Burgess, A. W. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2022

TGF-beta1 induced S100 family protein expression is associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition states and poor survival in pancreatic cancer

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a continuum that includes epithelial, partial EMT (P-EMT) and mesenchymal states, each of which are associated with cancer progression, invasive capabilities and ultimately metastasis. We have employed a lineage traced sporadic model of pancreatic cancer to generate a murine organoid biobank from primary and secondary tumors, including sublines that have undergone P-EMT and complete EMT (C-EMT). Using an unbiased proteomics approach, we found that the morphology of the organoids predicts the EMT state, with solid organoids associated with a P-EMT signature. We also observed that exogenous TGF{beta}1 induces a solid organoid morphology that is associated with changes in the S100 family, C-EMT and the formation of high-grade tumors. S100A4 may represent a useful biomarker to predict EMT state, disease progression and outcome for pancreatic cancer patients.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Dual Drug Targeting to Kill Colon Cancer Cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is driven by a small set of oncogenic and tumor suppressor mutations. However, different combinations of mutations often lead to poor tumor responses to individual anti-cancer drugs. We have investigated the anti-proliferative and in vitro cytotoxic activity of pair-wise combinations of inhibitors which target specific signalling pathways. Colon cancer cells in non-adherent cultures were killed more effectively by combinations of pyrvinium pamoate (a Wnt pathway inhibitor) and ABT263 (a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family inhibitor) or Ly29004 (a PI3kinase inhibitor). However, in a mouse xenograft model, the formulation and toxicity of the ABT737/PP combination prevent the use of these drugs for treatment of tumors. Fortunately, oral analogues of PP (pyrvinium phosphate, PPh) and ABT737(ABT263) have equivalent activity and can be used for treatment of mice carrying SW620 colorectal cancer xenografts. The PPh/ABT263 induced SW620 tumor cell apoptosis and reduced the rate of SW620 tumor growth. Combinations of Wnt signaling inhibitors and specific inhibitor of pro-survival proteins should be considered for the treatment of precancerous colon adenomas and advanced colorectal cancers with APC mutations.

cancer biology↗