bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 4141: Quantitative measurement of 3D tumor spheroid invasion using live cell time-lapse imaging
Authors: Yang Grace , Wang Tian , Ye Peifang , Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: March 2024

90% of the death of cancer individuals is related to cancer metastasis1. The invasion and migration of cancer cells into surrounding tissues and chambers is the first step of metastasis2. To have a better and more in-depth understanding of the pathophysiological activities involved in metastatic cancer, accurate and reliable methods for evaluating cell invasion are urgently needed. Compared to the 2D cell model, the 3D system mimics the natural physiological properties and conditions, such as structure, physiology, biological signals of living tissues, cell-matrix interactions4. In this study, we followed the commonly used protocol for 3D tumor invasion assay3 to generate spheroids in Ultra-Low-attachment (ULA) round bottom 96-well plate and subsequently embedded them in Matrigel® (5 mg/mL). After polymerization, the Matrigel that contains tumor spheroid was submerged in 100 μL cell culture media. The invasion of the 3D spheroid in the presence or absence of drug treatment was monitored and quantified using the brightfield and fluorescence live cell time-lapse image acquisition and image analysis functions of the Agilent xCELLigence RTCA eSight. The progress of spheroid invasion and the drug-inhibitory effects on tumor invasion were quantified by tracking and calculating the area of invasive protrusion from the spheroid. Our data show that 1) different types of cancer cells had different metastatic potentials demonstrated by the level of invadopodium extending into the Matrigel at desired time points; 2) the invasion of 3D HT1080 spheroid was inhibited by cytochalasin D (Cyto D), an inhibitor of actin polymerization, and GM6001, a potent broad-spectrum inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), in a dose-dependent manner; 3) Cyto D exhibited higher efficacy of inhibiting tumor invasion than GM6001. In summary, our approach by combining the 3D tumor spheroid invasion model with the RTCA eSight’s capability of live cell imaging and automatic quantification of the area of invasive protrusion can facilitate and enhance the development of new treatments at the preclinical stage in the future.

Citation Format: Grace Yang, Tian Wang, Peifang Ye, Xiaoyu Zhang. Quantitative measurement of 3D tumor spheroid invasion using live cell time-lapse imaging [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4141.
Abstract 4188: Kyinno PBMC humanized mouse platform: Pioneering service in biomedical research
Authors: Liu Tongtong , Wu Guojin , He Feng , Luo Longtan , Guo Zhengcheng , Li Shuliang , Ning Jinying , Hao Feng
Published: March 2024

Tumor immunotherapy is the use of the human immune system to kill tumors. Compared with traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, immunotherapy has significant advantages such as significant efficacy, long-lasting effects, and low toxicity. Wild-type mice are widely used as preclinical models for immunotherapy due to their normal immune system, but they have many shortcomings, such as only being able to inoculate mouse tumor cells, differences between mouse and human immune systems, etc., which cannot accurately simulate the interaction between drugs and tumor cells in the human body. Humanized mouse models include PBMCs humanized mouse models, HSC humanized mouse models, and human embryonic bone, liver, and thymus tissue (BLT) transplantation models. Among them, the PBMCs humanized mouse model is widely used due to its simple preparation, short cycle, and high levels of hCD3+ T cells in the peripheral blood of mice. To assist in the development of immunotherapy, KYINNO has established a PBMC humanized mouse platform that can perform in vivo drug efficacy verification of various immunotherapeutic drugs such as CD3 bispecific antibodies or multi-specific antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, etc. We screen many PBMC donors and select PBMC donors with light GvHD and good hCD3+ T cell reconstruction effects. The drug administration window of the PBMC humanized model has been extended to 6 weeks. Platform verification has been performed on subcutaneous and intravenous injection models of various tumors. Overall, we successfully established the PBMC humanized mouse platform, which is a powerful tool for immunotherapy.

Citation Format: Tongtong Liu, Guojin Wu, Feng He, Longtan Luo, Zhengcheng Guo, Shuliang Li, Jinying Ning, Feng Hao. Kyinno PBMC humanized mouse platform: Pioneering service in biomedical research [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4188.
Abstract 4200: A novel 3D culture platform, E-slice, retains intact tumor microenvironment and tumor infiltrating immune cells
Authors: Leyva-Aranda Viridiana , Gallup Thomas , Maldonado Jose , Margain Corina , Yun Sang , Gallup David , Kim Min , Yun Kyuson
Published: March 2024

Human cancer tissue is a complex ecosystem with heterogeneous cell types that communicate with each other dynamically to promote tumor progression and immune evasion. Hence, experimental systems that destroy or select for cancer cells in culture have often failed to accurately predict clinical responses of new drugs. Therefore, a technology that can retain the intact tumor microenvironment (TME) and accurately predict cancer patient’s response to anti-cancer treatments, including immunotherapies, will greatly benefit patients and dramatically reduce the cost of new drug development.

