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Jones I, Arias-Garcia M, Pascual-Vargas P, Beykou M, Dent L, Chaudhuri TP, Roumeliotis T, Choudhary J, Sero J, Bakal C. YAP activation is robust to dilution. Mol Omics 2024. [PMID: 39282972 PMCID: PMC11403994 DOI: 10.1039/d4mo00100a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
The concentration of many transcription factors exhibits high cell-to-cell variability due to differences in synthesis, degradation, and cell size. Whether the functions of these factors are robust to fluctuations in concentration, and how this may be achieved, is poorly understood. Across two independent panels of breast cancer cells, we show that the average whole cell concentration of YAP decreases as a function of cell area. However, the nuclear concentration distribution remains constant across cells grouped by size, across a 4-8 fold size range, implying unperturbed nuclear translocation despite the falling cell wide concentration. Both the whole cell and nuclear concentration was higher in cells with more DNA and CycA/PCNA expression suggesting periodic synthesis of YAP across the cell cycle offsets dilution due to cell growth and/or cell spreading. The cell area - YAP scaling relationship extended to melanoma and RPE cells. Integrative analysis of imaging and phospho-proteomic data showed the average nuclear YAP concentration across cell lines was predicted by differences in RAS/MAPK signalling, focal adhesion maturation, and nuclear transport processes. Validating the idea that RAS/MAPK and cell cycle regulate YAP translocation, chemical inhibition of MEK or CDK4/6 increased the average nuclear YAP concentration. Together, this study provides an example case, where cytoplasmic dilution of a protein, for example through cell growth, does not limit a cognate cellular function. Here, that same proteins translocation into the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Jones
- Chester Beatty Laboratories, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Mar Arias-Garcia
- Chester Beatty Laboratories, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Patricia Pascual-Vargas
- Chester Beatty Laboratories, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Melina Beykou
- Chester Beatty Laboratories, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Lucas Dent
- Chester Beatty Laboratories, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Tara Pal Chaudhuri
- Chester Beatty Laboratories, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Theodoros Roumeliotis
- Chester Beatty Laboratories, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Jyoti Choudhary
- Chester Beatty Laboratories, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Julia Sero
- Institute for Mathematical Innovation, Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Chris Bakal
- Chester Beatty Laboratories, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
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2
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Bose B, Bozdag S. Identifying cell lines across pan-cancer to be used in preclinical research as a proxy for patient tumor samples. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1101. [PMID: 39244634 PMCID: PMC11380668 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06812-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In pre-clinical trials of anti-cancer drugs, cell lines are utilized as a model for patient tumor samples to understand the response of drugs. However, in vitro culture of cell lines, in general, alters the biology of the cell lines and likely gives rise to systematic differences from the tumor samples' genomic profiles; hence the drug response of cell lines may deviate from actual patients' drug response. In this study, we computed a similarity score for the selection of cell lines depicting the close and far resemblance to patient tumor samples in twenty-two different cancer types at genetic, genomic, and epigenetic levels integrating multi-omics datasets. We also considered the presence of immune cells in tumor samples and cancer-related biological pathways in this score which aids personalized medicine research in cancer. We showed that based on these similarity scores, cell lines were able to recapitulate the drug response of patient tumor samples for several FDA-approved cancer drugs in multiple cancer types. Based on these scores, several of the high-rank cell lines were shown to have a close likeness to the corresponding tumor type in previously reported in vitro experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banabithi Bose
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Serdar Bozdag
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA.
- Department of Mathematics, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA.
- BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA.
- Center for Computational Life Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA.
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3
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Kafle A, Suttiprapa S, Muhammad M, Tenorio JCB, Mahato RK, Sahimin N, Loong SK. Epigenetic Biomarkers and the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Opisthorchis viverrini-associated Cholangiocarcinoma: A Scoping Review on Therapeutic Opportunities. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012477. [PMID: 39236081 PMCID: PMC11407677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 09/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, are pivotal in regulating gene expression pathways related to inflammation and cancer. While there is substantial research on epigenetic markers in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), Opisthorchis viverrini-induced cholangiocarcinoma (Ov-CCA) is overlooked as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) with limited representation in the literature. Considering the distinct etiological agent, pathogenic mechanisms, and pathological manifestations, epigenetic research plays a pivotal role in uncovering markers and potential targets related to the cancer-promoting and morbidity-inducing liver fluke parasite prevalent in the Great Mekong Subregion (GMS). Emerging studies highlight a predominant hypermethylation phenotype in Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini) tumor tissues, underscoring the significance of abnormal DNA methylation and histone modifications in genes and their promoters as reliable targets for Ov-CCA. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Relevant published literature was identified by searching major electronic databases using targeted search queries. This process retrieved a total of 81 peer-reviewed research articles deemed eligible for inclusion, as they partially or fully met the pre-defined selection criteria. These eligible articles underwent a qualitative synthesis and were included in the scoping review. Within these, 11 studies specifically explored Ov-CCA tissues to investigate potential epigenetic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This subset of 11 articles provided a foundation for exploring the applications of epigenetics-based therapies and biomarkers for Ov-CCA. These articles delved into various epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, and examined genes with aberrant epigenetic changes linked to deregulated signalling pathways in Ov-CCA progression. CONCLUSIONS This review identified epigenetic changes and Wnt/β-catenin pathway deregulation as key drivers in Ov-CCA pathogenesis. Promoter hypermethylation of specific genes suggests potential diagnostic biomarkers and dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin-modulating genes contributes to pathway activation in Ov-CCA progression. Reversible epigenetic changes offer opportunities for dynamic disease monitoring and targeted interventions. Therefore, this study underscores the importance of these epigenetic modifications in Ov-CCA development, suggesting novel therapeutic targets within disrupted signalling networks. However, additional validation is crucial for translating these novel insights into clinically applicable strategies, enhancing personalised Ov-CCA management approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok Kafle
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Sutas Suttiprapa
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Mubarak Muhammad
- Department of Physiology and Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Jan Clyden B Tenorio
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | - Norhidayu Sahimin
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shih Keng Loong
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Souto EP, Gong P, Landua JD, Srinivasan RR, Ganesan A, Dobrolecki LE, Purdy SC, Pan X, Zeosky M, Chung A, Yi SS, Ford HL, Lewis MT. The interferon/STAT1 signaling axis is a common feature of tumor-initiating cells in breast cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.15.557958. [PMID: 37745510 PMCID: PMC10515955 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.15.557958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
A tumor cell subpopulation of tumor-initiating cells (TIC), or "cancer stem cells", are associated with therapeutic resistance, as well as both local and distant recurrence. Enriched populations of TIC are identified by markers including aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH1) activity, the cell surface marker combination CD44 + /CD24 - , or fluorescent reporters for signaling pathways that regulate TIC function. We showed previously that S ignal T ransducer and A ctivator of T ranscription (STAT)-mediated transcription allows enrichment for TIC in claudin-low models of human triple-negative breast cancer using a STAT-responsive reporter. However, the molecular phenotypes of STAT TIC are not well understood, and there is no existing method to lineage-trace TIC as they undergo cell state changes. Using a new STAT-responsive lineage-tracing (LT) system in conjunction with our original reporter, we enriched for cells with enhanced mammosphere-forming potential in some, but not all, basal-like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) xenograft models (TNBC) indicating TIC-related and TIC-independent functions for STAT signaling. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) of reporter-tagged xenografts and clinical samples identified a common interferon (IFN)/STAT1-associated transcriptional state, previously linked to inflammation and macrophage differentiation, in TIC. Surprisingly, most of the genes we identified are not present in previously published TIC signatures derived using bulk RNA sequencing. Finally, we demonstrated that bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 (BST2), is a cell surface marker of this state, and that it functionally regulates TIC frequency. These results suggest TIC may exploit the IFN/STAT1 signaling axis to promote their activity, and that targeting this pathway may help eliminate TIC. Significance TIC differentially express interferon response genes, which were not previously reported in bulk RNA sequencing-derived TIC signatures, highlighting the importance of coupling single-cell transcriptomics with enrichment to derive TIC signatures.
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Wang X, Chi W, Ma Y, Zhang Q, Xue J, Shao ZM, Xiu B, Wu J, Chi Y. DUSP4 enhances therapeutic sensitivity in HER2-positive breast cancer by inhibiting the G6PD pathway and ROS metabolism by interacting with ALDOB. Transl Oncol 2024; 46:102016. [PMID: 38843658 PMCID: PMC11214528 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) poses a global threat, with HER2-positive BC being a particularly hazardous subtype. Despite the promise shown by neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in improving prognosis, resistance in HER2-positive BC persists despite emerging targeted therapies. The objective of this study is to identify markers that promote therapeutic sensitivity and unravel the underlying mechanisms. METHODS We conducted an analysis of 86 HER2-positive BC biopsy samples pre-NAT using RNA-seq. Validation was carried out using TCGA, Kaplan‒Meier Plotter, and Oncomine databases. Phenotype verification utilized IC50 assays, and prognostic validation involved IHC on tissue microarrays. RNA-seq was performed on wild-type/DUSP4-KO cells, while RT‒qPCR assessed ROS pathway regulation. Mechanistic insights were obtained through IP and MS assays. RESULTS Our findings reveal that DUSP4 enhances therapeutic efficacy in HER2-positive BC by inhibiting the ROS pathway. Elevated DUSP4 levels correlate with increased sensitivity to HER2-targeted therapies and improved clinical outcomes. DUSP4 independently predicts disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in HER2-positive BC. Moreover, DUSP4 hinders G6PD activity via ALDOB dephosphorylation, with a noteworthy association with heightened ROS levels. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our study unveils a metabolic reprogramming paradigm in BC, highlighting DUSP4's role in enhancing therapeutic sensitivity in HER2-positive BC cells. DUSP4 interacts with ALDOB, inhibiting G6PD activity and the ROS pathway, establishing it as an independent prognostic predictor for HER2-positive BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuliren Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiru Chi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuwei Ma
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyan Xue
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingqiu Xiu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jiong Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yayun Chi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
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6
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Akere MT, Zajac KK, Bretz JD, Madhavaram AR, Horton AC, Schiefer IT. Real-Time Analysis of Neuronal Cell Cultures for CNS Drug Discovery. Brain Sci 2024; 14:770. [PMID: 39199464 PMCID: PMC11352746 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14080770] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability to screen for agents that can promote the development and/or maintenance of neuronal networks creates opportunities for the discovery of novel agents for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Over the past 10 years, advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have paved the way for the improved implementation of live-cell imaging systems for drug discovery. These instruments have revolutionized our ability to quickly and accurately acquire large standardized datasets when studying complex cellular phenomena in real-time. This is particularly useful in the field of neuroscience because real-time analysis can allow efficient monitoring of the development, maturation, and conservation of neuronal networks by measuring neurite length. Unfortunately, due to the relative infancy of this type of analysis, standard practices for data acquisition and processing are lacking, and there is no standardized format for reporting the vast quantities of data generated by live-cell imaging systems. This paper reviews the current state of live-cell imaging instruments, with a focus on the most commonly used equipment (IncuCyte systems). We provide an in-depth analysis of the experimental conditions reported in publications utilizing these systems, particularly with regard to studying neurite outgrowth. This analysis sheds light on trends and patterns that will enhance the use of live-cell imaging instruments in CNS drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millicent T. Akere
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (M.T.A.); (K.K.Z.); (J.D.B.); (A.R.M.); (A.C.H.)
