic drugs. In this study, we identified many genes that could potentially be exploited for targeted radiosensitization using a genome-wide siRNA screen in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. The screen identified 433 siRNAs that potentially sensitize lung cancer cells to radiation. Validation experiments showed that knockdown of expression of Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) or microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase-like (MASTL) indeed causes radiosensitization in a panel of NSCLC cells. Strikingly, this effect was not observed in primary human fibroblasts, suggesting that the observed radiosensitization is specific for cancer cells. Phosphoproteomics analyses with and without irradiation showed that a number of cell-cycle–related proteins were significantly less phosphorylated after MASTL knockdown in comparison to the control, while there were no changes in the levels of phosphorylation of DNA damage response proteins. Subsequent analyses showed that MASTL knockdown cells respond differently to radiation, with a significantly shortened G2–M phase arrest and defects in cytokinesis, which are followed by a cell-cycle arrest. In summary, we have identified many potential therapeutic targets that could be used for radiosensitization of NSCLC cells, with MASTL being a very promising and druggable target to combine with radiotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(6); 1434–44. ©2015 AACR.
Data from CC-223, a Potent and Selective Inhibitor of mTOR Kinase: In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization
Authors: Mortensen Deborah S. , Fultz Kimberly E. , Xu Shuichan , Xu Weiming , Packard Garrick , Khambatta Godrej , Gamez James C. , Leisten Jim , Zhao Jingjing , Apuy Julius , Ghoreishi Kamran , Hickman Matt , Narla Rama Krishna , Bissonette Rene , Richardson Samantha , Peng Sophie X. , Perrin-Ninkovic Sophie , Tran Tam , Shi Tao , Yang Wen Qing , Tong Zeen , Cathers Brian E. , Moghaddam Mehran F. , Canan Stacie S. , Worland Peter , Sankar Sabita , Raymon Heather K.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
mTOR is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates cell growth, metabolism, proliferation, and survival. mTOR complex-1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex-2 (mTORC2) are critical mediators of the PI3K–AKT pathway, which is frequently mutated in many cancers, leading to hyperactivation of mTOR signaling. Although rapamycin analogues, allosteric inhibitors that target only the mTORC1 complex, have shown some clinical activity, it is hypothesized that mTOR kinase inhibitors, blocking both mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling, will have expanded therapeutic potential. Here, we describe the preclinical characterization of CC-223. CC-223 is a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of mTOR kinase, demonstrating inhibition of mTORC1 (pS6RP and p4EBP1) and mTORC2 [pAKT(S473)] in cellular systems. Growth inhibitory activity was demonstrated in hematologic and solid tumor cell lines. mTOR kinase inhibition in cells, by CC-223, resulted in more complete inhibition of the mTOR pathway biomarkers and improved antiproliferative activity as compared with rapamycin. Growth inhibitory activity and apoptosis was demonstrated in a panel of hematologic cancer cell lines. Correlative analysis revealed that IRF4 expression level associates with resistance, whereas mTOR pathway activation seems to associate with sensitivity. Treatment with CC-223 afforded in vivo tumor biomarker inhibition in tumor-bearing mice, after a single oral dose. CC-223 exhibited dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition in multiple solid tumor xenografts. Significant inhibition of mTOR pathway markers pS6RP and pAKT in CC-223–treated tumors suggests that the observed antitumor activity of CC-223 was mediated through inhibition of both mTORC1 and mTORC2. CC-223 is currently in phase I clinical trials. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(6); 1295–305. ©2015 AACR.
