The tumor suppressor PTEN and the PDK1 kinase regulate formation of the columnar neural epithelium

Epithelial morphogenesis and stability are essential for normal development and organ homeostasis. The mouse neural plate is a cuboidal epithelium that remodels into a columnar pseudostratified epithelium over the course of 24 hr. Here we show that the transition to a columnar epithelium fails in mutant embryos that lack the tumor suppressor PTEN, although proliferation, patterning and apical-basal polarity markers are normal in the mutants. The Pten phenotype is mimicked by constitutive activation of P13 kinase and is rescued by the removal of PDK1 (PDPK1), but does not depend on the downstream kinases AKT and mTORC1. High resolution imaging shows that PTEN is required for stabilization of planar cell packing in the neural plate and for the formation of stable apical-basal microtubule arrays. The data suggest that appropriate levels of membrane-associated PDPK1 are required for stabilization of apical junctions, which promotes cell elongation, during epithelial morphogenesis

Therapeutic benefit of selective inhibition of p110α PI3-kinase in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Purpose: mutations in the PI3K pathway occur in 16% of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs), which suggests that these tumors are an exciting setting for PI3K/AKT/mTOR pharmacologic intervention. Everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, is being used to treat patients with advanced PanNETs. However, resistance tomTOR-targeted therapy is emerging partially due to the loss of mTOR-dependent feedback inhibition of AKT. In contrast, the response to PI3K inhibitors in PanNETs is unknown. Experimental Design: in the current study, we assessed the frequency of PI3K pathway activation in human PanNETs and in RIP1-Tag2 mice, a preclinical tumor model of PanNETs, and we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of inhibiting PI3K in RIP1-Tag2 mice using a combination of pan (GDC-0941) and p110 alpha-selective (GDC-0326) inhibitors and isoform-specific PI3K kinase-dead-mutant mice. Results: human and mouse PanNETs showed enhanced pAKT, pPRAS40, and pS6 positivity compared with normal tissue. Although treatment of RIP1-Tag2 mice with GDC-0941 led to reduced tumor growth with no impact on tumor vessels, the selective inactivation of the p110 alpha PI3K isoform, either genetically or pharmacologically, reduced tumor growth as well as vascular area. Furthermore, GDC-0326 reduced the incidence of liver and lymph node metastasis compared with vehicle-treated mice. We also demonstrated that tumor and stromal cells are implicated in the antitumor activity of GDC-0326 in RIP1-Tag2 tumors. Conclusions: our data provide a rationale for p110a-selective intervention in PanNETs and unravel a new function of this kinase in cancer biology through its role in promoting metastasis

KrasP34R and KrasT58I mutations induce distinct RASopathy phenotypes in mice.

Somatic KRAS mutations are highly prevalent in many cancers. In addition, a distinct spectrum of germline KRAS mutations causes developmental disorders called RASopathies. The mutant proteins encoded by these germline KRAS mutations are less biochemically and functionally activated than those in cancer. We generated mice harboring conditional KrasLSL-P34Rand KrasLSL-T58I knock-in alleles and characterized the consequences of each mutation in vivo. Embryonic expression of KrasT58I resulted in craniofacial abnormalities reminiscent of those seen in RASopathy disorders, and these mice exhibited hyperplastic growth of multiple organs, modest alterations in cardiac valvulogenesis, myocardial hypertrophy, and myeloproliferation. By contrast, embryonic KrasP34R expression resulted in early perinatal lethality from respiratory failure due to defective lung sacculation, which was associated with aberrant ERK activity in lung epithelial cells. Somatic Mx1-Cre-mediated activation in the hematopoietic compartment showed that KrasP34R and KrasT58I expression had distinct signaling effects, despite causing a similar spectrum of hematologic diseases. These potentially novel strains are robust models for investigating the consequences of expressing endogenous levels of hyperactive K-Ras in different developing and adult tissues, for comparing how oncogenic and germline K-Ras proteins perturb signaling networks and cell fate decisions, and for performing preclinical therapeutic trials

