0000000000053165
AUTHOR
Maria L. Rodriguez
showing 14 related works from this author
CXCR7 Reactivates ERK Signaling to Promote Resistance to EGFR Kinase Inhibitors in NSCLC
2019
Abstract Although EGFR mutant–selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) are clinically effective, acquired resistance can occur by reactivating ERK. We show using in vitro models of acquired EGFR TKI resistance with a mesenchymal phenotype that CXCR7, an atypical G protein-coupled receptor, activates the MAPK–ERK pathway via β-arrestin. Depletion of CXCR7 inhibited the MAPK pathway, significantly attenuated EGFR TKI resistance, and resulted in mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition. CXCR7 overexpression was essential in reactivation of ERK1/2 for the generation of EGFR TKI–resistant persister cells. Many patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring an EGFR kinase domain mutatio…
Topical treatment with pterostilbene, a natural phytoalexin, effectively protects hairless mice against UVB radiation-induced skin damage and carcino…
2015
Abstract The aim of our study was to investigate in the SKH-1 hairless mouse model the effect of pterostilbene (Pter), a natural dimethoxy analog of resveratrol (Resv), against procarcinogenic ultraviolet B radiation (UVB)-induced skin damage. Pter prevented acute UVB (360 mJ/cm2)-induced increase in skin fold, thickness, and redness, as well as photoaging-associated skin wrinkling and hyperplasia. Pter, but not Resv, effectively prevented chronic UVB (180 mJ/cm2, three doses/week for 6 months)-induced skin carcinogenesis (90% of Pter-treated mice did not develop skin carcinomas, whereas a large number of tumors were observed in all controls). This anticarcinogenic effect was associated wit…
Pterostilbene-induced tumor cytotoxicity: a lysosomal membrane permeabilization-dependent mechanism.
2012
The phenolic phytoalexin resveratrol is well known for its health-promoting and anticancer properties. Its potential benefits are, however, limited due to its low bioavailability. Pterostilbene, a natural dimethoxylated analog of resveratrol, presents higher anticancer activity than resveratrol. The mechanisms by which this polyphenol acts against cancer cells are, however, unclear. Here, we show that pterostilbene effectively inhibits cancer cell growth and stimulates apoptosis and autophagosome accumulation in cancer cells of various origins. However, these mechanisms are not determinant in cell demise. Pterostilbene promotes cancer cell death via a mechanism involving lysosomal membrane …
Role of Natural Stilbenes in the Prevention of Cancer
2015
Natural stilbenes are an important group of nonflavonoid phytochemicals of polyphenolic structure characterized by the presence of a 1,2-diphenylethylene nucleus. Stilbenes have an extraordinary potential for the prevention and treatment of different diseases, including cancer, due to their antioxidant, cell death activation, and anti-inflammatory properties which associate with low toxicity underin vivoconditions. This review aims to discuss various approaches related to their mechanisms of action, pharmacological activities in animal models and humans, and potential chemoprevention in clinical studies. The biological activity of natural stilbenes is still incompletely understood. Furtherm…
Abstract A292: Salinomycin, an anti-cancer stem cell antibiotic, overcomes acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors in BRAF-mutant human melanoma cell …
2013
Abstract Advanced malignant melanoma is one of the most lethal cancers, because it is highly metastatic and refractory to conventional chemotherapy. About 60% of melanomas harbor oncogenic BRAF mutations which aberrantly activate MEK/ERK signaling pathway. BRAF and MEK inhibitors have been shown efficacious in patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma, but there is not effective target therapy for BRAF wild type melanomas. Unfortunately acquired resistance to BRAF targeted therapies is a common event: 50% of treated patients progressed within 6 to 7 months after the initiation of treatment. Resistance is associated with reactivation of the MAPK pathway (through development of de novo NRAS, NF1 or …
Abstract 2810: Pterostilbene, a natural phytoalexin, weakens the antioxidant defenses of aggressive cancer cells in vivo: a pituitary gland- and Nrf2…
2016
Abstract Polyphenolic phytochemicals have anticancer properties. However, in mechanistic studies lack of correlation to the bioavailable concentrations is a critical issue. We studied the underlying mechanisms using different human melanomas (A2058, MeWo and MelJuso) and pancreatic cancers (AsPC-1 and BxPC-3) (with genetic backgrounds correlating with most tumors in patients), growing in nude mice as xenografts, and pterostilbene (Pter, 3’,5’-dimethoxy-4-stilbenol; abundant in e.g. blueberries and a natural dimethoxylated analog of resveratrol). RESULTS: Intravenous administration of Pter decreased human melanoma and pancreatic cancer growth (an effect associated with lower rates of tumor c…
Abstract 753: Genomic alterations of autophagy genes disrupts autophagic flux in human lung adenocarcinomas
2015
Abstract Targeted therapy using EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) is a standard therapy for a subset of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with lung adenocarcinomas (LADs) harboring EGFR kinase domain mutations; however, EGFR TKI therapy shows limited efficacy due to de novo and acquired resistance. Consequently, formulating strategies to potentiate the efficacy of EGFR TKI is of great interest. In EGFR TKI sensitive cells harboring EGFR mutation, it has been shown that EGFR inhibition induces autophagy to protect the cells from metabolic stress. Hydroxychloroquine (HQ), an inhibitor of autophagy, has been shown to potentiate EGFR TKIs in preclinical models, however, preliminary…
