bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 6872: A spatio-temporal approach to mapping the dynamics of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma progression and immunotherapy response: A journey through TiME
Authors: Jhaveri Niyati , Ben Cheikh Bassem , Klymyshyn Dmytro , Ma Ning , Pratapa Aditya , Monkman James , Nelson Nadine , Kulasinghe Arutha
Published: March 2024

Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), arising from proliferation of malignant epidermal keratinocytes, is the second most common non-melanoma skin cancer. cSCC accounts for 75% of all skin cancer related deaths excluding melanoma, and metastatic and immunotherapy-resistant cases pose an emerging global threat. Tumor development is a gradual process characterized by high mutational burden and an immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TiME); therefore, identifying the underlying changes across the spatial and temporal landscape of these tumors will be crucial to understanding the key cellular and molecular drivers of disease progression and response.

Methods: In this longitudinal study, we used a single-cell, whole-slide approach to mapping key proteins of immune lineage, tissue architecture, cellular metabolism, and stress to study the spatial landscape of cSCC at baseline (pre-treatment) and multiple time points over the course of immunotherapy with the aim to develop a temporal atlas of the tumor. An ultra-high plex antibody panel encompassing over 50 major determinants in the tumor microenvironment was employed on the PhenoCycler®-Fusion spatial biology platform. Deep bioinformatic analyses was performed to identify cellular phenotypes, spatial neighborhoods, heterogenous functional states and cellular interactions by spatial proximity determinations.

Results: Previous studies in our laboratory have identified unique phenotypes correlating with response and resistance to immunotherapies in pre-treatment cSCC biopsies. Our results expand on these findings with temporal data tracking the dynamic changes in the TiME over the course of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Apart from differences in immune cell composition and spatial localization patterns, we also saw differences in macrophage polarization and expression of metabolic markers in the responder and non-responder cohorts.

Conclusions: Overall, ultrahigh-plex spatio-temporal monitoring of cSCC revealed distinct signatures of response and resistance and identified key features in the TiME that reveal deeper insights into the pathobiology of the tumor. Our discovery-based approach identifies novel biomarkers for patient stratification and therapeutic modulation.

Citation Format: Niyati Jhaveri, Bassem Ben Cheikh, Dmytro Klymyshyn, Ning Ma, Aditya Pratapa, James Monkman, Nadine Nelson, Arutha Kulasinghe. A spatio-temporal approach to mapping the dynamics of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma progression and immunotherapy response: A journey through TiME [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 6872.
Abstract 6903: Treatment efficacy of transcatheter hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with cisplatin in a severe immunodeficient rat model with patient-derived primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma xenografted into the liver
Authors: Kageyama Ken , Yamamoto Akira , Ozaki Masanori , Kimura Kenjiro , Eguchi Shinpei , Tanaka Ryota , Terai Mizue , Sato Takami , Miki Yukio
Published: March 2024

Purpose: Liver metastases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly fatal disease; most patients die within 5 years. There is a critical need to identify appropriate anticancer treatments for these patients. A patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) model in severe immunodeficient rat with primary PDAC xenografted into the liver is suitable for evaluating transcatheter hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods: The purpose of this study was to develop a severe immunodeficient rat model with patient-derived primary PDAC xenografted into the liver, and to assess the treatment efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with cisplatin in this model. Three patient-derived tumors of PDAC were transplanted into the liver of 21 rats each, totaling 63 rats. Four weeks after transplantation, the 21 rats were randomly assigned into three treatment groups of seven rats each: hepatic arterial infusion, systemic venous infusion, and control group. Tumor volumes were evaluated on CT twice at pre-treatment and 4-weeks post-treatment. Following euthanasia of the rats, resected tumor specimens were pathologically analyzed.

Results: The liver-implanted PDAC PDX rat model was established in all 63 rats. hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and systemic venous infusion chemotherapy with cisplatin were able to be performed in the assigned rats. The hepatic arterial infusion group significantly inhibited tumor growth and reduced Ki67 expression, indicating lower cell proliferation, compared to the control group in three PDX tumors.

Conclusion: A rat-based preclinical platform was established by liver-implanted PDAC PDX rat model. Arterial cisplatin infusion chemotherapy would be one of potential therapies for PDAC liver metastases.

Citation Format: Ken Kageyama, Akira Yamamoto, Masanori Ozaki, Kenjiro Kimura, Shinpei Eguchi, Ryota Tanaka, Mizue Terai, Takami Sato, Yukio Miki. Treatment efficacy of transcatheter hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with cisplatin in a severe immunodeficient rat model with patient-derived primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma xenografted into the liver [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 6903.
Abstract 6906: Engineered bacteria launch and control an oncolytic virus
Authors: Pabon Jonathan , Singer Zakary , Huang Hsinyen , Rice Charles , Danino Tal
Published: March 2024

The ability of bacteria and viruses to selectively replicate in tumors has led to synthetic engineering of new microbial therapies. In our system, Salmonella has been programmed to produce Senecavirus A (SVA)-RNA and launch an SVA infection in bacterially-infected cancer cells. Utilizing time-lapse microscopy, we visualize S. typhimurium invasions into cancer cells and their subsequent delivery of multiple picornaviral species. S.-typhimurium-viral-RNA launch in vitro identified a small-cell-lung cancer cell line, H446, as a promising candidate for S.-typhimurium-SVA launch. This viral RNA-carrying Salmonella strain confers complete tumor regression in vivo. Finally, we integrate into this strain a protease-dependent mechanism to confer SVA-infection spatial localization. This work, to the best of our knowledge, is the first instance of bacteria delivering full-length viral RNAs for therapeutic oncolytic purposes.