| | - Kelsee K. Zajac
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (M.T.A.); (K.K.Z.); (J.D.B.); (A.R.M.); (A.C.H.)
| | - James D. Bretz
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (M.T.A.); (K.K.Z.); (J.D.B.); (A.R.M.); (A.C.H.)
| | - Anvitha R. Madhavaram
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (M.T.A.); (K.K.Z.); (J.D.B.); (A.R.M.); (A.C.H.)
| | - Austin C. Horton
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (M.T.A.); (K.K.Z.); (J.D.B.); (A.R.M.); (A.C.H.)
| | - Isaac T. Schiefer
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (M.T.A.); (K.K.Z.); (J.D.B.); (A.R.M.); (A.C.H.)
- Center for Drug Design and Development, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
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7
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Srivastava A, Ahmad R, Yadav K, Siddiqui S, Trivedi A, Misra A, Mehrotra S, Ahmad B, Ali Khan M. An update on existing therapeutic options and status of novel anti-metastatic agents in breast cancer: Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the pleiotropic action of Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in breast cancer attenuation. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 136:112232. [PMID: 38815352 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Major significant advancements in pharmacology and drug technology have been made to heighten the impact of cancer therapies, improving the life expectancy of subjects diagnosed with malignancy. Statistically, 99% of breast cancers occur in women while 0.5-1% occur in men, the female gender being the strongest breast cancer risk factor. Despite several breakthroughs, breast cancer continues to have a worldwide impact and is one of the leading causes of mortality. Additionally, resistance to therapy is a crucial factor enabling cancer cell persistence and resurgence. As a result, the search and discovery of novel modulatory agents and effective therapies capable of controlling tumor progression and cancer cell proliferation is critical. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (WS), commonly known as Indian ginseng, has long been used traditionally for the treatment of several ailments in the Indian context. Recently, WS and its phytoconstituents have shown promising anti-breast cancer properties and, as such, can be employed as prophylactic as well as therapeutic adjuncts to the main line of breast cancer treatment. The present review is an attempt to explore and provide experimental evidences in support of the prophylactic and therapeutic potential of WS in breast cancer, along with a deeper insight into the multiple molecular mechanisms and novel targets through which it acts against breast and other hormonally-induced cancers viz. ovarian, uterine and cervical. This exploration might prove crucial in providing better understanding of breast cancer progression and metastasis and its use as an adjunct in improving disease prognosis and therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Srivastava
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow 226003, UP., India.
| | - Rumana Ahmad
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow 226003, UP., India.
| | - Kusum Yadav
- Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, UP., India.
| | - Sahabjada Siddiqui
- Dept. of Biotechnology, Era's Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow 226003, UP., India.
| | - Anchal Trivedi
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow 226003, UP., India.
| | - Aparna Misra
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow 226003, UP., India.
| | - Sudhir Mehrotra
- Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, UP., India.
| | - Bilal Ahmad
- Research Cell, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow 226003, UP., India.
| | - Mohsin Ali Khan
- Dept. of Research & Development, Era University, Lucknow 226003, UP., India.
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8
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Ni L, Xu J, Li Q, Ge X, Wang F, Deng X, Miao L. Focusing on the Immune Cells: Recent Advances in Immunotherapy for Biliary Tract Cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2024; 16:941-963. [PMID: 39099760 PMCID: PMC11296367 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s474348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract cancer (BTC) represents a challenging malignancy characterized by aggressive behavior, high relapse rates, and poor prognosis. In recent years, immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape for various cancers, but its efficacy in BTC remains limited. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the advances in preclinical and clinical studies of immunotherapy for BTC. We explore the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors in reshaping the management of BTC. Despite disappointing results thus far, ongoing clinical trials are investigating the combination of immunotherapy with other treatment modalities. Furthermore, research on the tumor microenvironment has unveiled novel targets for immunotherapeutic interventions. By understanding the current state of immunotherapy in BTC and highlighting future directions, this article aims to fuel further exploration and ultimately improve patient outcomes in this challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luohang Ni
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianing Xu
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Quanpeng Li
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianxiu Ge
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fei Wang
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xueting Deng
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Miao
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
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9
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Anagho HA, Mullari M, Prósz AG, Buch-Larsen SC, Cho H, Locard-Paulet M, Szallasi Z, Nielsen ML. ADP-ribosylome analysis reveals homogeneous DNA-damage-induced serine ADP-ribosylation across wild-type and BRCA-mutant breast cancer cell lines. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114433. [PMID: 38985679 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
ADP-ribosylation (ADPr) signaling plays a crucial role in DNA damage response. Inhibitors against the main enzyme catalyzing ADPr after DNA damage, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), are used to treat patients with breast cancer harboring BRCA1/2 mutations. However, resistance to PARP inhibitors (PARPi) is a major obstacle in treating patients. To understand the role of ADPr in PARPi sensitivity, we use liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to analyze ADPr in six breast cancer cell lines exhibiting different PARPi sensitivities. We identify 1,632 sites on 777 proteins across all cell lines, primarily on serine residues, with site-specific overlap of targeted residues across DNA-damage-related proteins across all cell lines, demonstrating high conservation of serine ADPr-signaling networks upon DNA damage. Furthermore, we observe site-specific differences in ADPr intensities in PARPi-sensitive BRCA mutants and unique ADPr sites in PARPi-resistant BRCA-mutant HCC1937 cells, which have low poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) levels and longer ADPr chains on PARP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holda Awah Anagho
- Department of Proteomics, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Meeli Mullari
- Department of Proteomics, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Sara Charlotte Buch-Larsen
- Department of Proteomics, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hayoung Cho
- Department of Proteomics, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Locard-Paulet
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
| | - Zoltan Szallasi
- Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark; Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Lund Nielsen
- Department of Proteomics, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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10
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Kundu M, Greer YE, Lobanov A, Ridnour L, Donahue RN, Ng Y, Ratnayake S, Voeller D, Weltz S, Chen Q, Lockett SJ, Cam M, Meerzaman D, Wink DA, Weigert R, Lipkowitz S. TRAIL-induced cytokine production via NFKB2 pathway promotes neutrophil chemotaxis and immune suppression in triple negative breast cancers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.19.604341. [PMID: 39091795 PMCID: PMC11291031 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.19.604341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a potential cancer therapeutic that induces apoptosis in cancer cells while sparing the non-malignant cells in preclinical models. However, its efficacy in clinical trials has been limited, suggesting unknown modulatory mechanisms responsible for the lack of TRAIL activity in patients. Here, we hypothesized that TRAIL treatment elicits transcriptional changes in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells that alter the immune milieu. To test this, we performed an RNAseq analysis of MDA-MB-231 cells treated with TRAIL, followed by validation in additional TNBC cell lines. TRAIL significantly induces expression of multiple cytokines such as CXCLs 1, 2, 3, 8,11 and IL-6, which are known to modify neutrophil function. Mechanistically, the induction of these cytokines was predominantly mediated by death receptor 5, caspase 8 (but not caspase 8 enzymatic activity), and the non-canonical NFKB2 pathway. The cytokines produced by the TRAIL-treated TNBC cells enhanced chemotaxis of healthy human donor isolated neutrophils. In vivo , TRAIL treated TNBC murine xenograft tumors showed activation of the NFKB2 pathway, elevated production of CXCLs and IL-6, and increased neutrophil recruitment into the tumors. Moreover, donor isolated neutrophils preincubated in supernatants from TRAIL-treated TNBC cells exhibited impaired cytotoxic effect against TNBC cells. Transcriptomic analysis of neutrophils incubated with either TRAIL alone or supernatant of TRAIL-treated TNBC cells revealed increased expression of inflammatory cytokines, immune modulatory genes, immune checkpoint genes, and genes implicated in delayed neutrophil apoptosis. Functional studies with these neutrophils confirmed their suppressive effect on T cell proliferation and an increase in Treg suppressive phenotype. Collectively, our study demonstrates a novel role of TRAIL-induced NFKB2-dependent cytokine production that promotes neutrophil chemotaxis and immune suppression.
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11
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Feng S, Wang Z, Jin Y, Xu S. TabDEG: Classifying differentially expressed genes from RNA-seq data based on feature extraction and deep learning framework. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305857. [PMID: 39037985 PMCID: PMC11262683 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditional differential expression genes (DEGs) identification models have limitations in small sample size datasets because they require meeting distribution assumptions, otherwise resulting high false positive/negative rates due to sample variation. In contrast, tabular data model based on deep learning (DL) frameworks do not need to consider the data distribution types and sample variation. However, applying DL to RNA-Seq data is still a challenge due to the lack of proper labeling and the small sample size compared to the number of genes. Data augmentation (DA) extracts data features using different methods and procedures, which can significantly increase complementary pseudo-values from limited data without significant additional cost. Based on this, we combine DA and DL framework-based tabular data model, propose a model TabDEG, to predict DEGs and their up-regulation/down-regulation directions from gene expression data obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas database. Compared to five counterpart methods, TabDEG has high sensitivity and low misclassification rates. Experiment shows that TabDEG is robust and effective in enhancing data features to facilitate classification of high-dimensional small sample size datasets and validates that TabDEG-predicted DEGs are mapped to important gene ontology terms and pathways associated with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sifan Feng
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenyou Wang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yinghua Jin
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shengbin Xu
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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12
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Sonnentag SJ, Jenne F, Orian-Rousseau V, Nesterov-Mueller A. High-throughput screening for cell binding and repulsion peptides on multifunctionalized surfaces. Commun Biol 2024; 7:870. [PMID: 39020032 PMCID: PMC11255233 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06541-7] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The adhesion of cells to the extracellular matrix engages cell surface receptors such as integrins, proteoglycans and other types of cell adhesion molecules such as CD44. To closely examine the determinants of cell adhesion, herein we describe the generation of high-density peptide arrays and test the growth of cells on these multifunctionalized surfaces. The peptide library used consists of over 11,000 different sequences, either random or derived from existing proteins. By applying this screen to SW620 mCherry colorectal cancer cells, we select for peptides with both maximum cell adhesion and maximum cell repulsion. All of these extreme properties are based on unique combinations of amino acids. Here, we identify peptides with maximum cell repulsion on secreted frizzled- and Dickkopf-related proteins. Peptides with strong cell repulsion are found at the poles of the TNF-alpha homotrimer. The formation of cellular patterns on alternating highly repulsive and adhesive peptides are examined. Our screen allows the identification of peptides suitable for biomedical and tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen J Sonnentag
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Kaiserstraße 12, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Felix Jenne
- Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Kaiserstraße 12, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Véronique Orian-Rousseau
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Kaiserstraße 12, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany.
| | - Alexander Nesterov-Mueller
- Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Kaiserstraße 12, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany.