Oxidative Stress and Microvascular Alterations in Diabetic Retinopathy: Future Therapies
2019
Diabetes is a disease that can be treated with oral antidiabetic agents and/or insulin. However, patients’ metabolic control is inadequate in a high percentage of them and a major cause of chronic diseases like diabetic retinopathy. Approximately 15% of patients have some degree of diabetic retinopathy when diabetes is first diagnosed, and most will have developed this microvascular complication after 20 years. Early diagnosis of the disease is the best tool to prevent or delay vision loss and reduce the involved costs. However, diabetic retinopathy is an asymptomatic disease and its development to advanced stages reduces the effectiveness of treatments. Today, the recommended treatment for…
Pterostilbene: Biomedical applications
2013
Resveratrol and its naturally dimethylated analog, pterostilbene, show similar biological activities. However, the higher in vivo bioavailability of pterostilbene represents a fundamental advantage. The main focus of this review is on biomedical applications of pterostilbene. The metabolism and pharmacokinetics of this stilbene in inflammatory dermatoses and photoprotection, cancer prevention and therapy, insulin sensitivity, blood glycemia and lipid levels, cardiovascular diseases, aging, and memory and cognition are addressed. Safety and toxicity, as well as recommendations for future research and biomedical uses, are discussed. This review includes comparisons between pterostilbene and o…
Cellular targets in diabetic retinopathy therapy
2021
Despite the existence of treatment for diabetes, inadequate metabolic control triggers the appearance of chronic complications such as diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is considered a multifactorial disease of complex etiology in which oxidative stress and low chronic inflammation play essential roles. Chronic exposure to hyperglycemia triggers a loss of redox balance that is critical for the appearance of neuronal and vascular damage during the development and progression of the disease. Current therapies for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy are used in advanced stages of the disease and are unable to reverse the retinal damage induced by hyperglycemia. The lack of effective…
Endothelin-1-Mediated Drug Resistance in EGFR-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma.
2020
Abstract Progression on therapy in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is often evaluated radiographically, however, image-based evaluation of said therapies may not distinguish disease progression due to intrinsic tumor drug resistance or inefficient tumor penetration of the drugs. Here we report that the inhibition of mutated EGFR promotes the secretion of a potent vasoconstrictor, endothelin-1 (EDN1), which continues to increase as the cells become resistant with a mesenchymal phenotype. As EDN1 and its receptor (EDNR) is linked to cancer progression, EDNR-antagonists have been evaluated in several clinical trials with disappointing results. These trials were based on a hypothesis that…
Stress hormones promote growth of B16-F10 melanoma metastases: an interleukin 6- and glutathione-dependent mechanism
2013
[EN] Background: Interleukin (IL)-6 (mainly of tumor origin) activates glutathione (GSH) release from hepatocytes and its interorgan transport to B16-F10 melanoma metastatic foci. We studied if this capacity to overproduce IL-6 is regulated by cancer cell-independent mechanisms. Methods: Murine B16-F10 melanoma cells were cultured, transfected with red fluorescent protein, injected i.v. into syngenic C57BL/6J mice to generate lung and liver metastases, and isolated from metastatic foci using high-performance cell sorting. Stress hormones and IL-6 levels were measured by ELISA, and CRH expression in the brain by in situ hybridization. DNA binding activity of NF-kappa B, CREB, AP-1, and NF-IL…
Abstract 1280: Pterostilbene exerts full protection against UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis.
2013
Abstract Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory studies have demonstrated that solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of nonmelanoma skin cancer (i.e., basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma) and it is also a prime factor in the etiology of cutaneous melanoma. The cancer-causing effects of solar exposure on the skin are mainly produced by UV-B radiation in the 290- to 320-nm range, the same range that produces burning in human skin (erythema), inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, etc. Thus, and considering the alarming numbers of skin cancers being diagnosed around the world, it is increasingly evident the need of an effective protection against UV radiation. Polyphenol…
Abstract 1690: Differential autophagy activation in KRAS and EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinomas.
2013
Abstract Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in western countries, and adenocarcinomas (LADs) are the most frequent histological subtype. The aberrant activation of the kinases promotes plethora of tumorigenic processes, mainly through PI3K and MAPK oncogenic pathways leading to oncogene addiction. The activation of PI3K pathway deregulates mTOR, a master kinase for cell growth and autophagy. Autophagy can be pro- or anti- tumorigenic, however its roles in protecting tumors exposed to metabolic stress under chemotherapy are considered as a survival mechanism for the tumors leading to acquired resistance. Consequently, the inhibition of autophagy is an attractive therapy to pre…