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Zhao K, Zhao Q, Dai X, Wen X, Luo X, Duan Y, Yang Z, Dai Q. Alantolactone enhances the sensitivity of melanoma to MAPK pathway inhibitors by targeting inhibition of STAT3 activation and down-regulating stem cell markers. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:191. [PMID: 38822350 PMCID: PMC11143683 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03371-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors (MAPKi) were the first line drugs for advanced melanoma patients with BRAF mutation. Targeted therapies have significant therapeutic effects; however, drug resistance hinders their long-term efficacy. Therefore, the development of new therapeutic strategies against MAPKi resistance is critical. Our previous results showed that MAPKi promote feedback activation of STAT3 signaling in BRAF-mutated cancer cells. Studies have shown that alantolactone inhibited the activation of STAT3 in a variety of tumor cells. Our results confirmed that alantolactone suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis by inhibiting STAT3 feedback activation induced by MAPKi and downregulating the expression of downstream Oct4 and Sox2. The inhibitory effect of alantolactone combined with a MAPKi on melanoma cells was significantly stronger than that on normal cells. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that combination treatment was effective against drug-resistant melanomas. Our research indicates a potential novel combination therapy (alantolactone and MAPKi) for patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, China
| | - Xinzhi Dai
- The First Clinical Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563003, China
| | - Xue Wen
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, China
| | - Xing Luo
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, China
| | - Yi Duan
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, China
| | - Zhihui Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, China.
| | - Qiong Dai
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, No. 1, Section 1, Xianglin Road, Matan Long District, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, China.
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2
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Zhao R, Hu Z, Zhang X, Huang S, Yu G, Wu Z, Yu W, Lu J, Ruan B. The oncogenic mechanisms of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway in digestive tract tumors. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:68. [PMID: 38273295 PMCID: PMC10809652 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01421-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Digestive tract tumors are heterogeneous and involve the dysregulation of multiple signaling pathways. The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway plays a notable role in the oncogenesis of digestive tract tumors. Typically activated by pro-inflammatory cytokines, it regulates important biological processes, such as cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, immune responses, and inflammation. The aberrant activation of this pathway manifests in different forms, including mutations in JAKs, overexpression of cytokine receptors, and sustained STAT activation, and contributes to promoting the malignant characteristics of cancer cells, including uncontrolled proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, enhanced invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis, acquisition of stem-like properties, and drug resistance. Numerous studies have shown that aberrant activation of the JAK-STAT pathway is closely related to the development and progression of digestive tract tumors, contributing to tumor survival, angiogenesis, changes in the tumor microenvironment, and even immune escape processes. In addition, this signaling pathway also affects the sensitivity of digestive tract tumors to chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehensively understand the oncogenic mechanisms underlying the JAK-STAT pathway in order to develop effective therapeutic strategies against digestive tract tumors. Currently, several JAK-STAT inhibitors are undergoing clinical and preclinical trials as potential treatments for various human diseases. However, further investigation is required to determine the role of this pathway, as well as the effectiveness and safety of its inhibitors, especially in the context of digestive tract tumors. In this review, we provide an overview of the structure, classic activation, and negative regulation of the JAK-STAT pathway. Furthermore, we discuss the pathogenic mechanisms of JAK-STAT signaling in different digestive tract tumors, with the aim of identifying potential novel therapeutic targets. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Zhangmin Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Shujuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Guodong Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Zhe Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Wei Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Juan Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China.
| | - Bing Ruan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China.
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Wang YL, Lei XX, Jin XC, Zhang XY, Xu PF, Luo YC. Sc(OTf) 3 catalyzed intramolecular single-electron transfer of 2-alkyl-1,4-benzoquinones: synthesis of 6-chromanols from donor-acceptor cyclopropanes. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:11385-11388. [PMID: 37667576 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc02988c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
A Sc(OTf)3 catalyzed intramolecular cyclization reaction of 2-alkyl-1,4-benzoquinone derived from D-A cyclopropane was discovered. This reaction involves single-electron transfer, proton-transfer, an aromatization driven spin center shift, and radical coupling processes, and offers an efficient method for the synthesis of 6-chromanols from D-A cyclopropanes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China.
| | - Xin-Xin Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China.
| | - Xin-Chen Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China.
| | - Xin-Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China.
| | - Peng-Fei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yong-Chun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
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4
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Higuchi T, Takeuchi A, Munesue S, Yamamoto N, Hayashi K, Harashima A, Yamamoto Y, Tsuchiya H. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, zaltoprofen, inhibits the growth of extraskeletal chondrosarcoma cells by inducing PPARγ, p21, p27, and p53. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:939-950. [PMID: 36636023 PMCID: PMC10054153 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2166195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a nuclear receptor and master transcription factor of adipogenesis-related genes, and has been reported as an antitumor target for chondrosarcomas. Herein, we show that the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, zaltoprofen, induces the expression of PPARγ at the mRNA and protein levels, following the induction of PPARγ-activating factors, such as Krox20, C/EBPβ, and C/EBPα, in human extraskeletal chondrosarcoma H-EMC-SS cells. Upregulation of the cell cycle checkpoint proteins, p21, p27, and p53, was observed upon treatment of H-EMC-SS cells with zaltoprofen, which probably resulted in the inhibition of proliferation of these cells observed in vitro. Zaltoprofen treatment inhibited tumor growth, induced tumor cell apoptosis, and was well tolerated in a mouse model of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma. Our results provide mechanistic insights into the therapeutic effect of zaltoprofen that should promote further studies on the rational use of this drug for the effective treatment of sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Higuchi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Akihiko Takeuchi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Seiichi Munesue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Norio Yamamoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Hayashi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Ai Harashima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tsuchiya
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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5
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Nayak A, Warrier NM, Kumar P. Cancer Stem Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment: Targeting the Critical Crosstalk through Nanocarrier Systems. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2209-2233. [PMID: 35876959 PMCID: PMC9489588 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10426-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The physiological state of the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in cancer development due to multiple universal features that transcend heterogeneity and niche specifications, like promoting cancer progression and metastasis. As a result of their preponderant involvement in tumor growth and maintenance through several microsystemic alterations, including hypoxia, oxidative stress, and acidosis, TMEs make for ideal targets in both diagnostic and therapeutic ventures. Correspondingly, methodologies to target TMEs have been investigated this past decade as stratagems of significant potential in the genre of focused cancer treatment. Within targeted oncotherapy, nanomedical derivates-nanocarriers (NCs) especially-have emerged to present notable prospects in enhancing targeting specificity. Yet, one major issue in the application of NCs in microenvironmental directed therapy is that TMEs are too broad a spectrum of targeting possibilities for these carriers to be effectively employed. However, cancer stem cells (CSCs) might portend a solution to the above conundrum: aside from being quite heavily invested in tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance, CSCs also show self-renewal and fluid clonogenic properties that often define specific TME niches. Further scrutiny of the relationship between CSCs and TMEs also points towards mechanisms that underly tumoral characteristics of metastasis, malignancy, and even resistance. This review summarizes recent advances in NC-enabled targeting of CSCs for more holistic strikes against TMEs and discusses both the current challenges that hinder the clinical application of these strategies as well as the avenues that can further CSC-targeting initiatives. Central role of CSCs in regulation of cellular components within the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aadya Nayak
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Neerada Meenakshi Warrier
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Praveen Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.