Citation Format: Jonathan Pabon, Zakary Singer, Hsinyen Huang, Charles Rice, Tal Danino. Engineered bacteria launch and control an oncolytic virus [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 6906.
Abstract 6918: Ba/F3-BCR-ABL engineering cell line panel, a useful platform for novel drug discovery
Authors: Wang Guoqian , Peng Yao , Wang Yu , Tang Yao , Xu Jingxiao , Ning Jinying , Hao Feng
Published: March 2024

In the past few years, with the great success of Imatinib, the first kinase inhibitor, Imatinib rapidly became the first-line treatment for CML (Chronic myelogenous leukemia) carrying the BCR-ABL mutation. It opened a new chapter in targeted cancer treatment. Despite the increase in overall survival allowed by imatinib, the onset of drug resistance led scientists to investigate imatinib's fine structural mechanism of action to develop new and more effective compounds against mutated forms of Bcr-Abl. 7 BCR-ABL inhibitors have been approved, they are Imatinib, Dasatinib, Nilotinib, Bosutinib, Ponatinib, Olverembatinib, and Asciminib. However, acquired resistance has been a major challenge in the treatment of CML, and some patients still experience disease progression or even death due to drug resistance. BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations are one of the important mechanisms of acquired resistance, with the T315I mutation being the most common type of drug resistance mutation, accounting for approximately 25% of drug-resistant CML cases. Patients with T315I mutations in CML are resistant to all current first- and second-generation BCR-ABL inhibitors. Asciminib is designed as an allosteric inhibitor combined with an ATP-competitive TKI agent, which may hinder the development of mutation-driven acquired resistance or restore efficacy against highly resistant BCR-ABL mutants. Our group has generated 38 Ba/F3-BCR-ABL engineering cell lines as useful models for novel drug discovery in vitro and in vivo, including wild-type BCR-ABL and inhibitors leading drug resistance mutations, such as T315I, E255, Y253, F317, F359. V299, G250, A337T, V468F, and double mutations. Each cell was validated by cell sequencing and cell efficacy verification using approved BCR-ABL inhibitors. The Ba/F3-BCR-ABL engineering cell line panel can be useful for developing and evaluating next-generation BCR-ABL inhibitors and exploring newly acquired resistance mutations in BCR-ABL.

Citation Format: Guoqian Wang, Yao Peng, Yu Wang, Yao Tang, Jingxiao Xu, Jinying Ning, Feng Hao. Ba/F3-BCR-ABL engineering cell line panel, a useful platform for novel drug discovery [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 6918.
Abstract 6931: Characterization of cancer evolution landscape based on accurate detection of somatic mutations in single tumor cells
Authors: Niu Muchun , Zhang Yang , Luo Jiayi , Sinson Jefferson C. , Thompson Alastair M. , Zong Chenghang
Published: March 2024

Accurate detection of somatic mutations in single tumor cells is greatly desired as it allows us to quantify the single-cell mutation burden and construct the mutation-based phylogenetic tree. Here we developed scNanoSeq chemistry and profiled 842 single cells from 21 human breast cancer samples. The majority of the mutation-based phylogenetic trees comprise a characteristic stem evolution followed by the clonal sweep. We observed the subtype-dependent lengths in the stem evolution. To explain this phenomenon, we propose that the differences are related to different reprogramming required for different subtypes of breast cancer. Furthermore, we reason that the time that the tumor-initiating cell took to acquire the critical clonal-sweep-initiating mutation by random chance set the time limit for the reprogramming process. We refer to this model as a reprogramming and critical mutation co-timing (RCMC) subtype model. Next, in the sweeping clone, we observed that tumor cells undergo a branched evolution with rapidly decreasing selection. In the most recent clades, effectively neutral evolution has been reached, resulting in a substantially large number of mutational heterogeneities. Integrative analysis with 522-713X ultra-deep bulk whole genome sequencing (WGS) further validated this evolution mode. Mutation-based phylogenetic trees also allow us to identify the early branched cells in a few samples, whose phylogenetic trees support the gradual evolution of copy number variations (CNVs). Overall, the development of scNanoSeq allows us to unveil novel insights into breast cancer evolution.