TFG 2012/2013

Amb aquesta publicació, EINA, Centre universitari de Disseny i Art adscrit a la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, dóna a conèixer el recull dels Treballs de Fi de Grau presentats durant el curs 2012-2013. Voldríem que un recull com aquest donés una idea més precisa de la tasca que es realitza a EINA per tal de formar nous dissenyadors amb capacitat de respondre professionalment i intel·lectualment a les necessitats i exigències de la nostra societat. El treball formatiu s’orienta a oferir resultats que responguin tant a paràmetres de rigor acadèmic i capacitat d’anàlisi del context com a l’experimentació i la creació de nous llenguatges, tot fomentant el potencial innovador del disseny.Con esta publicación, EINA, Centro universitario de diseño y arte adscrito a la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, da a conocer la recopilación de los Trabajos de Fin de Grado presentados durante el curso 2012-2013. Querríamos que una recopilación como ésta diera una idea más precisa del trabajo que se realiza en EINA para formar nuevos diseñadores con capacidad de responder profesional e intelectualmente a las necesidades y exigencias de nuestra sociedad. El trabajo formativo se orienta a ofrecer resultados que respondan tanto a parámetros de rigor académico y capacidad de análisis, como a la experimentación y la creación de nuevos lenguajes, al tiempo que se fomenta el potencial innovador del diseño.With this publication, EINA, University School of Design and Art, ascribed to the Autonomous University of Barcelona, brings to the public eye the Final Degree Projects presented during the 2012-2013 academic year. Our hope is that this volume might offer a more precise idea of the task performed by EINA in training new designers, able to speak both professionally and intellectually to the needs and demands of our society. The educational task is oriented towards results that might respond to the parameters of academic rigour and the capacity for contextual analysis, as well as to considerations of experimentation and the creation of new languages, all the while reinforcing design’s innovative potential