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6
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Tsujiya Y, Hasegawa A, Yamamori M, Okamura N. Troglitazone-Induced Autophagic Cytotoxicity in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines. Biol Pharm Bull 2022; 45:276-283. [PMID: 35228393 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b21-00785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Troglitazone (TGZ), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) ligand, is a potential antitumor agent. However, the action mechanism of TGZ in lung adenocarcinoma cells has not been completely elucidated. To assess this mechanism and the anticancer effects of TGZ in human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (A549 and H1975), we investigated the involvement of PPARγ, apoptosis, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, and autophagy. Cell viability was measured using fluorescence-based assays. Apoptotic cells were detected by Hoechst 33342 and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/propidium iodide (PI) double staining; protein expression was detected by Western blotting. TGZ inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner in both cell lines, and the effect was not suppressed by a PPARγ inhibitor. Additionally, TGZ increased apoptotic cell number and upregulated p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation; however, p38 and JNK inhibitors did not block TGZ-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation in either cell line. TGZ also upregulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, whereas an ERK1/2 inhibitor enhanced TGZ-mediated cytotoxicity in A549 cells. Additionally, TGZ increased LC3-II expression, and chloroquine (an autophagy inhibitor) attenuated TGZ-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation. These findings suggest that TGZ-induced inhibition of cell proliferation is PPARγ independent. TGZ-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation was accompanied by apoptosis and independent of the MAPK signaling pathway. These results suggest that TGZ inhibits cell proliferation through autophagy-induced cytotoxicity. This study demonstrated that chemotherapy using TGZ may be effective for lung adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshie Tsujiya
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University
| | - Ai Hasegawa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University
| | - Motohiro Yamamori
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University
| | - Noboru Okamura
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University
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7
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Fang B, Yoo G, Lee PJ, Qiu Y, Lee SH, Lee JS, Yoo HM, Cho N. Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy to Investigate the Anti-Breast Cancer Mechanisms of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn. Nat Prod Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x221077820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatholobus suberectus Dunn (SSD) possesses potential antitumor activity; however, the mechanism underlying its anti-proliferative effect on breast cancer is unclear. In this study, we explored potential SSD targets for breast cancer treatment through a network pharmacology approach. First, by integrating multiple databases, a total of 16 potential bioactive compounds and 252 targets were screened. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by analyzing breast cancer gene chip data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. By overlapping drug targets and DEGs, 33 common targets were found; their functions were further analyzed with Gene Ontology and KEGG analysis. A network of 16 compounds and 33 common targets was constructed, from which 10 hub targets were identified using CytoHubba. Based on the KEGG result and network analysis, the 33 common targets were mainly enriched in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway and PPARγ was identified as the potential target of SSD. Moreover, the 10 hub targets were correlated with prognosis and immune infiltration in breast cancer via bioinformatic analysis. Finally, molecular docking and experiments in vitro further verified the targeting ability and anti-breast cancer activity of SSD. SSD is promising in the treatment of breast cancer; PPARγ may be its potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Fang
- Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Guijae Yoo
- Korea Food Research Institute, 245, Nongsaengmyeong-ro, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-Gun, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Yinda Qiu
- Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Sung Hoon Lee
- Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Shin Lee
- Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Korea
| | - Hee Min Yoo
- Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), Daejeon 34113, Korea
| | - Namki Cho
- Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
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Li J, Chen X, Kang R, Zeh H, Klionsky DJ, Tang D. Regulation and function of autophagy in pancreatic cancer. Autophagy 2021; 17:3275-3296. [PMID: 33161807 PMCID: PMC8632104 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2020.1847462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic KRAS mutation-driven pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is currently the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Macroautophagy (hereafter "autophagy") is one of the lysosome-dependent degradation systems that can remove abnormal proteins, damaged organelles, or invading pathogens by activating dynamic membrane structures (e.g., phagophores, autophagosomes, and autolysosomes). Impaired autophagy (including excessive activation and defects) is a pathological feature of human diseases, including pancreatic cancer. However, dysfunctional autophagy has many types and plays a complex role in pancreatic tumor biology, depending on various factors, such as tumor stage, microenvironment, immunometabolic state, and death signals. As a modulator connecting various cellular events, pharmacological targeting of nonselective autophagy may lead to both good and bad therapeutic effects. In contrast, targeting selective autophagy could reduce potential side effects of the drugs used. In this review, we describe the advances and challenges of autophagy in the development and therapy of pancreatic cancer.Abbreviations: AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; CQ: chloroquine; csc: cancer stem cells; DAMP: danger/damage-associated molecular pattern; EMT: epithelial-mesenchymal transition; lncRNA: long noncoding RNA; MIR: microRNA; PanIN: pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia; PDAC: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; PtdIns3K: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; SNARE: soluble NSF attachment protein receptor; UPS: ubiquitin-proteasome system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingbo Li
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Rui Kang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Herbert Zeh
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel J. Klionsky
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Daolin Tang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Crosstalk between miRNAs and signaling pathways involved in pancreatic cancer and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 901:174006. [PMID: 33711308 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide with 5-year survival rates below 8%. Most patients with PC and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) die after relapse and cancer progression as well as resistance to treatment. Pancreatic tumors contain a high desmoplastic stroma that forms a rigid mass and has a potential role in tumor growth and metastasis. PC initiates from intraepithelial neoplasia lesions leading to invasive cancer through various pathways. These lesions harbor particular changes in signaling pathways involved in the tumorigenesis process. These events affect both the epithelial cells, including the tumor and the surrounding stroma, and eventually lead to the formation of complex signaling networks. Genetic studies of PC have revealed common molecular features such as the presence of mutations in KRAS gene in more than 90% of patients, as well as the inactivation or deletion mutations of some tumor suppressor genes including TP53, CDKN2A, and SMAD4. In recent years, studies have also identified different roles of microRNAs in PC pathogenesis as well as their importance in PC diagnosis and treatment, and their involvement in various signaling pathways. In this study, we discussed the most common pathways involved in PC and PDAC as well as their role in tumorigenesis and progression. Furthermore, the miRNAs participating in the regulation of these signaling pathways in PC progression are summarized in this study. Therefore, understanding more about pathways involved in PC can help with the development of new and effective therapies in the future.
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MNK1 and MNK2 enforce expression of E2F1, FOXM1, and WEE1 to drive soft tissue sarcoma. Oncogene 2021; 40:1851-1867. [PMID: 33564073 PMCID: PMC7946644 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01661-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a heterogeneous disease that arises from connective tissues. Clinical outcome of patients with advanced tumors especially de-differentiated liposarcoma and uterine leiomyosarcoma remains unsatisfactory, despite intensive treatment regimens including maximal surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. MAP kinase-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 and 2 (MNK1/2) have been shown to contribute to oncogenic translation via phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E). However, little is known about the role of MNK1/2 and their downstream targets in STS. In this study, we show that depletion of either MNK1 or MNK2 suppresses cell viability, anchorage-independent growth, and tumorigenicity of STS cells. We also identify a compelling antiproliferative efficacy of a novel, selective MNK inhibitor ETC-168. Cellular responsiveness of STS cells to ETC-168 correlates positively with that of phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6). Mirroring MNK1/2 silencing, ETC-168 treatment strongly blocks eIF4E phosphorylation and represses expression of sarcoma-driving onco-proteins including E2F1, FOXM1, and WEE1. Moreover, combination of ETC-168 and MCL1 inhibitor S63845 exerts a synergistic antiproliferative activity against STS cells. In summary, our study reveals crucial roles of MNK1/2 and their downstream targets in STS tumorigenesis. Our data encourage further clinical translation of MNK inhibitors for STS treatment.
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Blaauboer A, Booy S, van Koetsveld PM, Karels B, Dogan F, van Zwienen S, van Eijck CHJ, Hofland LJ. Interferon-beta enhances sensitivity to gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:913. [PMID: 32967656 PMCID: PMC7513525 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07420-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adjuvant gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer has limited efficacy in the clinical setting. Impaired drug metabolism is associated with treatment resistance. We aimed to evaluate the chemosensitising effect of interferon-beta (IFN-β). Methods BxPC-3, CFPAC-1, and Panc-1 cells were pre-treated with IFN-β followed by gemcitabine monotherapy. The effect on cell growth, colony formation, and cell cycle was determined. RT-qPCR was used to measure gene expression. BxPC-3 cells were used in a heterotopic subcutaneous mouse model. Results IFN-β increased sensitivity to gemcitabine (4-, 7.7-, and 1.7-fold EC50 decrease in BxPC-3, CFPAC-1, and Panc-1, respectively; all P < 0.001). Findings were confirmed when assessing colony formation. The percentage of cells in the S-phase was significantly increased after IFN-β treatment only in BxPC-3 and CFPAC-1 by 12 and 7%, respectively (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Thereby, IFN-β upregulated expression of the drug transporters SLC28A1 in BxPC-3 (252%) and SLC28A3 in BxPC-3 (127%) and CFPAC-1 (223%) (all p < 0.001). In vivo, combination therapy reduced tumor volume with 45% (P = 0.01). Both ex vivo and in vivo data demonstrate a significant reduction in the number of proliferating cells, whereas apoptosis was increased. Conclusions For the first time, we validated the chemosensitising effects of IFN-β when combined with gemcitabine in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. This was driven by cell cycle modulation and associated with an upregulation of genes involving intracellular uptake of gemcitabine. The use of IFN-β in combination with gemcitabine seems promising in patients with pancreatic cancer and needs to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Blaauboer
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Room Ee-514, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015, GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Stephanie Booy
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Room Ee-514, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015, GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M van Koetsveld
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bas Karels
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fadime Dogan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne van Zwienen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Casper H J van Eijck