E-slice is a proprietary 3D human tumor culture platform that maintains individual patient tumor’s unique ecosystem and the TME ex vivo for up to 30 days. It is generated by making thin sections of intact, fresh tumor tissues and culturing them in serum-free, defined media. As such, immune components and the TME in E-slices faithfully recapitulate human tumors ex vivo. We demonstrate that E-slices can be used to: 1) measure viability changes upon anti-cancer agent treatment longitudinally; 2) retain the native TME and tissue architecture since E-slices are never dissociated or artificially reconstituted; 3) culture any solid tumor types from patient needle biopsy cores or surgical samples, PDX, or mouse models; 4) perform high content drug screening on human tissues; 5) discover secreted biomarkers and to 6) discover or validate molecular mechanisms of action or therapy resistance; and 7) measure immunotherapy responses ex vivo from human tissues.

Importantly, it has been shown to accurately predict individual patient treatment responses to chemotherapies and targeted therapies in 4-8 days, paving the way for evidence-based personalized treatment selections in a clinically actionable time frame. Furthermore, single cell RNA-sequencing analysis demonstrates that E-slices can retain the viability and molecular phenotypes of tumor infiltrating immune cells for up to 8 days ex vivo, providing a unique platform to study human tumor-immune interactions and evaluate efficacy of immune modulators on human tumor tissues ex vivo.

Citation Format: Viridiana Leyva-Aranda, Thomas Gallup, Jose Maldonado, Corina Margain, Sang Yun, David Gallup, Min Kim, Kyuson Yun. A novel 3D culture platform, E-slice, retains intact tumor microenvironment and tumor infiltrating immune cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4200.
Abstract 4227: Human-derived hydrogels to support phenotypic changes in ER+ breast cancer cell line
Authors: Sanchez Cecilia G. , Hamel Katie , Rogers Emma , Robinson Jordan , Lassiter Haley , Frazier Trivia , Williams Christopher
Published: March 2024

Adipose tissue plays a critical role in breast cancer incidence, progression, and response to therapy. The development of human derived 3D culture systems can accelerate the understanding of the role of environmental factors in the progression of Breast cancer as well as a model for preclinical studies during drug development. MCF-7 spheroids were cultured in Obatala Sciences’ Obavate and human-derived hydrogels ObaGel® and ObaGel®-ECM and control media. Organoid structure and phenotypic changes were analyzed via live cell imaging on the Incucyte S3. Migration studies were performed and gene expression analysis of EMT markers. Finally, adipocyte-breast cancer cell crosstalk was evaluated using pooled adipocytes co-cultured with MCF-7 spheroids. The results demonstrated that ObaGel® and ObaGel®-ECM 3D cultures support the growth and proliferation of MCF-7 tumorspheres during an extended culture period. In addition, MCF-7 cells exhibit the characteristic morphology of tumorsphere-forming cells when cultured in Obavate, with morphological changes in the ObaGel® and ObaGel®-ECM 3D. ObaGel® and ObaGel®-ECM differentially supports MCF-7 migratory behavior and phenotypic changes characteristic of EMT. Conclusions: Human derived hydrogels are developed to support 3D culture of breast cancer cells and to recapitulate the phenotypic changes associated with their metastatic potential. Furthermore, the use of a human derived 3D coculture system provides a platform for the understanding of adipose tissue-breast cancer cell interactions as it relates to breast cancer initiation, progression, and treatment response. Defining these interactions will support the development of a tool for future use in patient stratification and precision medicine in identifying underlying causes of breast cancer progression and response to treatments.

Citation Format: Cecilia G. Sanchez, Katie Hamel, Emma Rogers, Jordan Robinson, Haley Lassiter, Trivia Frazier, Christopher Williams. Human-derived hydrogels to support phenotypic changes in ER+ breast cancer cell line [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4227.
Abstract 427: A molecular signature for the G6PC3/SLC37A2/SLC37A4 interactors in glioblastoma disease progression and in the acquisition of a brain cancer stem cell phenotype
Authors: Torabidastgerdooei Sima , Annabi Borhane
Published: March 2024

Background: Glycogen plays an important role in glucose homeostasis and contributes to key functions related to brain cancer cell survival in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) disease progression. Such adaptive molecular mechanism is dependent on the glycogenolytic pathway and intracellular glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) sensing by brain cancer cells residing within those highly hypoxic tumors. The involvement of components of the glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) system remains however elusive.

Objective: We questioned the gene expression levels of components of the G6Pase system in GBM tissues and their functional impact in the control of the invasive and brain cancer stem cells (CSC) phenotypes.

Methods: In silico analysis of transcript levels in GBM tumor tissues was done by GEPIA. Total RNA was extracted and gene expression of G6PC1-3 as well as of SLC37A1-4 members analyzed by qPCR in four human brain cancer cell lines and from clinically annotated brain tumor cDNA arrays. Transient siRNA-mediated gene silencing was used to assess the impact of TGF-β-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell chemotaxis. Three-dimensional (3D) neurosphere cultures were generated to recapitulate the brain CSC phenotype.

Results: Higher expression in G6PC3, SLC37A2, and SLC37A4 was found in GBM tumor tissues in comparison to low-grade glioma and healthy tissue. The expression of these genes was also found elevated in established human U87, U251, U118, and U138 GBM cell models compared to human HepG2 hepatoma cells. SLC37A4/G6PC3, but not SLC37A2, levels were induced in 3D CD133/SOX2-positive U87 neurospheres when compared to 2D monolayers. Silencing of SLC37A4/G6PC3 altered TGF-β-induced EMT biomarker SNAIL and cell chemotaxis.