Citation Format: Muchun Niu, Yang Zhang, Jiayi Luo, Jefferson C. Sinson, Alastair M. Thompson, Chenghang Zong. Characterization of cancer evolution landscape based on accurate detection of somatic mutations in single tumor 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 6931.
Abstract 6951: The role of estrogen-dependent activation of p38 MAPK signaling pathway in inflammatory breast cancer
Authors: Ramirez Keyla V. , Bonilla-González Adrian D. , Guzman-Rivera Jeisac , Peterson-Peguero Esther A.
Published: March 2024

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer in which the lymphatic vessels become blocked by cancer cells in the breast tissue. The five-year survival rate for this type of cancer is around 40%, one of the worst among breast cancer. Most IBCs are estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) negative and HER2 positive, with some presenting an amplification of HER2 while others are ER, PR, and HER2 negative, formally known as the triple-negative (TNBC) subtype. However, it has been reported that treatment with 17β-Estradiol (E2) of ER-negative IBC and non-IBC cells can exert rapid non-genomic signaling mediated by ERα-36, GPR30, and/or estrogen receptor beta, activating MAPK pathways involved in oncogenic phenotypes. Previous data generated in our lab showed that when cells were treated with estradiol it led to increased phosphorylation levels of p38. However, the specific role p38 MAPK signaling takes on in IBC is unknown. Thus, this study centers on examining the role of estradiol and p38 regulation in the triple-negative IBC cell line model, SUM149PT. We hypothesize that upon estradiol treatment p38 signaling pathway is activated resulting in the over-expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines which regulate pro-tumorigenic phenotypes including the growth and survival of IBC cells. Inflammatory cytokines can promote pro-oncogenic features by promoting cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and immune suppression. We treated SUM149 IBC cells with 10nM of estradiol and measured the levels of human cytokines using a Human Cytokine Antibody Array. In addition, treatment using SB202190, a potent p38 inhibitor, caused a significant decrease in cell viability of several breast cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Ongoing studies include assessing the effects of p38 inhibition proliferation, invasion, and migration. In summary, a better characterization of the effect of E2 and p38 activation in ER-negative cell lines may provide great insight into novel targeted therapies for IBC.

Citation Format: Keyla V. Ramirez, Adrian D. Bonilla-González, Jeisac Guzman-Rivera, Esther A. Peterson-Peguero. The role of estrogen-dependent activation of p38 MAPK signaling pathway in inflammatory breast 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 6951.
Abstract 6966: STAT3 integration of inflammatory signals and cellular stress promote tumor initiation and progression through the expression of integrin β3
Authors: Campos Alejandro D. , Shepard Ryan , Heumann Ingrid , Lam Justin , Weis Sara M. , Cheresh David
Published: March 2024

STAT3 represents an oncogene whose transcriptional regulation is known to drive tumor initiation, progression, and drug resistance. Although STAT3 can regulate many genes, it remains unclear which genes are critical for STAT3-mediated cancer progression. Here, we report that inflammatory cytokines and cellular stress induce STAT3 activation leading to tumor initiation and progression, which we show depends on its ability to drive transcription of the β3 integrin gene leading to αvβ3 expression. Specifically, CRISPR KO of either STAT3 or integrin β3 in pancreatic cancer cells, is sufficient to impede their tumor initiating capacity in mice, while ectopic STAT3 or β3 expression in STAT3 KO cells rescues their tumor initiation capacity. Mechanistically, STAT3 activation induces β3 expression based on its ability to engage enhancer regions that modulate β3 gene expression. These findings implicate integrin αvβ3 as a critical downstream effector of STAT3, thereby contributing to its role as a driver of tumor initiation and progression.

Citation Format: Alejandro D. Campos, Ryan Shepard, Ingrid Heumann, Justin Lam, Sara M. Weis, David Cheresh. STAT3 integration of inflammatory signals and cellular stress promote tumor initiation and progression through the expression of integrin β3 [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 6966.
Abstract 6971: The impact of lecithin retinol acyltransferase in squamous cell carcinoma: Tissue formation, cell mechanics, and gene transcription
Authors: Peterson Emily , Feng Kuan-Che , Gao Jay , Rafailovich Miriam , Simon Marcia
Published: March 2024

Squamous cell carcinoma, along with several other cancers, has been found to lack expression of lecithin retinol acyltransferase (LRAT), a protein which catalyzes retinol esterification and thereby mediates retinoic acid biosynthesis. When expression of LRAT was reintroduced in squamous cell carcinoma, the protein promoted cell differentiation in addition to retinoid status normalization—whether this effect was dependent on the known enzymatic activity of LRAT in retinol esterification, versus another function, has not yet been established. Cell elasticity differences have also been reported between squamous cell carcinoma and normal keratinocytes. In this study, the role of LRAT expression and activity was evaluated in human squamous cell carcinoma cell line SCC13. LRAT was integrated into the genome of SCC13 via retroviral transduction, both as wild-type LRAT and LRAT with a cysteine-to-serine mutation at the active site for retinol esterification (C161-S). In these transformed cell lines, LRAT promoted formation of a cohesive sheet of tissue which remained intact after its removal from the tissue culture plastic surface, as evaluated at two weeks post-confluence. SCC13 alone produced tissue which easily fragmented during this scraping assay. In an evaluation of cell elasticity with shear modulation force microscopy, relative cell modulus measurements of pre-confluent SCC13 with LRAT expression were found to be significantly greater and consistent with the cell modulus of human keratinocytes (DO33). These effects persisted with mutation of the retinol esterification active site, suggesting that LRAT possesses an additional function which has yet to be described. Variation in transcription levels of multiple genes—urokinase-type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1, and kallikrein 5—was also found based on LRAT expression and level of confluence. These findings suggest that the presence of LRAT influences tissue formation, cell elasticity, and gene transcription in SCC13.