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13
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Molnár A, Horkovics-Kováts GS, Kucsma N, Szegő Z, Tauber B, Egri A, Szkupien Z, Deák BA, McKenzie JS, Thuróczy J, Schäffer R, Schlosser G, Szakács G, Balog J. Characterisation of Canine and Feline Breast Tumours, Their Metastases, and Corresponding Primary Cell Lines Using LA-REIMS and DESI-MS Imaging. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7752. [PMID: 39062995 PMCID: PMC11277125 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147752] [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: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer, a complex disease with a significant prevalence to form metastases, necessitates novel therapeutic strategies to improve treatment outcomes. Here, we present the results of a comparative molecular study of primary breast tumours, their metastases, and the corresponding primary cell lines using Desorption Electrospray Ionisation (DESI) and Laser-Assisted Rapid Evaporative Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (LA-REIMS) imaging. Our results show that ambient ionisation mass spectrometry technology is suitable for rapid characterisation of samples, providing a lipid- and metabolite-rich spectrum within seconds. Our study demonstrates that the lipidomic fingerprint of the primary tumour is not significantly distinguishable from that of its metastasis, in parallel with the similarity observed between their respective primary cell lines. While significant differences were observed between tumours and the corresponding cell lines, distinct lipidomic signatures and several phospholipids such as PA(36:2), PE(36:1), and PE(P-38:4)/PE(O-38:5) for LA-REIMS imaging and PE(P-38:4)/PE(O-38:5), PS(36:1), and PI(38:4) for DESI-MSI were identified in both tumours and cells. We show that the tumours' characteristics can be found in the corresponding primary cell lines, offering a promising avenue for assessing tumour responsiveness to therapeutic interventions. A comparative analysis by DESI-MSI and LA-REIMS imaging revealed complementary information, demonstrating the utility of LA-REIMS in the molecular imaging of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienn Molnár
- Hevesy György PhD School of Chemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (A.M.); (G.S.H.-K.)
- Waters Research Center, H-1031 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.S.); (A.E.); (R.S.)
- MTA-ELTE Lendület (Momentum) Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Research Group, Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Gabriel Stefan Horkovics-Kováts
- Hevesy György PhD School of Chemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (A.M.); (G.S.H.-K.)
- Waters Research Center, H-1031 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.S.); (A.E.); (R.S.)
| | - Nóra Kucsma
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (N.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Zsuzsanna Szegő
- Waters Research Center, H-1031 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.S.); (A.E.); (R.S.)
| | | | - Attila Egri
- Waters Research Center, H-1031 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.S.); (A.E.); (R.S.)
| | | | - Bálint András Deák
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - James S. McKenzie
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK;
| | | | - Richard Schäffer
- Waters Research Center, H-1031 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.S.); (A.E.); (R.S.)
| | - Gitta Schlosser
- MTA-ELTE Lendület (Momentum) Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Research Group, Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Gergely Szakács
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (N.K.); (G.S.)
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Júlia Balog
- Waters Research Center, H-1031 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.S.); (A.E.); (R.S.)
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14
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Albert V, Bruss C, Tümen D, Piendl G, Weber F, Dahl E, Seitz S, Ortmann O, Wege AK, Brockhoff G. HER4 Affects Sensitivity to Tamoxifen and Abemaciclib in Luminal Breast Cancer Cells and Restricts Tumor Growth in MCF-7-Based Humanized Tumor Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7475. [PMID: 39000582 PMCID: PMC11242770 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The impact of the HER4 receptor on the growth and treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer is widely uncertain. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we generated stable HER4 knockout variants derived from the HER4-positive MCF-7, T-47D, and ZR-75-1 breast cancer cell lines. We investigated tumor cell proliferation as well as the cellular and molecular mechanisms of tamoxifen, abemaciclib, AMG232, and NRG1 treatments as a function of HER4 in vitro. HER4 differentially affects the cellular response to tamoxifen and abemaciclib treatment. Most conspicuous is the increased sensitivity of MCF-7 in vitro upon HER4 knockout and the inhibition of cell proliferation by NRG1. Additionally, we assessed tumor growth and immunological effects as responses to tamoxifen and abemaciclib therapy in humanized tumor mice (HTM) based on MCF-7 HER4-wildtype and the corresponding HER4-knockout cells. Without any treatment, the enhanced MCF-7 tumor growth in HTM upon HER4 knockout suggests a tumor-suppressive effect of HER4 under preclinical but human-like conditions. This phenomenon is associated with an increased HER2 expression in MCF-7 in vivo. Independent of HER4, abemaciclib and tamoxifen treatment considerably inhibited tumor growth in these mice. However, abemaciclib-treated hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients with tumor-associated mdm2 gene copy gains or pronounced HER4 expression showed a reduced event-free survival. Evidently, the presence of HER4 affects the efficacy of tamoxifen and abemaciclib treatment in different estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells, even to different extents, and is associated with unfavorable outcomes in abemaciclib-treated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veruschka Albert
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93935 Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christina Bruss
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93935 Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Deniz Tümen
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Piendl
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93935 Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Florian Weber
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, 93093 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Edgar Dahl
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephan Seitz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93935 Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Ortmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93935 Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anja K Wege
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93935 Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gero Brockhoff
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93935 Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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15
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Fiocchetti M, Raimondi S, Bastari G, Bartoloni S, Marino M, Acconcia F. Characterization of ERα Signaling to Cell Proliferation Induced by Chronic and Pulsatile E2 Stimulation in 2D and 3D Cell Cultures. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30610. [PMID: 38860517 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30610] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
17β-estradiol is a hormone that plays a vital role in human physiology. It acts through estrogen receptors, specifically estrogen receptor α and estrogen receptor β, and its action is determined by the pulsatile secretion in the bloodstream. 17β-estradiol affects cell proliferation, and dysregulation of 17β-estradiol:estrogen receptor α signaling contribute to the development of breast cancer. Previous research on 17β-estradiol:estrogen receptor α signaling has primarily used two-dimensional cell cultures, which do not fully recapitulate the complexity of tumors that exist in a three-dimensional environment and do not consider the pulsatile nature of this hormone. To address these limitations, we studied 17β-estradiol:estrogen receptor α signaling in cell proliferation using both two-dimensional and three-dimensional breast cancer cell culture models under continuous and pulsatile stimulation conditions. Results revealed that breast cancer cells grown in an alginate-based three-dimensional matrix exhibited similar responsiveness to 17β-estradiol compared with cells grown in conventional two-dimensional culture plates. 17β-estradiol induced the expression of proteins containing estrogen response element in the three-dimensional model. The efficacy of the antiestrogen drugs fulvestrant (ICI182,280) and 4OH-tamoxifen was also demonstrated in the three-dimensional model. These results support the use of the three-dimensional culture model for studying tumor response to drugs and provide a more realistic microenvironment for such studies. Furthermore, the study revealed that a brief 5-min exposure to 17β-estradiol triggered a physiological response comparable with continuous hormone exposure, suggesting that the cellular response to 17β-estradiol is more important than the continuous presence of the hormone. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the alginate-based three-dimensional culture model is suitable for studying the effects of 17β-estradiol and antiestrogen drugs on breast cancer cells, offering a more realistic representation of tumor-microenvironment interactions. The results also highlight the importance of considering the physiological importance of the temporal dynamics in studying 17β-estradiol signaling and cellular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Fiocchetti
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Raimondi
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Bastari
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Bartoloni
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Marino
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Acconcia
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
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16
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Rukhlenko OS, Imoto H, Tambde A, McGillycuddy A, Junk P, Tuliakova A, Kolch W, Kholodenko BN. Cell State Transition Models Stratify Breast Cancer Cell Phenotypes and Reveal New Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2354. [PMID: 39001416 PMCID: PMC11240448 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding signaling patterns of transformation and controlling cell phenotypes is a challenge of current biology. Here we applied a cell State Transition Assessment and Regulation (cSTAR) approach to a perturbation dataset of single cell phosphoproteomic patterns of multiple breast cancer (BC) and normal breast tissue-derived cell lines. Following a separation of luminal, basal, and normal cell states, we identified signaling nodes within core control networks, delineated causal connections, and determined the primary drivers underlying oncogenic transformation and transitions across distinct BC subtypes. Whereas cell lines within the same BC subtype have different mutational and expression profiles, the architecture of the core network was similar for all luminal BC cells, and mTOR was a main oncogenic driver. In contrast, core networks of basal BC were heterogeneous and segregated into roughly four major subclasses with distinct oncogenic and BC subtype drivers. Likewise, normal breast tissue cells were separated into two different subclasses. Based on the data and quantified network topologies, we derived mechanistic cSTAR models that serve as digital cell twins and allow the deliberate control of cell movements within a Waddington landscape across different cell states. These cSTAR models suggested strategies of normalizing phosphorylation networks of BC cell lines using small molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksii S Rukhlenko
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hiroaki Imoto
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ayush Tambde
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Stratford College, D06 T9V3 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Amy McGillycuddy
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biological, Health and Sports Sciences, Technological University, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Philipp Junk
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anna Tuliakova
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Walter Kolch
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Boris N Kholodenko
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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17
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Nicotra R, Lutz C, Messal HA, Jonkers J. Rat Models of Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2024; 29:12. [PMID: 38913216 PMCID: PMC11196369 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-024-09566-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of breast cancer among women worldwide, accounting for 70-80% of all invasive cases. Patients with HR+ BC are commonly treated with endocrine therapy, but intrinsic or acquired resistance is a frequent problem, making HR+ BC a focal point of intense research. Despite this, the malignancy still lacks adequate in vitro and in vivo models for the study of its initiation and progression as well as response and resistance to endocrine therapy. No mouse models that fully mimic the human disease are available, however rat mammary tumor models pose a promising alternative to overcome this limitation. Compared to mice, rats are more similar to humans in terms of mammary gland architecture, ductal origin of neoplastic lesions and hormone dependency status. Moreover, rats can develop spontaneous or induced mammary tumors that resemble human HR+ BC. To date, six different types of rat models of HR+ BC have been established. These include the spontaneous, carcinogen-induced, transplantation, hormone-induced, radiation-induced and genetically engineered rat mammary tumor models. Each model has distinct advantages, disadvantages and utility for studying HR+ BC. This review provides a comprehensive overview of all published models to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Nicotra
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Catrin Lutz
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Hendrik A Messal
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Jos Jonkers
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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18
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Hugh JC, Haddon LSJ, Githaka JM. DREAM On, DREAM Off: A Review of the Estrogen Paradox in Luminal A Breast Cancers. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1300. [PMID: 38927507 PMCID: PMC11201522 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061300] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