Molecular mechanisms of resistance to PI3K inhibitors

The development of high-throughput sequencing technologies has prompted the evaluation of large cohorts of different tumor types. The results from these comprehensive genomic studies have revealed the most commonly mutated genes across human cancers, providing further understanding of the pathogenesis, molecular classification, and therapeutic strategies for this disease. PIK3CA, the gene encoding the PI3Kα isoform, is among the most frequently mutated genes in breast, head and neck, colorectal, and lung cancer, among others. Activating mutations in PIK3CA promote hyperactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, leading to increased proliferation, cell growth, survival, and metabolism. Current efforts are aimed to develop PI3K inhibitors as an effective therapy for PIK3CA mutated cancers and, despite promising clinical responses, the emergence of drug resistance is a clear limitation. In this doctoral thesis, we have explored these mechanisms of resistance in order to provide a better understanding of tumor evolution upon therapy, define subpopulations of patients that are likely to respond to PI3K inhibitors, and provide novel pharmacological combinations to overcome therapy refractoriness. The loss of the tumor suppressor PTEN was found to play an important role in the resistance of PI3Kα inhibitors in preclinical models and patients, mainly by reactivating the PI3K/AKT pathway as a result of an increased dependency on the PI3Kβ isoform. Our work also demonstrated the notion of tumor evolution and phenotypic convergent evolution in response to therapeutic pressure. Moreover, we have established that intrinsic resistance to PI3Kα inhibitors occurs as a result of incomplete inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), a downstream effector of the PI3K/AKT pathway. PI3Kα inhibitor-resistant cells could be re-sensitized through the blockade of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase (PDK1), a constitutively active kinase, using genetic or pharmacologic inhibition. Further experiments showed that the downstream effector of PDK1 is the serum and glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (SGK1), which promotes cell survival through the phosphorylation of key proteins such as FOXO3 and TSC2. Accordingly, the resistant phenotype could be also reverted by inhibiting SGK1, a novel pharmacological approach that has revealed interesting roles of this kinase in tumor biology. Genetically engineered mouse models represent reliable tools for investigating the etiology, biology, and progression of human diseases, as well as for exploring novel therapeutic approaches. By serendipity, we discovered the role of PIK3CA mutations in the genesis of venous malformations, an aberration of normal venous development that currently lacks effective treatments. Our mouse models recapitulated the histopathologic features of the disease and provided an experimental platform to test novel pharmacological approaches. PI3Kα inhibitors were effective at reducing the morbidity and mortality of mice carrying venous malformations. The results from this thesis highlight the importance of defining the molecular determinants of sensitivity and resistance to PI3K inhibitors, a therapy that will most likely benefit PIK3CA mutant patients.El desenvolupament de noves tècniques de seqüenciació massiva ha fomentat l’estudi d’un gran nombre de mostres de diversos tipus tumorals. Els resultats d’aquests estudis genòmics exhaustius ha revelat els gens que es troben mutats en major prevalença, contribuint a una millor comprensió dels processos de patogènesis, classificació molecular i estratègies terapèutiques per a aquesta malaltia. PIK3CA, el gen que codifica per a la isoforma PI3Kα, es troba entre els gens mes freqüentment mutats en el carcinoma de mama, cap i coll, colorectal, pulmó, entre d’altres. Les mutacions activadores a PIK3CA promouen la hiperactivació de la via de senyalització de PI3K/AKT, donant lloc a un increment en la proliferació, la supervivència, i el metabolisme de les cèl·lules tumorals. Els esforços actuals es centren en el desenvolupament d’inhibidors de l’enzim PI3K com a una possible teràpia efectiva en tumors que presenten mutacions a PIK3CA. Tot i que els assajos clínics inicials son prometedors, l’emergència de resistència a aquestes teràpies és una clara limitació. En aquesta tesis doctoral s’han explorat els possibles mecanismes de resistència per intentar entendre com els tumors evolucionen enfront d’aquest fàrmacs, poder definir les subpoblacions de pacients que respondran als inhibidors de PI3K i proporcionar noves combinacions farmacològiques per combatre el fenomen de la resistència. Hem demostrat que la pèrdua del supressor tumoral PTEN juga un paper important en la resistència als inhibidors de PI3Kα, tant en models preclínics com en pacients, mitjançant la reactivació de la via de PI3K/AKT que és resultat d’un increment en la dependència de la isoforma PI3Kβ. El nostre treball també ha evidenciat la noció d’evolució tumoral i ha demostrat el concepte d’evolució convergent fenotípica en resposta a la pressió terapèutica. També s’ha demostrat que la resistència intrínseca als inhibidors de PI3Kα es pot donar com a resultat d’una inhibició incompleta del complex 1 de mTOR (mTORC1), un efector clau de la via de PI3K/AKT. Cèl·lules resistents a inhibidors de PI3Kα es van poder sensibilitzar amb el bloqueig genètic o farmacològic de PDK1, una quinasa constitutivament activa. Experiments addicionals van poder demostrar que l’efector molecular de PDK1 era la quinasa SGK1, la qual promou la supervivència cel·lular a través de la fosforilació de proteïnes clau com FOXO3 i TSC2. El fenotip resistent es va poder revertir mitjançant la inhibició farmacològica d’aquesta proteïna, una aproximació terapèutica que ha revelat un rol interessant en la biologia tumoral. Els models murins modificats genèticament representen una eina segura per a l’estudi de la etiologia, biologia i progressió de malalties humanes, així com per explorar noves aproximacions terapèutiques. Com a resultat d’un descobriment imprevist, també hem pogut revelar el rol de les mutacions de PIK3CA en la formació de malformacions venoses, una aberració del desenvolupament normal de les venes que actualment no tenen un tractament específic. El nostre model animal de malformació venosa recapitula les característiques histopatològigues de la malaltia i proporciona una plataforma experimental única per a l’estudi de noves teràpies. En aquests models animals, els inhibidors de PI3Kα han demostrat ser efectius en la reducció de la morbiditat de les malformacions venoses