Citation Format: Emily Peterson, Kuan-Che Feng, Jay Gao, Miriam Rafailovich, Marcia Simon. The impact of lecithin retinol acyltransferase in squamous cell carcinoma: Tissue formation, cell mechanics, and gene transcription [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 6971.
Abstract 6993: SLC1A4 is associated with metabolic reprogramming in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Park Soo Young , Kim Da Sol , Kim Hayeon , Song Min Ji , Ryu Han Suk
Published: March 2024

The solute carrier protein (SLC) family is transporters as integral membrane proteins that transport solutes in an ATP-independent manner. The SLC1 family consists of five high-affinity glutamate transporters and two neutral amino acid transporters, among which SLC1A4 transports the neutral amino acids and is known to participate in various biological processes, including metabolism and tumorigenesis. However, the relationship between SLC1A4 and breast cancer remains unclear. Here, we aimed to verify the role of SLC1A4 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). To reveal the characteristics of SLC1A4 in TNBC cell lines, five cell lines (HCC38/OE, HCC1395/OE, HCC1937/OE, MDA-MB-468/KD, and Hs578T/KD) that regulate gene expression of SLC1A4 were established using a lentiviral system. The two major energy-producing pathways, glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, were measured according to SLC1A4 gene expression. In addition, cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell invasion ability were confirmed upon overexpression or knock-down of SLC1A4. To confirm cancer stem cell function according to SLC1A4 gene expression, ALDH activity and sphere formation ability were evaluated. To ensure transcript changes due to SLC1A4 expression, RNA sequencing was performed. Anti-cancer drug (cisplatin, carboplatin, paclitaxel, and doxorubicin) sensitivity was also tested. The result showed that energy production efficiency was significantly reduced in cells where SLC1A4 expression was suppressed. In addition, in cells overexpressing the SLC1A4 gene, the presence of SLC1A4 was confirmed to increase cell proliferation, migration, and invasion ability significantly. Transcriptome analysis results showed notable changes in genes related to signaling receptor binding. Regarding material transport, to investigate whether there was a change in amino acid uptake ability according to SLC1A4 gene expression, no difference was observed. In the drug responses, doxorubicin showed a significant sensitive response in the absence of SLC1A4 gene expression. Taken together, SLC1A4 is a potential oncogene that not only induces rapid proliferation, aggressive invasion, and migration through metabolic reprogramming but also contributes to increasing cancer stem cell capabilities. In addition, it shows the sensitive response to ADR when SLC1A4 is low or absent, so it can be used as a treatment strategy for TNBC.

Citation Format: Soo Young Park, Da Sol Kim, Hayeon Kim, Min Ji Song, Han Suk Ryu. SLC1A4 is associated with metabolic reprogramming in triple-negative breast 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 6993.
Abstract 7078: Targeting eIF6 to modulate ribosomal subunit association dynamics in cancers
Authors: Harish Kavya Meena , Roshan Poonam , Biswas Aparna , Anagnos Stella , Luebbers Riley , Origanti Sofia
Published: March 2024

Deregulation of ribosomal subunit levels and accessibility are hallmarks of cancer. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 6 (eIF6) is a key regulator of ribosomal subunit association that is over expressed in many cancers including lung, colon, ovarian and breast cancers, and deregulation of eIF6 is correlated with a poor cancer prognosis. Association of eIF6 with 60S is critical for 60S assembly. However, eIF6 must be released from 60S prior to translation to permit inter subunit interactions between 60S and 40S and to facilitate the formation of translationally proficient 80S monosome. Release of eIF6 is deregulated in the ribosomopathy- Shwachman Diamond Syndrome that is predisposed to leukemias. Also, loss of eIF6 markedly delays tumorigenesis without affecting normal growth, which presents eIF6 as a viable therapeutic target. A potential therapeutic strategy is to target the eIF6 and 60S ribosomal interaction interface. Through biophysical analyses we had identified residues that are critical for the interaction between eIF6 and 60S ribosomal subunit. We show that targeting these key residues in the eIF6-60S interaction interface markedly delays colonic cancer growth and inhibits protein synthesis. Furthermore, we show that the levels of other eIFs and the release factors: SBDS, and EFL1-GTPase are unaltered in the mutant cells suggesting that the translational inhibition is primarily attributed to the deregulation of eIF6. Interestingly, targeting eIF6 leads to an upregulation of p53 independent of the DNA damage response, suggesting that ribosomal stress contributes to the stabilization of p53. Previously, it was shown that translation of Cdc42 was upregulated by eIF6 to promote invasiveness. However, Cdc42 levels were unaltered in the mutant cells. Future studies will determine the mRNA substrates that are translationally deregulated in the mutants. We will also determine the effect of disrupting eIF6 function in inhibiting tumor growth and progression in vivo.