It is generally assumed that all estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers proliferate in response to estrogen and, therefore, examples of the estrogen-induced regression of ER+ cancers are paradoxical. This review re-examines the estrogen regression paradox for the Luminal A subtype of ER+ breast cancers. The proliferative response to estrogen is shown to depend on the level of ER. Mechanistically, a window of opportunity study of pre-operative estradiol suggested that with higher levels of ER, estradiol could activate the DREAM-MMB (Dimerization partner, Retinoblastoma-like proteins, E2F4, and MuvB-MYB-MuvB) pathway to decrease proliferation. The response of breast epithelium and the incidence of breast cancers during hormonal variations that occur during the menstrual cycle and at the menopausal transition, respectively, suggest that a single hormone, either estrogen, progesterone or androgen, could activate the DREAM pathway, leading to reversible cell cycle arrest. Conversely, the presence of two hormones could switch the DREAM-MMB complex to a pro-proliferative pathway. Using publicly available data, we examine the gene expression changes after aromatase inhibitors and ICI 182,780 to provide support for the hypothesis. This review suggests that it might be possible to integrate all current hormonal therapies for Luminal A tumors within a single theoretical schema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith C. Hugh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, 116 St & 85 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Lacey S. J. Haddon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 116 St & 85 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
| | - John Maringa Githaka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, 116 St & 85 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
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19
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Sriramulu S, Thoidingjam S, Chen WM, Hassan O, Siddiqui F, Brown SL, Movsas B, Green MD, Davis AJ, Speers C, Walker E, Nyati S. BUB1 regulates non-homologous end joining pathway to mediate radioresistance in triple-negative breast cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:163. [PMID: 38863037 PMCID: PMC11167950 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03086-9] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive form of breast cancer subtype often treated with radiotherapy (RT). Due to its intrinsic heterogeneity and lack of effective targets, it is crucial to identify novel molecular targets that would increase RT efficacy. Here we demonstrate the role of BUB1 (cell cycle Ser/Thr kinase) in TNBC radioresistance and offer a novel strategy to improve TNBC treatment. METHODS Gene expression analysis was performed to look at genes upregulated in TNBC patient samples compared to other subtypes. Cell proliferation and clonogenic survivals assays determined the IC50 of BUB1 inhibitor (BAY1816032) and radiation enhancement ratio (rER) with pharmacologic and genomic BUB1 inhibition. Mammary fat pad xenografts experiments were performed in CB17/SCID. The mechanism through which BUB1 inhibitor sensitizes TNBC cells to radiotherapy was delineated by γ-H2AX foci assays, BLRR, Immunoblotting, qPCR, CHX chase, and cell fractionation assays. RESULTS BUB1 is overexpressed in BC and its expression is considerably elevated in TNBC with poor survival outcomes. Pharmacological or genomic ablation of BUB1 sensitized multiple TNBC cell lines to cell killing by radiation, although breast epithelial cells showed no radiosensitization with BUB1 inhibition. Kinase function of BUB1 is mainly accountable for this radiosensitization phenotype. BUB1 ablation also led to radiosensitization in TNBC tumor xenografts with significantly increased tumor growth delay and overall survival. Mechanistically, BUB1 ablation inhibited the repair of radiation-induced DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). BUB1 ablation stabilized phospho-DNAPKcs (S2056) following RT such that half-lives could not be estimated. In contrast, RT alone caused BUB1 stabilization, but pre-treatment with BUB1 inhibitor prevented stabilization (t1/2, ~8 h). Nuclear and chromatin-enriched fractionations illustrated an increase in recruitment of phospho- and total-DNAPK, and KAP1 to chromatin indicating that BUB1 is indispensable in the activation and recruitment of non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) proteins to DSBs. Additionally, BUB1 staining of TNBC tissue microarrays demonstrated significant correlation of BUB1 protein expression with tumor grade. CONCLUSIONS BUB1 ablation sensitizes TNBC cell lines and xenografts to RT and BUB1 mediated radiosensitization may occur through NHEJ. Together, these results highlight BUB1 as a novel molecular target for radiosensitization in women with TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushmitha Sriramulu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, 5D-42, MI-48202, USA
| | - Shivani Thoidingjam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, 5D-42, MI-48202, USA
| | - Wei-Min Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX-75390, USA
| | - Oudai Hassan
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI-48202, USA
| | - Farzan Siddiqui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, 5D-42, MI-48202, USA
- Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, Detroit, MI-48202, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI-48824, USA
| | - Stephen L Brown
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, 5D-42, MI-48202, USA
- Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, Detroit, MI-48202, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI-48824, USA
| | - Benjamin Movsas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, 5D-42, MI-48202, USA
- Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, Detroit, MI-48202, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI-48824, USA
| | - Michael D Green
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI-48109, USA
| | - Anthony J Davis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX-75390, USA
| | - Corey Speers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI-48109, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UH Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH-44106, USA
| | - Eleanor Walker
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, 5D-42, MI-48202, USA
- Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, Detroit, MI-48202, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI-48824, USA
| | - Shyam Nyati
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, 5D-42, MI-48202, USA.
- Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, Detroit, MI-48202, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI-48824, USA.
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20
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Poulet S, Dai M, Wang N, Yan G, Boudreault J, Daliah G, Guillevin A, Nguyen H, Galal S, Ali S, Lebrun JJ. Genome-wide in vivo CRISPR screen identifies TGFβ3 as actionable biomarker of palbociclib resistance in triple negative breast cancer. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:118. [PMID: 38831405 PMCID: PMC11145857 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02029-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains exceptionally challenging to treat. While CDK4/6 inhibitors have revolutionized HR + breast cancer therapy, there is limited understanding of their efficacy in TNBC and meaningful predictors of response and resistance to these drugs remain scarce. We conducted an in vivo genome-wide CRISPR screen using palbociclib as a selection pressure in TNBC. Hits were prioritized using microarray data from a large panel of breast cancer cell lines to identify top palbociclib sensitizers. Our study defines TGFβ3 as an actionable determinant of palbociclib sensitivity that potentiates its anti-tumor effects. Mechanistically, we show that chronic palbociclib exposure depletes p21 levels, contributing to acquired resistance, and that TGFβ3 treatment can overcome this. This study defines TGFβ3 as an actionable biomarker that can be used to improve patient stratification for palbociclib treatment and exploits the synergistic interaction between CDK4/6 and TGFβ3 to propose a new combinatorial treatment for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Poulet
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Meiou Dai
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ni Wang
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gang Yan
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julien Boudreault
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Girija Daliah
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alan Guillevin
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Huong Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Soaad Galal
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Suhad Ali
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Jacques Lebrun
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Gao XL, Pan T, Duan WB, Zhu WB, Liu LK, Liu YL, Yue LL. Systematic proteomics analysis revealed different expression of laminin interaction proteins in breast cancer: lower in luminal subtype and higher in claudin-low subtype. Transl Cancer Res 2024; 13:2108-2121. [PMID: 38881926 PMCID: PMC11170511 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-2214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Background Breast cancer is a major public health concern. Proteomics enables identification of proteins with aberrant properties. Here, we identified proteins with abnormal expression levels in breast cancer tissues and systematically analyzed and validated the data to locate potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Methods Protein expression level in breast cancer tissues and para-carcinoma tissues were detected by Isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantification (iTRAQ) technology and further screened through Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database. Cellular components, protein domain and Reactome pathway analysis were performed to screen functional targets. Abnormal expression levels of functional targets were validated by Oncomine database, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and proteomics detection. Protein correlation analysis was performed to explain the abnormal expression levels of potential targets in breast cancer. Results Overall, 207 and 207 proteins were up- and down-regulated, respectively, in breast cancer tissues, and approximately 50% were also detected in the GEPIA database. The overlapping proteins were mainly extracellular proteins containing epidermal growth factor-like domain in leukocyte adhesion molecule (EGF-Lam) domain and enriched in laminin interaction pathway. Moreover, the downregulated laminin interaction proteins could be functional targets, which were also validated through Oncomine-Richardson and Oncomine-Curtis database. However, the lower expression level of laminin interaction proteins only fit for luminal breast cancer cells with no or low metastasis ability because the proteins achieved higher expression level in more invasive claudin-low breast cancer cells. In addition, when compared with corresponding in situ carcinoma tissues, above-mentioned proteins also showed higher expression levels in invasive carcinoma tissues. Finally, we have revealed the negative correlation between the laminin interaction proteins and the claudins. Conclusions The laminin interaction protein, especially for laminins with β1 and γ1 subunits and their integrin receptors with α1 and α6 subunits, showed lower expression levels in luminal breast cancer with no or lower metastatic ability, but showed higher expression levels in claudin-low breast cancer with higher metastatic ability; and their higher expression could be related to the low claudin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Li Gao
- Research Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Ting Pan
- Department of Medical Technology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Wen-Bo Duan
- Department of Medical Technology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Wen-Bin Zhu
- Research Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Li-Kun Liu
- Research Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Yun-Long Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Li-Ling Yue
- Research Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
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Zamora I, Gutiérrez M, Pascual A, Pajares MJ, Barajas M, Perez LM, You S, Knudsen BS, Freeman MR, Encío IJ, Rotinen M. ONECUT2 is a druggable driver of luminal to basal breast cancer plasticity. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00957-3. [PMID: 38819630 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00957-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumor heterogeneity complicates patient treatment and can be due to transitioning of cancer cells across phenotypic cell states. This process is associated with the acquisition of independence from an oncogenic driver, such as the estrogen receptor (ER) in breast cancer (BC), resulting in tumor progression, therapeutic failure and metastatic spread. The transcription factor ONECUT2 (OC2) has been shown to be a master regulator protein of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) tumors that promotes lineage plasticity to a drug-resistant neuroendocrine (NEPC) phenotype. Here, we investigate the role of OC2 in the dynamic conversion between different molecular subtypes in BC. METHODS We analyze OC2 expression and clinical significance in BC using public databases and immunohistochemical staining. In vitro, we perform RNA-Seq, RT-qPCR and western-blot after OC2 enforced expression. We also assess cellular effects of OC2 silencing and inhibition with a drug-like small molecule in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS OC2 is highly expressed in a substantial subset of hormone receptor negative human BC tumors and tamoxifen-resistant models, and is associated with poor clinical outcome, lymph node metastasis and heightened clinical stage. OC2 inhibits ER expression and activity, suppresses a gene expression program associated with luminal differentiation and activates a basal-like state at the gene expression level. We also show that OC2 is required for cell growth and survival in metastatic BC models and that it can be targeted with a small molecule inhibitor providing a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with OC2 active tumors. CONCLUSIONS The transcription factor OC2 is a driver of BC heterogeneity and a potential drug target in distinct cell states within the breast tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Zamora
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
| | - Mirian Gutiérrez
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
| | - Alex Pascual
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
| | - María J Pajares
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarre Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
| | - Miguel Barajas
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarre Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
| | - Lillian M Perez
- Department of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sungyong You
- Department of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Michael R Freeman
- Department of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ignacio J Encío
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarre Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
| | - Mirja Rotinen
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain.
