Anti-progranulin/GP88 antibody AG01 inhibits triple negative breast cancer cell proliferation and migration

Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2021 Apr;186(3):637-653. doi: 10.1007/s10549-021-06120-y. Epub 2021 Feb 22.

Abstract

Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by invasiveness and short survival. Identifying novel TNBC-targeted therapies, to potentiate standard of care (SOC) therapy, is an unmet need. Progranulin (PGRN/GP88) is a biological driver of tumorigenesis, survival, and drug resistance in several cancers including breast cancer (BC). PGRN/GP88 tissue expression is an independent prognostic factor of recurrence while elevated serum PGRN/GP88 level is associated with poor outcomes. Since PGRN/GP88 expression is elevated in 30% TNBC, we investigated the involvement of progranulin on TNBC.

Methods: The effect of inhibiting PGRN/GP88 expression in TNBC cells by siRNA was investigated. The effects of a neutralizing anti-human PGRN/GP88 monoclonal antibody AG01 on the proliferation and migration of two TNBC cell lines expressing PGRN/GP88 were then examined in vitro and in vivo.

Results: Inhibition of GP88 expression by siRNA and AG01 treatment to block PGRN/GP88 action reduced proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent fashion in MDA-MB-231 and HS578-T cells. Western blot analysis showed decreased expression of phosphorylated protein kinases p-Src, p-AKT, and p-ERK upon AG01 treatment, as well as inhibition of tumor growth and Ki67 expression in vivo.

Conclusion: PGRN/GP88 represents a therapeutic target with companion diagnostics. Blocking PGRN/GP88 with antibody treatment may provide novel-targeted solutions in TNBC treatment which could eventually address the issue of toxicity and unresponsiveness associated with SOC.

Keywords: Anti-progranulin antibody; Ki67; Migration; Progranulin SiRNA; Progranulin/GP88; Proliferation; Triple negative breast cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Progranulins / genetics
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms* / genetics

Substances

  • Progranulins
  • RNA, Small Interfering