Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: EC:2.7.10.1 (ERK)
 95,504 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Activation of the hedgehog pathway, through the loss of patched (PTC) or the activation of smoothened (SMO), occurs frequently in basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common human cancer. However, the molecular basis of this neoplastic effect is not understood. The downstream molecule Gli1 is known to mediate the biological effect of the pathway and is itself up-regulated in all BCCs. Gli1 can drive the production of BCCs in the mouse when overexpressed in the epidermis. Here we show that Gli1 can activate platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRalpha) in C3H10T(1/2) cells. Functional up-regulation of PDGFRalpha by Gli1 is accompanied by activation of the ras-ERK pathway, a pathway associated with cell proliferation. The relevance of this mechanism in vivo is supported by a high level expression of PDGFRalpha in BCCs of mice and humans. In the murine BCC cell line ASZ001, in which both copies of the PTC gene are inactivated, DNA synthesis and cell proliferation can be slowed by re-expression of PTC, which down-regulates PDGFRalpha expression, or by downstream inhibition of PDGFRalpha with neutralizing antibodies. Therefore, we conclude that increased expression of PDGFRalpha may be an important mechanism by which mutations in the hedgehog pathway cause BCCs.
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PMID:A role of PDGFRalpha in basal cell carcinoma proliferation. 1148 86

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is an indolent salivary gland malignancy that is associated with a poor long-term prognosis. The distinction of adenoid cystic carcinoma from other head and neck neoplasms can occasionally be problematic, particularly in small biopsies. Recent studies suggest that KIT (CD117) might be useful as an ancillary marker for adenoid cystic carcinoma; however, the expression of KIT in other benign and malignant head and neck neoplasms, including those that might mimic adenoid cystic carcinoma, has not been well studied. Here we use two different antibodies against KIT to evaluate its expression in a series of 66 adenoid cystic carcinomas compared with its expression in 98 other neoplasms of the head and neck. Overall, 94% (n = 62) of adenoid cystic carcinomas from various anatomic sites and of various histologic subtypes were positive for at least one of the KIT antibodies, and 77% (n = 50) of adenoid cystic carcinoma cases were positive for both antibodies. This contrasted with only 8% (n = 8) of other head and neck neoplasms that were positive for both KIT antibodies (P <.001). It was of note that certain neoplasms, including pleomorphic adenoma, basal cell adenoma, polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma, that can show histologic overlap with adenoid cystic carcinoma had significantly less KIT immunoreactivity than did adenoid cystic carcinoma (P <.001). In contrast, KIT expression did not reliably distinguish adenoid cystic carcinoma from basal cell adenocarcinoma and basaloid squamous carcinoma (P >.05). The overall sensitivity of the two KIT antibodies for adenoid cystic carcinoma was 82-89%, and the specificity was 87-88%. The findings in this study support the potential use of KIT immunoexpression for distinguishing adenoid cystic carcinoma from many other benign and malignant head and neck neoplasms.
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PMID:Expression of KIT (CD117) in neoplasms of the head and neck: an ancillary marker for adenoid cystic carcinoma. 1468 23

Dermatologists are faced daily with the need to optimize skin repair and excise cutaneous cancers. The extracellular matrix plays a pivotal role in cellular migration, proliferation, and gene regulation during wound healing and progression of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Within the last few years, a new class of ligand, the matrikine or matricryptin, has been characterized as subdomains of various ECM proteins capable of signaling to the cell through receptors, such as growth factor receptors. Two classes exist: the "natural" matrikines, which signal directly from the extracellular milieu and "cryptic" matrikines (matricryptins) that require proteolytic processing to reveal the ligand or to release the ligand from its ECM protein. Unlike traditional soluble growth factors, most matrikines possess low binding affinity to their receptors and are often presented in multiple valency that likely increase avidity to receptors. The presentation of these ligands within the ECM can result in unique outcomes. The EGF-like repeats of tenascin-C and laminin-5 signal to EGFR preferentially to upregulate migration during skin repair and tumor progression. Other matrikines in collagen, elastin, decorin, and laminin-1 can promote chemotaxis, mitogenesis, and metastasis in cancers, such as melanoma. Finally, the unique properties of matrikines have been utilized in cancer therapeutics and tissue engineering. Within the next few years, the nature and function of this emerging class of matrikine ligands will have an impact on dermatology, as these proteins are altered in wound repair and skin diseases.
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PMID:Matrikines and matricryptins: Implications for cutaneous cancers and skin repair. 1599 69