- IdiSNA, Navarre Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain.
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Li CY, Wang W, Leung CH, Yang GJ, Chen J. KDM5 family as therapeutic targets in breast cancer: Pathogenesis and therapeutic opportunities and challenges. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:109. [PMID: 38769556 PMCID: PMC11103982 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02011-0] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignant cancer diagnosis and is a primary factor for cancer deaths in women. The clinical subtypes of BC include estrogen receptor (ER) positive, progesterone receptor (PR) positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive, and triple-negative BC (TNBC). Based on the stages and subtypes of BC, various treatment methods are available with variations in the rates of progression-free disease and overall survival of patients. However, the treatment of BC still faces challenges, particularly in terms of drug resistance and recurrence. The study of epigenetics has provided new ideas for treating BC. Targeting aberrant epigenetic factors with inhibitors represents a promising anticancer strategy. The KDM5 family includes four members, KDM5A, KDM5B, KDM5C, and KDMD, all of which are Jumonji C domain-containing histone H3K4me2/3 demethylases. KDM5 proteins have been extensively studied in BC, where they are involved in suppressing or promoting BC depending on their specific upstream and downstream pathways. Several KDM5 inhibitors have shown potent BC inhibitory activity in vitro and in vivo, but challenges still exist in developing KDM5 inhibitors. In this review, we introduce the subtypes of BC and their current therapeutic options, summarize KDM5 family context-specific functions in the pathobiology of BC, and discuss the outlook and pitfalls of KDM5 inhibitors in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Yun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, China
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Wanhe Wang
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Chung-Hang Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macau, China.
- MoE Frontiers Science Centre for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau, China.
| | - Guan-Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, China.
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
| | - Jiong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, China.
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
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24
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Wang R, Khatpe AS, Kumar B, Mang HE, Batic K, Adebayo AK, Nakshatri H. Mutant RAS-driven Secretome Causes Skeletal Muscle Defects in Breast Cancer. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:1282-1295. [PMID: 38651826 PMCID: PMC11094532 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-24-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-induced skeletal muscle defects differ in severity between individuals with the same cancer type. Cancer subtype-specific genomic aberrations are suggested to mediate these differences, but experimental validation studies are very limited. We utilized three different breast cancer patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models to correlate cancer subtype with skeletal muscle defects. PDXs were derived from brain metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), estrogen receptor-positive/progesterone receptor-positive (ER+/PR+) primary breast cancer from a BRCA2-mutation carrier, and pleural effusion from an ER+/PR- breast cancer. While impaired skeletal muscle function as measured through rotarod performance and reduced levels of circulating and/or skeletal muscle miR-486 were common across all three PDXs, only TNBC-derived PDX activated phospho-p38 in skeletal muscle. To further extend these results, we generated transformed variants of human primary breast epithelial cells from healthy donors using HRASG12V or PIK3CAH1047R mutant oncogenes. Mutations in RAS oncogene or its modulators are found in approximately 37% of metastatic breast cancers, which is often associated with skeletal muscle defects. Although cells transformed with both oncogenes generated adenocarcinomas in NSG mice, only HRASG12V-derived tumors caused skeletal muscle defects affecting rotarod performance, skeletal muscle contraction force, and miR-486, Pax7, pAKT, and p53 levels in skeletal muscle. Circulating levels of the chemokine CXCL1 were elevated only in animals with tumors containing HRASG12V mutation. Because RAS pathway aberrations are found in 19% of cancers, evaluating skeletal muscle defects in the context of genomic aberrations in cancers, particularly RAS pathway mutations, may accelerate development of therapeutic modalities to overcome cancer-induced systemic effects. SIGNIFICANCE Mutant RAS- and PIK3CA-driven breast cancers distinctly affect the function of skeletal muscle. Therefore, research and therapeutic targeting of cancer-induced systemic effects need to take aberrant cancer genome into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhong Wang
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Aditi S. Khatpe
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Brijesh Kumar
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Henry Elmer Mang
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Katie Batic
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Adedeji K. Adebayo
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Harikrishna Nakshatri
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Richard L Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
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25
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Elshwekh H, Alhudiri IM, Elzagheid A, Enattah N, Abbassi Y, Abou Assali L, Marino I, Stuani C, Buratti E, Romano M. Assessing the Impact of Novel BRCA1 Exon 11 Variants on Pre-mRNA Splicing. Cells 2024; 13:824. [PMID: 38786046 PMCID: PMC11119505 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100824] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Our study focused on assessing the effects of three newly identified BRCA1 exon 11 variants (c.1019T>C, c.2363T>G, and c.3192T>C) on breast cancer susceptibility. Using computational predictions and experimental splicing assays, we evaluated their potential as pathogenic mutations. Our in silico analyses suggested that the c.2363T>G and c.3192T>C variants could impact both splicing and protein function, resulting in the V340A and V788G mutations, respectively. We further examined their splicing effects using minigene assays in MCF7 and SKBR3 breast cancer cell lines. Interestingly, we found that the c.2363T>G variant significantly altered splicing patterns in MCF7 cells but not in SKBR3 cells. This finding suggests a potential influence of cellular context on the variant's effects. While attempts to correlate in silico predictions with RNA binding factors were inconclusive, this observation underscores the complexity of splicing regulation. Splicing is governed by various factors, including cellular contexts and protein interactions, making it challenging to predict outcomes accurately. Further research is needed to fully understand the functional consequences of the c.2363T>G variant in breast cancer pathogenesis. Integrating computational predictions with experimental data will provide valuable insights into the role of alternative splicing regulation in different breast cancer types and stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halla Elshwekh
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (H.E.); (Y.A.); (L.A.A.); (I.M.); (C.S.)
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Libyan Biotechnology Research Center, Tripoli P.O. Box 30313, Libya; (I.M.A.); (A.E.); (N.E.)
| | - Inas M. Alhudiri
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Libyan Biotechnology Research Center, Tripoli P.O. Box 30313, Libya; (I.M.A.); (A.E.); (N.E.)
| | - Adam Elzagheid
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Libyan Biotechnology Research Center, Tripoli P.O. Box 30313, Libya; (I.M.A.); (A.E.); (N.E.)
| | - Nabil Enattah
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Libyan Biotechnology Research Center, Tripoli P.O. Box 30313, Libya; (I.M.A.); (A.E.); (N.E.)
| | - Yasmine Abbassi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (H.E.); (Y.A.); (L.A.A.); (I.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Lubna Abou Assali
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (H.E.); (Y.A.); (L.A.A.); (I.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Ilenia Marino
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (H.E.); (Y.A.); (L.A.A.); (I.M.); (C.S.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Cristiana Stuani
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (H.E.); (Y.A.); (L.A.A.); (I.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (H.E.); (Y.A.); (L.A.A.); (I.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Maurizio Romano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via A. Valerio, 28, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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Sriramulu S, Thoidingjam S, Chen WM, Hassan O, Siddiqui F, Brown SL, Movsas B, Green MD, Davis AJ, Speers C, Walker E, Nyati S. BUB1 regulates non-homologous end joining pathway to mediate radioresistance in triple-negative breast cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.07.592812. [PMID: 38766122 PMCID: PMC11100764 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.07.592812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive form of breast cancer subtype often treated with radiotherapy (RT). Due to its intrinsic heterogeneity and lack of effective targets, it is crucial to identify novel molecular targets that would increase RT efficacy. Here we demonstrate the role of BUB1 (cell cycle Ser/Thr kinase) in TNBC radioresistance and offer a novel strategy to improve TNBC treatment. Methods Gene expression analysis was performed to look at genes upregulated in TNBC patient samples compared to other subtypes. Cell proliferation and clonogenic survivals assays determined the IC 50 of BUB1 inhibitor (BAY1816032) and radiation enhancement ratio (rER) with pharmacologic and genomic BUB1 inhibition. Mammary fat pad xenografts experiments were performed in CB17/SCID. The mechanism through which BUB1 inhibitor sensitizes TNBC cells to radiotherapy was delineated by γ-H2AX foci assays, BLRR, Immunoblotting, qPCR, CHX chase, and cell fractionation assays. Results BUB1 is overexpressed in BC and its expression is considerably elevated in TNBC with poor survival outcomes. Pharmacological or genomic ablation of BUB1 sensitized multiple TNBC cell lines to cell killing by radiation, although breast epithelial cells showed no radiosensitization with BUB1 inhibition. Kinase function of BUB1 is mainly accountable for this radiosensitization phenotype. BUB1 ablation also led to radiosensitization in TNBC tumor xenografts with significantly increased tumor growth delay and overall survival. Mechanistically, BUB1 ablation inhibited the repair of radiation-induced DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). BUB1 ablation stabilized phospho-DNAPKcs (S2056) following RT such that half-lives could not be estimated. In contrast, RT alone caused BUB1 stabilization, but pre-treatment with BUB1 inhibitor prevented stabilization (t 1/2 , ∼8 h). Nuclear and chromatin-enriched fractionations illustrated an increase in recruitment of phospho- and total-DNAPK, and KAP1 to chromatin indicating that BUB1 is indispensable in the activation and recruitment of non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) proteins to DSBs. Additionally, BUB1 staining of TNBC tissue microarrays demonstrated significant correlation of BUB1 protein expression with tumor grade. Conclusions BUB1 ablation sensitizes TNBC cell lines and xenografts to RT and BUB1 mediated radiosensitization may occur through NHEJ. Together, these results highlight BUB1 as a novel molecular target for radiosensitization in women with TNBC.