Conclusion: Two members of the G6Pase system, G6PC3 and SLC37A4, associate with GBM disease progression and regulate the metabolic reprogramming of an invasive and CSC phenotype. Such molecular signature may support their role in cancer cell survival and chemoresistance and become future therapeutic targets.

Citation Format: Sima Torabidastgerdooei, Borhane Annabi. A molecular signature for the G6PC3/SLC37A2/SLC37A4 interactors in glioblastoma disease progression and in the acquisition of a brain cancer stem cell phenotype [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 427.
Abstract 4297: Interrogating metabolic heterogeneity and cooperation in lung cancer collective cell invasion
Authors: Robinson Isaac E. , Matsuk Veronika , Shanmugam Mala , Mouw Janna K. , Marcus Adam I.
Published: March 2024

Tumor heterogeneity contributes to tumor progression and a variable response to treatment. We have previously shown that tumor heterogeneity - including metabolic, transcriptional and mutational - underlies non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) collective invasion. Using stable subpopulations derived with our Spatiotemporal Cellular and Genomic Analysis (SaGA) technique, we found that two distinct subpopulations of the H1299 NSCLC line cooperate during collective tumor invasion in vitro; while H1299 pack leaders are heavily dependent on oxidative phosphorylation, H1299 pack followers are more reliant on glycolysis. To further dissect how intratumoral heterogeneity enables cancer progression to metastasis, we incorporate high resolution imaging, stable fluorescent labeling, gene editing, and in vitro tumor invasion models to interrogate mechanisms of metabolic cooperation between heterogeneous NSCLC subpopulations. We hypothesize that cooperation and communication between these distinct metabolic subpopulation drives metastatic tumor progression. To determine mechanisms of metabolic cooperativity between subpopulations, we stably transduced our subpopulations to fluorescently label either the mitochondria (through TOM20 labeling) or a key enzyme in glycolysis (through glucose 6-phosphate isomerase GPI labeling), cultured labeled subpopulations with unlabeled subpopulations, and observed metabolic changes and exchange via time-lapse, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry in 2D culture conditions. Next steps include visualizing the metabolic cooperation that occurs in conditions mimicking the tumor microenvironment (i.e., 3D invasion assays) using super-resolution microscopy. Taken together, we have developed a method of temporally visualizing metabolic exchange with high spatial resolution between NSCLC subpopulations to investigate the underlying mechanisms enabling successful cell invasion in a variety of tumor microenvironments. Thus far, we have discovered multiple broad mechanisms of exchange including tunneling nanotubes and extracellular vesicles, both of which are inducible with certain stressors common to the tumor microenvironment.

Citation Format: Isaac E. Robinson, Veronika Matsuk, Mala Shanmugam, Janna K. Mouw, Adam I. Marcus. Interrogating metabolic heterogeneity and cooperation in lung cancer collective cell invasion [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4297.
Abstract 4347: Cell-type specific transcriptional regulation of APOBEC3A in cancers
Authors: Yesudhas Dhanusha , Lone Bilal , Butler Kelly , Chakraborty Arup , Banday Abdul Rouf
Published: March 2024

APOBEC3s (A-H) are a family of seven cytosine deaminases that inactivate viruses as part of the innate immune response. However, APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B have been found to mediate mutagenesis in tumor genomes by deaminating ssDNA that transiently arise during transcription and DNA replication. The mechanisms that trigger these enzymes to generate high mutation burdens in some cancers and affect disease progression and clinical outcomes are largely unknown. Here, we explored cell-type-specific transcriptional regulation of APOBEC3s using single-nucleus/cell RNA-seq (sn/scRNA-seq) data (>100 samples and >300,000 cells) from four tumor types - bladder, lung, breast, and kidney - that display different levels of APOBEC-induced mutation burden. Our analyses revealed that among seven members of the APOBEC3 family, APOBEC3A is expressed in a cell-type-specific manner. The expression was predominant in KRT13 and CDH12 epithelial cell-types and inflamed macrophages. The APOBEC3A+ epithelial cell populations were abundant in the bladder, moderate in the lung and breast, and nearly absent in the kidney tumors. APOBEC3A expression correlated with interferon and pro-inflammatory signaling in KRT13+ cells. Transcription factors ELF3 and ATF3 were significantly upregulated in APOBEC3A+ KRT13 cells. Pseudotime analysis of sn/scRNA-seq data revealed that APOBEC3A cells are in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Finally, several gene markers defining APOBEC3A+ KRT13 cell types were identified. Ongoing analyses include investigations into clinical correlates, cell-type-specific mutation burdens, and validation through in vitro functional approaches. Our results propose that APOBEC3A is turned on in specific epithelial cell types by multiple signaling pathways during tumorigenesis, thereby driving tumor heterogeneity, particularly in high mutation-burden cancers.