Category: MCB, Subcategory: MCB07-Gene regulation sub classification: Translational Control

Citation Format: Kavya Meena Harish, Poonam Roshan, Aparna Biswas, Stella Anagnos, Riley Luebbers, Sofia Origanti. Targeting eIF6 to modulate ribosomal subunit association dynamics 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 7078.
Abstract 7079: The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway regulates cellular metabolism through the suppression of HAL and ARG1 in liver cancer cells
Authors: Nakagawa Saya , Yamaguchi Kiyoshi , Takane Kiyoko , Tabata Sho , Ikenoue Tsuneo , Furukawa Yoichi
Published: March 2024

Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a crucial role in a wide range of human tumors including colorectal and liver cancer. The activated signaling causes nuclear accumulation of β-catenin, which leads to the elevated expression of target genes of TCF/LEF (T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor) transcription factors through their interaction with nuclear β-catenin. Recent studies have identified a lot of genes induced by this pathway such as MYC, CCND1, AXIN2, and LGR5, and clarified their roles in tumorigenesis. However, the roles of the genes down-regulated by the pathway remain to be elucidated. Our previous study revealed that the histidine ammonia-lyase gene (HAL) encoding an enzyme involved in the catabolism of histidine was down-regulated by the signaling pathway in liver cancer. In addition, we identified a region that is involved in the Wnt-dependent regulation of HAL. To clarify the regulatory mechanism of HAL by the pathway, we searched for transcription factors that are associated with the regulatory region, and identified CEBPA and FOXA1, two liver-enriched transcription factors. It is of note that the expression of these factors was reduced by the TCF/β-catenin complex. Further investigation identified arginase 1 (ARG1) encoding an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of arginine as another target gene of CEBPA and FOXA1. Consistent with these data, inhibition of the Wnt signaling increased the expression of ARG1 as well as HAL in liver cancer cells. Furthermore, the up-regulation of HAL and ARG1 by the inhibition of this pathway decreased intracellular concentrations of histidine and arginine, suggesting that the Wnt signaling plays an important role in cellular metabolism through the regulation of the two transcription factors. These findings shed light on the role of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the metabolism of amino acids in liver cancer cells.

Citation Format: Saya Nakagawa, Kiyoshi Yamaguchi, Kiyoko Takane, Sho Tabata, Tsuneo Ikenoue, Yoichi Furukawa. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway regulates cellular metabolism through the suppression of HAL and ARG1 in liver 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 7079.
Abstract 7098: Identifying of potential therapeutic targets of Taiwanese breast cancer by functional proteomics
Authors: Huang Chi-Cheng , Ku Wei-Chi , Huang Chi-Jung , Tseng Ling-Ming
Published: March 2024

The aim of the study is to conduct translational research of crucial breast cancer prognostic genes with functional proteomics. We have collected 61 breast cancer core biopsy samples, which were used for targeted sequencing for genetic variant analysis, mass-spectrometry analysis for protein expression and stain with H&E for whole slide image with Aperio Scanncer.

After analysis of variant (ANOVA) of LC-MS/MS data, we found 17 proteins with highly differential expression between these 5 molecular subtypes from 61 patients. We then search for the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network from STRING database and found the strong network including 6 proteins namely Collagen Type II Alpha 1 Chain (COL2A1), Collagen alpha-1(XI) chain (COL11A1), Collagen alpha-1(VI) chain (COL6A1), Collagen alpha-2(VI) chain (COL6A2), Thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) and Lumican (LUM).

To further investigate on the expression of these 6 target proteins in literature, we used Oncomine for data mining to query their mRNA expression profiles. Intriguingly, we discovered the mRNA expression of these targets are intensively distributed in many cancer types. This finding suggested the high potency of COL2A1, COL11A1, COL6A1, COL6A2, THBS1 and LUM as potential targets in breast cancer treatment. Our study has the potential contributing to the knowledge of breast cancer susceptibility, early detection, surveillance, and potential actionable targets, developing optimized screening programs and treatment protocols for distinct molecular subtypes.

Citation Format: Chi-Cheng Huang, Wei-Chi Ku, Chi-Jung Huang, Ling-Ming Tseng. Identifying of potential therapeutic targets of Taiwanese breast cancer by functional proteomics [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 7098.
Abstract 7119: Clinic-ready Polθ inhibitor SYX1097 suppresses solid tumors in vivo
Authors: Zhang Yilan , Jiang Kai , Xu Xiaokang , Wu Liu , Ge Chongxun , Xie Yue , He Hu , Liu Song , Tang Xuzhen , Shi Song
Published: March 2024

A large fraction of tumors with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations only have weak responses to PARP inhibitor (PARPi) treatment, and often develop PARPi resistance. To address these challenges, we have developed SYX1097, a selective and potent oral Polθ inhibitor as a single agent or in combination with PARPi for treating tumors with BRCA mutations. Both Polθ and PARP1 play key roles in microhomology-mediated end joining for DNA double-strand repair and in single-strand DNA gap filling during DNA replication.