Molecular mechanisms of resistance to PI3K inhibitors

[eng] The development of high-throughput sequencing technologies has prompted the evaluation of large cohorts of different tumor types. The results from these comprehensive genomic studies have revealed the most commonly mutated genes across human cancers, providing further understanding of the pathogenesis, molecular classification, and therapeutic strategies for this disease. PIK3CA, the gene encoding the PI3Kα isoform, is among the most frequently mutated genes in breast, head and neck, colorectal, and lung cancer, among others. Activating mutations in PIK3CA promote hyperactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, leading to increased proliferation, cell growth, survival, and metabolism. Current efforts are aimed to develop PI3K inhibitors as an effective therapy for PIK3CA mutated cancers and, despite promising clinical responses, the emergence of drug resistance is a clear limitation. In this doctoral thesis, we have explored these mechanisms of resistance in order to provide a better understanding of tumor evolution upon therapy, define subpopulations of patients that are likely to respond to PI3K inhibitors, and provide novel pharmacological combinations to overcome therapy refractoriness. The loss of the tumor suppressor PTEN was found to play an important role in the resistance of PI3Kα inhibitors in preclinical models and patients, mainly by reactivating the PI3K/AKT pathway as a result of an increased dependency on the PI3Kβ isoform. Our work also demonstrated the notion of tumor evolution and phenotypic convergent evolution in response to therapeutic pressure. Moreover, we have established that intrinsic resistance to PI3Kα inhibitors occurs as a result of incomplete inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), a downstream effector of the PI3K/AKT pathway. PI3Kα inhibitor-resistant cells could be re-sensitized through the blockade of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase (PDK1), a constitutively active kinase, using genetic or pharmacologic inhibition. Further experiments showed that the downstream effector of PDK1 is the serum and glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (SGK1), which promotes cell survival through the phosphorylation of key proteins such as FOXO3 and TSC2. Accordingly, the resistant phenotype could be also reverted by inhibiting SGK1, a novel pharmacological approach that has revealed interesting roles of this kinase in tumor biology. Genetically engineered mouse models represent reliable tools for investigating the etiology, biology, and progression of human diseases, as well as for exploring novel therapeutic approaches. By serendipity, we discovered the role of PIK3CA mutations in the genesis of venous malformations, an aberration of normal venous development that currently lacks effective treatments. Our mouse models recapitulated the histopathologic features of the disease and provided an experimental platform to test novel pharmacological approaches. PI3Kα inhibitors were effective at reducing the morbidity and mortality of mice carrying venous malformations. The results from this thesis highlight the importance of defining the molecular determinants of sensitivity and resistance to PI3K inhibitors, a therapy that will most likely benefit PIK3CA mutant patients.