Angiogenin/Ribonuclease 5 Is an EGFR Ligand and a Serum Biomarker for Erlotinib Sensitivity in Pancreatic Cancer

Ying Nai Wang, Heng Huan Lee, Chao Kai Chou, Wen Hao Yang, Yongkun Wei, Chun Te Chen, Jun Yao, Jennifer L. Hsu, Cihui Zhu, Haoqiang Ying, Yuanqing Ye, Wei Jan Wang, Seung Oe Lim, Weiya Xia, How Wen Ko, Xiuping Liu, Chang Gong Liu, Xifeng Wu, Huamin Wang, Donghui LiLaura R. Prakash, Matthew H. Katz, Yaan Kang, Michael Kim, Jason B. Fleming, David Fogelman, Milind Javle, Anirban Maitra, Mien Chie Hung

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

51 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pancreatic ribonuclease (RNase) is a secreted enzyme critical for host defense. We discover an intrinsic RNase function, serving as a ligand for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a member of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The closely related bovine RNase A and human RNase 5 (angiogenin [ANG]) can trigger oncogenic transformation independently of their catalytic activities via direct association with EGFR. Notably, high plasma ANG level in PDAC patients is positively associated with response to EGFR inhibitor erlotinib treatment. These results identify a role of ANG as a serum biomarker that may be used to stratify patients for EGFR-targeted therapies, and offer insights into the ligand-receptor relationship between RNase and RTK families. Wang et al. identify angiogenin (ANG) as a ligand for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). ANG-mediated EGFR activation can trigger oncogenic transformation, and high ANG in the plasma of pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients positively correlates with response to the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)752-769.e8
JournalCancer cell
Volume33
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 9 2018

Keywords

  • EGFR inhibitor
  • EGFR ligand
  • PDAC
  • angiogenin
  • erlotinib
  • receptor tyrosine kinase
  • ribonuclease
  • serum biomarker

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Angiogenin/Ribonuclease 5 Is an EGFR Ligand and a Serum Biomarker for Erlotinib Sensitivity in Pancreatic Cancer'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this