Data from Pharmacologic Suppression of JAK1/2 by JAK1/2 Inhibitor AZD1480 Potently Inhibits IL-6–Induced Experimental Prostate Cancer Metastases Formation
Authors: Gu Lei , Talati Pooja , Vogiatzi Paraskevi , Romero-Weaver Ana L. , Abdulghani Junaid , Liao Zhiyong , Leiby Benjamin , Hoang David T. , Mirtti Tuomas , Alanen Kalle , Zinda Michael , Huszar Dennis , Nevalainen Marja T.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Metastatic prostate cancer is lethal and lacks effective strategies for prevention or treatment, requiring novel therapeutic approaches. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine that has been linked with prostate cancer pathogenesis by multiple studies. However, the direct functional roles of IL-6 in prostate cancer growth and progression have been unclear. In the present study, we show that IL-6 is produced in distant metastases of clinical prostate cancers. IL-6–activated signaling pathways in prostate cancer cells induced a robust 7-fold increase in metastases formation in nude mice. We further show that IL-6 promoted migratory prostate cancer cell phenotype, including increased prostate cancer cell migration, microtubule reorganization, and heterotypic adhesion of prostate cancer cells to endothelial cells. IL-6–driven metastasis was predominantly mediated by Stat3 and to lesser extent by ERK1/2. Most importantly, pharmacologic inhibition of Jak1/2 by AZD1480 suppressed IL-6–induced signaling, migratory prostate cancer cell phenotypes, and metastatic dissemination of prostate cancer in vivo in nude mice. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the cytokine IL-6 directly promotes prostate cancer metastasis in vitro and in vivo via Jak–Stat3 signaling pathway, and that IL-6–driven metastasis can be effectively suppressed by pharmacologic targeting of Jak1/2 using Jak1/2 inhibitor AZD1480. Our results therefore provide a strong rationale for further development of Jak1/2 inhibitors as therapy for metastatic prostate cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(5); 1246–58. ©2014 AACR.
Data from Coordinate Hyperactivation of Notch1 and Ras/MAPK Pathways Correlates with Poor Patient Survival: Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Aggressive Breast Cancers
Authors: Mittal Suruchi , Sharma Ankur , Balaji Sai A. , Gowda Manju C. , Dighe Rajan R. , Kumar Rekha V. , Rangarajan Annapoorni
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Aberrant activation of Notch and Ras pathways has been detected in breast cancers. A synergy between these two pathways has also been shown in breast cell transformation in culture. Yet, the clinical relevance of Notch–Ras cooperation in breast cancer progression remains unexplored. In this study, we show that coordinate hyperactivation of Notch1 and Ras/MAPK pathways in breast cancer patient specimens, as assessed by IHC for cleaved Notch1 and pErk1/2, respectively, correlated with early relapse to vital organs and poor overall survival. Interestingly, majority of such Notch1highErkhigh cases encompassed the highly aggressive triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC), and were enriched in stem cell markers. We further show that combinatorial inhibition of Notch1 and Ras/MAPK pathways, using a novel mAb against Notch1 and a MEK inhibitor, respectively, led to a significant reduction in proliferation and survival of breast cancer cells compared with individual inhibition. Combined inhibition also abrogated sphere-forming potential, and depleted the putative cancer stem-like cell subpopulation. Most importantly, combinatorial inhibition of Notch1 and Ras/MAPK pathways completely blocked tumor growth in a panel of breast cancer xenografts, including the TNBCs. Thus, our study identifies coordinate hyperactivation of Notch1 and Ras/MAPK pathways as novel biomarkers for poor breast cancer outcome. Furthermore, based on our preclinical data, we propose combinatorial targeting of these two pathways as a treatment strategy for highly aggressive breast cancers, particularly the TNBCs that currently lack any targeted therapeutic module. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(12); 3198–209. ©2014 AACR.
Data from Activation of Liver X Receptors Inhibits Hedgehog Signaling, Clonogenic Growth, and Self-Renewal in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Agarwal Jasmin R. , Wang Qiuju , Tanno Toshihiko , Rasheed Zeshaan , Merchant Akil , Ghosh Nilanjan , Borrello Ivan , Huff Carol Ann , Parhami Farhad , Matsui William
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is aberrantly activated in a wide variety of human cancers, and recent clinical studies have demonstrated that pathway inhibitors are effective in advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The majority of these agents have been designed to target SMOOTHENED (SMO), a transmembrane regulator of Hh signaling, but subsequent mutations in SMO have been found to generate drug resistance. In other cancers, oncogenic events that bypass SMO may activate canonical Hh signaling, and SMO antagonists have not demonstrated significant activity in several diseases. Therefore, alternative strategies targeting the Hh pathway downstream of SMO may have clinical utility. Liver X receptors (LXR) regulate cholesterol and fatty acid homeostasis, and LXR activation can inhibit the Hh pathway in normal mouse embryonic fibroblasts. We examined the effects of LXR activation on Hh signaling in human multiple myeloma cells and found that LXR agonists inhibited Hh pathway activity and clonogenic tumor growth in vitro. LXR activation also inhibited putative multiple myeloma cancer stem cells in vivo leading to the loss of tumor initiating and self-renewal potential. Finally, Hh signaling was inhibited downstream of SMO, suggesting that LXR agonists may represent a novel strategy to target pathogenic Hh signaling as well as treat multiple myeloma. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(7); 1873–81. ©2014 AACR.
