Targeting Purinergic Receptor P2Y2 Prevents the Growth of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma by Inhibiting Cancer Cell Glycolysis
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
Authors: Hu, Li-Peng; Zhang, Xiao-Xin; Jiang, Shu-Heng; Tao, Ling-Ye; Li, Qing; Zhu, Li-Li; Yang, Ming-Wei; Huo, Yan-Miao; Jiang, Yong-Sheng; Tian, Guang-Ang; Cao, Xiao-Yan; Zhang, Yan-Li; Yang, Qin; Yang, Xiao-Mei; Wang, Ya-Hui; Li, Jun; Xiao, Gary Guishan; Sun, Yong-Wei; Zhang, Zhi-Gang
Abstract
Purpose: Extensive research has reported that the tumor microenvironment components play crucial roles in tumor progression. Thus, blocking the supports of tumor microenvironment is a promising approach to prevent cancer progression. We aimed to determine whether blocking extracellular ATP-P2RY2 axis could be a potential therapeutic approach for PDAC treatment. Experimental Design: Expression of P2RY2 was determined in 264 human PDAC samples and correlated to patient survival. P2RY2 was inhibited in human PDAC cell lines by antagonist and shRNA, respectively, and cell viability, clonogenicity, and glycolysis were determined. RNA sequencing of PDAC cell line was applied to reveal underlying molecular mechanisms. Multiple PDAC mouse models were used to assess the effects of the P2RY2 inhibition on PDAC progression. Results: P2RY2 was upregulated and associated with poor prognosis in PDAC. Activated P2RY2 by increased extracellular ATP in tumor microenvironment promoted PDAC growth and glycolysis. Further studies showed that the agonist-activated P2RY2 triggered PI3K/AKT-mTOR signaling by crosstalk with PDGFR mediated by Yes1, resulting in elevated expression of c-Myc and HIF1 alpha, which subsequently enhanced cancer cell glycolysis. Genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of P2RY2 impaired tumor cell growth in subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft model, as well as delayed tumor progression in inflammation-driven PDAC model. In addition, synergy was observed when AR-C118925XX, the selective antagonist of P2RY2 receptor, and gemcitabine were combined, resulting in prolonged survival of xenografted PDAC mice. Conclusions: These findings reveal the roles of the P2RY2 in PDAC metabolic reprogramming, suggesting that P2RY2 might be a potential metabolic therapeutic target for PDAC.
MiR-133 Targets YES1 and Inhibits the Growth of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
TECHNOLOGY IN CANCER RESEARCH & TREATMENT
Authors: Zhang, Guochen; Wang, Junlan; Zheng, Ruilin; Song, Beibei; Huang, Li; Liu, Yujiang; Hao, Yating; Bai, Xiangdong
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer shows worse outcome compared with other subtypes of breast cancer. The discovery of dysregulated microRNAs and their roles in the progression of triple-negative breast cancer provide novel strategies for the treatment of patients with triple-negative breast cancer. In this study, we identified the significant reduction of miR-133 in triple-negative breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Ectopic overexpression of miR-133 suppressed the proliferation, colony formation, and upregulated the apoptosis of triple-negative breast cancer cells. Mechanism study revealed that the YES Proto-Oncogene 1 was a target of miR-133. miR-133 bound the 3 '-untranslated region of YES Proto-Oncogene 1 and decreased the level of YES Proto-Oncogene 1 in triple-negative breast cancer cells. Consistent with miR-133 downregulation, YES1 was significantly increased in triple-negative breast cancer, which was inversely correlated with the level of miR-133. Restoration of YES Proto-Oncogene 1 attenuated the inhibitory effects of miR-133 on the proliferation and colony formation of triple-negative breast cancer cells. Consistent with the decreased expression of YES Proto-Oncogene 1, overexpression of miR-133 suppressed the phosphorylation of YAP1 in triple-negative breast cancer cells. Our results provided novel evidence for the role of miR-133/YES1 axis in the development of triple-negative breast cancer, which indicated miR-133 might be a potential therapeutic strategy for triple-negative breast cancer.