Citation Format: Dhanusha Yesudhas, Bilal Lone, Kelly Butler, Arup Chakraborty, Abdul Rouf Banday. Cell-type specific transcriptional regulation of APOBEC3A in cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4347.
Abstract 4367: PTEN/AKT signal promotes cholangiocyte fate in liver tumorigenesis by inducing SOX9 overexpression and crosstalk with Notch activation
Authors: Tang Qi , Chen Jingyu , Zeng Ni , He Lina , Chopra Shefali , Alhousari Diala , Nguyen Phillip , Zhang Guo , Stiles Bangyan L.
Published: March 2024

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most dominant primary liver malignancy next to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and among the most mortal among human cancers. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was considered a permissive signal for the development of CCA. To explore how the PI3K/AKT signal contributes to CCA development, we deleted Pten, the lipid phosphatase that negatively regulates the PI3K/AKT signal in the liver. The Lv-PTEN (PtenloxP/loxP; Alb-Cre+) mice developed a mixed HCC and CCA tumor phenotype with all mice developing CCA by 12-month age. Treatment of Lv-PTEN mice with DDC at 3 months to obstruct the bile duct leads to an earlier CCA oncogenesis. Deletion of Akt2 in the Lv-PTEN mice (Lv-DM, Akt2loxP/loxP; PtenloxP/loxP; Alb-Cre+) significantly attenuates tumor development. Compared with the Lv-PTEN mice, loss of AKT2 in Lv-DM mice robustly and significantly reduced the expression of SOX9, a cholangiocyte gene. This data suggests that the AKT signal may permit a cholangiocyte fate by inducing SOX9 expression. Supporting the role of PTEN/AKT in permitting a cholangiocyte fate, SOX9 expression is also induced in the livers of mice where Pten deletion is targeted to the hepatocytes via injection of AAV8-TGB-Cre (Hp-PTEN, PtenloxP/loxP; R26RYFP; AAV8-TBG-Cre). Similar to the Lv-PTEN mice, treatment with DDC induced early onset of CCA development in the Hp-PTEN mice. We next explore Notch signal for its crosstalk with PTEN loss that permits CCA development. Notch signal is robustly induced in the tumors of the Lv-PTEN mice and induced with DDC treatment in both Lv-PTEN and Hp-PTEN livers. We showed that exposure to Jag1 ligand-coated extracellular matrix or expression of NICD also induced the expression of SOX9 while DAPT time-dependently attenuated the expression of SOX9. In the Hp-Pten mice treated with DDC, inhibiting the Notch pathway with DAPT attenuated ductal reaction and led to downregulation of SOX9 in the Lv-PTEN livers, suggesting a positive regulatory role of Notch on SOX9. These data support that Notch activation regulates SOX9 and collaborates with PTEN loss to drive cholangiocyte fate and CCA development.

Citation Format: Qi Tang, Jingyu Chen, Ni Zeng, Lina He, Shefali Chopra, Diala Alhousari, Phillip Nguyen, Guo Zhang, Bangyan L. Stiles. PTEN/AKT signal promotes cholangiocyte fate in liver tumorigenesis by inducing SOX9 overexpression and crosstalk with Notch activation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4367.
Abstract 4368: USP36 SUMOylates EXOSC10 and Las1L to promotes their function in rRNA processing
Authors: Dai Mushui , Li Yanping , Yang Yunhan , Sun Xiao-Xin
Published: March 2024

Eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis is a highly regulated multistep process to generate ribosomes, including transcription of pre-ribosomal RNA, rRNA processing, ribosome subunit assembly and export. Dysregulation of ribosome biogenesis is associated with various human diseases, including ribosomopathies and cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how ribosome biogenesis is regulated during normal cell homeostasis and how it is deregulated in human diseases. Here, we report that the ubiquitin-specific protease USP36 acts as a novel SUMO ligase to promote nucleolar protein SUMOylation. Using affinity purification, we found that USP36 associates with a large number of nucleolar and ribosome biogenesis-related proteins, including all 10 components of the nucleolar RNA exosome complex, EXOSC1 to EXOSC10, as well as the Las1L-Nol9 endonuclease-kinase complex. We showed that USP36 interacts with the RNA exosome through EXOSC10 and SUMOylates ECOSC10 at Lys 583. Mutating K583 impaired the binding of EXOSC10 to pre-rRNAs and the K583R mutant failed to rescue the defects in rRNA processing and cell growth inhibition caused by knockdown of endogenous EXOSC10. Likewise, USP36 interacts with the Las1L-Nol9 complex and promotes Las1L SUMOylation at K565. In addition, USP36 deubiquitinates Las1L and Nol9 and regulates their protein stability. Mutating K565 does not affect the levels of Las1L and the formation of the Las1L-Nol9 endonuclease-kinase complex. However, induced expression of a K565R mutant of Las1L failed to rescue the defects in rRNA processing and cell growth inhibition caused by knockdown of endogenous Las1L. Together, these results suggest that USP36 plays an important role in regulating ribosome biogenesis by post-translationally regulating the function of RNA exosome and Las1L-Nol9 complexes.