Data from BIBF 1120 (Nintedanib), a Triple Angiokinase Inhibitor, Induces Hypoxia but not EMT and Blocks Progression of Preclinical Models of Lung and Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Kutluk Cenik Bercin , Ostapoff Katherine T. , Gerber David E. , Brekken Rolf A.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Signaling from other angiokinases may underlie resistance to VEGF-directed therapy. We evaluated the antitumor and biologic effects of BIBF 1120 (nintedanib), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets VEGF receptor, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and fibroblast growth factor receptor in preclinical models of lung and pancreatic cancer, including models resistant to VEGF-targeted treatments. In vitro, BIBF 1120 did not show antiproliferative effects, nor did it sensitize tumor cells to chemotherapy. However, in vivo BIBF 1120 inhibited primary tumor growth in all models as a single agent and in combination with standard chemotherapy. Analysis of tumor tissue posttreatment revealed that BIBF 1120 reduced proliferation (phospho-histone 3) and elevated apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3) to a greater extent than chemotherapy alone. Furthermore, BIBF 1120 showed potent antiangiogenic effects, including decreases in microvessel density (CD31), pericyte coverage (NG2), vessel permeability, and perfusion, while increasing hypoxia. Despite the induction of hypoxia, markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were not elevated in BIBF 1120–treated tumors. In summary, BIBF 1120 showed potent antitumor and antiangiogenic activity in preclinical models of lung and pancreatic cancer where it induced hypoxia but not EMT. The absence of EMT induction, which has been implicated in resistance to antiangiogenic therapies, is noteworthy. Together, these results warrant further clinical studies of BIBF 1120. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(6); 992–1001. ©2013 AACR.
Data from Suppression of Survivin Induced by a BCR-ABL/JAK2/STAT3 Pathway Sensitizes Imatinib-Resistant CML Cells to Different Cytotoxic Drugs
Authors: Stella Stefania , Tirrò Elena , Conte Enrico , Stagno Fabio , Di Raimondo Francesco , Manzella Livia , Vigneri Paolo
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The BCR-ABL oncoprotein of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) displays exclusive cytoplasmic localization and constitutive tyrosine kinase activity leading to the activation of different pathways that favor cell proliferation and survival. BCR-ABL induces survivin expression at both the mRNA and protein level, thus inhibiting the apoptotic machinery of CML cells and contributing to the expansion of the leukemic clone. We report that, in human CML cell lines, BCR-ABL–mediated upregulation of survivin involves the JAK2/STAT3 pathway since silencing of either protein caused a consistent reduction in survivin expression. Cell lines unresponsive to imatinib mesylate (IM) because of BCR-ABL gene amplification were not resensitized to the drug after survivin downregulation. However, cells insensitive to IM because of point mutations in the BCR-ABL kinase domain were highly responsive to hydroxyurea (HU) after survivin silencing. To address the possible clinical applications of our results, we used shepherdin, a cell-permeable peptidomimetic compound that downregulates survivin expression by preventing its interaction with Hsp90. Incubation with shepherdin of immortalized cell lines both sensitive and resistant to IM enhanced cell death induced by HU and doxorubicin. Similarly, the combination of shepherdin with first- and second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors reduced the colony-forming potential of human progenitors derived from both patients with IM-sensitive and IM-resistant CML. These results suggest that strategies aimed at reducing survivin levels may represent a potential therapeutic option for patients with CML unresponsive to IM. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(6); 1085–98. ©2013 AACR.