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Lange S, Kuntze A, Wüstmann N, Reckers T, Humberg V, Dirks WG, Huss S, Vieler J, Schrader AJ, Bögemann M, Schlack K, Bernemann C. Establishment of primary prostate epithelial and tumorigenic cell lines using a non-viral immortalization approach. Biol Res 2024; 57:21. [PMID: 38704600 PMCID: PMC11069155 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00507-z] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on prostate cancer is mostly performed using cell lines derived from metastatic disease, not reflecting stages of tumor initiation or early progression. Establishment of cancer cell lines derived from the primary tumor site has not been described so far. By definition, cancer cells are able to be cultured indefinitely, whereas normal epithelial cells undergo senescence in vitro. Epithelial cells can be immortalized, accomplished by using viral integration of immortalization factors. Viral approaches, however, might be impaired by regulatory and safety issues as well as random integration into regulatory genetic elements, modifying precise gene expression. We intend to use surgical specimen of prostate cancer patients to (i) prove for establishment of cancer cell lines, and (ii) perform non-viral, Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposase-based immortalization of prostate epithelial cells. METHODS Radical prostatectomy samples of prostate cancer patients (n = 4) were dissociated and cultured in vitro. Cells were cultivated either without or after non-viral, Sleeping-Beauty transposase-based stable transfection with immortalization factors SV40LT and hTERT. Established cell lines were analyzed in vitro and in vivo for characteristics of prostate (cancer) cells. RESULTS Initial cell cultures without genetic manipulation underwent senescence within ≤ 15 passages, demonstrating inability to successfully derive primary prostate cancer cell lines. By using SB transposase-based integration of immortalization factors, we were able to establish primary prostate cell lines. Three out of four cell lines displayed epithelial characteristics, however without expression of prostate (cancer) characteristics, e.g., androgen receptor. In vivo, one cell line exhibited tumorigenic potential, yet characteristics of prostate adenocarcinoma were absent. CONCLUSION Whereas no primary prostate cancer cell line could be established, we provide for the first-time immortalization of primary prostate cells using the SB transposase system, thereby preventing regulatory and molecular issues based on viral immortalization approaches. Although, none of the newly derived cell lines demonstrated prostate cancer characteristics, tumor formation was observed in one cell line. Given the non-prostate adenocarcinoma properties of the tumor, cells have presumably undergone oncogenic transformation rather than prostate cancer differentiation. Still, these cell lines might be used as a tool for research on prostate cancer initiation and early cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lange
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Anna Kuntze
- Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Neele Wüstmann
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Theresa Reckers
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Verena Humberg
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Wilhelm G Dirks
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ (German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, GmbH), Braun-Schweig, Germany
| | - Sebastian Huss
- Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Julia Vieler
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | | | - Martin Bögemann
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Katrin Schlack
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
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Giannakakis A, Tsifintaris M, Gouzouasis V, Ow GS, Aau MY, Papp C, Ivshina AV, Kuznetsov VA. KDM7A-DT induces genotoxic stress, tumorigenesis, and progression of p53 missense mutation-associated invasive breast cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1227151. [PMID: 38756663 PMCID: PMC11097164 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1227151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Stress-induced promoter-associated and antisense lncRNAs (si-paancRNAs) originate from a reservoir of oxidative stress (OS)-specific promoters via RNAPII pausing-mediated divergent antisense transcription. Several studies have shown that the KDM7A divergent transcript gene (KDM7A-DT), which encodes a si-paancRNA, is overexpressed in some cancer types. However, the mechanisms of this overexpression and its corresponding roles in oncogenesis and cancer progression are poorly understood. We found that KDM7A-DT expression is correlated with highly aggressive cancer types and specific inherently determined subtypes (such as ductal invasive breast carcinoma (BRCA) basal subtype). Its regulation is determined by missense TP53 mutations in a subtype-specific context. KDM7A-DT transcribes several intermediate-sized ncRNAs and a full-length transcript, exhibiting distinct expression and localization patterns. Overexpression of KDM7A-DT upregulates TP53 protein expression and H2AX phosphorylation in nonmalignant fibroblasts, while in semi-transformed fibroblasts, OS superinduces KDM7A-DT expression in a TP53-dependent manner. KDM7A-DT knockdown and gene expression profiling in TP53-missense mutated luminal A BRCA variant, where it is abundantly expressed, indicate its significant role in cancer pathways. Endogenous over-expression of KDM7A-DT inhibits DNA damage response/repair (DDR/R) via the TP53BP1-mediated pathway, reducing apoptosis and promoting G2/M checkpoint arrest. Higher KDM7A-DT expression in BRCA is associated with KDM7A-DT locus gain/amplification, higher histologic grade, aneuploidy, hypoxia, immune modulation scores, and activation of the c-myc pathway. Higher KDM7A-DT expression is associated with relatively poor survival outcomes in patients with luminal A or Basal subtypes. In contrast, it is associated with favorable outcomes in patients with HER2+ER- or luminal B subtypes. KDM7A-DT levels are coregulated with critical transcripts and proteins aberrantly expressed in BRCA, including those involved in DNA repair via non-homologous end joining and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition pathway. In summary, KDM7A-DT and its si-lncRNA exhibit several intrinsic biological and clinical characteristics that suggest important roles in invasive BRCA and its subtypes. KDM7A-DT-defined mRNA and protein subnetworks offer resources for identifying clinically relevant RNA-based signatures and prospective targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis Giannakakis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- University Research Institute for the Study of Genetic & Malignant Disorders in Childhood, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Margaritis Tsifintaris
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Vasileios Gouzouasis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ghim Siong Ow
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mei Yee Aau
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Csaba Papp
- Department of Urology, The State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Anna V. Ivshina
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vladimir A. Kuznetsov
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Urology, The State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
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29
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Zhang J, Miao N, Lao L, Deng W, Wang J, Zhu X, Huang Y, Lin H, Zeng W, Zhang W, Tan L, Yuan X, Zeng X, Zhu J, Chen X, Song E, Yang L, Nie Y, Huang D. Activation of Bivalent Gene POU4F1 Promotes and Maintains Basal-like Breast Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307660. [PMID: 38491910 PMCID: PMC11132042 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) is the most aggressive molecular subtype of breast cancer with worse prognosis and fewer treatment options. The underlying mechanisms upon BLBC transcriptional dysregulation and its upstream transcription factors (TFs) remain unclear. Here, among the hyperactive candidate TFs of BLBC identified by bioinformatic analysis, POU4F1 is uniquely upregulated in BLBC and is associated with poor prognosis. POU4F1 is necessary for the tumor growth and malignant phenotypes of BLBC through regulating G1/S transition by direct binding at the promoter of CDK2 and CCND1. More importantly, POU4F1 maintains BLBC identity by repressing ERα expression through CDK2-mediated EZH2 phosphorylation and subsequent H3K27me3 modification in ESR1 promoter. Knocking out POU4F1 in BLBC cells reactivates functional ERα expression, rendering BLBC sensitive to tamoxifen treatment. In-depth epigenetic analysis reveals that the subtype-specific re-configuration and activation of the bivalent chromatin in the POU4F1 promoter contributes to its unique expression in BLBC, which is maintained by DNA demethylase TET1. Together, these results reveal a subtype-specific epigenetically activated TF with critical role in promoting and maintaining BLBC, suggesting that POU4F1 is a potential therapeutic target for BLBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineBreast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Nanyan Miao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineBreast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
- Department of Plastic SurgerySun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Liyan Lao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineBreast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Wen Deng
- Center for BiotherapySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Jiawen Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineBreast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineBreast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Yongsheng Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineBreast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
- Cellular & Molecular Diagnostics CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Huayue Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineBreast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Wenfeng Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineBreast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineBreast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Luyuan Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineBreast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Xiaoqing Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineBreast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Xin Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineBreast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Jingkun Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineBreast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Xueman Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineBreast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Erwei Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineBreast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Linbin Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineBreast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Yan Nie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineBreast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Di Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineBreast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
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Yang L, Kumegawa K, Saeki S, Nakadai T, Maruyama R. Identification of lineage-specific epigenetic regulators FOXA1 and GRHL2 through chromatin accessibility profiling in breast cancer cell lines. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:736-745. [PMID: 38429368 PMCID: PMC11101334 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00745-z] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, and breast cancer cell lines are invaluable for studying this heterogeneity. However, the epigenetic diversity across these cell lines remains poorly understood. In this study, we performed genome-wide chromatin accessibility analysis on 23 breast cancer cell lines, including 2 estrogen receptor (ER)-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative (ER+/HER2-), 3 ER+/HER2+, 3 HER2+, and 15 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lines. These cell lines were classified into three groups based on their chromatin accessibility: the receptor-positive group (Group-P), TNBC basal group (Group-B), and TNBC mesenchymal group (Group-M). Motif enrichment analysis revealed that only Group-P exhibited coenrichment of forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) and grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2) motifs, whereas Group-B was characterized by the presence of the GRHL2 motif without FOXA1. Notably, Group-M did not show enrichment of either FOXA1 or GRHL2 motifs. Furthermore, gene ontology analysis suggested that group-specific accessible regions were associated with their unique lineage characteristics. To investigate the epigenetic landscape regulatory roles of FOXA1 and GRHL2, we performed knockdown experiments targeting FOXA1 and GRHL2, followed by assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing analysis. The findings revealed that FOXA1 maintains Group-P-specific regions while suppressing Group-B-specific regions in Group-P cells. In contrast, GRHL2 preserves commonly accessible regions shared between Group-P and Group-B in Group-B cells, suggesting that FOXA1 and GRHL2 play a pivotal role in preserving distinct chromatin accessibility patterns for each group. Specifically, FOXA1 distinguishes between receptor-positive and TNBC cell lines, whereas GRHL2 distinguishes between basal-like and mesenchymal subtypes in TNBC lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Yang
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohei Kumegawa
- Cancer Cell Diversity Project, NEXT-Ganken Program, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Sumito Saeki
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Breast Surgical Oncology, Breast Oncology Center, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Nakadai
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Reo Maruyama
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.
