E2F1-mediated GINS2 transcriptional activation promotes tumor progression through PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has high morbidity and mortality rates. It is therefore imperative to study the underlying mechanism of HCC to identify potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Recently, GINS2 has been identified to be a cancer-promoting gene in different cancer types. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism of GINS2 in HCC remains to be elucidated. To systematically explore the significance of GINS2, we first assessed the relative expression of GINS2 in pan-cancers based on data obtained from the HCCDB, TIMER, and TCGA databases. Then, we explored the clinical significance of GINS2 in HCC through Kaplan-Meier method as well as univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis. Additionally, functional enrichment analysis of GINS2 was done through GO, KEGG, PPI network, and immune cell infiltration analyses. Functional experiments were also conducted to investigate the biological significance of GINS2 in HCC cell lines. Our research revealed that GINS2 is involved in HCC progression and highlighted its potential value as a crucial diagnostic and therapeutic target for HCC.     

Targeting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway: An emerging treatment strategy for squamous cell lung carcinoma

Squamous cell lung carcinoma accounts for approximately 30% of all non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). Despite progress in the understanding of the biology of cancer, cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the standard of care for patients with squamous cell lung carcinoma, but the prognosis is generally poor. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is one of the most commonly activated signaling pathways in cancer, leading to cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. It has therefore become a major focus of clinical research. Various alterations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway have been identified in squamous cell lung carcinoma and a number of agents targeting these alterations are in clinical development for use as single agents and in combination with other targeted and conventional treatments. These include pan-PI3K inhibitors, isoform-specific PI3K inhibitors, AKT inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors. These agents have demonstrated antitumor activity in preclinical models of NSCLC and preliminary clinical evidence is also available for some agents. This review will discuss the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in cancer and how the discovery of genetic alterations in this pathway in patients with squamous cell lung carcinoma can inform the development of targeted therapies for this disease. An overview of ongoing clinical trials investigating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors in squamous cell lung carcinoma will also be included.     

Identification of novel therapeutic targets in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma using targeted next generation sequencing

Understanding genetic aberrations in cancer leads to discovery of new targets for cancer therapies. The genomic landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been fully described. Therefore, patients with refractory advanced/metastatic HCC referred for experimental therapies, who had adequate tumor tissue available, had targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) of their tumor samples using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform (Foundation One, Foundation Medicine, MA) and their treatment outcomes were analyzed. In total, NGS was obtained for 14 patients (median number of prior therapies, 1) with advanced/metastatic HCC. Of these 14 patients, 10 (71%) were men, 4 (29%) women, 6 (43%) had hepatitis B or C-related HCC. NGS revealed at least 1 molecular abnormality in 12 patients (range 0-8, median 2). Detected molecular aberrations led to putative activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway (n=3 [mTOR, PIK3CA, NF1]), Wnt pathway (n=6 [CTNNA1, CTNNB1]), MAPK pathway (n=2 [MAP2K1, NRAS]), and aberrant DNA repair mechanisms, cell cycle control and apoptosis (n=18 [ATM, ATR, BAP1, CCND1, CDKN2A, CDK4, FGF3, FGF4, FGF19, MCL1, MDM2, RB1, TP53]). Of the 3 patients with molecular aberrations putatively activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, 2 received therapies including a mTOR inhibitor and all demonstrated therapeutic benefit ranging from a partial response to minor shrinkage per RECIST (-30%, -15%; respectively). In conclusion, genomic alterations are common in advanced HCC. Refractory patients with alterations putatively activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway demonstrated early signals of clinical activity when treated with therapies targeting mTOR.     