Citation Format: Mushui Dai, Yanping Li, Yunhan Yang, Xiao-Xin Sun. USP36 SUMOylates EXOSC10 and Las1L to promotes their function in rRNA processing [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4368.
Abstract 4376: The pseudokinase PTK7 is a negative regulator of EPHA2 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Borg Jean-Paul , Dessaux Charlotte , Camoin Luc , Audebert Stéphane , Baudelet Emilie , Daulat Avais
Published: March 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major public health issue. Identification of biomarkers predicting high risk of recurrence and discovery of novel targets for therapy are urgently needed1. The cell surface receptor PTK7 is a poorly described evolutionary conserved member of the receptor tyrosine kinase superfamily that was first identified in human colon carcinoma and melanoma2-3. Accumulated data highlighted the implication of PTK7 in diverse cancer-related signaling pathways4-6 and, despite the lack of kinase activity, anti-PTK7 inhibitors are currently in development at preclinical and clinical stages7-9. The dual aim of this project is to increase the basic knowledge about PTK7 and to evaluate its role in CRC in order to propose in the future novel therapeutics directed against PTK7. With the aim to discover novel PTK7 associated pathways, we used a proximity biotinylation strategy coupled to mass spectrometry in CRC cells. Among the partners identified, we found that the pseudokinase PTK7 interacts with the active receptor tyrosine kinase EphrinA2 (EPHA2). Similarly to PTK7, EPHA2 expression correlates with poor prognosis in CRC10. In this work, we also demonstrate that PTK7 acts as a negative regulator of EPHA2 activation through the promotion of distinct oligomeric protein complexes and the modulation of EPHA2 phosphorylation. We also shed in light on the role of PTK7 in EPHA2 K63-linked ubiquitination and its subsequent endosomal sorting and lysosomal degradation.

References 1 Punt CJ et al, Nat. Rev. Clin. Oncol., 2016; 2 Lhoumeau AC et al, Cell Cycle, 2011; 3 Lhoumeau AC et al, PLoS One, 2015; 4 Puppo F et al, EMBO reports, 2011; 5 Martinez S et al, J. Biol. Chem., 2015; 6 Daulat AM and Borg JP, Trends in Cancer, 2017; 7 Damelin M et al, Sci. Transl. Med., 2017; 8 Jie Y et al, Front. Immunol., 2021; 9 Maitland ML et al, Clin. Cancer. Res., 2021; 10 Dunne P et al, Clin. Cancer. Res., 2016; 11 Cioce M and Fazio VM, Cancers, 2021.

Citation Format: Jean-Paul Borg, Charlotte Dessaux, Luc Camoin, Stéphane Audebert, Emilie Baudelet, Avais Daulat. The pseudokinase PTK7 is a negative regulator of EPHA2 in colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4376.
Abstract 4389: The role of Rab5 in epithelial growth factor stimulated E-cadherin internalization in spheroid growth of colon cancer cells
Authors: Wang Yu-Chun , Ching Yu-Chien , Chen Hui-Chun , Cheng Chun-Pu , Ku Chia-En , Lee Shin-Ru , Chao Wei-Ting
Published: March 2024

In epithelial based cancer formation, such as colon cancer, the tumor growth is accompanied with malfunction of cell-cell contact inhibition which is regulated by E-cadherin. However, the dynamics of E-cadherin is complicated, the underlying mechanism in tumor nest growth and collective cell migration is still not clear. Rab5 is the endocytic vesicle protein for the membrane receptor internalization into early endosome. Therefore, this study is to investigate the role of Rab5 in E-cadherin turnover of spheroid formation in colon cancer cells. HT-29 colon cancer cells were used in this study. The cells with less anchorage ability were isolated for spheroid formation. The distribution of Rab5, E-cadherin and focal adhesion kinase were observed by immuno-confocal microscopy. The molecular expressions were analyzed by western blot. HT-29 cells showed well defined epithelial phenotype. In the result of immunostaining, Rab5 was distributed in the cytosol and the cell-cell contacts where it colocalized with E-cadherin. Rab5 was also observed in the cell leading edge, however, not much associated with focal adhesions. When HT-29 cell clusters were stimulated with epidermal growth factor, Rab5 was found abundant in the cell-cell contacts. In cell spheroid that derived from HT-29 cells, Rab5 and E-cadherin co-localization at cell-cell contacts was also increased. Furthermore, when cells were treated with Nocodazole, the tubulin inhibitor blocking tubulin-mediated endocytosis, Rab5 accumulated and colocalized with E-cadherin in the cell leading edge. The results of this study demonstrated Rab5 plays the novel role in E-cadherin turnover upon epidermal growth factor stimulation in the progress of spheroid formation and Rab5 may mediate E-cadherin endocytosis through the cell leading edge.

Citation Format: Yu-Chun Wang, Yu-Chien Ching, Hui-Chun Chen, Chun-Pu Cheng, Chia-En Ku, Shin-Ru Lee, Wei-Ting Chao. The role of Rab5 in epithelial growth factor stimulated E-cadherin internalization in spheroid growth of colon cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4389.
Abstract 4456: De novo pyrimidine synthesis is a druggable vulnerability for chemotherapy resistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma with wild type IDH1
Authors: Li Yingqin , Zhao Yuheng , Zhang Wuqi , Ou Chunxian , Shen Jiaxi , Ma Jun
Published: March 2024

Chemotherapy resistance is a major obstacle to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and strategies to overcome this resistance are required. Using proteomic analysis, we found that NPC patients resistant to gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GP) induction chemotherapy were characterized by abundant metabolic pathways. NPC with high expression of wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (wtIDH1) was hyperdependent on de novo pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis and resistant to GP. Knockdown of IDH1 augmented the inhibition of de novo pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis induced by gemcitabine and cisplatin but reversed the suppression of purine nucleotide synthesis, which leading to DNA damage caused by nucleotide pool imbalance. IDH1 facilitated transcription of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), a rate-limiting enzyme for de novo pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis, through promoting chromatin accessibility by ALKBH5 in an α-ketoglutaric acid dependent manner. DHODH inhibitor, BAY2402234 significantly sensitized NPC cells to gemcitabine plus cisplatin chemotherapy. Collectively, these results reveal that wtIDH1-induced increase in de novo pyrimidine nucleotide represents a metabolic vulnerability that can be exploited pharmacologically, highlighting BAY2402234 as a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy against NPC.