Data from ERK Phosphorylation Is Predictive of Resistance to IGF-1R Inhibition in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zinn Rebekah L. , Gardner Eric E. , Marchionni Luigi , Murphy Sara C. , Dobromilskaya Irina , Hann Christine L. , Rudin Charles M.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
New therapies are critically needed to improve the outcome for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) inhibition is a potential treatment strategy for SCLC: the IGF-1R pathway is commonly upregulated in SCLC and has been associated with inhibition of apoptosis and stimulation of proliferation through downstream signaling pathways, including phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase. To evaluate potential determinants of response to IGF-1R inhibition, we assessed the relative sensitivity of 19 SCLC cell lines to OSI-906, a small molecule inhibitor of IGF-1R, and the closely related insulin receptor. Approximately one third of these cell lines were sensitive to OSI-906, with an IC50 < 1 μmol/L. Cell line expression of IGF-1R, IR, IGF-1, IGF-2, IGFBP3, and IGFBP6 did not correlate with sensitivity to OSI-906. Interestingly, OSI-906 sensitive lines expressed significantly lower levels of baseline phospho-ERK relative to resistant lines (P = 0.006). OSI-906 treatment resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of phospho-IGF-1R and phospho-Akt in both sensitive and resistant cell lines, but induced apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest only in sensitive lines. We tested the in vivo efficacy of OSI-906 using an NCI-H187 xenograft model and two SCLC patient xenografts in mice. OSI-906 treatment resulted in 50% tumor growth inhibition in NCI-H187 and 30% inhibition in the primary patient xenograft models compared with mock-treated animals. Taken together our data support IGF-1R inhibition as a viable treatment strategy for a defined subset of SCLC and suggest that low pretreatment levels of phospho-ERK may be indicative of sensitivity to this therapeutic approach. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(6); 1131–9. ©2013 AACR.
Data from In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization of Irreversible Mutant-Selective EGFR Inhibitors That Are Wild-Type Sparing
Authors: Tjin Tham Sjin Robert , Lee Kwangho , Walter Annette O. , Dubrovskiy Aleksandr , Sheets Michael , Martin Thia St. , Labenski Matthew T. , Zhu Zhendong , Tester Richland , Karp Russell , Medikonda Aravind , Chaturvedi Prasoon , Ren Yixuan , Haringsma Henry , Etter Jeff , Raponi Mitch , Simmons Andrew D. , Harding Thomas C. , Niu Deqiang , Nacht Mariana , Westlin William F. , Petter Russell C. , Allen Andrew , Singh Juswinder
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Patients with non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) with activating mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) initially respond well to the EGFR inhibitors erlotinib and gefitinib. However, all patients relapse because of the emergence of drug-resistant mutations, with T790M mutations accounting for approximately 60% of all resistance. Second-generation irreversible EGFR inhibitors are effective against T790M mutations in vitro, but retain affinity for wild-type EGFR (EGFRWT). These inhibitors have not provided compelling clinical benefit in T790M-positive patients, apparently because of dose-limiting toxicities associated with inhibition of EGFRWT. Thus, there is an urgent clinical need for therapeutics that overcome T790M drug resistance while sparing EGFRWT. Here, we describe a lead optimization program that led to the discovery of four potent irreversible 2,4-diaminopyrimidine compounds that are EGFR mutant (EGFRmut) selective and have been designed to have low affinity for EGFRWT. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies in H1975 tumor–bearing mice showed that exposure was dose proportional resulting in dose-dependent EGFR modulation. Importantly, evaluation of normal lung tissue from the same animals showed no inhibition of EGFRWT. Of all the compounds tested, compound 3 displayed the best efficacy in EGFRL858R/T790M-driven tumors. Compound 3, now renamed CO-1686, is currently in a phase I/II clinical trial in patients with EGFRmut-advanced NSCLC that have received prior EGFR-directed therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(6); 1468–79. ©2014 AACR.
