Search results for "pancreatic cancer"
showing 10 items of 177 documents
A receptor-antibody hybrid hampering MET-driven metastatic spread
2021
AbstractBackgroundThe receptor encoded by the MET oncogene and its ligand Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) are at the core of the invasive-metastatic behavior. In a number of instances genetic alterations result in ligand-independent onset of malignancy (METaddiction). More frequently, ligand stimulation of wild-type MET contributes to progression toward metastasis (METexpedience). Thus, while MET inhibitors alone are effective in the first case, combination therapy with ligand inhibitors is required in the second condition.MethodsIn this paper, we generated hybrid molecules gathering HGF and MET inhibitory properties. This has been achieved by ‘head-to-tail’ or ‘tail-to-head’ fusion of a sin…
Effects of the MDM-2 inhibitor Nutlin-3a on PDAC cells containing and lacking WT-TP53 on sensitivity to chemotherapy, signal transduction inhibitors …
2019
Abstract Mutations at the TP53 gene are readily detected (approximately 50–75%) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. TP53 was previously thought to be a difficult target as it is often mutated, deleted or inactivated on both chromosomes in certain cancers. In the following study, the effects of restoration of wild-type (WT) TP53 activity on the sensitivities of MIA-PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells to the MDM2 inhibitor nutlin-3a in combination with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, as well as, nutraceuticals were examined. Upon introduction of the WT-TP53 gene into MIA-PaCa-2 cells, which contain a TP53 gain of function (GOF) mutation, the sensitivity to the MDM2 inhibitor incre…
Introduction of WT-TP53 into pancreatic cancer cells alters sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs, targeted therapeutics and nutraceuticals
2018
Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive, highly metastatic malignancy and accounts for 85% of pancreatic cancers. PDAC patients have poor prognosis with a five-year survival of only 5–10%. Mutations at the TP53 gene are readily detected in pancreatic tumors isolated from PDAC patients. We have investigated the effects of restoration of wild-type (WT) TP53 activity on the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to: chemotherapy, targeted therapy, as well as, nutraceuticals. Upon introduction of the WT-TP53 gene into the MIA-PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cell line, the sensitivity to drugs used to treat pancreatic cancer cells such as: gemcitabine, fluorouracil (5FU), cisp…
Concepts to Target MYC in Pancreatic Cancer.
2016
Abstract Current data suggest that MYC is an important signaling hub and driver in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a tumor entity with a strikingly poor prognosis. No targeted therapies with a meaningful clinical impact were successfully developed against PDAC so far. This points to the need to establish novel concepts targeting the relevant drivers of PDAC, like KRAS or MYC. Here, we discuss recent developments of direct or indirect MYC inhibitors and their potential mode of action in PDAC. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(8); 1792–8. ©2016 AACR.
HDAC1 and HDAC2 integrate the expression of p53 mutants in pancreatic cancer.
2015
Mutation of p53 is a frequent genetic lesion in pancreatic cancer being an unmet clinical challenge. Mutants of p53 have lost the tumour-suppressive functions of wild type p53. In addition, p53 mutants exert tumour-promoting functions, qualifying them as important therapeutic targets. Here, we show that the class I histone deacetylases HDAC1 and HDAC2 contribute to maintain the expression of p53 mutants in human and genetically defined murine pancreatic cancer cells. Our data reveal that the inhibition of these HDACs with small molecule HDAC inhibitors (HDACi), as well as the specific genetic elimination of HDAC1 and HDAC2, reduce the expression of mutant p53 mRNA and protein levels. We fur…
Abilities of berberine and chemically modified berberines to interact with metformin and inhibit proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells.
2019
Abstract Pancreatic cancer is devastating cancer worldwide with few if any truly effective therapies. Pancreatic cancer has an increasing incidence and may become the second leading cause of death from cancer. Novel, more effective therapeutic approaches are needed as pancreatic cancer patients usually survive for less than a year after being diagnosed. Control of blood sugar levels by the prescription drug metformin in diseases such as diabetes mellitus has been examined in association with pancreatic cancer. While the clinical trials remain inconclusive, there is hope that certain diets and medications may affect positively the outcomes of patients with pancreatic and other cancers. Other…
HGF/MET Axis Induces Tumor Secretion of Tenascin-C and Promotes Stromal Rewiring in Pancreatic Cancer
2021
Simple Summary It has been previously shown that activation of the MET receptor by its ligand, the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), modulates the tumor-stroma cross-talk in models of pancreatic cancer. We now wish to cast light on the molecular mechanisms by which this ligand/receptor pair sustains the interaction between cancer cells and the tumor microenviroment. To this end, we compared data obtained by large-scale analysis of gene expression in pancreatic cancer cells grown in the presence of HGF versus cells grown in the presence of HGF and treated with specific inhibitors of HGF/MET signaling. By clustering differentially expressed genes according to functional groups, we identified ca…
Pattern of Invasion in Human Pancreatic Cancer Organoids Is Associated with Loss of SMAD4 and Clinical Outcome
2020
Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by extensive local invasion and systemic spread. In this study, we employed a three-dimensional organoid model of human pancreatic cancer to characterize the molecular alterations critical for invasion. Time-lapse microscopy was used to observe invasion in organoids from 25 surgically resected human PDAC samples in collagen I. Subsequent lentiviral modification and small-molecule inhibitors were used to investigate the molecular programs underlying invasion in PDAC organoids. When cultured in collagen I, PDAC organoids exhibited two distinct, morphologically defined invasive phenotypes, mesenchymal an…
Abilities of β-Estradiol to interact with chemotherapeutic drugs, signal transduction inhibitors and nutraceuticals and alter the proliferation of pa…
2019
Improving the effects of chemotherapy and reducing the side effects are important goals in cancer research. Various approaches have been examined to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy. For example, signal transduction inhibitors or hormonal based approaches have been included with chemo- or radio-therapy. MIA-PaCa-2 and BxPC-3 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells both express the estrogen receptor (ER). The effects of β-estradiol on the growth of PDAC cells has not been examined yet the ER is expressed in PDAC cells. We have examined the effects of combining β-estradiol with chemotherapeutic drugs, signal transcription inhibitors, natural products and nutraceuticals on PDAC.…
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…