tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Abstract 4567: Dual targeting of HSP70 and AURKA improves treatment in neuroendocrine prostate cancer
Authors: Pengfei Xu, Joy C. Yang, Bo Chen, Shu Ning, Leyi Wang, Christopher Nip, Christopher P. Evans, Marc A. Dall'Era, Allen C. Gao, Jason Gestwicki, Chengfei Liu
Journal: Cancer Research (2024)

Abstract Background: Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is the most aggressive type of prostate cancer with no effective treatments. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new treatment strategies. N-Myc plays a key role in driving NEPC progression, and Aurora kinase A (AURKA) prevents N-Myc degradation by interact with N-Myc and disallowing the intervention of ubiquitin ligases. The AURKA inhibitor Alisertib inhibits NEPC tumor growth by disrupting N-Myc signaling, but it is failed in a phase II clinical trial. In this study, we tested the synergy of novel HSP70 allosteric inhibitor JG231 and Alisertib in NEPC cells, organoids, and patient derived xenograft (PDX) models, which will provide new therapeutic strategies for the NEPC treatment. Methods: RT-PCR, western blotting, or immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to determine the expression of N-Myc, neuroendocrine maker (NSE, SYP, CHGA, etc) in different prostate cancer cell lines and PDX tumors. After the knockdown of HSP70 and AURKA by siRNA transfection, cell proliferation and N-Myc expression were assessed by using cell viability assay, RT-PCR and Western blotting respectively. The co-immunoprecipitation assay was performed to detect the N-Myc ubiquitination. RNA-sequencing, gene set enrichment analysis was employed to determine the changes of JG231 on gene programs. The effects of JG231 and Alisertib on the proliferation were examined in NEPC cell lines and PDX organoids models. Results: We determined that PC3, CWR22Rv1, H660 cell lines, LuCaP49, and LuCaP93 PDX tumors had significantly increased the expression of N-Myc and neuroendocrine makers. Knockdown of HSP70 or using the HSP70 inhibitor, JG231, significantly inhibit the growth of H660 and CWR22Rv1 cells and leads to a synergistic effect with Alisertib (p&amp;lt;0.001). JG231 combined with Alisertib also inhibits growth and induces the death of LuCaP93 and H660 tumor derived organoids in a dose-dependent manner (p&amp;lt;0.001). Mechanistically, JG231 inhibits the protein expression of N-Myc through the ubiquitin-proteasome system and promote STUB1 to enter the nucleus to bind to N-Myc. Conclusions: JG231, a novel HSP70 inhibitor, can improves the treatment efficacy of AURKA inhibitor Alisertib against NEPC through the regulation of N-Myc protein homeostasis. Citation Format: Pengfei Xu, Joy C. Yang, Bo Chen, Shu Ning, Leyi Wang, Christopher Nip, Christopher P. Evans, Marc A. Dall'Era, Allen C. Gao, Jason Gestwicki, Chengfei Liu. Dual targeting of HSP70 and AURKA improves treatment in neuroendocrine prostate 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 4567.
Abstract 423: Cell state-specific genomics to define plasticity along the epithelial-mesenchymal transitioncontinuum
Authors: Destinee K. Williams, Nicholas Hou
Journal: Cancer Research (2024)

Abstract The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process that allows epithelial cells to convert into a mesenchymal phenotype, acquiring increased mobility and the capacity to migrate. EMT has historically been represented as binary states; however, a growing consensus supports an EMT continuum involving multiple intermediate stable states. While we lack a comprehensive understanding of the EMT continuum, several reports indicate that the late stable states lead to optimal stem cell traits for cancer. In addition, it has been suggested that EMT heterogeneity within tumor cell populations is associated with poor patient prognosis. Hence, there is a clear need to define the genetic drivers of EM plasticity in heterogeneous cell populations along the EMT continuum. To fulfill this need, we will collect and analyze single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from EMT-cell-state specific genetic CRISPR screens on EMT-heterogeneous cell populations. Here, we apply a series of cloning techniques including polymerase chain reaction and Gibson ligation to engineer an adeno-associated virus (AAV) plasmid containing the avian TVA receptor gene under control of the N-cadherin promoter. Since N-cadherin is predominantly expressed in mesenchymal cells, this AAV enables us to generate cell lines that will exclusively express the TVA receptor when in a mesenchymal state. Consequently, we will be able to deliver mesenchymal-specific CRISPR gene edits via an avian retrovirus-derived RCAS system. Citation Format: Destinee K. Williams, Nicholas Hou. Cell state-specific genomics to define plasticity along the epithelial-mesenchymal transitioncontinuum [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 423.
Abstract 1818: Novel efficient isolation and water-soluble prodrug preparation of anti-cancer natural product narciclasine
Authors: Alexander Kornienko, Ryan Rutledge
Journal: Cancer Research (2024)