MicroRNA-3127 promotes cell proliferation and tumorigenicity in hepatocellular carcinoma by disrupting of PI3K/AKT negative regulation

Recent studies have shown that multiple phosphatases deactivate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Here we demonstrated that, by suppressing multiple phosphatases, miR-3127 promotes growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our study also reveals clinical significance of miR-3127 expression in HCC patients. MiR-3127 expression was markedly upregulated in HCC tissues and cells. Furthermore, high miR-3127 expression was associated with an aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis. MiR-3127 overexpression promoted HCC cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Also, miR-3127 accelerated G1-S transition by activating AKT/FOXO1 signaling, by directly targeting the 3′ untranslated regions (3`UTR) of pleckstrin homology domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase 1/2 (PHLPP1/2), inositol polyphosphate phosphatase 4A (INPP4A), and inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase J (INPP5J) mRNA, repressing their expression. In agreement, the miRNA antagonist antagomir-3127 suppressed HCC cell proliferation and tumor growth by inhibiting the AKT/FOXO1 signaling. Taken together, these findings suggest that silencing miR-3127 might be a potential therapeutic strategy.     

Hepatocellular carcinoma biomarkers,an imminent need

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm of the liver and one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. The identification of novel, highly specific and more sensitive biomarkers for HCC is crucial because existing ones are deficient and non-confirmatory without histological biopsy or imaging techniques.     

Multipoint targeting of the PI3K/mTOR pathway in mesothelioma

Background:

Mesothelioma is a notoriously chemotherapy-resistant neoplasm, as is evident in the dismal overall survival for patients with those of asbestos-associated disease. We previously demonstrated co-activation of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), MET, and AXL in mesothelioma cell lines, suggesting that these kinases could serve as novel therapeutic targets. Although clinical trials have not shown activity for EGFR inhibitors in mesothelioma, concurrent inhibition of various activated RTKs has pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects in mesothelioma cell lines. Thus, we hypothesised that a coordinated network of multi-RTK activation contributes to mesothelioma tumorigenesis.

Methods:

Activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Raf/MAPK, and co-activation of RTKs were evaluated in mesotheliomas. Effects of RTK and downstream inhibitors/shRNAs were assessed by measuring mesothelioma cell viability/growth, apoptosis, activation of signalling intermediates, expression of cell-cycle checkpoints, and cell-cycle alterations.

Results:

We demonstrate activation of the PI3K/AKT/p70S6K and RAF/MEK/MAPK pathways in mesothelioma, but not in non-neoplastic mesothelial cells. The AKT activation, but not MAPK activation, was dependent on coordinated activation of RTKs EGFR, MET, and AXL. In addition, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibition recapitulated the anti-proliferative effects of concurrent inhibition of EGFR, MET, and AXL. Dual targeting of PI3K/mTOR by BEZ235 or a combination of RAD001 and AKT knockdown had a greater effect on mesothelioma proliferation and viability than inhibition of individual activated RTKs or downstream signalling intermediates. Inhibition of PI3K/AKT was also associated with MDM2-p53 cell-cycle regulation.

Conclusions:

These findings show that PI3K/AKT/mTOR is a crucial survival pathway downstream of multiple activated RTKs in mesothelioma, underscoring that PI3K/mTOR is a compelling target for therapeutic intervention.     

Current clinical development of PI3K pathway inhibitors in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system, and effective therapeutic options are lacking. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is frequently dysregulated in many human cancers, including GBM. Agents inhibiting PI3K and its effectors have demonstrated preliminary activity in various tumor types and have the potential to change the clinical treatment landscape of patients with solid tumors. In this review, we describe the activation of the PI3K pathway in GBM, explore why inhibition of this pathway may be a compelling therapeutic target for this disease, and provide an update of the data on PI3K inhibitors in clinical trials and from earlier investigation.     