Hedgehog (HH)/GLI signaling plays a critical role in epidermal development and basal cell carcinoma. Here, we provide evidence that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling modulates the target gene expression profile of GLI transcription factors in epidermal cells. Using expression profiling and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR, we identified a set of 19 genes whose transcription is synergistically induced by GLI1 and parallel EGF treatment. Promoter studies of a subset of GLI/EGF-regulated genes, including the genes encoding interleukin-1 antagonist IL1R2, Jagged 2, cyclin D1, S100A7, and S100A9, suggest convergence of EGFR and HH/GLI signaling at the level of promoters of selected direct GLI target genes. Inhibition of EGFR and MEK/ERK but not of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT abrogated synergistic activation of GLI/EGF target genes, showing that EGFR can signal via RAF/MEK/ERK to cooperate with GLI proteins in selective target gene regulation. Coexpression of the GLI/EGF target IL1R2, EGFR, and activated ERK1/2 in human anagen hair follicles argues for a cooperative role of EGFR and HH/GLI signaling in specifying the fate of outer root sheath (ORS) cells. We also show that EGF treatment neutralizes GLI-mediated induction of epidermal stem cell marker expression and provide evidence that EGFR signaling is essential for GLI-induced cell cycle progression in epidermal cells. The results suggest that EGFR signaling modulates GLI target gene profiles which may play an important regulatory role in ORS specification, hair growth, and possibly cancer.
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PMID:Selective modulation of Hedgehog/GLI target gene expression by epidermal growth factor signaling in human keratinocytes. 1688 May 36

Genomic studies have led to new taxonomic classifications of breast carcinomas. Proteomic investigations using tissue microarrays have yielded complementary results and are useful in identifying potential molecular targets for specific therapies. Searching for new drug targets is particularly important for tumors of poor prognosis, such as breast tumors that lack estrogen receptors and HER2 amplification; in these tumors, certain molecules probably play a significant role in tumor spreading through the stromal microvasculature. We investigated 930 breast carcinomas categorized according to patients' survival (range of follow-up = 4-10 years; median follow-up = 6.5 years) using (1) automated immunohistochemical procedures (Ventana, Cedex, France) with tissue microarrays (Alphelys, Plaisir, France) and (2) quantification of immunoprecipitates assessed by automated image analysis densitometry (SAMBA, Meylan, France). Expression of c-Met and CD146 and that of signaling transducers PI3K, FAK, and FYN were compared in living and deceased patients. Expression of some proteins recently reported to be characteristic of basal cell carcinomas was also assessed, namely, CK5-6, caveolin-1, carbonic anhydrase IX, p63, and CD117; these also constitute potential targets for therapies for aggressive tumors. Overexpression of these proteins was observed in deceased or metastatic patients (P < .01 to P < .00001), particularly node-negative patients (except for FYN, p63, and CD146). c-Met and CD146 are involved in tumor spreading, and our results suggest that they probably play an important role in patients' death, along with other proteins involved in hypoxia (carbonic anhydrase IX) and other cell functions or structures (caveolin-1, CD117, CK5-6, and p63) that are expressed in an aggressive subtype of basal cell carcinoma for which no specific therapy is available.
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PMID:Poor prognosis in breast carcinomas correlates with increased expression of targetable CD146 and c-Met and with proteomic basal-like phenotype. 1791 88