[cat] El desenvolupament de noves tècniques de seqüenciació massiva ha fomentat l’estudi d’un gran nombre de mostres de diversos tipus tumorals. Els resultats d’aquests estudis genòmics exhaustius ha revelat els gens que es troben mutats en major prevalença, contribuint a una millor comprensió dels processos de patogènesis, classificació molecular i estratègies terapèutiques per a aquesta malaltia. PIK3CA, el gen que codifica per a la isoforma PI3Kα, es troba entre els gens mes freqüentment mutats en el carcinoma de mama, cap i coll, colorectal, pulmó, entre d’altres. Les mutacions activadores a PIK3CA promouen la hiperactivació de la via de senyalització de PI3K/AKT, donant lloc a un increment en la proliferació, la supervivència, i el metabolisme de les cèl·lules tumorals. Els esforços actuals es centren en el desenvolupament d’inhibidors de l’enzim PI3K com a una possible teràpia efectiva en tumors que presenten mutacions a PIK3CA. Tot i que els assajos clínics inicials son prometedors, l’emergència de resistència a aquestes teràpies és una clara limitació. En aquesta tesis doctoral s’han explorat els possibles mecanismes de resistència per intentar entendre com els tumors evolucionen enfront d’aquest fàrmacs, poder definir les subpoblacions de pacients que respondran als inhibidors de PI3K i proporcionar noves combinacions farmacològiques per combatre el fenomen de la resistència. Hem demostrat que la pèrdua del supressor tumoral PTEN juga un paper important en la resistència als inhibidors de PI3Kα, tant en models preclínics com en pacients, mitjançant la reactivació de la via de PI3K/AKT que és resultat d’un increment en la dependència de la isoforma PI3Kβ. El nostre treball també ha evidenciat la noció d’evolució tumoral i ha demostrat el concepte d’evolució convergent fenotípica en resposta a la pressió terapèutica. També s’ha demostrat que la resistència intrínseca als inhibidors de PI3Kα es pot donar com a resultat d’una inhibició incompleta del complex 1 de mTOR (mTORC1), un efector clau de la via de PI3K/AKT. Cèl·lules resistents a inhibidors de PI3Kα es van poder sensibilitzar amb el bloqueig genètic o farmacològic de PDK1, una quinasa constitutivament activa. Experiments addicionals van poder demostrar que l’efector molecular de PDK1 era la quinasa SGK1, la qual promou la supervivència cel·lular a través de la fosforilació de proteïnes clau com FOXO3 i TSC2. El fenotip resistent es va poder revertir mitjançant la inhibició farmacològica d’aquesta proteïna, una aproximació terapèutica que ha revelat un rol interessant en la biologia tumoral. Els models murins modificats genèticament representen una eina segura per a l’estudi de la etiologia, biologia i progressió de malalties humanes, així com per explorar noves aproximacions terapèutiques. Com a resultat d’un descobriment imprevist, també hem pogut revelar el rol de les mutacions de PIK3CA en la formació de malformacions venoses, una aberració del desenvolupament normal de les venes que actualment no tenen un tractament específic. El nostre model animal de malformació venosa recapitula les característiques histopatològigues de la malaltia i proporciona una plataforma experimental única per a l’estudi de noves teràpies. En aquests models animals, els inhibidors de PI3Kα han demostrat ser efectius en la reducció de la morbiditat de les malformacions venoses