PTEN、PI3K和mTOR在鼻咽癌中的表达及意义

目的:观察鼻咽癌(nasopharyngeal carcinoma,NPC)组织中PTEN、PI3K和mTOR的表达,探讨其相互关系及其在鼻咽癌发生发展中的作用.方法:应用免疫组织化学方法检测PTEN、PI3K和mTOR在60例鼻咽癌组织与23例鼻咽部慢性炎症组织中的表达水平.结果:60例NPC中,PI3K表达的阳性率为86.7%(52/60),mTOR为93.3%(56/60),明显高于鼻咽部慢性炎症组60.9%(14/23),69.6%(16/23)(P<0.05);60例NPC中,PTEN的表达率为41.7%(25/60),明显低于鼻咽部慢性炎症组65.2%(15/23)(P<0.01);60例NPC中,FIEN的表达与mTOR、PI3K的表达强度呈负(P<0.05),mTOR与PI3K的表达强度呈正相关相关(P<0.05).结论:mTOR信号通路的激活与PTEN的抑制,可能在鼻咽癌的发生发展中起重要的作用.     

结直肠癌原发及转移灶中PI3K、p-Akt及mTOR的表达及意义

背景与目的:随着对PI3K/Akt信号通路在结直肠癌发生、发展中研究的不断深入,人们发现该通路在结直肠癌发生、发展及治疗药物开发中有重要价值.本研究旨在探讨PI3K、p-Akt及mTOR在结直肠癌原发灶及转移灶中的表达变化及临床意义.方法:应用免疫组织化学EnVison法检测60例结直肠癌患者原发灶及其转移灶中PI3K、p-Akt及mTOR的表达.结果:PI3K在转移灶中的阳性率显著高于原发灶中的阳性率(46.7% vs 30%,χ2=13.890,P<0.05),mTOR在转移灶中的阳性率显著高于原发灶中的阳性率(55.0% vs 41.7%,χ2=10.823,P<0.05);而p-Akt在原发及转移灶中的表达差异无统计学意义(53.3% vs 50.0%,χ2=0.267,P>0.05).PI3K和mTOR在结直肠癌原发及转移灶中表达均具有相关性,且呈正相关.结论:PI3K和mTOR的表达与结直肠癌转移密切相关,而且转移灶癌细胞PI3K的表达明显增强,mTOR的表达明显下降,可作为临床判断结直肠癌恶性程度、转移及预后的重要参考指标.     

Inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway enhances the sensitivity of the SKOV3/DDP ovarian cancer cell line to cisplatin in vitro

The activation of the PI3K/AKT/m TOR pathway plays a key role in ovarian cancer tumorigenesis, progression and chemotherapy resistance. This study aimed to explore the possible mechanism that PI-103, a dual inhibitor of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase and m TOR, enhances the sensitivity of SKOV3/DDP ovarian cancer cell line to cisplatin chemotherapy. The results showed that PI-103 could significantly increase the sensitivity of SKVO3/DDP cells to cisplatin through inhibiting the activation of PI3K/Akt/m TOR signaling pathway and inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.     

Antiproliferative effects of rapamycin as a single agent and in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel in head and neck cancer cell lines

PURPOSE: Recent data suggested that combining targeted therapies with chemotherapy may counteract drug resistance. Activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway downstream to kinase receptors, such as EGFR, was found in 57-81% of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and was eventually associated with a loss of PTEN function. mTOR was shown to modulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and angiogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate molecular and cellular effects of rapamycin in a panel of cell lines either as single agent or in combination with cytotoxics commonly used in HNSCC. METHODS: Antiproliferative effects of rapamycin, carboplatin, and paclitaxel were evaluated in a panel of three HNSCC cell lines (SCC61, SQ20B and HEP2). Cells were exposed to rapamycin for 48 h, to carboplatin for 48 h, or to paclitaxel for 24 h. Antiproliferative effects of simultaneous and sequential rapamycin-based combinations were studied using MTT assay and median effect plot analysis. Cell cycle effects were analysed using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Rapamycin induced concentration dependent antiproliferative effects in HNSCC cell lines with IC(50) of 5 +/- 1, 12 +/- 2 and 20 +/- 2 microM in SCC61, SQ20B, and HEP2 cells, respectively. Higher antiproliferative effects were observed in SCC61 cells overexpressing NOXA and cyclin D1 than in HEP2 that overexpressed MDR1 and BCL2. In our panel, antiproliferative effects of rapamycin were associated with G0/G1 cell cycle accumulation and apoptosis induction, at concentrations ranging 3-30 microM. Combinations of rapamycin with paclitaxel and carboplatin displayed synergistic and additive effects. Synergistic effects were observed with paclitaxel in SQ20B and HEP2 cells and with carboplatin in SQ20B cells, when cells were exposed to cytotoxics prior to rapamycin. CONCLUSION: Our results show that rapamycin displays antiproliferative effects and induces apoptosis in HNSCC cell lines, cellular effects being more potent in cells that do not express BCL2 and MDR1. Additive and synergistic effects were observed when rapamycin was combined with carboplatin and paclitaxel.     