Abstract Narciclasine is a promising anti-cancer agent produced by plants of the family Amaryllidaceae. Narciclasine has been shown to be a potent anti-cancer agent against a variety of cancers carrying dismal outcomes, including glioblastoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It is particularly effective in animal studies of brain cancer both primary, such as glioblastoma, metastatic tumors to the brain, such as melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Its isolation from plants has generally been accompanied with variable success as it depends on the plant species, their location and the time of plant collection. In this study, an optimized procedure for the extraction of narciclasine yielding 300 mg/kg of dried plant material. This represents a crucial step towards the development of optimized narciclasine derivatives, as the price of narciclasine from commercial sources ranges from $100-$500 per milligram. Additionally, clinical advancement of narciclasine and its derivatives has been severely thwarted, potentially owing to its sparing water-solubility. Insolubility in water makes administration at therapeutic dosages difficult and can lead to unfavorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics. To this effort, the synthesis of five prodrug esters of narciclasine is presented, with the target of a water-soluble narciclasine prodrug. Citation Format: Alexander Kornienko, Ryan Rutledge. Novel efficient isolation and water-soluble prodrug preparation of anti-cancer natural product narciclasine [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 1818.
Abstract 1981: Profiling of protein interactome with cysteine-reactive libraries led to the discovery of EML4ALK dimerizers
Authors: Diane Yang, Stefan Harry, Elizabeth Codd, Stefan T. Kaluziak, Alexander D. Carlin, Edwin Zhang, Zavontae Oppong-Holmes, Wenxin Yang, Abigail Smith, Dawn Mitchell, Mariko Hara, Siwen Zhang, Maristela Onozato, Liron Bar-Peled, Anthony J. Iafrate
Journal: Cancer Research (2024)

Abstract Cysteine covalent binders enable direct interactions with previously deemed undruggable protein targets, revolutionizing cancer therapeutics development. The primary focus has been on tailoring single-warhead compounds to target specific cysteine residues within the functional domains of target proteins. However, the biochemical properties including dimerization, induced conformational changes, and interactome disruption have been underexplored, presenting an ongoing limitation in current drug discovery approaches. In this study, we generated a library of 32 cysteine-reactive warhead compounds using various combinations of scaffolds and warheads to represent diverse reactivities. A combinatory assay approach, including cysteine druggability mapping (CDM) to discover reactive residues and SDS-PAGE fractionation assays to identify disrupted protein interaction events, was employed. Characterization of the library revealed distinct reactive cysteines and dimerization profiles among the 32 unique compounds. Compound 1C9, identified as a lead compound, demonstrated significant dimerization of EML4, a common fusion gene partner in lung cancer. Using the EML4ALK fusion gene as a proof of concept, we explored potential mechanisms underlying the compound-induced dimerization of EML4. Subsequent structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies and screening of 70 additional compounds were conducted to optimize ALK dimerization and minimize off-target effects. The enhanced compound disrupted the ALK cellular signaling pathways AKT and ERK upon dimerization of the EML4ALK fusion gene. Additionally, we discovered that covalent dimerization induced EML4ALK degradation without requiring a ubiquitin ligase like a PROTAC. In conclusion, our work has uncovered a novel class of cysteine covalent binders, which we believe are valuable tools to modulate protein-protein interactions in previously undruggable proteins in cancer. This discovery holds significant therapeutic potential for future drug development. Citation Format: Diane Yang, Stefan Harry, Elizabeth Codd, Stefan T. Kaluziak, Alexander D. Carlin, Edwin Zhang, Zavontae Oppong-Holmes, Wenxin Yang, Abigail Smith, Dawn Mitchell, Mariko Hara, Siwen Zhang, Maristela Onozato, Liron Bar-Peled, Anthony J. Iafrate. Profiling of protein interactome with cysteine-reactive libraries led to the discovery of EML4ALK dimerizers [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 1981.
Abstract 1179: A single-cell atlas of human gastric malignancy reveals CD8+ T cell rejuvenation as a mediator of immunotherapeutic response
Authors: Han Liang, Jian Chen, Yikai Luo, Muxing Kang, Wei Liu, Lie Wang
Journal: Cancer Research (2024)

Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has emerged as a mainstream treatment for patients with advanced stage gastric cancer (GC). Cellular heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment (TME) has a profound impact on the therapeutic responses to ICI. Here we characterize the kinetics of tumor-infiltrating immune populations in GC patients treated with anti-PD-1 using single-cell RNA and TCR sequencing (scRNA/TCR-seq), including primary tumors and metastases. Integrated with public GC scRNA-seq datasets, we construct the largest multi-omic atlas of GC cell states to date that captures the full trajectory of GC malignancy and comprises &amp;gt;320,000 cells derived from 73 samples. We demonstrate the rejuvenation of exhausted CD8+ T cells into a proliferative state marked by the loss of LAYN expression as a major mediator of ICI response in the TME. In parallel, we observe enhanced immunogenicity of cancer cells in post-ICI tumors, thus highlighting the coordination between tumor-intrinsic and microenvironmental factors elicited by ICI. Our study provides a valuable resource of investigating the tumor response to anti-PD-1 treatment and suggests novel strategies for combination therapy and patient stratification. Citation Format: Han Liang, Jian Chen, Yikai Luo, Muxing Kang, Wei Liu, Lie Wang. A single-cell atlas of human gastric malignancy reveals CD8+ T cell rejuvenation as a mediator of immunotherapeutic response [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 1179.
Abstract 1827: Exploring the feasibility and pharmacological mechanism of bufadienolides for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Chih-Chieh Tu, Mei-Chuan Chen, Chun-Han Chen
Journal: Cancer Research (2024)

Abstract The majority of diagnosed bladder cancer (BC) patients is presenting with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Although NMIBC generally exhibits a favorable prognosis, a considerable number of patients suffer from short-term recurrence, and high risks of progression to the more aggressive muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Therefore, there is an urgent need for innovative treatments to improve outcomes for patients with NMIBC. For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has played a significant role in Asian society, with ongoing research to investigate the intricate relationship between TCM and treatment of cancers. Bufadienolides, the principal active components in Chansu, are derived from the aqueous extract of the parotoid glands and the dried secretion of the Asiatic toad. Bufadienolides have been reported to demonstrate significant antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms that underlie the anticancer effects of bufadienolides in NMIBC. Our experiments show that bufadienolides significantly decrease cell viability, induce cell-cycle arrest at the sub-G1 phase, and activate apoptosis in NMIBC cells (RT112 and RT4). Protein analysis reveals the activation of apoptosis-related proteins (PARP, caspase-3, -8, -9) by bufadienolides in NMIBC cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that bufadienolides present promising potential as therapeutic agents for NMIBC treatment. Citation Format: Chih-Chieh Tu, Mei-Chuan Chen, Chun-Han Chen. Exploring the feasibility and pharmacological mechanism of bufadienolides for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder 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 1827.
Abstract 1177: The chronology of immune-related adverse events (irAEs)-mechanistic implications
Authors: Farah Mazahreh, Haya Safar, Liyan Mazahreh, A. Mazin Safar
Journal: Cancer Research (2024)