Using in vitro cellular assays and in vivo animal models, we show that SYX1097 alone or combined with PARPi without obvious side effects. SYX1097 dramatically inhibited proliferation in BRCA -/- isogenic cells with IC50 <20 nM, while only had very weak effect on their parental cells (>10000nM). SYX1097 also enhanced tumor cell sensitivity to Olaparib 5 to 15 times. SYX1097 in vivo efficacious started at 50mg/kg mono-therapy, and generate >50% tumor regression at 5mg/kg when combined with Olaparib. In a 20-day repeated dosing study, SYX1097 200mg/kg BID was fully tolerated by mice. When considering additive hematological toxicity, comparing with “ATRi + PARPi”, “SYX1097 + PARPi” manifested deep and durable tumor regression without significant body weight loss or reticulocytes decrease. Moreover, SYX1097 is found synthetic lethal with defect of genes not involved in homologous recombination repair and able to suppress tumors with specific gene defect in vivo, which indicated SYX1097 can be used as single agent guided by specific biomarker.SYX1097 has a clean safety profile tested with Safety-Screen 44TM Panel, and is well tolerated in mice, rats and dogs. It possesses remarkable pharmacokinetic properties in various species, with no hematological toxicity observed during the preclinical toxicity studies. SYX1097 is advancing towards IND filing in 2024.Collectively, SYX1097 is a promising small molecule that may be utilized as a single agent or in combination with PARPi for cancer treatment not only limited by HR deficiency.

Citation Format: Yilan Zhang, Kai Jiang, Xiaokang Xu, Liu Wu, Chongxun Ge, Yue Xie, Hu He, Song Liu, Xuzhen Tang, Song Shi. Clinic-ready Polθ inhibitor SYX1097 suppresses solid tumors 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 7119.
Abstract 7192: Teriflunomide overcomes gemcitabine resistance by inhibiting the GSK3β/mTOR pathway in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Xu Caiming , Li Yuan , Sui Silei , Chen Meiling , Melstorm Laleh , Han Haiyong , Rosen Steven T. , Goel Ajay
Published: March 2024

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a lethal malignancy that is partly attributable to the acquisition of chemoresistance to conventional chemotherapies. Hence, developing strategies to overcome such chemoresistance is essential. Teriflunomide, an active metabolite of leflunomide, has been widely utilized in managing autoimmune disorders, and emerging evidence suggests that it can augment the efficacy of chemotherapy in cancer. We investigated the therapeutic effect of teriflunomide in overcoming resistance to Gemcitabine-based therapy in PC.

Methods: We performed docking and genomewide transcriptomic profiling analyses to identify therapeutic targets of Teriflunomide associated with Gemcitabine resistance (Gem-R) in PC. Subsequently, we analyzed the TCGA dataset to determine the prognostic significance of candidate genes in PC patients. A series of experiments were performed in PC cells, and the key findings were validated in patient-derived 3D organoids and a Gem-R Mia-PaCa2 xenograft model.

Results: Docking and transcriptomic profiling studies identified GSK3β, MAPK8, and MAPK9 as potential targets of Teriflunomide, which were significantly upregulated in Gem-R cell lines (P < 0.05). GSK3β was independently associated with poor overall and disease-free survival in PC patients. Combined Teriflunomide and Gemcitabine treatment exhibited superior synergistic anti-tumor potential, as evidenced by reducing PC cell proliferation, clonogenicity, invasion, and migration. The combined treatment with Teriflunomide and Gemcitabine primarily inhibited GSK3β phosphorylation, resulting in the silencing of the downstream AKT/mTOR pathway. Lentiviral-based silencing of GSK3β inhibited the AKT/mTOR pathway and reduced the IC50s of Gemcitabine in PC cells. Furthermore, co-administrating both drugs to Gem-R Mia-PaCa-2 xenograft mice significantly reduced tumor growth rates and volumes. These findings were recapitulated in patient-derived 3D-organoids, where the combined treatment resulted in fewer and smaller organoids vs. each drug individually (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: We provide novel evidence that Teriflunomide helps overcome resistance to Gemcitabine by inhibiting the GSK3β/AKT/mTOR pathway, which could improve treatment outcomes in PC.