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Room Ee-514, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015, GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leo J Hofland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Wu X, Huang J, Yang Z, Zhu Y, Zhang Y, Wang J, Yao W. MicroRNA-221-3p is related to survival and promotes tumour progression in pancreatic cancer: a comprehensive study on functions and clinicopathological value. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:443. [PMID: 32943991 PMCID: PMC7488115 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01529-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The microRNA miR-221-3p has previously been found to be an underlying biomarker of pancreatic cancer. However, the mechanisms of miR-221-3p underlying its role in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis, proliferation capability, invasion ability, drug resistance and apoptosis and the clinicopathological value of miR-221-3p have not been thoroughly studied. Methods Based on microarray and miRNA-sequencing data extracted from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), relevant literature, and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), we explored clinicopathological features and the expression of miR-221-3p to determine its clinical effect in pancreatic cancer. Proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and in vitro cytotoxicity tests were selected to examine the roles of mir-221-3p. In addition, several miR-221-3p functional analyses were conducted, including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analyses, to examine gene interactions with miR-221-3p. Results The findings of integrated multi-analysis revealed higher miR-221-3p expression in pancreatic cancer tissues and blood than that in para-carcinoma samples (SMD of miR-221-3p: 1.52; 95% CI 0.96, 2.08). MiR-221-3p is related to survival both in pancreatic cancer and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients. Cell experiments demonstrated that miR-221-3p promotes pancreatic cancer cell proliferation capability, migration ability, invasion ability, and drug resistance but inhibits apoptosis. Further pancreatic cancer bioinformatics analyses projected 30 genes as the underlying targets of miR-221-3p. The genes were significantly distributed in diverse critical pathways, including microRNAs in cancer, viral carcinogenesis, and the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. Additionally, PPI indicated four hub genes with threshold values of 5: KIT, CDKN1B, RUNX2, and BCL2L11. Moreover, cell studies showed that miR-221-3p can inhibit these four hub genes expression in pancreatic cancer. Conclusions Our research revealed that pancreatic cancer expresses a high-level of miR-221-3p, indicating a potential miR-221-3p role as a prognosis predictor in pancreatic cancer. Moreover, miR-221-3p promotes proliferation capacity, migration ability, invasion ability, and drug resistance but inhibits apoptosis in pancreatic cancer. The function of miR-221-3p in the development of pancreatic cancer may be mediated by the inhibition of hub genes expression. All these results might provide an opportunity to extend the understanding of pancreatic cancer pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zilin Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongping Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiancheng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiyan Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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13
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Li M, Meng X, Li M. MiR-126 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via inhibition of apoptosis and autophagy. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:12107-12118. [PMID: 32554852 PMCID: PMC7343473 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
MiRNA-126 (miR-126) has been shown to be involved in various malignancies as well as other biological processes. However, currently, its role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is not well understood. The present study is focused on the mechanisms that underlie the effect of miR-126 on cell survival and death (apoptosis and autophagy) in ESCC cells. MiR-126 expression was found to be enhanced in ESCC cells and tissues. Downregulation of miR-126 suppressed cell survival, and TUNEL staining indicated that miR-126 inhibition promoted ESCC cell death. In addition, the production of LC3B and p62 proteins, two autophagy signals, was reduced following miR-126 inhibition. A dual luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that the STAT3 3’-UTR is a direct target of miR-126. Furthermore, STAT3 knock-down rescued the effects on autophagy and apoptosis caused by miR-126 inhibition in ESCC cells. The results of this study may provide some insight into the molecular and biological mechanisms underlying ESCC generation and contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Li
- Department of Life Science and Engineering, Jining University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Xiangli Meng
- Department of Nursing, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Mingxuan Li
- Department of Nursing, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
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14
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Bose S, Banerjee S, Mondal A, Chakraborty U, Pumarol J, Croley CR, Bishayee A. Targeting the JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway Using Phytocompounds for Cancer Prevention and Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:E1451. [PMID: 32545187 PMCID: PMC7348822 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a prevalent cause of mortality around the world. Aberrated activation of Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway promotes tumorigenesis. Natural agents, including phytochemicals, exhibit potent anticancer activities via various mechanisms. However, the therapeutic potency of phytoconstituents as inhibitors of JAK/STAT signaling against cancer has only come into focus in recent days. The current review highlights phytochemicals that can suppress the JAK/STAT pathway in order to impede cancer cell growth. Various databases, such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SpringerLink, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched using relevant keywords. Once the authors were in agreement regarding the suitability of a study, a full-length form of the relevant article was obtained, and the information was gathered and cited. All the complete articles that were incorporated after the literature collection rejection criteria were applied were perused in-depth and material was extracted based on the importance, relevance, and advancement of the apprehending of the JAK/STAT pathway and their relation to phytochemicals. Based on the critical and comprehensive analysis of literature presented in this review, phytochemicals from diverse plant origins exert therapeutic and cancer preventive effects, at least in part, through regulation of the JAK/STAT pathway. Nevertheless, more preclinical and clinical research is necessary to completely comprehend the capability of modulating JAK/STAT signaling to achieve efficient cancer control and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankhadip Bose
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Bengal School of Technology, Chuchura 712 102, India;
| | - Sabyasachi Banerjee
- Department of Phytochemistry, Gupta College of Technological Sciences, Asansol 713 301, India; (S.B.); (U.C.)
| | - Arijit Mondal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bengal College of Pharmaceutical Technology, Dubrajpur 731 123, India
| | - Utsab Chakraborty
- Department of Phytochemistry, Gupta College of Technological Sciences, Asansol 713 301, India; (S.B.); (U.C.)
| | - Joshua Pumarol
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA; (J.P.); (C.R.C.)
| | - Courtney R. Croley
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA; (J.P.); (C.R.C.)
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA; (J.P.); (C.R.C.)
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15
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Wu L, Guo C, Wu J. Therapeutic potential of PPARγ natural agonists in liver diseases. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:2736-2748. [PMID: 32031298 PMCID: PMC7077554 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a vital subtype of the PPAR family. The biological functions are complex and diverse. PPARγ plays a significant role in protecting the liver from inflammation, oxidation, fibrosis, fatty liver and tumours. Natural products are a promising pool for drug discovery, and enormous research effort has been invested in exploring the PPARγ‐activating potential of natural products. In this manuscript, we will review the research progress of PPARγ agonists from natural products in recent years and probe into the application potential and prospects of PPARγ natural agonists in the therapy of various liver diseases, including inflammation, hepatic fibrosis, non‐alcoholic fatty liver and liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianye Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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16
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Role of JAK/STAT3 Signaling in the Regulation of Metastasis, the Transition of Cancer Stem Cells, and Chemoresistance of Cancer by Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Cells 2020; 9:cells9010217. [PMID: 31952344 PMCID: PMC7017057 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway plays an essential role in various types of cancers. Activation of this pathway leads to increased tumorigenic and metastatic ability, the transition of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and chemoresistance in cancer via enhancing the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT acts as a critical regulator in the progression of cancer and is involved in regulating invasion, spread, and survival. Furthermore, accumulating evidence indicates the failure of conventional therapies due to the acquisition of CSC properties. In this review, we summarize the effects of JAK/STAT3 activation on EMT and the generation of CSCs. Moreover, we discuss cutting-edge data on the link between EMT and CSCs in the tumor microenvironment that involves a previously unknown function of miRNAs, and also discuss new regulators of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway.
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17
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Mrowka P, Glodkowska-Mrowka E. PPARγ Agonists in Combination Cancer Therapies. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2019; 20:197-215. [PMID: 31814555 DOI: 10.2174/1568009619666191209102015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) is a nuclear receptor acting as a transcription factor involved in the regulation of energy metabolism, cell cycle, cell differentiation, and apoptosis. These unique properties constitute a strong therapeutic potential that place PPARγ agonists as one of the most interesting and widely studied anticancer molecules. Although PPARγ agonists exert significant, antiproliferative and tumoricidal activity in vitro, their anticancer efficacy in animal models is ambiguous, and their effectiveness in clinical trials in monotherapy is unsatisfactory. However, due to pleiotropic effects of PPARγ activation in normal and tumor cells, PPARγ ligands interact with many antitumor treatment modalities and synergistically potentiate their effectiveness. The most spectacular example is a combination of PPARγ ligands with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In this setting, PPARγ activation sensitizes leukemic stem cells, resistant to any previous form of treatment, to targeted therapy. Thus, this combination is believed to be the first pharmacological therapy able to cure CML patients. Within the last decade, a significant body of data confirming the benefits of the addition of PPARγ ligands to various antitumor therapies, including chemotherapy, hormonotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, has been published. Although the majority of these studies have been carried out in vitro or animal tumor models, a few successful attempts to introduce PPARγ ligands into anticancer therapy in humans have been recently made. In this review, we aim to summarize shines and shadows of targeting PPARγ in antitumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Mrowka
- Department of Biophysics and Human Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Eliza Glodkowska-Mrowka
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics and Clinical Immunology of Developmental Age, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
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18
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Zhang J, Gao Y. Long non-coding RNA MEG3 inhibits cervical cancer cell growth by promoting degradation of P-STAT3 protein via ubiquitination. Cancer Cell Int 2019; 19:175. [PMID: 31320837 PMCID: PMC6615085 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-019-0893-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Maternally expressed 3 (MEG3) plays an important role in cervical cancer development, but its exact role remains unclear. Here, we explored the specific regulatory mechanism of MEG3 and its downstream proteins in cervical cancer cells. Methods The effect of MEG3 on tumor formation ability of cervical cancer cells was determined in nude mice. The direct binding of MEG3 to phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (P-STAT3) was detected by RNA pull-down and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Cycloheximide (CHX)-chase and ubiquitination assays were performed to determine the regulatory effect of MEG3 on P-STAT3 ubiquitination. Clone formation assay and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the effect of the MEG3-STAT3 regulatory axis on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Results In vivo tumor formation experiments showed that MEG3 inhibited the tumor formation ability of cervical cancer cells. RNA pull-down and RIP assays demonstrated that MEG3 bound directly to P-STAT3 protein. CHX-chase and ubiquitination assay results showed that MEG3 promoted P-STAT3 degradation via ubiquitination. Clone formation assay and flow cytometry analysis results revealed that the inhibitory effect of MEG3 on P-STAT3 promoted apoptosis and inhibited proliferation of cervical cancer cells. Conclusion MEG3 binds to P-STAT3 in cervical cancer cells, resulting in P-STAT3 ubiquitination and degradation and apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation of tumor cells. The in-depth elaboration of the MEG3-STAT3 regulatory axis in cervical cancer may clarify the mechanism of action of MEG3 and provide new ideas for cervical cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020 People's Republic of China
| | - Yali Gao
- 2Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020 People's Republic of China
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19
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Vallée A, Lecarpentier Y, Guillevin R, Vallée JN. Opposite Interplay Between the Canonical WNT/β-Catenin Pathway and PPAR Gamma: A Potential Therapeutic Target in Gliomas. Neurosci Bull 2018; 34:573-588. [PMID: 29582250 PMCID: PMC5960455 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-018-0219-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In gliomas, the canonical Wingless/Int (WNT)/β-catenin pathway is increased while peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) is downregulated. The two systems act in an opposite manner. This review focuses on the interplay between WNT/β-catenin signaling and PPAR-γ and their metabolic implications as potential therapeutic target in gliomas. Activation of the WNT/β-catenin pathway stimulates the transcription of genes involved in proliferation, invasion, nucleotide synthesis, tumor growth, and angiogenesis. Activation of PPAR-γ agonists inhibits various signaling pathways such as the JAK/STAT, WNT/β-catenin, and PI3K/Akt pathways, which reduces tumor growth, cell proliferation, cell invasiveness, and angiogenesis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, curcumin, antipsychotic drugs, adiponectin, and sulforaphane downregulate the WNT/β-catenin pathway through the upregulation of PPAR-γ and thus appear to provide an interesting therapeutic approach for gliomas. Temozolomide (TMZ) is an antiangiogenic agent. The downstream action of this opposite interplay may explain the TMZ-resistance often reported in gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- Laboratory of Mathematics and Applications, Unités Mixtes de Recherche (UMR), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 7348, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France.
- Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et à l'Innovation (DRCI), Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France.
| | - Yves Lecarpentier
- Centre de Recherche Clinique, Grand Hôpital de l'Est Francilien, Meaux, France
| | - Rémy Guillevin
- DACTIM, UMR CNRS 7348, University of Poitiers et CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Jean-Noël Vallée
- Laboratory of Mathematics and Applications, Unités Mixtes de Recherche (UMR), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 7348, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
- CHU Amiens Picardie, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
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20
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Yan Q, Yuan WB, Sun X, Zhang MJ, Cen F, Zhou SY, Wu WB, Xu YC, Tong LH, Ma ZH. Asparaginyl endopeptidase enhances pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell invasion in an exosome-dependent manner and correlates with poor prognosis. Int J Oncol 2018; 52:1651-1660. [PMID: 29568945 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal types of cancer; owing to low early detection rates and high metastasis rates, it is associated with an extremely poor prognosis. Therefore, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie its metastasis and the identification of potential prognostic biomarkers are urgently required. Although high expression levels of asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP) have been detected in various types of solid tumor, the expression and functions of AEP in pancreatic carcinomas have yet to be determined. The present study aimed to examine the putative functions of AEP in pancreatic carcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that AEP was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Patients with high AEP expression exhibited a significantly shorter overall survival time. Results from multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that AEP was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments demonstrated that knockdown of AEP expression significantly reduced the invasive ability of pancreatic cancer cells, whereas overexpression of AEP increased the invasive ability. In addition, AEP was detected in exosomes that were derived from cultured pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells (PDACs) and in the serum from patients with PDAC. The Matrigel-Transwell invasion assay revealed that exosomes enriched with AEP were able to enhance the invasive ability of PDAC cells, whereas exosomes lacking AEP decreased the invasive ability. Furthermore, results from the present study suggested that AEP may be crucial for activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/RAC‑α serine/threonine-protein kinase signaling pathway in PDAC cells. The present study data indicated that high AEP expression may be important for pancreatic carcinoma progression in an exosome-dependent manner, and that AEP may be an independent indicator of poor prognosis in patients with PDAC and may be a novel prognostic biomarker or therapeutic target in pancreatic carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313003, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Bin Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313003, P.R. China
| | - Xu Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313003, P.R. China
| | - Ming-Jie Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313003, P.R. China
| | - Feng Cen
- Department of General Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313003, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Yu Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313003, P.R. China
| | - Wan-Bo Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313003, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Can Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313003, P.R. China
| | - Li-Hui Tong
- Department of General Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313003, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Hong Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313003, P.R. China
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21
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Research Advances in the Correlation between Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor- γ and Digestive Cancers. PPAR Res 2018; 2018:5289859. [PMID: 29483923 PMCID: PMC5816837 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5289859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) is a class of ligand-activated nuclear transcription factors, which is a member of type II nuclear receptor superfamily. Previous studies demonstrate that PPARγ is expressed in a variety of tumor tissues and is closely associated with the proliferation and prognosis of digestive system tumors by its roles in mediation of cell differentiation, induction of cell apoptosis, and inhibition of cell proliferation.
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22
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The tyrosine kinase inhibitor nintedanib activates SHP-1 and induces apoptosis in triple-negative breast cancer cells. Exp Mol Med 2017; 49:e366. [PMID: 28798401 PMCID: PMC5579508 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2017.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains difficult to treat and urgently needs new therapeutic options. Nintedanib, a multikinase inhibitor, has exhibited efficacy in early clinical trials for HER2-negative breast cancer. In this study, we examined a new molecular mechanism of nintedanib in TNBC. The results demonstrated that nintedanib enhanced TNBC cell apoptosis, which was accompanied by a reduction of p-STAT3 and its downstream proteins. STAT3 overexpression suppressed nintedanib-mediated apoptosis and further increased the activity of purified SHP-1 protein. Moreover, treatment with either a specific inhibitor of SHP-1 or SHP-1-targeted siRNA reduced the apoptotic effects of nintedanib, which validates the role of SHP-1 in nintedanib-mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, nintedanib-induced apoptosis was attenuated in TNBC cells expressing SHP-1 mutants with constantly open conformations, suggesting that the autoinhibitory mechanism of SHP-1 attenuated the effects of nintedanib. Importantly, nintedanib significantly inhibited tumor growth via the SHP-1/p-STAT3 pathway. Clinically, SHP-1 levels were downregulated, whereas p-STAT3 was upregulated in tumor tissues, and SHP-1 transcripts were associated with improved disease-free survival in TNBC patients. Our findings revealed that nintedanib induces TNBC apoptosis by acting as a SHP-1 agonist, suggesting that targeting STAT3 by enhancing SHP-1 expression could be a viable therapeutic strategy against TNBC.
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Fujita M, Hasegawa A, Yamamori M, Okamura N. In vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity of troglitazone in pancreatic cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2017; 36:91. [PMID: 28673319 PMCID: PMC5496133 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-017-0557-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Troglitazone (TGZ) is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist that has been investigated as a potential chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent. However, the antitumor efficacy and mechanisms of TGZ in pancreatic cancer have not been extensively investigated. This study was performed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of TGZ against pancreatic cancer cell lines, as well as its action mechanisms in terms of PPARγ dependency and the Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. We also evaluated the effects of TGZ on cell invasion and migration. Methods MIA Paca2 and PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cell lines were used. Cell viability and caspase-3 activity were detected using fluorescent reagents, and chromatin condensation was observed after staining the cells with Hoechst 33342. Protein expression levels were detected by western blot analysis. Invasion and migration assays were performed using 24-well chambers. The in vivo antitumor effects of TGZ were investigated in nude mice inoculated with MIA Paca2 cells. Mice were orally administered TGZ (200 mg/kg) every day for 5 weeks, and tumor volumes were measured bi-dimensionally. Results TGZ showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity against both cell lines, which was not attenuated by a PPARγ inhibitor. Further, TGZ induced chromatin condensation, elevated caspase-3 activity, and increased Bax/Bcl-2 relative expression in MIA Paca2 cells. TGZ also increased phosphorylation of Akt and MAPK (ERK/p38/JNK) in both cell lines, and a JNK inhibitor significantly increased the viability of MIA Paca2 cells. TGZ moderately inhibited cell migration. Tumor growth in the MIA Paca2 xenograft model was inhibited by TGZ administration, while mouse body weights in the treated group were not different from those of the vehicle administration group. Conclusion We demonstrated for the first time the in vivo antitumor effects of TGZ in pancreatic cancer without marked adverse effects. TGZ induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in MIA Paca2 cells, and its cytotoxic effects were PPARγ-independent and occurred via the JNK pathway. Our results indicate that TGZ is a potential approach for the treatment of pancreatic cancer and warrants further studies regarding its detailed mechanisms and clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Fujita
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University, 11-68 Koshien-kyuban-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8179, Japan
| | - Ai Hasegawa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University, 11-68 Koshien-kyuban-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8179, Japan
| | - Motohiro Yamamori
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University, 11-68 Koshien-kyuban-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8179, Japan
| | - Noboru Okamura
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University, 11-68 Koshien-kyuban-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8179, Japan.