The tumor suppressor PTEN and the PDK1 kinase regulate formation of the columnar neural epithelium

Epithelial morphogenesis and stability are essential for normal development and organ homeostasis. The mouse neural plate is a cuboidal epithelium that remodels into a columnar pseudostratified epithelium over the course of 24 hr. Here we show that the transition to a columnar epithelium fails in mutant embryos that lack the tumor suppressor PTEN, although proliferation, patterning and apical-basal polarity markers are normal in the mutants. The Pten phenotype is mimicked by constitutive activation of P13 kinase and is rescued by the removal of PDK1 (PDPK1), but does not depend on the downstream kinases AKT and mTORC1. High resolution imaging shows that PTEN is required for stabilization of planar cell packing in the neural plate and for the formation of stable apical-basal microtubule arrays. The data suggest that appropriate levels of membrane-associated PDPK1 are required for stabilization of apical junctions, which promotes cell elongation, during epithelial morphogenesis

Therapeutic benefit of selective inhibition of p110α PI3-kinase in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Purpose: mutations in the PI3K pathway occur in 16% of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs), which suggests that these tumors are an exciting setting for PI3K/AKT/mTOR pharmacologic intervention. Everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, is being used to treat patients with advanced PanNETs. However, resistance tomTOR-targeted therapy is emerging partially due to the loss of mTOR-dependent feedback inhibition of AKT. In contrast, the response to PI3K inhibitors in PanNETs is unknown. Experimental Design: in the current study, we assessed the frequency of PI3K pathway activation in human PanNETs and in RIP1-Tag2 mice, a preclinical tumor model of PanNETs, and we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of inhibiting PI3K in RIP1-Tag2 mice using a combination of pan (GDC-0941) and p110 alpha-selective (GDC-0326) inhibitors and isoform-specific PI3K kinase-dead-mutant mice. Results: human and mouse PanNETs showed enhanced pAKT, pPRAS40, and pS6 positivity compared with normal tissue. Although treatment of RIP1-Tag2 mice with GDC-0941 led to reduced tumor growth with no impact on tumor vessels, the selective inactivation of the p110 alpha PI3K isoform, either genetically or pharmacologically, reduced tumor growth as well as vascular area. Furthermore, GDC-0326 reduced the incidence of liver and lymph node metastasis compared with vehicle-treated mice. We also demonstrated that tumor and stromal cells are implicated in the antitumor activity of GDC-0326 in RIP1-Tag2 tumors. Conclusions: our data provide a rationale for p110a-selective intervention in PanNETs and unravel a new function of this kinase in cancer biology through its role in promoting metastasis

Therapeutic benefit of selective inhibition of p110α PI3-kinase in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Purpose: mutations in the PI3K pathway occur in 16% of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs), which suggests that these tumors are an exciting setting for PI3K/AKT/mTOR pharmacologic intervention. Everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, is being used to treat patients with advanced PanNETs. However, resistance tomTOR-targeted therapy is emerging partially due to the loss of mTOR-dependent feedback inhibition of AKT. In contrast, the response to PI3K inhibitors in PanNETs is unknown. Experimental Design: in the current study, we assessed the frequency of PI3K pathway activation in human PanNETs and in RIP1-Tag2 mice, a preclinical tumor model of PanNETs, and we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of inhibiting PI3K in RIP1-Tag2 mice using a combination of pan (GDC-0941) and p110 alpha-selective (GDC-0326) inhibitors and isoform-specific PI3K kinase-dead-mutant mice. Results: human and mouse PanNETs showed enhanced pAKT, pPRAS40, and pS6 positivity compared with normal tissue. Although treatment of RIP1-Tag2 mice with GDC-0941 led to reduced tumor growth with no impact on tumor vessels, the selective inactivation of the p110 alpha PI3K isoform, either genetically or pharmacologically, reduced tumor growth as well as vascular area. Furthermore, GDC-0326 reduced the incidence of liver and lymph node metastasis compared with vehicle-treated mice. We also demonstrated that tumor and stromal cells are implicated in the antitumor activity of GDC-0326 in RIP1-Tag2 tumors. Conclusions: our data provide a rationale for p110a-selective intervention in PanNETs and unravel a new function of this kinase in cancer biology through its role in promoting metastasis

KrasP34R and KrasT58I mutations induce distinct RASopathy phenotypes in mice.

Somatic KRAS mutations are highly prevalent in many cancers. In addition, a distinct spectrum of germline KRAS mutations causes developmental disorders called RASopathies. The mutant proteins encoded by these germline KRAS mutations are less biochemically and functionally activated than those in cancer. We generated mice harboring conditional KrasLSL-P34Rand KrasLSL-T58I knock-in alleles and characterized the consequences of each mutation in vivo. Embryonic expression of KrasT58I resulted in craniofacial abnormalities reminiscent of those seen in RASopathy disorders, and these mice exhibited hyperplastic growth of multiple organs, modest alterations in cardiac valvulogenesis, myocardial hypertrophy, and myeloproliferation. By contrast, embryonic KrasP34R expression resulted in early perinatal lethality from respiratory failure due to defective lung sacculation, which was associated with aberrant ERK activity in lung epithelial cells. Somatic Mx1-Cre-mediated activation in the hematopoietic compartment showed that KrasP34R and KrasT58I expression had distinct signaling effects, despite causing a similar spectrum of hematologic diseases. These potentially novel strains are robust models for investigating the consequences of expressing endogenous levels of hyperactive K-Ras in different developing and adult tissues, for comparing how oncogenic and germline K-Ras proteins perturb signaling networks and cell fate decisions, and for performing preclinical therapeutic trials