Citation Format: Yingqin Li, Yuheng Zhao, Wuqi Zhang, Chunxian Ou, Jiaxi Shen, Jun Ma. De novo pyrimidine synthesis is a druggable vulnerability for chemotherapy resistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma with wild type IDH1 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4456.
Abstract 4464: Ferredoxin 1 is essential for embryonic development and lipid homeostasis
Authors: Zhang Jin , Mohibi Sharkur , Chen Xinbin , Perng Vivian , Zhang Yanhong
Published: March 2024

Mammalian ferredoxin 1 and 2 (FDX1/2) belong to an evolutionary conserved family of iron-sulfur cluster containing proteins and act as electron shutters between ferredoxin reductase (FDXR) and numerous proteins involved in critical biological pathways. FDX1 is involved in biogenesis of steroids and bile acids, Vitamin A/D metabolism, and lipoylation of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes. FDX1 has been extensively characterized biochemically but its role in physiology and lipid metabolism has not been explored. In this study, we generated Fdx1-deficient mice and showed that knockout of both alleles of the Fdx1 gene led to embryonic lethality. We also showed that like Fdxr+/− mice, Fdx1+/− mice had a shorter life span and were prone to steatohepatitis. However, unlike Fdxr+/− mice, Fdx1+/− mice were not prone to spontaneous tumors. Additionally, we showed that FDX1 deficiency led to lipid droplet accumulation possibly via the ABCA1-SREBP1/2 pathway. Specifically, untargeted lipidomic analysis showed that FDX1 deficiency led to alterations in several classes of lipids, including cholesterol, triacylglycerides, acylcarnitines, ceramides, phospholipids and lysophospholipids. Taken together, our data indicate that FDX1 is essential for mammalian embryonic development and lipid homeostasis at both cellular and organismal levels.

Citation Format: Jin Zhang, Sharkur Mohibi, Xinbin Chen, Vivian Perng, Yanhong Zhang. Ferredoxin 1 is essential for embryonic development and lipid homeostasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4464.
Abstract 4465: Galectin-1 regulates CD147 and downstream pathways critical for glioma progression
Authors: Guda Maheedhara R. , Tsung Andrew J. , Asuthkar Swapna , Velpula Kiran
Published: March 2024

Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is an important protein for glioma progression and glioma stem cell maintenance. Gal-1 may act through CD147, a potential Gal-1 receptor. CD147, also known as Basigin or extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), is a transmembrane glycoprotein highly expressed in various cancer cells. An analysis utilizing the Gliovis database and encompassing 667 Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) patients segregated based on median CD147 expression levels delineated cohorts with above-median (n=339) and below-median (n=328) CD147 expression. Kaplan-Meier survival curves unveiled a significant association between heightened CD147 expression and reduced overall survival (OS) in this patient population. Experimental approaches employing immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry techniques on shGal-1 treated cell lysates and mouse brain samples exhibited decreased CD147 expression compared to respective controls. Additionally, immunocytochemical studies corroborated an augmented colocalization of Gal-1 and CD147, with a subsequent reduction in this association following shGal-1 treatment. Next, we used AC-73, a selective CD147 inhibitor, to determine the levels of CD147 and Gal-1. Treatment with 20μM AC-73 and siRNA for CD147 showed reduced CD147 levels in GSC33 and GSC20 cells while maintaining unaltered Gal-1 expression. Inhibiting CD147 did not affect Gal-1 levels, further suggesting Gal-1 acts upstream. CD147 activates matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), and CD147 knockdown reduced MMP9 levels, elucidating a Gal-1-CD147-MMP9 pathway. Overall, Gal-1 appears to act upstream of CD147 to regulate MMP9, integrins, and other factors important for glioma progression. Further elucidation of these pathways will provide insights into glioma biology and potential therapeutic targets.

Citation Format: Maheedhara R. Guda, Andrew J. Tsung, Swapna Asuthkar, Kiran Velpula. Galectin-1 regulates CD147 and downstream pathways critical for glioma progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4465.
Abstract 4481: Enhancing AOH1996 through structure activity relationship exploration for caPCNA inhibition
Authors: Haratipour Pouya , Zangi Maryam , Yaghoubi Mahshid , Gu Long , Jossart Jennifer , Perry John J. , Malkas Linda H. , Hickey Robert J.
Published: March 2024