- Cancer Cell Diversity Project, NEXT-Ganken Program, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.
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31
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Paloots R, Baudis M. cancercelllines.org-a novel resource for genomic variants in cancer cell lines. Database (Oxford) 2024; 2024:baae030. [PMID: 38687868 PMCID: PMC11060486 DOI: 10.1093/database/baae030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cell lines are an important component in biological and medical research, enabling studies of cellular mechanisms as well as the development and testing of pharmaceuticals. Genomic alterations in cancer cell lines are widely studied as models for oncogenetic events and are represented in a wide range of primary resources. We have created a comprehensive, curated knowledge resource-cancercelllines.org-with the aim to enable easy access to genomic profiling data in cancer cell lines, curated from a variety of resources and integrating both copy number and single nucleotide variants data. We have gathered over 5600 copy number profiles as well as single nucleotide variant annotations for 16 000 cell lines and provide these data with mappings to the GRCh38 reference genome. Both genomic variations and associated curated metadata can be queried through the GA4GH Beacon v2 Application Programming Interface (API) and a graphical user interface with extensive data retrieval enabled using GA4GH data schemas under a permissive licensing scheme. Database URL: https://cancercelllines.org.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Paloots
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Michael Baudis
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
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32
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Chang CH, Liu F, Militi S, Hester S, Nibhani R, Deng S, Dunford J, Rendek A, Soonawalla Z, Fischer R, Oppermann U, Pauklin S. The pRb/RBL2-E2F1/4-GCN5 axis regulates cancer stem cell formation and G0 phase entry/exit by paracrine mechanisms. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3580. [PMID: 38678032 PMCID: PMC11055877 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47680-z] [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: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The lethality, chemoresistance and metastatic characteristics of cancers are associated with phenotypically plastic cancer stem cells (CSCs). How the non-cell autonomous signalling pathways and cell-autonomous transcriptional machinery orchestrate the stem cell-like characteristics of CSCs is still poorly understood. Here we use a quantitative proteomic approach for identifying secreted proteins of CSCs in pancreatic cancer. We uncover that the cell-autonomous E2F1/4-pRb/RBL2 axis balances non-cell-autonomous signalling in healthy ductal cells but becomes deregulated upon KRAS mutation. E2F1 and E2F4 induce whereas pRb/RBL2 reduce WNT ligand expression (e.g. WNT7A, WNT7B, WNT10A, WNT4) thereby regulating self-renewal, chemoresistance and invasiveness of CSCs in both PDAC and breast cancer, and fibroblast proliferation. Screening for epigenetic enzymes identifies GCN5 as a regulator of CSCs that deposits H3K9ac onto WNT promoters and enhancers. Collectively, paracrine signalling pathways are controlled by the E2F-GCN5-RB axis in diverse cancers and this could be a therapeutic target for eliminating CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Hui Chang
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Feng Liu
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Stefania Militi
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Svenja Hester
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Old Road, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Reshma Nibhani
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Siwei Deng
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - James Dunford
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Aniko Rendek
- Department of Histopathology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Zahir Soonawalla
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Oxford University Hospitals NHS, Oxford, UK
| | - Roman Fischer
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Old Road, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Udo Oppermann
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK.
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33
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Liao R, Chen X, Cao Q, Bai L, Ma C, Dai Z, Dong C. AMD1 promotes breast cancer aggressiveness via a spermidine-eIF5A hypusination-TCF4 axis. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:70. [PMID: 38654332 PMCID: PMC11040792 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01825-6] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer due to its aggressive characteristics and lack of effective therapeutics. However, the mechanism underlying its aggressiveness remains largely unclear. S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase proenzyme (AMD1) overexpression occurs specifically in BLBC. Here, we explored the potential molecular mechanisms and functions of AMD1 promoting the aggressiveness of BLBC. METHODS The potential effects of AMD1 on breast cancer cells were tested by western blotting, colony formation, cell proliferation assay, migration and invasion assay. The spermidine level was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The methylation status of CpG sites within the AMD1 promoter was evaluated by bisulfite sequencing PCR. We elucidated the relationship between AMD1 and Sox10 by ChIP assays and quantitative real-time PCR. The effect of AMD1 expression on breast cancer cells was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo tumorigenesis model. RESULTS In this study, we showed that AMD1 expression was remarkably elevated in BLBC. AMD1 copy number amplification, hypomethylation of AMD1 promoter and transcription activity of Sox10 contributed to the overexpression of AMD1 in BLBC. AMD1 overexpression enhanced spermidine production, which enhanced eIF5A hypusination, activating translation of TCF4 with multiple conserved Pro-Pro motifs. Our studies showed that AMD1-mediated metabolic system of polyamine in BLBC cells promoted tumor cell proliferation and tumor growth. Clinically, elevated expression of AMD1 was correlated with high grade, metastasis and poor survival, indicating poor prognosis of breast cancer patients. CONCLUSION Our work reveals the critical association of AMD1-mediated spermidine-eIF5A hypusination-TCF4 axis with BLBC aggressiveness, indicating potential prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets for BLBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruocen Liao
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xingyu Chen
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Department of Surgical Oncology (breast center), Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qianhua Cao
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Department of Surgical Oncology (breast center), Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Longchang Bai
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Department of Surgical Oncology (breast center), Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenglong Ma
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Department of Surgical Oncology (breast center), Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Chenfang Dong
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Department of Surgical Oncology (breast center), Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China.
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Ayyappan V, Jenkinson NM, Tressler CM, Tan Z, Cheng M, Shen XE, Guerrero A, Sonkar K, Cai R, Adelaja O, Roy S, Meeker A, Argani P, Glunde K. Context-dependent roles for ubiquitous mitochondrial creatine kinase CKMT1 in breast cancer progression. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114121. [PMID: 38615320 PMCID: PMC11100297 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114121] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer, enabling cancer cells to rapidly proliferate, invade, and metastasize. We show that creatine levels in metastatic breast cancer cell lines and secondary metastatic tumors are driven by the ubiquitous mitochondrial creatine kinase (CKMT1). We discover that, while CKMT1 is highly expressed in primary tumors and promotes cell viability, it is downregulated in metastasis. We further show that CKMT1 downregulation, as seen in breast cancer metastasis, drives up mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. CKMT1 downregulation contributes to the migratory and invasive potential of cells by ROS-induced upregulation of adhesion and degradative factors, which can be reversed by antioxidant treatment. Our study thus reconciles conflicting evidence about the roles of metabolites in the creatine metabolic pathway in breast cancer progression and reveals that tight, context-dependent regulation of CKMT1 expression facilitates cell viability, cell migration, and cell invasion, which are hallmarks of metastatic spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Ayyappan
- Johns Hopkins University In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicole M Jenkinson
- Johns Hopkins University In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Caitlin M Tressler
- Johns Hopkins University In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zheqiong Tan
- Johns Hopkins University In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Medical Laboratory, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Menglin Cheng
- Johns Hopkins University In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xinyi Elaine Shen
- Johns Hopkins University In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alejandro Guerrero
- Johns Hopkins University In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kanchan Sonkar
- Johns Hopkins University In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ruoqing Cai
- Johns Hopkins University In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Oluwatobi Adelaja
- Johns Hopkins University In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sujayita Roy
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alan Meeker
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Pedram Argani
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kristine Glunde
- Johns Hopkins University In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Cipolletti M, Acconcia F. PMM2 controls ERα levels and cell proliferation in ESR1 Y537S variant expressing breast cancer cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 584:112160. [PMID: 38266771 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer (BC) subtypes offers potential personalized treatment targets. Estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive BC patients undergoing endocrine therapy (ET) can develop ET-resistant metastatic disease. Specific mutations, like Y537S in ERα, drive uncontrolled cell proliferation. Targeting mutant receptor levels shows promise for inhibiting growth in metastatic BC expressing ERα variants. Additionally, metabolic reprogramming occurs in ERα Y537S mutant cells. Consequently, we conducted a screen to identify metabolic proteins reducing intracellular levels of ERα Y537S and inhibiting cell proliferation. METHODS Nine metabolic proteins were identified in a siRNA-based screen, with phosphomannose mutase 2 (PMM2) showing the most promise. We measured the impact of PMM2 depletion on ERα stability and cell proliferation in ERα Y537S mutant cells. Additionally, we tested the effect of PMM2 reduction on the hyperactive phenotype of the mutant and its proliferation when combined with metastatic BC treatment drugs. RESULTS PMM2 emerged as a significant target due to its correlation with better relapse-free survival, overexpression in ERα-positive tumors, and its elevation in ERα Y537S-expressing cells. Depletion of PMM2 induces degradation of ERα Y537S, inhibits cell proliferation, and reduces ERα signaling. Notably, reducing PMM2 levels re-sensitizes ERα Y537S-expressing cells to certain ET drugs and CDK4/CDK6 inhibitors. Mechanistically, depletion of PMM2 leads to a reduction in ESR1 mRNA levels, resulting in decreased ERα receptor protein expression. Furthermore, the reduction of PMM2 decreases FOXA1 levels, which plays a crucial role in ERα regulation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings establish PMM2 as an innovative therapeutic target for metastatic BC expressing the ERα Y537S variant, offering alternative strategies for managing and treating this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Cipolletti
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Acconcia
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy.