Data from PIM Kinases Are Essential for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cell Survival (PIM2/3) and CXCR4-Mediated Microenvironmental Interactions (PIM1)
Authors: Decker Sarah , Finter Johannes , Forde Aaron James , Kissel Sandra , Schwaller Juerg , Mack Thomas Sebastian , Kuhn Anabel , Gray Nathanael , Follo Marie , Jumaa Hassan , Burger Meike , Zirlik Katja , Pfeifer Dietmar , Miduturu Chandrasekhar V. , Eibel Hermann , Veelken Hendrik , Dierks Christine
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Overexpression of the CXCR4 receptor is a hallmark of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and is important for CLL cell survival, migration, and interaction with their protective microenvironment. In acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), PIM1 was shown to regulate the surface expression of the CXCR4 receptor. Here, we show that PIM (proviral integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus) kinases 1–3 are overexpressed and that the CXCR4 receptor is hyperphosphorylated on Ser339 in CLL compared with normal lymphocytes. Furthermore, CXCR4 phosphorylation correlates with PIM1 protein expression and PIM1 transcript levels in CLL. PIM kinase inhibition with three different PIM kinase inhibitors induced apoptosis in CLL cells independent of the presence of protective stromal cells. In addition, PIM inhibition caused dephosphorylation of the CXCR4 receptor on Ser339, resulting in enhanced ligand-dependent CXCR4 internalization and reduced re-externalization after withdrawal of CXCL12. Furthermore, PIM inhibition in CLL cells blocked CXCR4 functions, such as migration toward CXCL12- or CXCL12-induced extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. In concordance, pretreatment of CLL cells with PIM kinase inhibitors strongly reduced homing of CLL cells toward the bone marrow and the spleen of Rag2−/−γc−/− mice in vivo. Interestingly, the knockdown of PIM kinases in CLL cells demonstrated diverging functions, with PIM1 regulating CXCR4 surface expression and PIM2 and PIM3 as important for the survival of CLL cells. Our results show that PIM kinase inhibitors are an effective therapeutic option for CLL, not only by impairing PIM2/3-mediated CLL cell survival, but also by blocking the PIM1/CXCR4-mediated interaction of CLL cells with their protective microenvironment. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(5); 1231–45. ©2014 AACR.
Data from BH3 Profiling Discriminates Response to Cytarabine-Based Treatment of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Authors: Pierceall William E. , Kornblau Steven M. , Carlson Nicole E. , Huang Xuelin , Blake Noel , Lena Ryan , Elashoff Michael , Konopleva Marina , Cardone Michael H. , Andreeff Michael
Published: March 2024

Abstract
As acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) patient response to cytarabine-based standard-of-care treatment is variable, stratification into subgroups by biomarker-predicted response may lead to improved clinical outcomes. Here, we assess cell mitochondrial depolarization to proapoptotic signaling BH3-only peptides as a surrogate for the function of Bcl-2 family proteins to address clinical response to cytarabine-based therapy in patients with AML (N = 62). Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) or bone marrow aspirate specimens were obtained from newly diagnosed patients with AML, viably preserved, and assayed by flow cytometry following BH3 profile assay with individual BH3 peptides. Mann–Whitney analysis indicates biomarker correlation with response to induction therapy: Notably, BIM priming was highly significant (P = 2 × 10−6) with a compelling sensitivity/specificity profile [area under curve (AUC) = 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.73–0.94; P = 2 × 10−10]. Multivariate analysis indicates improved profiles for BIM readout + patient age (AUC = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81–0.97) and BIM + patient age + cytogenetic status (AUC = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.83–0.98). When patients were stratified by cytogenetic status, BIM readout was significant for both intermediate (P = 0.0017; AUC = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.71–1.04) and unfavorable (P = 0.023; AUC = 0.79; 95% CI, 0.58–1.00) risk groups, demonstrating predictive power independent of cytogenetics. Additional analyses of secondary clinical endpoints displayed correlation between overall survival (P = 0.037) and event-free survival (P = 0.044) when patients were stratified into tertiles by BIM peptide response. Taken together, these results highlight the potential utility of BH3 profiling in personalized diagnostics of AML by offering actionable information for patient management decisions. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(12); 2940–9. ©2013 AACR.
