Rac1/Pak1/p38/MMP-2 Axis Regulates Angiogenesis in Ovarian Cancer.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

PURPOSE: Zoledronic acid is being increasingly recognized for its antitumor properties, but the underlying functions are not well understood. In this study, we hypothesized that zoledronic acid inhibits ovarian cancer angiogenesis preventing Rac1 activation. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The biologic effects of zoledronic acid were examined using a series of in vitro [cell invasion, cytokine production, Rac1 activation, reverse-phase protein array, and in vivo (orthotopic mouse models)] experiments. RESULTS: There was significant inhibition of ovarian cancer (HeyA8-MDR and OVCAR-5) cell invasion as well as reduced production of proangiogenic cytokines in response to zoledronic acid treatment. Furthermore, zoledronic acid inactivated Rac1 and decreased the levels of Pak1/p38/matrix metalloproteinase-2 in ovarian cancer cells. In vivo, zoledronic acid reduced tumor growth, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation and inactivated Rac1 in both HeyA8-MDR and OVCAR-5 models. These in vivo antitumor effects were enhanced in both models when zoledronic acid was combined with nab-paclitaxel. CONCLUSIONS: Zoledronic acid has robust antitumor and antiangiogenic activity and merits further clinical development as ovarian cancer treatment.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Gonzalez-Villasana, V; Fuentes-Mattei, E; Ivan, C; Dalton, HJ; Rodriguez-Aguayo, C; Fernandez-de Thomas, RJ; Aslan, B; Del C Monroig, P; Velazquez-Torres, G; Previs, RA; Pradeep, S; Kahraman, N; Wang, H; Kanlikilicer, P; Ozpolat, B; Calin, G; Sood, AK; Lopez-Berestein, G

Published Date

  • May 1, 2015

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 21 / 9

Start / End Page

  • 2127 - 2137

PubMed ID

  • 25595279

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC4417466

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1557-3265

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-14-2279

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States