Citation Format: Caiming Xu, Yuan Li, Silei Sui, Meiling Chen, Laleh Melstorm, Haiyong Han, Steven T. Rosen, Ajay Goel. Teriflunomide overcomes gemcitabine resistance by inhibiting the GSK3β/mTOR pathway in pancreatic 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 7192.
Abstract 7204: Therapeutic potential of targeting autophagy to overcome chemoresistance in glioblastoma
Authors: Kiang Karrie Mei Yee , Leung Gilberto Ka Kit
Published: March 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant subtype of brain tumor in adults, characterized by relentless recurrence and an overall survival of approximately 18 months. Temozolomide (TMZ) has been the basis for current standard of care and represents the control-arm in GBM trials. Despite the use of TMZ having shown promising results in improving patient survival, drug resistance and tumor relapse is almost inevitable. Current literature has provided strong evidence on autophagy modulation as an adjuvant therapy to cytotoxic treatments. By using in vitro and in vivo GBM models, combination regimen with TMZ and an autophagy activator significantly enhanced the cytotoxic effect in tumors that were resistant to chemotherapy. Combined treatment readily induced a mortal autophagy flux in chemo-resistant GBM cells resulted from its high intrinsic autophagy. Our findings suggest that treatment resistant tumors are more sensitive to autophagy activation when compared to treatment-naive tumors. As they often exhibit higher basal level of autophagy after long-term chemotherapy, a mortal autophagy flux can be readily achieved. In conclusion, combination therapy of a cytotoxic drug with autophagy modulator is emerging as a novel therapeutic strategy in the adjuvant setting for cancer patients.

Citation Format: Karrie Mei Yee Kiang, Gilberto Ka Kit Leung. Therapeutic potential of targeting autophagy to overcome chemoresistance in glioblastoma [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 7204.
Abstract 7208: Targeting histone demethylase KDM6B to overcome cisplatin resistance in testicular germ cell tumors
Authors: Singh Ratnakar , Shokry Doha , Boyd Raya I. , Rennels Brayden C. , Powell Christine , Kahn Mehwish , Freemantle Sarah J. , Spinella Michael J.
Published: March 2024

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) represent the most common carcinoma of young men and are believed to arise from the transformation of primordial germ cells (PGCs). TGCTs are highly curable with platinum-based chemotherapeutics. However, resistance to cisplatin does occur, leading to therapeutic failure with very limited further therapy options. Previously we demonstrated polycomb and histone H3K27me3 methylation is repressed in cisplatin resistance TGCT cells. In TGCT patients the expression of H3K27 histone methylase EZH2 and H3K27 histone demethylase KDM6B is significantly associated with recurrence free survival. Induction of H3K27 methylation using demethylase inhibitor JSK-J4 or knockdown of KDM6B resulted in restored cisplatin sensitivity in cisplatin resistant TGCT cells. Furthermore, Inhibition of H3K27 demethylase by GSK-J4 or genetic knockdown of KDM6B sensitized TGCTs to cisplatin in vivo suggesting potential clinical utility of targeting H3K27me3 in refractory TGCTs. To explore underlying mechanisms H3K27me3 ChIP-seq was performed that demonstrated genome-wide loss of H3K27me3 in cisplatin resistant cells. Integrative analysis of H3K27me3 ChIP-Seq and transcriptomics is ongoing. Together findings suggests that repression of H3K27 methylation may be a viable approach to overcome treatment failure in cisplatin resistant TGCTs.

Citation Format: Ratnakar Singh, Doha Shokry, Raya I. Boyd, Brayden C. Rennels, Christine Powell, Mehwish Kahn, Sarah J. Freemantle, Michael J. Spinella. Targeting histone demethylase KDM6B to overcome cisplatin resistance in testicular germ cell 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 7208.
Abstract 7240: Intratumor delivery of plasmid DNA encoding immune stimulating agents induces both local and systemic responses
Authors: Heller Richard , Heller Loree C. , Shi Guilan , Synowiec Jody , Singh Julie , Otten Alex , Jaroszeski Mark J.
Published: March 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significant clinical benefits, but are limited by both primary and acquired resistance. The absence of T cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a significant hurdle, reducing the efficacy of ICIs against solid tumors. Multiple studies have been initiated to modify the TME to enhance the effectiveness of ICIs. We previously demonstrated that the intratumor delivery of a plasmid encoding interleukin-12 (pIL-12) using gene electrotransfer (GET) resulted in a significant increase in T effector cells and a reduction in T regulatory cells and myeloid derived suppressor cells within the TME, inducing a robust immune response. Combining pIL-12 GET with ICIs resulted in local and systemic responses in both preclinical and clinical studies. While encouraging results were obtained, improvements were possible. For example, the established GET technology requires high applied voltage for plasmid delivery. In addition, satisfactory delivery cannot be immediately detected. Our current research has focused on developing the next generation GET technology to overcome these issues. This new system includes a pulse generator, a heat source and a tissue impedance measuring device. An array that incorporates independently addressable electrodes was also developed. A moderate elevation of the tissue temperature coupled with the electrode array enabled a 75% reduction in the applied voltage. We tested the approach in the B16.F10 mouse melanoma model. Delivery of pIL-12 with the new system resulted in 100% long-term complete regression and 100% protection from challenge. In addition, monitoring impedance within each independent section of the electrode array revealed different pulse numbers were needed to achieve delivery in each section. We next evaluated a combination therapy, pIL-12 plasmid combined with a plasmid encoding a PD1 peptide, delivered with the next-gen device. In a multi-tumor model, the plasmids were delivered to the subcutaneous tumor; tumors generated with an intraperitoneal injection were untreated. This new therapy induced complete regression of the subcutaneous tumor and blockage of peritoneal tumor growth as assessed via in vivo imaging. Peritoneal tumor growth was not affected by single plasmid delivery or when both plasmids were delivered with the established GET technology. Work is ongoing to translate this approach to clinical evaluation.