Data from Protein Kinase D as a Potential Chemotherapeutic Target for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wei Ning , Chu Edward , Wipf Peter , Schmitz John C.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Protein kinase D (PKD) signaling plays a critical role in the regulation of DNA synthesis, proliferation, cell survival, adhesion, invasion/migration, motility, and angiogenesis. To date, relatively little is known about the potential role of PKD in the development and/or progression of human colorectal cancer. We evaluated the expression of different PKD isoforms in colorectal cancer and investigated the antitumor activity of PKD inhibitors against human colorectal cancer. PKD2 was the dominant isoform expressed in human colon cancer cells. PKD3 expression was also observed but PKD1 expression, at both the RNA and protein levels, was not detected. Suppression of PKD using the small molecule inhibitors CRT0066101 and kb-NB142-70 resulted in low micromolar in vitro antiproliferative activity against multiple human colorectal cancer cell lines. Drug treatment was associated with dose-dependent suppression of PKD2 activation. Incubation with CRT0066101 resulted in G2–M phase arrest and induction of apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. Further studies showed that CRT0066101 treatment gave rise to a dose-dependent increase in expression of cleaved PARP and activated caspase-3, in addition to inhibition of AKT and ERK signaling, and suppression of NF-κB activity. Transfection of PKD2-targeted siRNAs resulted in similar effects on downstream pathways as observed with small molecule inhibitors. Daily administration of CRT0066101 resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth in HCT116 xenograft nude mice. Taken together, our studies show that PKD plays a significant role in mediating growth signaling in colorectal cancer and may represent a novel chemotherapeutic target for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(5); 1130–41. ©2014 AACR.
Data from Inhibition of mTOR Signaling Reduces PELP1-Mediated Tumor Growth and Therapy Resistance
Authors: Gonugunta Vijay K. , Sareddy Gangadhara R. , Krishnan Samaya Rajeshwari , Cortez Valerie , Roy Sudipa Saha , Tekmal Rajeshwar Rao , Vadlamudi Ratna K.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Proline, Glutamic acid-, and Leucine-rich Protein 1 (PELP1) is a proto-oncogene that modulates estrogen receptor (ER) signaling. PELP1 expression is upregulated in breast cancer, contributes to therapy resistance, and is a prognostic marker of poor survival. In a subset of breast tumors, PELP1 is predominantly localized in the cytoplasm and PELP1 participates in extranuclear signaling by facilitating ER interactions with Src and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). However, the mechanism by which PELP1 extranuclear actions contributes to cancer progression and therapy resistance remains unclear. In this study, we discovered that PELP1 cross-talked with the serine/threonine protein kinase mTOR and modulated mTOR signaling. PELP1 knockdown significantly reduced the activation of mTOR downstream signaling components. Conversely, PELP1 overexpression excessively activated mTOR signaling components. We detected the presence of the mTOR signaling complex proteins in PELP1 immunoprecipitates. mTOR-targeting drugs (rapamycin and AZD8055) significantly reduced proliferation of PELP1-overexpressed breast cancer cells in both in vitro and in vivo xenograft tumor models. MCF7 cells that uniquely retain PELP1 in the cytoplasm showed resistance to hormonal therapy and mTOR inhibitors sensitized PELP1cyto cells to hormonal therapy in xenograft assays. Notably, immunohistochemical studies using xenograft tumors derived from PELP1 overexpression model cells showed increased mTOR signaling and inhibition of mTOR rendered PELP1-driven tumors to be highly sensitive to therapeutic inhibition. Collectively, our data identified the PELP1–mTOR axis as a novel component of PELP1 oncogenic functions and suggest that mTOR inhibitor(s) will be effective chemotherapeutic agents for downregulating PELP1 oncogenic functions. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(6); 1578–88. ©2014 AACR.
Data from Computational Repositioning and Preclinical Validation of Pentamidine for Renal Cell Cancer
Authors: Zerbini Luiz Fernando , Bhasin Manoj K. , de Vasconcellos Jaira F. , Paccez Juliano D. , Gu Xuesong , Kung Andrew L. , Libermann Towia A.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Although early stages of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) are curable, survival outcome for metastatic ccRCC remains poor. We previously established a highly accurate signature of differentially expressed genes that distinguish ccRCC from normal kidney. The purpose of this study was to apply a new individualized bioinformatics analysis (IBA) strategy to these transcriptome data in conjunction with Gene Set Enrichment Analysis of the Connectivity Map (C-MAP) database to identify and reposition FDA-approved drugs for anticancer therapy. Here, we demonstrate that one of the drugs predicted to revert the RCC gene signature toward normal kidney, pentamidine, is effective against RCC cells in culture and in a RCC xenograft model. ccRCC-specific gene expression signatures of individual patients were used to query the C-MAP software. Eight drugs with negative correlation and P-value <0.05 were analyzed for efficacy against RCC in vitro and in vivo. Our data demonstrate consistency across most patients with ccRCC for the set of high-scoring drugs. Most of the selected high-scoring drugs potently induce apoptosis in RCC cells. Several drugs also demonstrate selectivity for Von Hippel-Lindau negative RCC cells. Most importantly, at least one of these drugs, pentamidine, slows tumor growth in the 786-O human ccRCC xenograft mouse model. Our findings suggest that pentamidine might be a new therapeutic agent to be combined with current standard-of-care regimens for patients with metastatic ccRCC and support our notion that IBA combined with C-MAP analysis enables repurposing of FDA-approved drugs for potential anti-RCC therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(7); 1929–41. ©2014 AACR.