The 2004 WHO classification of lung tumours recognised basaloid carcinoma as a variant of squamous and large cell carcinoma. We report a unique case of primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma with a basaloid component. An 82-year-old man underwent pulmonary lobectomy for a 2.8 cm tumour. The patient is disease-free 13 months after diagnosis. Histologically, an invasive carcinoma having a glandular and a solid component was observed. The former was an adenocarcinoma with mucus containing spaces lined by columnar mucinous cells and basaloid cells. The solid component was an organoid proliferation of basaloid-type cells, as in cutaneous basal cell carcinoma. Basaloid cells, but not mucinous cells, were immunoreactive for high molecular weight cytokeratins (CK), CK 7 and, focally, for TTF-1. High Ki67 index, p53 and EGFR expression were also found. This tumour is unique in several respects: (1) The solid areas resemble a conventional basaloid carcinoma, except for the presence of small mucin-containing spaces. (2) The mucinous adenocarcinoma areas contain two layers of columnar and basaloid cells. (3) Both components are neoplastic based on cell morphology, invasive properties and phenotypic profile. These findings indicate that a basaloid variant of adenocarcinoma is also existing in the spectrum of basaloid carcinomas of the lung.
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PMID:Basaloid adenocarcinoma. A new variant of pulmonary adenocarcinoma. 1761 55

We determined the trends in incidence of skin basal cell carcinoma (BCC) using a primary care population-based cohort study in the UK. 11,113 adults with a BCC diagnosis were identified from a total of 7.22 million person-years of data between 1996 and 2003 from the Health Improvement Network database. From a random subsample of BCC cases identified from the database, 93% were confirmed by hospital letter and/or pathology report. The incidence of BCC was 153.9 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI 151.1, 156.8) and was slightly higher in men as compared to women (Incidence Rate Ratio 1.10, 95% CI 1.06, 1.14). There was a 3% increase year on year across the study period (IRR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01, 1.04), with the largest increase in incidence seen in the 30-39 year age groups, although this did not reach statistical significance. Our study indicates 53,000 new cases of BCC are estimated every year in the UK and figures are continuing to rise on a yearly basis. Incidence rates are highest for men and in particular in the older age categories. These findings are consistent with those reported for various other populations. We have also found an increase in incidence in ages 30-39, which may suggest a cohort effect of increasing ultraviolet exposure in successive younger generations. This may have a huge public and service impact in future years in countries such as the UK, with predominantly fair-skinned population, with high leisure exposure to ultraviolet light. Our findings underline the need for more elaborate preventive measures.
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PMID:Trends in incidence of skin basal cell carcinoma. Additional evidence from a UK primary care database study. 1764 64

The incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has dramatically increased in the last decades, and chronic sun exposure was identified as a main etiologic agent. UV radiation may produce DNA damage either directly or through reactive oxygen species (ROS). As mutations caused by UV may lead to skin cancer due to oncogene activation and tumor suppressor gene inactivation, efficient safeguard mechanisms have been developed during evolution. These enclose induction of apoptosis and formation sunburn cells aiming at the removal of premalignant cells. The keratinocyte apoptotic machinery in response to UV consists of both intrinsic/mitochondrial and extrinsic/death receptor-mediated cell-death pathways, which are particularly regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs, JNK and p38) and the tumor-suppressor protein p53. For development of skin cancer, it appears that critical steps in apoptosis control are dysregulated leading to resistance both to death ligand-mediated and intrinsic proapoptotic pathways. These particularly include inactivation of p53, as well as activation of EGFR, COX-2 and MAPKs, which result in specific regulation of Bcl-2 proteins, death ligands and death receptors. The final unravelling of apoptosis regulation in epithelial skin cancer may allow the development of new targeted therapeutic strategies.
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PMID:UV-induced squamous cell carcinoma--a role for antiapoptotic signalling pathways. 1977 66