Citation Format: Richard Heller, Loree C. Heller, Guilan Shi, Jody Synowiec, Julie Singh, Alex Otten, Mark J. Jaroszeski. Intratumor delivery of plasmid DNA encoding immune stimulating agents induces both local and systemic responses [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 7240.
Abstract 7275: GS-P-328, a brain-penetrant small molecule p53 Y220C reactivator for tumors harboring p53 Y220C mutation
Authors: Liu Meng , Geng Kaijun , Lu Biao , Xia Yuanfeng , Yang Fanglong
Published: March 2024

As a tumor suppressor, p53 can prevent tumor development through multiple pathways. However, mutation of TP53 and the resultant inactivation of p53 allow evasion of tumor cell death and rapid tumor progression. The oncogenic Y220C mutation is the ninth most frequent p53 missense mutation in cancer. Y220C mutation creates a narrow, hydrophobic pocket on the surface of the p53 DBD that reduces its thermal stability. As a result, the Y220C mutation causes a rapidly unfold of the p53 protein under physiological conditions, abrogates p53 signaling and drives tumorigenesis. There are approximately 100,000 new Y220C mutation cancer cases per year worldwide with limited treatment choices. The initial clinical evaluation of PC14586 that can restore missense-mutant p53 protein has seen efficacy in patients harboring p53 Y220C mutation even though there is still room for improvement. Here we report a brain-penetrable, highly potent p53 Y220C reactivator which has great in vitro activity as well as induce tumor shrinkage in multiple tumor models at a much lower systematic exposure comparing to PC14586. In vitro, GS-P-328 could bind to p53 Y220C protein with a single nM potency and potently induce cell death in a wide range of p53 Y220C tumor cells while have no anti-proliferative effects with p53 WT cells. GS-P-328 is also active in patient-derived cell (PDC) models in various tumor background including SCLC, gastric, ovarian and colon. In vivo, GS-P-328, at approximately 1/3 of systematic exposure comparing to a leading clinical reactivator, causes tumor shrinkage in multiple CDX models. GS-P-328 could induce MDM2/p21 upregulation in cell systems. In vivo, GS-P-328 could induce 2 fold and more increase in MDM2/p21 protein levels in tumor tissues at approximately 1/3 of plasma concentrations comparing to PC14586. More importantly, in a NUGC3-luc intracranial model, GS-P-328 could strongly inhibit growth of cancer cells in the mouse brain. GS-P-328 has a favorable ADME profile in rodents, dogs and NHPs, as well as a much better safety profile. GS-P-328 is now under IND-enabling study and P1 study is planned in early 2025.

Citation Format: Meng Liu, Kaijun Geng, Biao Lu, Yuanfeng Xia, Fanglong Yang. GS-P-328, a brain-penetrant small molecule p53 Y220C reactivator for tumors harboring p53 Y220C mutation [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 7275.
Abstract 7311: Lipid soluble vitamin B1 derivatives, benfotiamine and fursultiamine, prevent breast cancer cells growth
Authors: O'Neill Caroline Ciaciuch , Langmead Aveline P. , Ramana Kota V.
Published: March 2024

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women in the US and the second leading cancer after skin cancer in women worldwide. According to the CDC, women from 45-84 years of age are most at risk, with approximately 30% of deaths in this group being from cancer. Increased free radical formation, and oxidative and inflammatory responses have been shown to be major contributing factors for the progression of breast cancer. Several antioxidants and vitamins have been tested for their efficacy in preventing breast cancer. However, the role of vitamin B1 derivatives in the prevention of breast cancer is not known. Therefore, we hypothesize that with potent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory actions, lipid-soluble derivatives of vitamin B1 (thiamine), such as benfotiamine and fursultiamine, could prevent breast cancer growth and spread. We have treated human breast cancer cells such as MCF-7 and T-4D1 and mouse breast cancer cells 4T1 with vitamin B1 derivatives and examined the cancer cells growth. Our results indicate that treatment of various breast cancer cells with benfotiamine and fursultiamine prevents the proliferation of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Further, both benfotiamine and fursultiamine by regulating the activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of PARP protein could prevent breast cancer cells growth. Benfotiamine and fursultiamine also regulates generation of reactive oxygen species in breast cancer cells. Further, vitamin B1 derivatives regulate the expression of various anti-apoptotic, pro-apoptotic, survival and inflammatory factors in both human and mouse breast cancer cells. We next planned to examine the effect of vitamin B1 derivatives on breast cancer growth in vivo using athymic nude mouse models. In conclusion, our in vitro results suggest that vitamin B1 derivatives, benfotiamine and fursultiamine, by promoting the apoptotic pathways prevent breast cancer cells growth and could be further developed as chemopreventive drugs.

Citation Format: Caroline Ciaciuch O'Neill, Aveline P. Langmead, Kota V. Ramana. Lipid soluble vitamin B1 derivatives, benfotiamine and fursultiamine, prevent breast cancer cells growth [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 7311.