Data from Synergy of Radiotherapy and a Cancer Vaccine for the Treatment of HPV-Associated Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Mondini Michele , Nizard Mevyn , Tran Thi , Mauge Laetitia , Loi Mauro , Clémenson Céline , Dugue Delphine , Maroun Pierre , Louvet Emilie , Adam Julien , Badoual Cécile , Helley Dominique , Dransart Estelle , Johannes Ludger , Vozenin Marie-Catherine , Perfettini Jean-Luc , Tartour Eric , Deutsch Eric
Published: March 2024

Abstract
There is growing interest in the association of radiotherapy and immunotherapy for the treatment of solid tumors. Here, we report an extremely effective combination of local irradiation (IR) and Shiga Toxin B (STxB)–based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for the treatment of HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The efficacy of the irradiation and vaccine association was tested using a model of HNSCC obtained by grafting TC-1/luciferase cells at a submucosal site of the inner lip of immunocompetent mice. Irradiation and the STxB-E7 vaccine acted synergistically with both single and fractionated irradiation schemes, resulting in complete tumor clearance in the majority of the treated mice. A dose threshold of 7.5 Gy was required to elicit the dramatic antitumor response. The combined treatment induced high levels of tumor-infiltrating, antigen-specific CD8+ T cells, which were required to trigger the antitumor activity. Treatment with STxB-E7 and irradiation induced CD8+ T-cell memory, which was sufficient to exert complete antitumor responses in both local recurrences and distant metastases. We also report for the first time that a combination therapy based on local irradiation and vaccination induces an increased pericyte coverage (as shown by αSMA and NG2 staining) and ICAM-1 expression on vessels. This was associated with enhanced intratumor vascular permeability that correlated with the antitumor response, suggesting that the combination therapy could also act through an increased accessibility for immune cells. The combination strategy proposed here offers a promising approach that could potentially be transferred into early-phase clinical trials. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(6); 1336–45. ©2015 AACR.
Data from FAK Inhibition Disrupts a β5 Integrin Signaling Axis Controlling Anchorage-Independent Ovarian Carcinoma Growth
Authors: Tancioni Isabelle , Uryu Sean , Sulzmaier Florian J. , Shah Nina R. , Lawson Christine , Miller Nichol L.G. , Jean Christine , Chen Xiao Lei , Ward Kristy K. , Schlaepfer David D.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Ovarian cancer ascites fluid contains matrix proteins that can impact tumor growth via integrin receptor binding. In human ovarian tumor tissue arrays, we find that activation of the cytoplasmic focal adhesion (FAK) tyrosine kinase parallels increased tumor stage, β5 integrin, and osteopontin matrix staining. Elevated osteopontin, β5 integrin, and FAK mRNA levels are associated with decreased serous ovarian cancer patient survival. FAK remains active within ovarian cancer cells grown as spheroids, and anchorage-independent growth analyses of seven ovarian carcinoma cell lines identified sensitive (HEY, OVCAR8) and resistant (SKOV3-IP, OVCAR10) cells to 0.1 μmol/L FAK inhibitor (VS-4718, formerly PND-1186) treatment. VS-4718 promoted HEY and OVCAR8 G0–G1 cell-cycle arrest followed by cell death, whereas growth of SKOV3-IP and OVCAR10 cells was resistant to 1.0 μmol/L VS-4718. In HEY cells, genetic or pharmacological FAK inhibition prevented tumor growth in mice with corresponding reductions in β5 integrin and osteopontin expression. β5 knockdown reduced HEY cell growth in soft agar, tumor growth in mice, and both FAK Y397 phosphorylation and osteopontin expression in spheroids. FAK inhibitor–resistant (SKOV3-IP, OVCAR10) cells exhibited anchorage-independent Akt S473 phosphorylation, and expression of membrane-targeted and active Akt in sensitive cells (HEY, OVCAR8) increased growth but did not create a FAK inhibitor–resistant phenotype. These results link osteopontin, β5 integrin, and FAK in promoting ovarian tumor progression. β5 integrin expression may serve as a biomarker for serous ovarian carcinoma cells that possess active FAK signaling. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(8); 2050–61. ©2014 AACR.