整合素α5β1介导的PI3K-AKT信号分子在CML发病机制中的作用

摘 要　目的：研究整合素α5β1介导的PI3K-AKT信号转导通路在慢性髓细胞白血病（chronic myeloid leukemia,CML）发病机制中的作用。方法：流式细胞术检测不同剂量抗整合素α5β1单抗（Anti-α5β1）作用后白血病K562细胞的凋亡率, Western blotting检测健康志愿者、CML急变期患者、K562细胞和Anti-α5β1处理的K562细胞中PI3K和AKT蛋白的表达水平。结果：Anti-α5β1可诱导K562细胞凋亡,并呈剂量依赖性。与健康志愿者比较,CML急变期患者骨髓单个核细胞和K562细胞中PI3K和AKT蛋白的表达水平明显增高（P<0.05）;Anti-α5β1处理后,K562细胞内PI3K、AKT蛋白表达水平明显降低,其磷酸化水平也下降（P<0.05）。结论: 整合素α5β1可能通过影响PI3K-AKT信号转导通路中关键分子PI3K和AKT的表达水平诱导CML祖细胞凋亡耐受,参与了CML的发生、发展过程。     

PI3K/AKT信号通路轴在肿瘤上皮细胞间质转化中作用的研究进展

肿瘤上皮间质转化（epithelial-mesenchymal transition,EMT）与肿瘤耐药、侵袭、迁移、发生远处转移等生物学行为密切相关.肿瘤微环境中多种细胞因子及其激活的信号通路均参与细胞的EMT.近年来,越来越多的文献报道PI3K/AKT信号转导途径在肿瘤细胞发生EMT过程中的作用尤为重要.本文将重点讨论PI3K/AKT途径在对E-钙黏蛋白（E-cadherin,E-Cad）的调控及其与其他信号通路协同诱发EMT过程中的作用,并对PI3 K/AKT抑制剂在肿瘤治疗的研究进行回顾.     

Differentiating mTOR inhibitors in renal cell carcinoma

PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling is dysregulated in many cancers, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and activation of this pathway has been suggested to correlate with aggressive behavior and poor prognosis in RCC tumors. mTOR inhibition plays a principal role in the targeted treatment of many cancer types, including RCC. Although mTOR inhibitors share the same mechanism of action, differences in metabolism, formulation and dosing schedule underpin distinct PK/PD profiles such that they may be differentiated for use in a variety of treatment niches. Approved mTOR inhibitors temsirolimus and everolimus serve as important therapeutic options within the current RCC treatment paradigm, although their recommended applications differ in setting and patient population characteristics. Clinical practice guidelines recommend temsirolimus for use in treatment-naive patients with poor-prognosis metastatic RCC of any histology (predominant clear cell or non-clear cell histology). Everolimus provides a standard-of-care therapy for patients with metastatic RCC whose disease has progressed after previous vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. As therapeutic failure impacts the vast majority of patients with RCC, sequencing strategies of available agents or simultaneous targeting of multiple members of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway may provide additional clinical benefit. Various classes of agents targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway are currently being investigated, including mTORC1/mTORC2 kinase domain inhibitors, mTOR/PI3K dual inhibitors, PI3K-selective inhibitors, and programmed cell death 6 modulators. Clinical trials of mTOR inhibitors in a variety of tumor types are ongoing, and the role of mTOR inhibitors continues to evolve across the RCC treatment landscape.