Abstract Immune Oncology (IO) is a novel component of the oncology armamentarium given its distinct mechanism of action, and by extension, unique mechanisms of toxicity (Tx). To recognize these unusual Txs, the term irAEs was popularized in clinical trials. Most organs have been involved by irAEs and autoimmunity has been implicated commonly by practicing oncologists. The onset of irAEs has not been studied well, however. We reasoned that autoimmune phenomena would be expected early after IO, since this is the timeframe within which T-cells expand to exert their effects on tumor and other ‘self’ tissues. It follows that if autoimmunity is the sole mechanism of irAEs, such toxicities should be reported early. Mechanism(s) of irARs may prove important for IO duration discussions. In some cases, tumor antigenic epitopes may mimic self-tissues, and in such cases irAEs develop early after initiation of IO. We hypothesized that irAEs have distinct chronology: earlier events representing autoimmunity (unavoidable); later events reflecting an intercurrent exposure to an antigen (e.g., virus) and therefore are avoidable by limiting duration of IO. Methods: We reviewed published IO monotherapy trials if individual patient data (swimmers’ plot) were reported. We derived the timing and frequency of Tx. We used therapy discontinuation without progressive disease as a surrogate for Tx if reported before the planned 24 months IO therapy.Results: Table depicts the data on included clinical trialsConclusion: The emergence of irAEs after IO extends over a protracted periods with 86% of events occurring beyond 4 months of IO. Though responses occasionally develop late after IO, for Tx consideration, T-cell expansion starts within days of IO initiation, and if autoimmunity is the mediator of Tx, irAEs would emerge only early. Our results suggest dual mechanisms and provide one more impetus to consider shortening IO duration. Tumor Author Discontinued IO (n) Months of IO Discontinuation 0-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-10 11-12 13-14 15-16 17-18 19-20 21-22 NSCLC Topalian 12 1 1 4 1 1 3 1 Dart 11 3 4 3 1 Warburton 56 2 2 7 8 7 22 1 3 1 2 1 Melanoma Topalian 13 4 1 2 1 2 2 1 Weber 2 1 1 Demetriou 66 8 4 6 5 6 10 6 10 6 5 RCC Topalian 3 1 2 Total 163 14 10 15 25 14 38 9 15 10 11 2 8% 6% 9% 15% 8% 23% 5% 9% 6% 7% 1% Citation Format: Farah Mazahreh, Haya Safar, Liyan Mazahreh, A. Mazin Safar. The chronology of immune-related adverse events (irAEs)-mechanistic implications [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 1177.
Abstract 1679: Understanding the mechanism of Daple-PDGFRB gene fusion in leukemia
Authors: Arnel Cardona Ibarra, Vivian Ly, Jason Ear
Journal: Cancer Research (2024)

Abstract Gene fusion between the scaffolding protein Daple and cell-surface receptor PDGFRB have been identified in several patients with leukemia. Patients with Daple-PDGFRB gene fusion are responsive to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, suggesting that the kinase domain on the receptor is active. How the Daple-PDGFRB gene fusion is activated and affects leukemia cells is poorly understood. It is hypothesized that the PDGFRB kinase domains found in gene fusion remain constitutively active, leading to hyperactivation of cell-signaling downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). To test this, identified Daple-PDGFRB mutants found in patients were ectopically expressed in cells and kinase activation were determined using a phospho-specific antibody. We demonstrated that indeed, the kinase domain on the gene fusion were active, and partake in rampant cell signaling. Because drug resistance is common in cancers such as leukemia, the implications from this work may uncover additional methods of therapeutic interventions for patients harboring these types of mutations. Citation Format: Arnel Cardona Ibarra, Vivian Ly, Jason Ear. Understanding the mechanism of Daple-PDGFRB gene fusion in leukemia [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 1679.
Abstract 198: Selective targeting of endothelial mTORC1 reduces transendothelial fatty acid delivery to improve anti-tumor immunity and suppress metastatic outgrowth
Authors: Deanna N. Edwards, Shan Wang, Wenqiang Song, Laura C. Kim, Yoonha Hwang, Jin Chen
Journal: Cancer Research (2024)

