pyrimidinones and Neuroendocrine-Tumors

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) represent a rare and heterogeneous group of malignancies, sharing features of both neural and endocrine cells. NENs G3 appear as a highly aggressive subset with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. The small-molecule inhibitor of the WEE1 tyrosine kinase, adavosertib (AZD1775), has previously demonstrated potent anti-tumor effects on various types of cancer in preclinical and clinical studies. However, the role of adavosertib in NENs G3 had remained elusive. We evaluated the effects of adavosertib on pancreatic (BON-1, QGP-1) and bronchopulmonary (NCI-H720) neuroendocrine tumor cell lines applying 2D and 3D spheroid models. We newly demonstrated that adavosertib is sufficient to reduce cell viability and proliferation in neuroendocrine cell lines with features of high-grade NENs. As underlying mechanisms, we identified adavosertib-mediated DNA double-strand breaks and a G2/M cell cycle checkpoint abrogation leading into mitotic catastrophe and cancer cell apoptosis. Silencing of WEE1 via siRNA transfection resulted in a phenotype similar to adavosertib treatment. Together, inhibition of the WEE1 tyrosine kinase applying adavosertib on NENs G3 outlines a promising novel therapeutic strategy.

Topics: Cell Cycle Proteins; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Humans; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; Pyrazoles; Pyrimidinones

To determine the role of BRAF

Topics: Aged; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine; Cell Line, Tumor; Colorectal Neoplasms; Exons; Female; Follow-Up Studies; G1 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Humans; Imidazoles; Intestinal Neoplasms; Male; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Mice; Mice, Inbred NOD; Middle Aged; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases; Mutation; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Oximes; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Phosphorylation; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf; Pyridones; Pyrimidinones; Stomach Neoplasms; Survival Analysis; Tissue Array Analysis; Vemurafenib; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

TRPM8 is a member of the melastatin-type transient receptor potential ion channel family. Activation by cold or by agonists (menthol, icilin) induces a transient rise in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). Our previous study demonstrated that Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels play a role in IGF-1-induced secretion of chromogranin A in human neuroendocrine tumor (NET) cell line BON [Mergler et al.: Neuroendocrinology 2006;82:87-102]. Here, we extend our earlier study by investigating the expression of TRPM8 and characterizing its impact on [Ca(2+)](i) and the secretion of neurotensin (NT). We identified TRPM8 expression in NET BON cells by RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Icilin increased [Ca(2+)](i) in TRPM8-transfected human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) but not in mock-transfected cells. Icilin and menthol induced Ca(2+) transients in BON cells as well as in primary NET cell cultures of two different pancreatic NETs as detected by single cell fluorescence imaging. Icilin increased non-selective cation channel currents in BON cells as detected by patch-clamp recordings. This activation was associated with increased NT secretion. Taken together, this study demonstrates for the first time the expression TRPM8 in NET cells and its role in regulating [Ca(2+)](i) and NT secretion. The regulation of NT secretion in NETs by TRPM8 may have a potential clinical implication in diagnosis or therapy.

Topics: Calcium; Humans; Membrane Potentials; Menthol; Models, Biological; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Neurotensin; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Pyrimidinones; TRPM Cation Channels; Tumor Cells, Cultured