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24
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Dicitore A, Grassi ES, Borghi MO, Gelmini G, Cantone MC, Gaudenzi G, Persani L, Caraglia M, Vitale G. Antitumor activity of interferon-β1a in hormone refractory prostate cancer with neuroendocrine differentiation. J Endocrinol Invest 2017; 40:761-770. [PMID: 28247216 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-017-0631-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Type I interferons (IFN-α and IFN-β) are a class of cytokines that exert several biological activities, such as modulation of cell proliferation and differentiation and of the immune system. Although these cytokines interact with a common receptor complex, IFN-β showed a more potent antitumor activity than IFN-α in several tumor models. New recombinant human IFN-β products, such as IFN-β1a and IFN-β1b, have been produced in order to improve the stability and bioavailability of natural IFN-β. In this report, we analyzed the effects of recombinant IFN-β1a on the cell proliferation of two human androgen-resistant prostate cancer cell lines with neuroendocrine differentiation (DU-145, PC-3) and related mechanisms of action. METHODS The effects of IFN-β1a on the cell growth proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis have been evaluated in DU-145 and PC-3 cells through MTT assay, DNA flow cytometry with propidium iodide, and Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining, respectively. Moreover, the expression of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), cleaved caspase-3, caspase-8, and PARP was evaluated through Western blotting. RESULTS IFN-β1a showed a significant anti-proliferative activity in both androgen-resistant cell lines. This effect was related to cell cycle perturbation and induction in apoptosis, as shown by flow cytometric analysis, the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-8 and PARP cleavage during incubation with IFN-β1a. Moreover, this cytokine reduced the expression of NSE in both cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Recombinant IFN-β1a (Rebif) showed a potent in vitro anti-proliferative activity in androgen-resistant prostate cancer cells, and it could represent a promising tool for the treatment of this tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dicitore
- Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino (Mi), 20095, Milan, Italy
| | - E S Grassi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - M O Borghi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Experimental Laboratory of Immuno-rheumatology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - G Gelmini
- Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino (Mi), 20095, Milan, Italy
| | - M C Cantone
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - G Gaudenzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - L Persani
- Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino (Mi), 20095, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - M Caraglia
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - G Vitale
- Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino (Mi), 20095, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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25
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Cave DD, Desiderio V, Mosca L, Ilisso CP, Mele L, Caraglia M, Cacciapuoti G, Porcelli M. S-Adenosylmethionine-mediated apoptosis is potentiated by autophagy inhibition induced by chloroquine in human breast cancer cells. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:1370-1383. [PMID: 28518408 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The naturally occurring sulfonium compound S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) is an ubiquitous sulfur-nucleoside that represents the main methyl donor in numerous methylation reactions. In recent years, it has been shown that AdoMet possesses antiproliferative properties in various cancer cells, but the molecular mechanisms at the basis of the effect induced by AdoMet have been only in part investigated. In the present study, we found that AdoMet strongly inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells MCF-7 by inducing both autophagy and apoptosis. AdoMet consistently enhanced the levels of the autophagy markers beclin-1 and LC3B-II, and caused a significant increase of pro-apoptotic Bax/Bcl-2 ratio paralleled by poly (ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase 9, and 6 cleavage. Notably, AdoMet, already at low doses, raised the percentage of cells in G2 /M phase of cell cycle by down-regulating the expression of cell cycle-regulatory proteins cyclin B and cyclin E with a remarkable increase of p53, p27, and p21. We also evaluated the combination of AdoMet and the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CLC) showing that autophagy block is synergistic in inducing both growth inhibition and apoptosis. These effects were paralleled by a strong inhibition of the activity of AKT and of the downstream effector mTOR and by an increased cleavage of caspase-6 and PARP. These data suggest, for the first time, that autophagy can act as an escape mechanism from the apoptotic activity of AdoMet, and that AdoMet could be used in combination with CLC or its analogs in the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Delle Cave
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Desiderio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Mosca
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Concetta P Ilisso
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Mele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cacciapuoti
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Porcelli
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
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26
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Vitale G, Dicitore A, Pepe D, Gentilini D, Grassi ES, Borghi MO, Gelmini G, Cantone MC, Gaudenzi G, Misso G, Di Blasio AM, Hofland LJ, Caraglia M, Persani L. Synergistic activity of everolimus and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine in medullary thyroid carcinoma cell lines. Mol Oncol 2017; 11:1007-1022. [PMID: 28453190 PMCID: PMC5537710 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a tumor highly resistant to chemo‐ and radiotherapy. Drug resistance can be induced by epigenetic changes such as aberrant DNA methylation. To overcome drug resistance, we explored a promising approach based on the use of 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (AZA), a demethylating agent, in combination with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus in MTC cells (MZ‐CRC‐1 and TT). This combined treatment showed a strong synergistic antiproliferative activity through the induction of apoptosis. The effect of everolimus and/or AZA on genome‐wide expression profiling was evaluated by Illumina BeadChip in MZ‐CRC‐1 cells. An innovative bioinformatic pipeline identified four potential molecular pathways implicated in the synergy between AZA and everolimus: PI3K‐Akt signaling, the neurotrophin pathway, ECM/receptor interaction, and focal adhesion. Among these, the neurotrophin signaling pathway was most directly involved in apoptosis, through the overexpression of NGFR and Bax genes. The increased expression of genes involved in the NGFR‐MAPK10‐TP53‐Bax/Bcl2 pathway during incubation with AZA plus everolimus was validated by western blotting in MZ‐CRC‐1 cells. Interestingly, addition of a neutralizing anti‐NGFR antibody inhibited the synergistic cytotoxic activity between AZA and everolimus. These results open a new therapeutic scenario for MTC and potentially other neuroendocrine tumors, where therapy with mTOR inhibitors is currently approved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Vitale
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Italy.,Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dicitore
- Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Davide Gentilini
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa S Grassi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Italy
| | - Maria O Borghi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Italy.,Experimental Laboratory of Immuno-rheumatologic Researches, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Gelmini
- Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria C Cantone
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Italy
| | - Germano Gaudenzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Misso
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, Second University of Naples, Italy
| | - Anna M Di Blasio
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Leo J Hofland
- Section Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, Second University of Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Italy.,Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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27
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Urgard E, Reigo A, Reinmaa E, Rebane A, Metspalu A. Human basonuclin 2 up-regulates a cascade set of interferon-stimulated genes with anti-cancerous properties in a lung cancer model. Cancer Cell Int 2017; 17:18. [PMID: 28184177 PMCID: PMC5294813 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-017-0394-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human basonuclin 2 (BNC2) acts as a tumor suppressor in multiple cancers in an as yet unidentified manner. The role and expression of the BNC2 gene in lung cancer has not yet been investigated. METHODS BNC2 expression was studied in the A549 and BEAS-2B cell lines, as well as in lung cancer tissue. Illumina array analysis and a viability assay were used to study the effects of transient transfection of BNC2 in A549 cells. Ingenuity pathway analysis and g:Profiler were applied to identify affected pathways and networks. RT-qPCR was used to validate the array results. RESULTS We showed the reduced mRNA expression of BNC2 in non-small cell lung cancer tissue and lung cancer cell line A549 compared to non-cancerous lung tissue and BEAS-2B cells, respectively. Further array analysis demonstrated that the transfection of BNC2 into A549 cells resulted in the increased expression of 139 genes and the down-regulation of 13 genes. Pathway analysis revealed that half of the up-regulated genes were from the interferon/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways. The differential expression of selected sets of genes, including interferon-stimulated and tumor suppressor genes of the XAF1 and OAS families, was confirmed by RT-qPCR. In addition, we showed that the over-expression of BNC2 inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that human BNC2 is an activator of a subset of IFN-regulated genes and might thereby act as a tumor suppressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egon Urgard
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anu Reigo
- Estonian Genome Center, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Eva Reinmaa
- Department of Immunoanalysis, United Laboratories, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ana Rebane
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Metspalu
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Estonian Genome Center, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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28
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Hwang JS, Ham SA, Yoo T, Lee WJ, Paek KS, Kim JH, Lee CH, Seo HG. Upregulation of MKP-7 in response to rosiglitazone treatment ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced destabilization of SIRT1 by inactivating JNK. Pharmacol Res 2016; 114:47-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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29
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The Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Valproic Acid Sensitizes Gemcitabine-Induced Cytotoxicity in Gemcitabine-Resistant Pancreatic Cancer Cells Possibly Through Inhibition of the DNA Repair Protein Gamma-H2AX. Target Oncol 2016; 10:575-81. [PMID: 25940934 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-015-0370-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gemcitabine (GEM) remains a major chemotherapeutic drug for pancreatic cancer, but resistance to GEM has been a big problem, as its response rate has been decreasing year by year. METHODS The effect of the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDAI) valproic acid (VPA) was compared with tranilast and RI-1 as a combinatorial treatment with GEM in four pancreatic cancer cell lines, BxPC-3, PK45p, MiaPaCa-2 and PK59. Cell viability assays were carried out to check the cytotoxic effects, western blotting was carried out for DNA repair mechanisms, and localization was determined by immunofluorescence. RESULTS The sensitization factors (i.e., the fold ratio of cell viability for GEM/GEM plus drug) reveal that VPA increases the cytotoxic sensitization to GEM at approximately 2.7-fold, 1.2-fold, 1.5-fold and 2.2-fold in BxPC-3, MiaPaCa-2, PK-45p and PK-59 cell lines, respectively. Moreover, GEM induces activation of the DNA repair protein H2AX proportional to the dosage. Interestingly, however, this effect can be abrogated by VPA. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that VPA enhances GEM-induced cytotoxicity in GEM-resistant pancreatic cancer cells, possibly through inhibition of DNA damage signaling and repair. Our study suggests VPA as a potential therapeutic agent for combinatorial treatment with GEM in pancreatic cancer.