Data from Preferential Estrogen Receptor β Ligands Reduce Bcl-2 Expression in Hormone-Resistant Breast Cancer Cells to Increase Autophagy
Authors: Ruddy Samantha C. , Lau Rosanna , Cabrita Miguel A. , McGregor Chelsea , McKay Bruce C. , Murphy Leigh C. , Wright James S. , Durst Tony , Pratt M.A. Christine
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Acquired resistance to selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulators (SERM) and downregulators (SERD) is a significant clinical problem in the treatment of estrogen (E2) receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers. There are two ER subtypes, ERα and ERβ, which promote and inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation, respectively. Although ER+ breast cancers typically express a high ratio of ERα to ERβ, the acquisition of SERM resistance in vitro and in vivo is associated with increased relative expression of the ERβ. On some gene enhancers, ERβ has been shown to function in opposition to the ERα in the presence of E2. Here, we demonstrate that two different ERβ agonists, WAY-20070 and a novel “A-CD” estrogen called L17, produce a marked reduction in G2–M phase correlated with effects on cyclin D1 and cyclin E expression in a SERM/SERD-resistant breast cancer cell line. ERβ agonists recruited both the ERα and ERβ to the Bcl-2 E2-response element strongly reducing Bcl-2 mRNA and protein in an ERβ-dependent manner. L17 recruited RIP140 to the Bcl-2 promoter in cells overexpressing ERβ. Exposure to the ERβ ligands also resulted in increased processing of LC3-I to LC3-II, indicative of enhanced autophagic flux. The coaddition of ERβ agonist and the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine resulted in a significant accumulation of sub-G1 DNA which was completely prevented by the addition of the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. We propose that combined therapies with an ERβ agonist and an inhibitor of autophagy may provide the basis for a novel approach to the treatment of SERM/SERD-resistant breast cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(7); 1882–93. ©2014 AACR.
Data from Zoledronic Acid Reverses the Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Inhibits Self-Renewal of Breast Cancer Cells through Inactivation of NF-κB
Authors: Schech Amanda J. , Kazi Armina A. , Gilani Rabia A. , Brodie Angela H.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Zoledronic acid, a third-generation bisphosphonate, has been shown to reduce cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. However, the effects of zoledronic acid on the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a cellular process essential to the metastatic cascade, remain unclear. Therefore, the effects of zoledronic acid on EMT, using triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells as a model system, were examined in more detail. Zoledronic acid treatment decreased the expression of mesenchymal markers, N-cadherin, Twist, and Snail, and subsequently upregulated expression of E-cadherin. Zoledronic acid also inhibited cell viability, induced cell-cycle arrest, and decreased the proliferative capacity of TNBC, suggesting that zoledronic acid inhibits viability through reduction of cell proliferation. As EMT has been linked to acquisition of a self-renewal phenotype, the effects of zoledronic acid on self-renewal in TNBC were also studied. Treatment with zoledronic acid decreased expression of self-renewal proteins, BMI-1 and Oct-4, and both prevented and eliminated mammosphere formation. To understand the mechanism of these results, the effect of zoledronic acid on established EMT regulator NF-κB was investigated. Zoledronic acid inhibited phosphorylation of RelA, the active subunit of NF-κB, at serine 536 and modulated RelA subcellular localization. Treatment with zoledronic acid reduced RelA binding to the Twist promoter, providing a direct link between inactivation of NF-κB signaling and loss of EMT transcription factor gene expression. Binding of Twist to the BMI-1 promoter was also decreased, correlating modulation of EMT to decreased self-renewal. On the basis of these results, it is proposed that through inactivation of NF-κB, zoledronic acid reverses EMT, which leads to a decrease in self-renewal. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(7); 1356–66. ©2013 AACR.