Recently, we have developed AOH1996, a small molecule PCNA ligand currently in phase I clinical trial, designed to selectively inhibit the functions of cancer-associated PCNA (caPCNA). Seeking to enhance the potency and selectivity of AOH1996, we conducted an exhaustive Structure-Activity-Relationship (SAR) investigation. Over 100 analogues of AOH1996 were synthesized, systematically modifying its three main components: the naphthyl group, glycine linker, and diphenyl ether. The glycine linker underwent substitution with various natural and unnatural amino acids, while the 1-naphthyl group saw replacements with diverse monocyclic and bicyclic aromatic groups, including quinoline and isoquinoline derivatives. The diphenyl ether moiety was extensively explored by substituting the bridging oxygen with different functional groups (sulfonyl, imido, sulfur, amide), substituting both phenyl rings with various functional groups (fluorine, chlorine, hydroxy, methoxy, methyl, trifluoromethyl), and adopting a nitrogen-walk approach on the terminal phenyl ring to evaluate critical ligand/caPCNA-binding positions. This meticulous effort resulted in the identification of several analogues, such as AOH1160S (featuring a diphenyl thioether group), AOH1996S-4CH3 (with a methyl group at the para-position of the terminal thiophenyl ring), and AOH1996-3CH3 (incorporating an m-methoxy function in the terminal phenyl ring and bridging oxygen), exhibiting similar or superior potency compared to AOH1996. The target binding of these analogues was verified by capturing the binary complex of the more polar version of these analogues in the crystal structure. The synthesis, characterization, and detailed biological activities of these promising AOH analogues will be thoroughly described.

Citation Format: Pouya Haratipour, Maryam Zangi, Mahshid Yaghoubi, Long Gu, Jennifer Jossart, John J. Perry, Linda H. Malkas, Robert J. Hickey. Enhancing AOH1996 through structure activity relationship exploration for caPCNA inhibition [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4481.
Abstract 4486: Characterization of a novel mutant selective, EGFR sparing, ErbB2 inhibitor with activity across activating mutations in systemic and CNS tumors
Authors: Fulton Jennifer , Bettendorf Tanna , Blandon Abiezer , Bouhana Karyn , Brizendine Richard K. , Cable LouAnn , Chicarelli Mark J. , Crow Michelle , Fell Brad , Fischer John , Guarnieri Anna , Hillman Madison , Jalluri Ravi , Kumar Vijay , Malinky Cori A. , Rieger Rob , Robinson John , Stunkard Lee , Sullivan Francis , Trujillo John I. , Winski Shannon , Zhou Yeyun
Published: March 2024

Alterations in ErbB2, including amplification, overexpression, insertions, and point mutations, are established oncogenic drivers in many solid tumors. These mutations are found in approximately 3-4% of breast cancers and 3% of advanced lung cancers and have emerged as mechanisms of acquired resistance to targeted therapies. ErbB2 alterations are also found in metastatic breast and lung cancers that have advanced to the brain and remain a major clinical challenge with limited therapeutic options. Currently approved ErbB2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors have inferior potency against these mutations and lack sufficient brain penetration to be an impactful treatment option for patients. Herein, we describe advanced preclinical profiling of our candidate series of brain-penetrant EGFR-sparing ErbB2 inhibitors with activity against prevalent point mutations and exon 20 YVMA insertions.

Citation Format: Jennifer Fulton, Tanna Bettendorf, Abiezer Blandon, Karyn Bouhana, Richard K. Brizendine, LouAnn Cable, Mark J. Chicarelli, Michelle Crow, Brad Fell, John Fischer, Anna Guarnieri, Madison Hillman, Ravi Jalluri, Vijay Kumar, Cori A. Malinky, Rob Rieger, John Robinson, Lee Stunkard, Francis Sullivan, John I. Trujillo, Shannon Winski, Yeyun Zhou. Characterization of a novel mutant selective, EGFR sparing, ErbB2 inhibitor with activity across activating mutations in systemic and CNS tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4486.
Abstract 4521: Investigating bAP15, a new inhibitor of UCHL5/USP14 deubiquitinating enzymes, as a potential treatment for chondrosarcoma: A comprehensive in vivo and in vitro study
Authors: Kuo Kuan-Lin , Hsu Fu-Shun , Chang Shang-Jen , Liao Shih-Ming , Lin Wei-Chou , Ke Tzt-Yao , Liu Tzu-Ting , Huang Kuo-Yuan
Published: March 2024

Chondrosarcoma, a highly resilient cancer characterized by limited effective treatment options, represents a significant therapeutic challenge. bAP15, a novel inhibitor of deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs), has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent, exhibiting anti-tumor activity in various cancer models. This study investigated the efficacy of bAP15 against chondrosarcoma in vitro and in vivo. To evaluate bAP15's effects on chondrosarcoma cells, the SW1353 and JJ012 cell lines were employed. Cell viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression were assessed using MTT assay and flow cytometry. Western blotting was utilized to analyze apoptosis, cell stress, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Additionally, a xenograft mouse model was established to examine the in vivo anti-tumor potential of bAP15. Compared to normal cartilage tissue, chondrosarcoma cells exhibited significantly higher expression of the DUB UCHL5, suggesting its potential involvement in chondrosarcoma development. Treatment with bAP15 effectively induced apoptosis in chondrosarcoma cells by activating caspases and cleaving PARP. Furthermore, bAP15 enhanced ER stress by activating caspase-4 and CHOP. In the xenograft mouse model, bAP15 demonstrated remarkable anti-tumor efficacy with minimal toxicity. These findings highlight the potential of bAP15 as a therapeutic strategy for chondrosarcoma. Its ability to induce ER stress and cell cycle arrest, coupled with its in vivo anti-tumor activity, provides compelling evidence for its further development as a novel treatment option for this challenging cancer.