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30
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Elmaci İ, Altinoz MA. A Metabolic Inhibitory Cocktail for Grave Cancers: Metformin, Pioglitazone and Lithium Combination in Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer and Glioblastoma Multiforme. Biochem Genet 2016; 54:573-618. [PMID: 27377891 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-016-9754-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are among the human cancers with worst prognosis which require an urgent need for efficient therapies. Here, we propose to apply to treat both malignancies with a triple combination of drugs, which are already in use for different indications. Recent studies demonstrated a considerable link between risk of PC and diabetes. In experimental models, anti-diabetogenic agents suppress growth of PC, including metformin (M), pioglitazone (P) and lithium (L). L is used in psychiatric practice, yet also bears anti-diabetic potential and selectively inhibits glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β). M, a biguanide class anti-diabetic agent shows anticancer activity via activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Glitazones bind to PPAR-γ and inhibit NF-κB, triggering cell proliferation, apoptosis resistance and synthesis of inflammatory cytokines in cancer cells. Inhibition of inflammatory cytokines could simultaneously decrease tumor growth and alleviate cancer cachexia, having a major role in PC mortality. Furthermore, mutual synergistic interactions exist between PPAR-γ and GSK-3β, between AMPK and GSK-3β and between AMPK and PPAR-γ. In GBM, M blocks angiogenesis and migration in experimental models. Very noteworthy, among GBM patients with type 2 diabetes, usage of M significantly correlates with better survival while reverse is true for sulfonylureas. In experimental models, P synergies with ligands of RAR, RXR and statins in reducing growth of GBM. Further, usage of P was found to be lesser in anaplastic astrocytoma and GBM patients, indicating a protective effect of P against high-grade gliomas. L is accumulated in GBM cells faster and higher than in neuroblastoma cells, and its levels further increase with chronic exposure. Recent studies revealed anti-invasive potential of L in GBM cell lines. Here, we propose that a triple-agent regime including drugs already in clinical usage may provide a metabolic adjuvant therapy for PC and GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- İlhan Elmaci
- Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- Neuroacademy Group, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Meric A Altinoz
- Department of Immunology, Experimental Medicine Research Center, Istanbul, Turkey.
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31
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Saber A, Alipour B, Faghfoori Z, Yari Khosroushahi A. Cellular and molecular effects of yeast probiotics on cancer. Crit Rev Microbiol 2016; 43:96-115. [PMID: 27561003 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2016.1179622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The cancer is one of the main causes of human deaths worldwide. The exact mechanisms of initiation and progression of malignancies are not clear yet, but there is a common agreement about the role of colonic microbiota in the etiology of different cancers. Probiotics have been examined for their anti-cancer effects, and different mechanisms have been suggested about their antitumor functions. Nonpathogenic yeasts, as members of probiotics family, can be effective on gut microbiota dysbiosis. Generally safe yeasts have shown so many beneficial effects on human health. Probiotic yeasts influence physiology, metabolism, and immune homeostasis in the colon and contribute to cancer treatment due to possessing anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and anti-cancer properties. This study reviews some of the health-beneficial effects of probiotic yeasts and their biological substances like folic acid and β-glucan on cancer and focuses on the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of probiotic yeasts such as influencing pathogenic bacteria, inactivation of carcinogenic compounds, especially those derived from food, improvement of intestinal barrier function, modulation of immune responses, antitoxic function, apoptosis, and anti-proliferative effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Saber
- a Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran.,b Student Research Committee, Faculty of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran.,c Department of Biochemistry and Diet Therapy , Faculty of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Beitollah Alipour
- c Department of Biochemistry and Diet Therapy , Faculty of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran.,d Nutrition Research Center, Faculty of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Zeinab Faghfoori
- e Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences , Semnan , Iran
| | - Ahmad Yari Khosroushahi
- f Drug Applied Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran.,g Department of Pharmacognosy , Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
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32
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Kopecka J, Porto S, Lusa S, Gazzano E, Salzano G, Giordano A, Desiderio V, Ghigo D, Caraglia M, De Rosa G, Riganti C. Self-assembling nanoparticles encapsulating zoledronic acid revert multidrug resistance in cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 6:31461-78. [PMID: 26372812 PMCID: PMC4741618 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The overexpression of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters makes tumor cells simultaneously resistant to several cytotoxic drugs. Impairing the energy metabolism of multidrug resistant (MDR) cells is a promising chemosensitizing strategy, but many metabolic modifiers are too toxic in vivo. We previously observed that the aminobisphosphonate zoledronic acid inhibits the activity of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a master regulator of cancer cell metabolism. Free zoledronic acid, however, reaches low intratumor concentration. We synthesized nanoparticle formulations of the aminobisphosphonate that allow a higher intratumor delivery of the drug. We investigated whether they are effective metabolic modifiers and chemosensitizing agents against human MDR cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. At not toxic dosage, nanoparticles carrying zoledronic acid chemosensitized MDR cells to a broad spectrum of cytotoxic drugs, independently of the type of ABC transporters expressed. The nanoparticles inhibited the isoprenoid synthesis and the Ras/ERK1/2-driven activation of HIF-1α, decreased the transcription and activity of glycolytic enzymes, the glucose flux through the glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle, the electron flux through the mitochondrial respiratory chain, the synthesis of ATP. So doing, they lowered the ATP-dependent activity of ABC transporters, increasing the chemotherapy efficacy in vitro and in vivo. These effects were more pronounced in MDR cells than in chemosensitive ones and were due to the inhibition of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS), as demonstrated in FPPS-silenced tumors. Our work proposes nanoparticle formulations of zoledronic acid as the first not toxic metabolic modifiers, effective against MDR tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kopecka
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Stefania Porto
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Lusa
- Department of Pharmacy, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Gazzano
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Salzano
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Desiderio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Dario Ghigo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Giuseppe De Rosa
- Department of Pharmacy, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Commonalities in the Association between PPARG and Vitamin D Related with Obesity and Carcinogenesis. PPAR Res 2016; 2016:2308249. [PMID: 27579030 PMCID: PMC4992792 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2308249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The PPAR nuclear receptor family has acquired great relevance in the last decade, which is formed by three different isoforms (PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPAR ϒ). Those nuclear receptors are members of the steroid receptor superfamily which take part in essential metabolic and life-sustaining actions. Specifically, PPARG has been implicated in the regulation of processes concerning metabolism, inflammation, atherosclerosis, cell differentiation, and proliferation. Thus, a considerable amount of literature has emerged in the last ten years linking PPARG signalling with metabolic conditions such as obesity and diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and, more recently, cancer. This review paper, at crossroads of basic sciences, preclinical, and clinical data, intends to analyse the last research concerning PPARG signalling in obesity and cancer. Afterwards, possible links between four interrelated actors will be established: PPARG, the vitamin D/VDR system, obesity, and cancer, opening up the door to further investigation and new hypothesis in this fascinating area of research.
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Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Expression Is Inversely Associated with Macroscopic Vascular Invasion in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17081226. [PMID: 27483249 PMCID: PMC5000624 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17081226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a ligand-activated nuclear receptor that regulates cellular lipid and glucose metabolism and also plays an inhibitory role in various cancers. However, the role of PPARγ in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of PPARγ in HCC and its role in inhibiting tumor progression, namely, HCC cell growth, migration, and angiogenesis. Immunohistochemical PPARγ staining was examined in 83 HCC specimens to investigate the clinicopathological correlations between PPARγ expression and various parameters. The functional role of PPARγ was determined via PPARγ overexpression and knockdown in HCC cells. Patients with low HCC tissue PPARγ expression were significantly younger (p = 0.006), and exhibited more tumor numbers (p = 0.038), more macroscopic vascular invasion (MVI) (p = 0.008), and more advanced TNM (size of primary tumor, number of regional lymph nodes, and distant metastasis) stages at diagnosis (p = 0.013) than patients with high HCC tissue PPARγ expression. PPARγ knockdown increased HCC cell growth, migration, and angiogenesis, while PPARγ overexpression reduced HCC cell growth, migration, and angiogenesis. These results suggest that low PPARγ expression is an independent predictor of more MVI in HCC patients. PPARγ contributes to the suppression of HCC cell growth, migration, and angiogenesis. Therefore, PPARγ may be a therapeutic target in HCC patients.
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35
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Dicitore A, Grassi ES, Caraglia M, Borghi MO, Gaudenzi G, Hofland LJ, Persani L, Vitale G. The cAMP analogs have potent anti-proliferative effects on medullary thyroid cancer cell lines. Endocrine 2016; 51:101-12. [PMID: 25863490 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-015-0597-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The oncogenic activation of the rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene has a main role in the pathogenesis of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Several lines of evidence suggest that RET function could be influenced by cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) activity. We evaluated the in vitro anti-tumor activity of 8-chloroadenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Cl-cAMP) and PKA type I-selective cAMP analogs [equimolar combination of the 8-piperidinoadenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-PIP-cAMP) and 8-hexylaminoadenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-HA-cAMP) in MTC cell lines (TT and MZ-CRC-1)]. 8-Cl-cAMP and the PKA I-selective cAMP analogs showed a potent anti-proliferative effect in both cell lines. In detail, 8-Cl-cAMP blocked significantly the transition of TT cell population from G2/M to G0/G1 phase and from G0/G1 to S phase and of MZ-CRC-1 cells from G0/G1 to S phase. Moreover, 8-Cl-cAMP induced apoptosis in both cell lines, as demonstrated by FACS analysis for annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide, the activation of caspase-3 and PARP cleavage. On the other hand, the only effect induced by PKA I-selective cAMP analogs was a delay in G0/G1-S and S-G2/M progression in TT and MZ-CRC-1 cells, respectively. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that cAMP analogs, particularly 8-Cl-cAMP, significantly suppress in vitro MTC proliferation and provide rationale for a potential clinical use of cAMP analogs in the treatment of advanced MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Dicitore
- Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino, 20095, Milan, Italy.