Abstract Tumor metastasis requires sufficient nutrients to support outgrowth of disseminated tumor cells. Cancer cells utilize fatty acids as a key source of energy and biomass, but these nutrients impair the cytotoxic activities of T cells, serving to support metastatic progression. Blood is a rich source of fatty acids, but the vascular endothelium serves as a barrier to limit access to the surrounding tumor tissue. However, it is unclear how long-chain fatty acid delivery to early metastatic tumors is regulated. Here, we report that endothelial mTORC1 promotes transport of fatty acids into developing metastatic tumors, leading to reduced anti-tumor immune responses and improved outgrowth. Using a murine model of metastatic outgrowth in the lung, tumor burden was significantly reduced upon targeted deletion of Raptor, an essential component of the mTORC1 complex, in endothelial cells (RptorECKO). We employed a multifaceted approach using metabolomics, transcriptomics, and molecular assays to identify a Raptor/mTORC1-mediated mechanism of transendothelial fatty acid transport via RAB and CLSTN1 cargo trafficking. In vivo uptake of a fluorescent palmitic acid analog in tumor cells and T cells was reduced in RptorECKO lung metastatic tumors, which correlated with improved markers of cytotoxicity. Combination of low-dose RAD001/everolimus, which selectively inhibits mTORC1 in endothelial cells, with anti-PD1 reduces metastatic disease and impairs long-chain fatty acid uptake in T cells, corresponding to improved anti-tumor immunity. These findings describe a novel mechanism of transendothelial fatty acid transportation during metastatic outgrowth, supporting future development of therapeutic strategies to target endothelial mTORC1 activity. Citation Format: Deanna N. Edwards, Shan Wang, Wenqiang Song, Laura C. Kim, Yoonha Hwang, Jin Chen. Selective targeting of endothelial mTORC1 reduces transendothelial fatty acid delivery to improve anti-tumor immunity and suppress metastatic outgrowth [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 198.
Abstract 7589: The novel complex delivery system of C-phycocyanin-loaded <i>klebsiella pneumonia</i>bacterial ghost induces apoptosis and sensitizes non-small cell lung cancer cell lines to doxorubicin
Authors: Basma Adel Elsayed Abdelaziz, Hoda Eid Mahmoud, Omayma Mohamed Sadek, Ahmed Samir Sultan
Journal: Cancer Research (2024)

Abstract Lung cancer is a significant cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with a high incidence rate, poor prognosis, aggressiveness, and a lack of effective treatment options. The present study has brought together two FDA-approved drugs with antineoplastic properties to create a complex that promises to revolutionize the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). By combining C-Phycocyanin extract (PCE), a pigment-protein complex synthesized by blue-green microalgae platensis, with the immunostimulatory doxorubicin (DOX) loaded Bacterial Ghosts (BGs), the present study aims to achieve enhanced dual-chemotherapy and remarkable inhibition of DOX-chemoresistance. The BG delivery system uses purified bacterial cell evacuation and safe confirmed Klebsiella pneumoniae BGs (KPBG) for safe and effective delivery, overcoming issues with resistance and poor delivery. The complex delivery system of KPBG-PCE/DOX was tested on two NSCLC cell lines, wild-P53, A549, and mutant-P53, NCI/H358, respectively. Our data showed that the loaded combined treatment significantly induced morphological changes with signs of apoptosis induction in the tested cell lines compared with the control. The WST-1 assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation. Data indicates that PCE and DOX have a synergistic effect at low concentrations when loaded on KPBGs for a constant count of BGs CFU/ml after 48 h of treatment. The viability inhibition and apoptosis induction of A549 and NCI/H358 cells were amplified in the combined treatment of 48 h compared to the control or either each drug alone. At the protein levels, our data showed activation of caspase-3, upregulation of BAX, and downregulation of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, m-TOR, S6k, oncogenic β-catenin, and cyclin-D1 protein expression levels after treatment with (KPBG-PCE/DOX) for 48 h, indicating apoptotic induction and modulating oncogenic signaling pathways. In conclusion, the current study presents a promising outcome of a synergistic delivery system of KPBG-PCE/DOX that can inhibit lung cancer cell line proliferation, induce apoptosis, and increase cell sensitivity to DOX. The KPBG delivery system offers an appealing approach for a successful combination of targeted therapy for lung cancer. Citation Format: Basma Adel Elsayed Abdelaziz, Hoda Eid Mahmoud, Omayma Mohamed Sadek, Ahmed Samir Sultan. The novel complex delivery system of C-phycocyanin-loaded klebsiella pneumoniabacterial ghost induces apoptosis and sensitizes non-small cell lung cancer cell lines to doxorubicin [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 7589.