Hedgehog signaling is aberrantly activated in glioma, medulloblastoma, basal cell carcinoma, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and other tumors. Hedgehog signals activate GLI family members via Smoothened. RTK signaling potentiates GLI activity through PI3K-AKT-mediated GSK3 inactivation or RAS-STIL1-mediated SUFU inactivation, while GPCR signaling to Gs represses GLI activity through adenylate cyclase-mediated PKA activation. GLI activators bind to GACCACCCA motif to regulate transcription of GLI1, PTCH1, PTCH2, HHIP1, MYCN, CCND1, CCND2, BCL2, CFLAR, FOXF1, FOXL1, PRDM1 (BLIMP1), JAG2, GREM1, and Follistatin. Hedgehog signals are fine-tuned based on positive feedback loop via GLI1 and negative feedback loop via PTCH1, PTCH2, and HHIP1. Excessive positive feedback or collapsed negative feedback of Hedgehog signaling due to epigenetic or genetic alterations leads to carcinogenesis. Hedgehog signals induce cellular proliferation through upregulation of N-Myc, Cyclin D/E, and FOXM1. Hedgehog signals directly upregulate JAG2, indirectly upregulate mesenchymal BMP4 via FOXF1 or FOXL1, and also upregulate WNT2B and WNT5A. Hedgehog signals induce stem cell markers BMI1, LGR5, CD44 and CD133 based on cross-talk with WNT and/or other signals. Hedgehog signals upregulate BCL2 and CFLAR to promote cellular survival, SNAI1 (Snail), SNAI2 (Slug), ZEB1, ZEB2 (SIP1), TWIST2, and FOXC2 to promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and PTHLH (PTHrP) to promote osteolytic bone metastasis. KAAD-cyclopamine, Mu-SSKYQ-cyclopamine, IPI-269609, SANT1, SANT2, CUR61414 and HhAntag are small-molecule inhibitors targeted to Smoothened, GANT58, GANT61 to GLI1 and GLI2, and Robot-nikinin to SHH. Hedgehog signaling inhibitors should be used in combination with RTK inhibitors, GPCR modulators, and/or irradiation for cancer therapy.
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PMID:Hedgehog target genes: mechanisms of carcinogenesis induced by aberrant hedgehog signaling activation. 1986 Jun 66

One of the major advance concerning skin carcinoma is the development of targeted therapy: anti-patch/sonic/hedgehog for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and anti-EGFR for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These therapies are indicated for advanced non surgically removable tumors. Their anti-tumoral efficacy has been shown, their effect seems to be suspensive which raises the question of their tolerability for long term use. Laboratory work have shown that BCC and SCC stem cells locate in different cell compartments and follow distinct molecular events which explains their distinct behaviour. The role of HPV in EBDR skin cancers has been ruled out. Photodynamic therapy induced-immunosuppression can be prevented by lowering the light fluence. The gene responsible for the Ferguson Smith syndrome has been identified: it is the gene encoding TGFBR1. Its implication in SCC needs to be determined. A new compound, PEP005, (ingenol mebutate) should soon enlarge therapeutical options for actinic keratosis. Concerning melanoma, results of the two phase III studies using two innovative therapies (anti-Braf and ipilimumab) have been published. Comparative study between anti-Braf and DTIC has shown a response rate of 48.4 % with vemurafenib and 5.5 % with DTIC. The risk of death was diminished by 67 %. These results have allowed to switch to vemurafenib patients with progression under DTIC. However, the initial response is followed by relapse in a majority of cases. Mechanisms of this resistance have been studied and the inhibition of several molecules involved in different or identical pathway should help to resolve that problem. The combination ipilimumab+ DTIC gives better results than DTIC alone. The adverse events of this association are slightly different than those seen with ipilimumab alone. They must be known by prescribers. Some discussions are on their way between the two companies developping anti-Braf and ipilimumab to develop therapeutic strategies combining both treatments. 20 to 30 % of patients taking anti-Braf drugs will develop SCC (due to paradoxal activation of MAPK in non Braf mutated cells). PEG-interferon seems to be indicated in ulcerated melanoma with lymph node micrometastasis. Some other targeted molecules such as C-KIT and anti-MEK are under evaluation. The effect of sunscreens on melanoma risk prevention has been reported in an Australian study. A low vitamine D status is reported to have a bad prognosis in melanoma and is observed in fair skin patients at risk. Recommendations for the care and follow up of patients with Merkel carcinoma have been published. The elevated risk of positive sentinel lymph nodes in these patients does not allow to define a subgroup of Merkel patients that could be spared from the technique. Sarcoma also benefit from targeted therapy especially DFSP with imatinib. Other molecules among which mTOR inhibitors are being evaluated in sarcomas. A collaborative work has allowed to classify and evaluate in a more standardized way cutaneous T lymphomas and should help future trials. Some microRNA can be used as diagnostic tools or therapies in T cell cutaneous lymphomas. Finally a review of modern therapeutical strategies in cutaneous lymphomas has been published.
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PMID:[What's new in dermato-oncology?]. 2220 47


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