| | - Elisa Stellaria Grassi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Orietta Borghi
- Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino, 20095, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Germano Gaudenzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Leo J Hofland
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Luca Persani
- Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino, 20095, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vitale
- Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino, 20095, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Huang X, Dai S, Dai J, Xiao Y, Bai Y, Chen B, Zhou M. Luteolin decreases invasiveness, deactivates STAT3 signaling, and reverses interleukin-6 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and matrix metalloproteinase secretion of pancreatic cancer cells. Onco Targets Ther 2015; 8:2989-3001. [PMID: 26527884 PMCID: PMC4621199 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s91511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Luteolin, a flavone, has been shown to exhibit anticancer properties. Here, we investigated whether luteolin affects epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cell lines and their underlying mechanism. Pancreatic cancer cell lines PANC-1 and SW1990 were used in our study, and their EMT characters, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression level, invasiveness, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activity were determined after luteolin treatment. We also treated pancreatic cancer cells with interleukin-6 (IL-6) to see whether IL-6-induced activation of STAT3, EMT, and MMP secretion was affected by luteolin. We found that luteolin inhibits EMT and MMP2, MMP7, and MMP9 expression in a dose-dependent manner, similar to STAT3 signaling. Through Transwell assay, we found that invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells was inhibited by luteolin. EMT characters and MMP secretion increase with STAT3 activity after IL-6 treatment and these effects, caused by IL-6, were inhibited by luteolin. We concluded that luteolin inhibits invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells, and we speculated that luteolin inhibits EMT and MMP secretion likely through deactivation of STAT3 signaling. Luteolin has potential antitumor effects and merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xince Huang
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengjie Dai
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Juji Dai
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuwu Xiao
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongyu Bai
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bicheng Chen
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China ; Zhejiang Provincial Top Key Discipline in Surgery, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Surgery, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengtao Zhou
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
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Suppression of multidrug resistance by rosiglitazone treatment in human ovarian cancer cells through downregulation of FZD1 and MDR1 genes. Anticancer Drugs 2015; 26:706-15. [DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ye J, Yin L, Xie P, Wu J, Huang J, Zhou G, Xu H, Lu E, He X. Antiproliferative effects and molecular mechanisms of troglitazone in human cervical cancer in vitro. Onco Targets Ther 2015; 8:1211-8. [PMID: 26060406 PMCID: PMC4454221 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s79899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effects of troglitazone on human cervical cancer SiHa cells and its mechanisms of action. SiHa cells were incubated with different concentrations of troglitazone (100, 200, or 400 μg/mL) for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Cell viability was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay; cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry; and morphology of SiHa cells was observed under an inverted microscope. pcDNA3.1 and pcDNA3.1-Skp2 plasmids were constructed and then transfected into SiHa cells. Protein expression was analyzed by Western blotting. Troglitazone inhibited the proliferation of SiHa cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Troglitazone caused G0/1 phase arrest but failed to reduce apoptosis in SiHa cells. Troglitazone significantly increased expression of p27 but decreased Skp2 expression. Skp2 overexpression inhibited the role of troglitazone in increasing expression of p27, and the cell cycle inhibitory effect of troglitazone. Troglitazone can inhibit SiHa cell viability by affecting cell cycle distribution but not apoptosis, and Skp2 and p27 may play a critical role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjun Ye
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Jiangsu Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Yin
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Jiangsu Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Xie
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Jiangsu Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfeng Wu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Jiangsu Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Jiangsu Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoren Zhou
- Department of Chemotherapy, Affiliated Jiangsu Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanzi Xu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Jiangsu Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Emei Lu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Jiangsu Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia He
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Jiangsu Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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Ren P, Zhang Y, Huang Y, Yang Y, Jiang M. Functions of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARγ) in Gynecologic Disorders. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-ONCOLOGY 2015; 9:43-9. [PMID: 25987855 PMCID: PMC4412418 DOI: 10.4137/cmo.s23527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a member of a class of nuclear hormone receptors intimately involved in the regulation of expression of myriad genes that regulate energy metabolism, cell differentiation, apoptosis, and inflammation. Although originally discovered as a pivotal regulator of adipocyte differentiation, the roles that PPARγ plays in gynecological disorders are still unknown. There are a number of studies on the functions of PPARγ and its agonists in gynecological disorders. In this mini-review, we provide a brief summary of the advances in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Ren
- Laboratory of Nuclear Receptors and Cancer Research, Basic Medical Research Center, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuquan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Laboratory of Nuclear Receptors and Cancer Research, Basic Medical Research Center, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yingli Yang
- Laboratory of Nuclear Receptors and Cancer Research, Basic Medical Research Center, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ming Jiang
- Laboratory of Nuclear Receptors and Cancer Research, Basic Medical Research Center, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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Manfredi GI, Dicitore A, Gaudenzi G, Caraglia M, Persani L, Vitale G. PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in medullary thyroid cancer: a promising molecular target for cancer therapy. Endocrine 2015; 48:363-70. [PMID: 25115638 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-014-0380-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is a central hub for the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, metabolism, and angiogenesis. Several studies have recently suggested that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of neuroendocrine tumors. Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a neuroendocrine tumor developing from the C cells of the thyroid. Mutations in the RET proto-oncogene are involved in the pathogenesis of several forms of MTC. The deregulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway seems to contribute to the tumorigenic activity of RET proto-oncogene mutations. Targeting this pathway through specific inhibitors at simple or multiple sites may represent an attractive potential therapeutic approach for patients with advanced MTCs. The aim of this review is to examine the role of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in the development and progression of MTC and the new therapeutic options that target this signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Irene Manfredi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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The multifaceted factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in metabolism, immunity, and cancer. Arch Pharm Res 2015; 38:302-12. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-015-0559-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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MicroRNA-423-5p Promotes Autophagy in Cancer Cells and Is Increased in Serum From Hepatocarcinoma Patients Treated With Sorafenib. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2015; 4:e233. [DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2015.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Booy S, Hofland L, van Eijck C. Potentials of interferon therapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2014; 35:327-39. [PMID: 25551196 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2014.0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options. To improve survival for patients with pancreatic cancer, research has focused on other treatment modalities like adding biological modulators such as type-I interferons (IFNs). Type I IFNs (ie, IFN-α/IFN-β) have antiproliferative, antiviral, and immunoregulatory activities. Furthermore, they are able to induce apoptosis, exert cell cycle blocking, and sensitize tumor cells for chemo- and radiotherapy. A few years ago in vitro, in vivo, and several clinical trials have been described regarding adjuvant IFN-α therapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Some studies reported a remarkable increase in the 2- and 5-year survival. Unfortunately, the only randomized clinical trial did not show a significant increase in overall survival, although the increased median survival implicated that some patients in the experimental group benefited from the adjuvant IFN-α therapy. Furthermore, encouraging in vitro and in vivo data points to a possible role for adjuvant IFN therapy. However, up till now, the use of IFNs in the treatment of pancreatic cancer remains controversial. This review, therefore, aims to describe, based on the available data, whether there is a distinct role for IFN therapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Booy
- 1 Department of Surgery, Erasmus Medical Centre , Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Alantolactone selectively suppresses STAT3 activation and exhibits potent anticancer activity in MDA-MB-231 cells. Cancer Lett 2014; 357:393-403. [PMID: 25434800 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.11.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Revised: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The important goal of cancer drug discovery is to develop therapeutic agents that are effective, safe, and affordable. In the present study, we demonstrated that alantolactone, which is a sesquiterpene lactone, has potential activity against triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells by suppressing the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. Alantolactone effectively suppressed both constitutive and inducible STAT3 activation at tyrosine 705. Alantolactone decreased STAT3 translocation to the nucleus, its DNA-binding, and STAT3 target gene expression. Alantolactone significantly inhibits STAT3 activation with a marginal effect on MAPKs and on NF-κB transcription; however, this effect is not mediated by inhibiting STAT3 upstream kinases. Although SHP-1, SHP-2, and PTEN, which are protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), were not affected by alantolactone, the treatment with a PTP inhibitor reversed the alantolactone-induced suppression of STAT3 activation, indicating that PTP plays an important role in the action of alantolactone. Finally, alantolactone treatment resulted in the inhibition of migration, invasion, adhesion, and colony formation. The in vivo administration of alantolactone inhibited the growth of human breast xenograft tumors. These results provide preclinical evidence to continue the development of alantolactone as a STAT3 inhibitor and as a potential therapeutic agent against breast cancer.
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Chen RY, Xu B, Chen SF, Chen SS, Zhang T, Ren J, Xu J. Effect of oridonin-mediated hallmark changes on inflammatory pathways in human pancreatic cancer (BxPC-3) cells. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:14895-14903. [PMID: 25356049 PMCID: PMC4209552 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i40.14895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Revised: 06/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the effect of oridonin on nuclear transcription factors and to study the relationship between biological behavior and inflammatory factors in human pancreatic cancer (BxPC-3) cells.