Citation Format: Kuan-Lin Kuo, Fu-Shun Hsu, Shang-Jen Chang, Shih-Ming Liao, Wei-Chou Lin, Tzt-Yao Ke, Tzu-Ting Liu, Kuo-Yuan Huang. Investigating bAP15, a new inhibitor of UCHL5/USP14 deubiquitinating enzymes, as a potential treatment for chondrosarcoma: A comprehensive in vivo and in vitro study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4521.
Abstract 4528: Improving carboplatin therapy: A novel albumin-targeted platinum(IV) prodrug with superior anticancer activity in vivo
Authors: Schueffl Hemma , Weinmuellner Regina , Sommerfeld Nadine , Keppler Bernhard K. , Berger Walter , Kowol Christian R. , Heffeter Petra
Published: March 2024

Platinum(II)-based chemotherapeutics are among the most commonly used anticancer drugs and are part of nearly every second treatment scheme. However, they lack in tumor specificity, causing severe sides effects, dose-dependent toxicity as well as drug resistance development. Due to their higher tolerability, platinum(IV) prodrugs are currently in the focus of interest. However, comparable to their platinum(II) counterparts, they show insufficient tumor accumulation and are frequently prematurely activated. A promising strategy to improve tumor targeting of anticancer drugs is to exploit the enhanced consumption and accumulation of albumin in the malignant tissue. Thus, we developed a new albumin-targeted maleimide-containing platinum(IV) prodrug, which releases carboplatin in a highly tumor-specific manner. The maleimide moieties enable the drug to selectively bind the endogenous albumin via its free thiol of cysteine 34. The aim of this study was to in-depth characterize the pharmacological behavior and anticancer activity in vivo of the new prodrug. To this end, several xenograft and allograft experiments were performed. To investigate tissue distribution and pharmacokinetics serum, urine, tumor and organ samples of mice were collected after drug treatment and were evaluated by (size-exclusion chromatography) inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry (e.g cleaved caspase-3). These experiments revealed that the new prodrug fast and selectively binds to the serum albumin after intravenous injection, leading to an enhanced plasma half-life and an increased tumor accumulation in comparison to its corresponding platinum(II) drug carboplatin. Additionally, the new complex resulted in superior anticancer activity and prolonged overall survival based on the distinctly improved pharmacokinetic profile and enhanced apoptosis induction. In conclusion, these data support that albumin binding is a potent tool to increase the tumor specificity of platinum(IV) drugs and prevent their premature activation in other body compartments. Consequently, this very promising prodrug will be further developed towards clinical phase I testing.

Citation Format: Hemma Schueffl, Regina Weinmuellner, Nadine Sommerfeld, Bernhard K. Keppler, Walter Berger, Christian R. Kowol, Petra Heffeter. Improving carboplatin therapy: A novel albumin-targeted platinum(IV) prodrug with superior anticancer activity in vivo [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4528.
Abstract 4535: JAB-26766: A small-molecule, orally bioavailable PARP7 inhibitor with high potency and selectivity
Authors: Kang Di , Wang Yanping , Sun Xin , Yan Man , Li Haijun , Chen Mingming , Lin Yiwei , Long Wei
Published: March 2024

Background: PARP7 (also referred to as TIPARP or ARTD14) is a mono-ADP-ribosyl transferase that inhibits type I interferon (IFN) signaling. Targeting PARP7 to restore antitumor immunity represents a promising treatment strategy. We have developed JAB-26766, an orally bioavailable, highly potent, and selective PARP7 inhibitor.

Methods: A time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer (TR-FRET) assay was applied to determine the binding and inhibition of PARP7 by JAB-26766. IFN-β secretion assay, STAT1 phosphorylation assay, and ISG (interferon stimulated gene) mRNA assay were performed to evaluate the inhibitory activities of JAB-26766 on the downstream signaling of PARP7. CellTiter-Glo assay was performed to evaluate cell viability upon treatment of JAB-26766. In vivo PK-PD study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between JAB-26766 concentration and the level of tumor STAT1 phosphorylation. The antitumor activity of JAB-26766 either as a single agent or in different drug combinations was evaluated in multiple mouse models.

Results: High potency of JAB-26766 on PARP7 inhibition as well as >1800-fold selectivity over PARP2 was observed through biochemical assays. At the cellular level, JAB-26766 induced IFN-β secretion, up-regulated ISG mRNA levels, increased phosphorylation of STAT1, and inhibited cell viability of multiple tumor cell lines (with most IC50 values below 50 nM). JAB-26766 combined with a STING agonist resulted in synergistic activation of STING pathway, as evidenced by increased CXCL10 secretion, and inhibited tumor cell proliferation. In vivo PK-PD study showed that JAB-26766 exposure in plasma and tumor has good correlation with induction of tumor STAT1 phosphorylation. Furthermore, JAB-26766 showed potent antitumor activity and good tolerability either as monotherapy or combined with STING agonist or anti-PD-1 antibody in mouse models of non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

Conclusions: JAB-26766 is an orally bioavailable, highly potent, and selective PARP7 inhibitor that shows early promising anti-tumor activities.

Citation Format: Di Kang, Yanping Wang, Xin Sun, Man Yan, Haijun Li, Mingming Chen, Yiwei Lin, Wei Long. JAB-26766: A small-molecule, orally bioavailable PARP7 inhibitor with high potency and selectivity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4535.