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Evaluating the Angiogenetic Properties of Ovarian Cancer Stem-Like Cells using the Three-Dimensional Co-Culture System, NICO-1
Published on: December 5, 2020
Antiangiogenic and antitumor effects of SRC inhibition in ovarian carcinoma
Liz Y Han1, Charles N Landen, Jose G Trevino
1Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Abstract:
Src, a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, is a key mediator for multiple signaling pathways that regulate critical cellular functions and is often aberrantly activated in a number of solid tumors, including ovarian carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of activated Src inhibition on tumor growth in an orthotopic murine model of ovarian carcinoma. In vitro studies on HeyA8 and SKOV3ip1 cell lines revealed that Src inhibition by the Src-selective inhibitor, AP23846, occurred within 1 hour and responded in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, Src inhibition enhanced the cytotoxicity of docetaxel in both chemosensitive and chemoresistant ovarian cancer cell lines, HeyA8 and HeyA8-MDR, respectively. In vivo, Src inhibition by AP23994, an orally bioavailable analogue of AP23846, significantly decreased tumor burden in HeyA8 (P = 0.02), SKOV3ip1 (P = 0.01), as well as HeyA8-MDR (P < 0.03) relative to the untreated controls. However, the greatest effect on tumor reduction was observed in combination therapy with docetaxel (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, and P = 0.01, for the above models, respectively). Proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining showed that Src inhibition alone (P = 0.02) and in combination with docetaxel (P = 0.007) significantly reduced tumor proliferation. In addition, Src inhibition alone and in combination with docetaxel significantly down-regulated tumoral production of vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin 8, whereas combination therapy decreased the microvessel density (P = 0.02) and significantly affected vascular permeability (P < 0.05). In summary, Src inhibition with AP23994 has potent antiangiogenic effects and significantly reduces tumor burden in preclinical ovarian cancer models. Thus, Src inhibition may be an attractive therapeutic approach for patients with ovarian carcinoma.
Insights
Src inhibition significantly reduced ovarian cancer tumor growth and proliferation in preclinical models. Combination therapy with docetaxel demonstrated potent antiangiogenic effects and tumor reduction, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Src, a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, is implicated in various cellular functions and frequently activated in solid tumors like ovarian carcinoma.
- Aberrant Src activation contributes to tumor progression and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer.
- Targeting Src offers a potential strategy for ovarian cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of activated Src inhibition in reducing tumor growth within an orthotopic murine model of ovarian carcinoma.
- To evaluate the efficacy of Src inhibition, alone and in combination with docetaxel, in preclinical ovarian cancer models.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies utilized HeyA8 and SKOV3ip1 ovarian cancer cell lines to assess Src inhibition kinetics and dose-dependency.
- Cytotoxicity assays were performed to evaluate the combined effects of Src inhibition and docetaxel on chemosensitive and chemoresistant cells.
- In vivo efficacy was assessed in orthotopic murine models using an orally bioavailable Src inhibitor (AP23994), with tumor burden, proliferation, angiogenesis markers, and vascular permeability evaluated.
Main Results:
- Src inhibition by AP23846 was rapid and dose-dependent in vitro, enhancing docetaxel cytotoxicity in ovarian cancer cells.
- In vivo, AP23994 significantly reduced tumor burden across multiple ovarian cancer models (HeyA8, SKOV3ip1, HeyA8-MDR).
- Combination therapy with docetaxel yielded the greatest tumor reduction, significantly decreased proliferation, down-regulated VEGF and IL-8, reduced microvessel density, and affected vascular permeability.
Conclusions:
- Src inhibition with AP23994 exhibits potent antiangiogenic properties and effectively reduces tumor burden in preclinical ovarian cancer models.
- Combination therapy of Src inhibition and docetaxel demonstrates significant synergistic effects, highlighting its therapeutic potential.
- Targeting Src represents a promising therapeutic avenue for patients diagnosed with ovarian carcinoma.
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