METHODS: BxPC-3 cells were treated with various concentrations of oridonin, and viability curves were generated to test for inhibitory effects of the drug on cells. The expression of cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, or IL-33 was detected in BxPC-3 cell supernatants using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the protein expression of nuclear transcription factors including nuclear factor κB, activating protein-1, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, bone morphogenetic protein 2, transforming growth factor β1 and sma and mad homologues in BxPC-3 cells was detected using Western blot. Carcinoma hallmark-related proteins such as survivin, vascular endothelial growth factor, and matrix metallopeptidase 2 were also detected using immunoblotting, and intra-nuclear IL-33 expression was detected using immunofluorescent staining.
RESULTS: Treatment with oridonin reduced the viability of BxPC-3 cells in a dose dependent manner. The cells exhibited reduced growth following treatment with 8 μg/mL oridonin (13.05% ± 3.21%, P < 0.01), and the highest inhibitory ratio was 90.64% ± 0.70%, which was achieved with oridonin at a dose of 32 μg/mL. The IC50 value of oridonin in BxPC-3 cells was 19.32 μg/mL. ELISA analysis revealed that oridonin down-regulated the inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-33 in a dose-dependent manner. IL-1β expression was significantly reduced in the 16 and 32 μg/mL treatment groups compared to the control group (12.97 ± 0.45 pg/mL, 11.17 ± 0.63 pg/mL vs 14.40 ± 0.38 pg/mL, P < 0.01). Similar trends were observed for IL-6 expression, which was significantly reduced in the 16 and 32 μg/mL treatment groups compared to the control group (4.05 ± 0.14 pg/mL vs 4.45 ± 0.43 pg/mL, P < 0.05; 3.95 ± 0.13 pg/mL vs 4.45 ± 0.43 pg/mL, P < 0.01). IL-33 expression was significantly reduced in the 8, 16, and 32 μg/mL treatment groups compared to the control group (911.05 ± 14.18 pg/mL vs 945.25 ± 12.09 pg/mL, P < 0.05; 802.70 ± 11.88 pg/mL, 768.54 ± 10.98 pg/mL vs 945.25 ± 12.09 pg/mL, P < 0.01). Western blot and immunofluorescent staining analyses suggested that oridonin changed the hallmarks and regulated the expression of various nuclear transcription factors.
CONCLUSION: The results obtained suggest that oridonin alters the hallmarks of pancreatic cancer cells through the regulation of nuclear transcription factors.
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Misso G, Di Martino MT, De Rosa G, Farooqi AA, Lombardi A, Campani V, Zarone MR, Gullà A, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P, Caraglia M. Mir-34: a new weapon against cancer? MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2014; 3:e194. [PMID: 25247240 PMCID: PMC4222652 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2014.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 370] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The microRNA(miRNA)-34a is a key regulator of tumor suppression. It controls the
expression of a plethora of target proteins involved in cell cycle, differentiation
and apoptosis, and antagonizes processes that are necessary for basic cancer cell
viability as well as cancer stemness, metastasis, and chemoresistance. In this
review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms of miR-34a-mediated tumor suppression,
giving emphasis on the main miR-34a targets, as well as on the principal regulators
involved in the modulation of this miRNA. Moreover, we shed light on the miR-34a role
in modulating responsiveness to chemotherapy and on the phytonutrients-mediated
regulation of miR-34a expression and activity in cancer cells. Given the broad
anti-oncogenic activity of miR-34a, we also discuss the substantial benefits of a new
therapeutic concept based on nanotechnology delivery of miRNA mimics. In fact, the
replacement of oncosuppressor miRNAs provides an effective strategy against tumor
heterogeneity and the selective RNA-based delivery systems seems to be an excellent
platform for a safe and effective targeting of the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Misso
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University and Medical OncologyUnit, T. Campanella Cancer Center, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Rosa
- Department of Pharmacy, University "Federico II" of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Ammad Ahmad Farooqi
- Laboratory for Translational Oncology and Personalized Medicine, Rashid Latif Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Angela Lombardi
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Virginia Campani
- Department of Pharmacy, University "Federico II" of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Mayra Rachele Zarone
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Gullà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University and Medical OncologyUnit, T. Campanella Cancer Center, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University and Medical OncologyUnit, T. Campanella Cancer Center, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- 1] Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University and Medical OncologyUnit, T. Campanella Cancer Center, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Catanzaro, Italy [2] Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michele Caraglia
- 1] Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University and Medical OncologyUnit, T. Campanella Cancer Center, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Catanzaro, Italy [2] Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Polvani S, Tarocchi M, Tempesti S, Galli A. Nuclear receptors and pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:12062-12081. [PMID: 25232244 PMCID: PMC4161795 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i34.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a median overall survival time of 5 mo and the five years survival less than 5%, a rate essentially unchanged over the course of the years. A well defined progression model of accumulation of genetic alterations ranging from single point mutations to gross chromosomal abnormalities has been introduced to describe the origin of this disease. However, due to the its subtle nature and concurring events PDAC cure remains elusive. Nuclear receptors (NR) are members of a large superfamily of evolutionarily conserved ligand-regulated DNA-binding transcription factors functionally involved in important cellular functions ranging from regulation of metabolism, to growth and development. Given the nature of their ligands, NR are very tempting drug targets and their pharmacological modulation has been widely exploited for the treatment of metabolic and inflammatory diseases. There are now clear evidences that both classical ligand-activated and orphan NR are involved in the pathogenesis of PDAC from its very early stages; nonetheless many aspects of their role are not fully understood. The purpose of this review is to highlight the striking connections that link peroxisome proliferator activated receptors, retinoic acid receptors, retinoid X receptor, androgen receptor, estrogen receptors and the orphan NR Nur, chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor II and the liver receptor homologue-1 receptor to PDAC development, connections that could lead to the identification of novel therapies for this disease.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pancreatic cancer is one of the most malignant diseases worldwide. Interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 1 and IRF2 function as a tumor suppressor and oncoprotein, respectively, in several types of cancers. We investigated whether IRF1 and IRF2 are involved in the progression of pancreatic cancer. METHODS We examined the expressions of IRF1 and IRF2 in pancreatic cancer specimens and analyzed the association with clinicopathologic features. We evaluated the biological effects of IRF1 and IRF2 using a pancreatic cancer cell line. RESULTS The expression levels of IRF1 and IRF2 were decreased and increased, respectively, in the pancreatic cancer cells compared with those observed in the paired normal areas. A higher expression of IRF1 was associated with better features of tumor differentiation, infiltration depth, tumor size, and survival, whereas that of IRF2 was associated with a worse feature of tumor infiltration depth. Interferon regulatory factor 2-overexpressing PANC-1 cells exhibited an increase in cell growth, less apoptotic features, and chemoresistance to gemcitabine treatment. In contrast, IRF1-overexpressing cells exhibited the opposite characteristics. CONCLUSIONS Interferon regulatory factors 1 and 2 may regulate the progression of pancreatic cancer by functioning as an antioncoprotein and oncoprotein, respectively. These molecules may serve as potential targets of therapy.
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Costa D, Gigoni A, Würth R, Cancedda R, Florio T, Pagano A. Metformin inhibition of neuroblastoma cell proliferation is differently modulated by cell differentiation induced by retinoic acid or overexpression of NDM29 non-coding RNA. Cancer Cell Int 2014; 14:59. [PMID: 25120382 PMCID: PMC4128937 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2867-14-59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metformin is a widely used oral hypoglycemizing agent recently proposed as potential anti-cancer drug. In this study we report the antiproliferative effect of metformin treatment in a high risk neuroblastoma cell model, focusing on possible effects associated to different levels of differentiation and/or tumor initiating potential. METHODS Antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of metformin were tested in human SKNBE2 and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell lines and in SKNBE2 cells in which differentiation is induced by retinoic acid treatment or stable overexpression of NDM29 non-coding RNA, both conditions characterized by a neuron-like differentiated phenotype. RESULTS We found that metformin significantly inhibits the proliferation of NB cells, an effect that correlates with the inhibition of Akt, while AMPK activity resulted unchanged. Notably, metformin effects were modulated in a different ways by differentiating stimuli, being abolished after retinoic acid treatment but potentiated by overexpression of NDM29. CONCLUSION These data suggest the efficacy of metformin as neuroblastoma anticancer agent, and support the requirement of further studies on the possible role of the differentiation status on the antiproliferative effects of this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delfina Costa
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy ; IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, Genova, Italy
| | - Arianna Gigoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy ; IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Würth
- Internal Medicine (DIMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Ranieri Cancedda
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy ; IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, Genova, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Internal Medicine (DIMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy ; Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Aldo Pagano
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy ; IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, Genova, Italy
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Stat3 inhibits Beclin 1 expression through recruitment of HDAC3 in nonsmall cell lung cancer cells. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:7097-103. [PMID: 24760274 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-1961-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that Beclin 1, a key regulator of autophagic process, is frequently downregulated and may serve as an independent prognostic biomarker for nonsmall cell lung cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its downregulation remain poorly understood. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) is a transcription factor which plays a crucial role for multiple tumor growth and progression. Here, we demonstrate that Beclin 1 is a direct transcriptional target of Stat3 in lung cancer cells. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) treatment or transfection of a constitutively activated Stat3 in AGS and NCI-H1650 cells inhibited Beclin 1 expression. At the molecular level, we further revealed that Stat3 could directly bind to the promoter region of Beclin 1 and repressed its transcription through recruiting histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3). Collectively, our results suggest that the activated Stat3 may represent an important mechanism for Beclin 1 downregulation in nonsmall cell lung cancer development.
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