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36
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Tuppurainen H, Laurila N, Nätynki M, Eshraghi L, Tervasmäki A, Erichsen L, Sørensen CS, Pylkäs K, Winqvist R, Peltoketo H. PALB2-mutated human mammary cells display a broad spectrum of morphological and functional abnormalities induced by increased TGFβ signaling. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:173. [PMID: 38597967 PMCID: PMC11006627 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05183-6] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Heterozygous mutations in any of three major genes, BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2, are associated with high-risk hereditary breast cancer susceptibility frequently seen as familial disease clustering. PALB2 is a key interaction partner and regulator of several vital cellular activities of BRCA1 and BRCA2, and is thus required for DNA damage repair and alleviation of replicative and oxidative stress. Little is however known about how PALB2-deficiency affects cell function beyond that, especially in the three-dimensional setting, and also about its role during early steps of malignancy development. To answer these questions, we have generated biologically relevant MCF10A mammary epithelial cell lines with mutations that are comparable to certain clinically important PALB2 defects. We show in a non-cancerous background how both mono- and biallelically PALB2-mutated cells exhibit gross spontaneous DNA damage and mitotic aberrations. Furthermore, PALB2-deficiency disturbs three-dimensional spheroid morphology, increases the migrational capacity and invasiveness of the cells, and broadly alters their transcriptome profiles. TGFβ signaling and KRT14 expression are enhanced in PALB2-mutated cells and their inhibition and knock down, respectively, lead to partial restoration of cell functions. KRT14-positive cells are also more abundant with DNA damage than KRT14-negative cells. The obtained results indicate comprehensive cellular changes upon PALB2 mutations, even in the presence of half dosage of wild type PALB2 and demonstrate how PALB2 mutations may predispose their carriers to malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Tuppurainen
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Tumor Biology, Translational Medicine Research Unit, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Niina Laurila
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Tumor Biology, Translational Medicine Research Unit, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marjut Nätynki
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Tumor Biology, Translational Medicine Research Unit, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Leila Eshraghi
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Tumor Biology, Translational Medicine Research Unit, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anna Tervasmäki
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Tumor Biology, Translational Medicine Research Unit, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Louisa Erichsen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Katri Pylkäs
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Tumor Biology, Translational Medicine Research Unit, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Northern Finland Laboratory Centre, Oulu, Finland
| | - Robert Winqvist
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Tumor Biology, Translational Medicine Research Unit, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Hellevi Peltoketo
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Tumor Biology, Translational Medicine Research Unit, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
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Bartoloni S, Pescatori S, Bianchi F, Cipolletti M, Acconcia F. Selective impact of ALK and MELK inhibition on ERα stability and cell proliferation in cell lines representing distinct molecular phenotypes of breast cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8200. [PMID: 38589728 PMCID: PMC11001865 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59001-x] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of global cancer-related mortality in women, necessitating accurate tumor classification for timely intervention. Molecular and histological factors, including PAM50 classification, estrogen receptor α (ERα), breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 expression, contribute to intricate BC subtyping. In this work, through a combination of bioinformatic and wet lab screenings, followed by classical signal transduction and cell proliferation methods, and employing multiple BC cell lines, we identified enhanced sensitivity of ERα-positive BC cell lines to ALK and MELK inhibitors, inducing ERα degradation and diminishing proliferation in specific BC subtypes. MELK inhibition attenuated ERα transcriptional activity, impeding E2-induced gene expression, and hampering proliferation in MCF-7 cells. Synergies between MELK inhibition with 4OH-tamoxifen (Tam) and ALK inhibition with HER2 inhibitors revealed potential therapeutic avenues for ERα-positive/PR-positive/HER2-negative and ERα-positive/PR-negative/HER2-positive tumors, respectively. Our findings propose MELK as a promising target for ERα-positive/PR-positive/HER2-negative BC and highlight ALK as a potential focus for ERα-positive/PR-negative/HER2-positive BC. The synergistic anti-proliferative effects of MELK with Tam and ALK with HER2 inhibitors underscore kinase inhibitors' potential for selective treatment in diverse BC subtypes, paving the way for personalized and effective therapeutic strategies in BC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Bartoloni
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Pescatori
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza, Cancer Biomarkers Unit, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Manuela Cipolletti
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Acconcia
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446, 00146, Rome, Italy.
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Lin CJ, Jin X, Ma D, Chen C, Ou-Yang Y, Pei YC, Zhou CZ, Qu FL, Wang YJ, Liu CL, Fan L, Hu X, Shao ZM, Jiang YZ. Genetic interactions reveal distinct biological and therapeutic implications in breast cancer. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:701-719.e12. [PMID: 38593782 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Co-occurrence and mutual exclusivity of genomic alterations may reflect the existence of genetic interactions, potentially shaping distinct biological phenotypes and impacting therapeutic response in breast cancer. However, our understanding of them remains limited. Herein, we investigate a large-scale multi-omics cohort (n = 873) and a real-world clinical sequencing cohort (n = 4,405) including several clinical trials with detailed treatment outcomes and perform functional validation in patient-derived organoids, tumor fragments, and in vivo models. Through this comprehensive approach, we construct a network comprising co-alterations and mutually exclusive events and characterize their therapeutic potential and underlying biological basis. Notably, we identify associations between TP53mut-AURKAamp and endocrine therapy resistance, germline BRCA1mut-MYCamp and improved sensitivity to PARP inhibitors, and TP53mut-MYBamp and immunotherapy resistance. Furthermore, we reveal that precision treatment strategies informed by co-alterations hold promise to improve patient outcomes. Our study highlights the significance of genetic interactions in guiding genome-informed treatment decisions beyond single driver alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai-Jin Lin
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xi Jin
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yang Ou-Yang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu-Chen Pei
- Precision Cancer Medical Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chao-Zheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Fei-Lin Qu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yun-Jin Wang
- Precision Cancer Medical Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Cheng-Lin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lei Fan
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Hu
- Precision Cancer Medical Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Tan Z, Boyapati K, Tressler CM, Jenkinson NM, Glunde K. Glutamine transporter SLC38A3 promotes breast cancer metastasis via Gsk3β/β-catenin/EMT pathway. Cancer Lett 2024; 586:216653. [PMID: 38309615 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216653] [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] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cancer-related cause of death in women. Here we show that solute carrier family 38-member 3 (SLC38A3) is overexpressed in breast cancer, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and tissues. Our study reveals that SLC38A3 regulates cellular glutamine, glutamate, asparagine, aspartate, alanine, and glutathione (GSH) levels in breast cancer cells. Our data demonstrate that SLC38A3 enhances cell viability, cell migration and invasion in vitro, and promotes tumor growth and metastasis in vivo, while reducing apoptosis and oxidative stress. Mechanistically, we show that SLC38A3 suppresses the activity of glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (Gsk3β), a negative regulator of β-catenin, and increases protein levels of β-catenin, leading to the upregulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT)-inducing transcription factors and EMT markers in breast cancer. In summary, we show that SLC38A3 is overexpressed in breast cancer and promotes breast cancer metastasis via the GSK3β/β-catenin/EMT pathway, presenting a novel therapeutic target to explore for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheqiong Tan
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Medical Laboratory, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Keerti Boyapati
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Caitlin M Tressler
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicole M Jenkinson
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kristine Glunde
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Sahraoui G, Rahoui N, Driss M, Mrad K. Inflammatory breast cancer: An overview about the histo-pathological aspect and diagnosis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 384:47-61. [PMID: 38637099 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of locally advanced breast cancer, classified as stage T4d according to the tumor-node-metastasis staging criteria. This subtype of breast cancer is known for its rapid progression and significantly lower survival rates compared to other forms of breast cancer. Despite its distinctive clinical features outlined by the World Health Organization, the histopathological characteristics of IBC remain not fully elucidated, presenting challenges in its diagnosis and treatment. Histologically, IBC tumors often exhibit a ductal phenotype, characterized by emboli composed of pleomorphic cells with a high nuclear grade. These emboli are predominantly found in the papillary and reticular dermis of the skin overlaying the breast, suggesting a primary involvement of the lymphatic vessels. The tumor microenvironment in IBC is a complex network involving various cells such as macrophages, monocytes, and predominantly T CD8+ lymphocytes, and elements including blood vessels and extracellular matrix molecules, which play a pivotal role in the aggressive nature of IBC. A significant aspect of IBC is the frequent loss of expression of hormone receptors like estrogen and progesterone receptors, a phenomenon that is still under active investigation. Moreover, the overexpression of ERBB2/HER2 and TP53 in IBC cases is a topic of ongoing debate, with studies indicating a higher prevalence in IBC compared to non-inflammatory breast cancer. This overview seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the histopathological features and diagnostic approaches to IBC, emphasizing the critical areas that require further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada Sahraoui
- Department of histopathology, Salah Azaiez Cancer Institute, Tunisia.
| | - Nabil Rahoui
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Maha Driss
- Department of histopathology, Salah Azaiez Cancer Institute, Tunisia
| | - Karima Mrad
- Department of histopathology, Salah Azaiez Cancer Institute, Tunisia
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Kokot A, Gadakh S, Saha I, Gajda E, Łaźniewski M, Rakshit S, Sengupta K, Mollah AF, Denkiewicz M, Górczak K, Claesen J, Burzykowski T, Plewczynski D. Unveiling the Molecular Mechanism of Trastuzumab Resistance in SKBR3 and BT474 Cell Lines for HER2 Positive Breast Cancer. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:2713-2740. [PMID: 38534787 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030171] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
HER2-positive breast cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer among women worldwide. Generally, the molecular characteristics of this breast cancer include activation of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) and hormone receptor activation. HER2-positive is associated with a higher death rate, which led to the development of a monoclonal antibody called trastuzumab, specifically targeting HER2. The success rate of HER2-positive breast cancer treatment has been increased; however, drug resistance remains a challenge. This fact motivated us to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance. For this purpose, a two-fold approach was taken by considering well-known breast cancer cell lines SKBR3 and BT474. In the first fold, trastuzumab treatment doses were optimized separately for both cell lines. This was done based on the proliferation rate of cells in response to a wide variety of medication dosages. Thereafter, each cell line was cultivated with a steady dosage of herceptin for several months. During this period, six time points were selected for further in vitro analysis, ranging from the untreated cell line at the beginning to a fully resistant cell line at the end of the experiment. In the second fold, nucleic acids were extracted for further high throughput-based microarray experiments of gene and microRNA expression. Such expression data were further analyzed in order to infer the molecular mechanisms involved in the underlying development of trastuzumab resistance. In the list of differentially expressed genes and miRNAs, multiple genes (e.g., BIRC5, E2F1, TFRC, and USP1) and miRNAs (e.g., hsa miR 574 3p, hsa miR 4530, and hsa miR 197 3p) responsible for trastuzumab resistance were found. Downstream analysis showed that TFRC, E2F1, and USP1 were also targeted by hsa-miR-8485. Moreover, it indicated that miR-4701-5p was highly expressed as compared to TFRC in the SKBR3 cell line. These results unveil key genes and miRNAs as molecular regulators for trastuzumab resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kokot
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Sachin Gadakh
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Indrajit Saha
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warszawa, Poland
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technical Teachers' Training and Research, Kolkata 700106, India
| | - Ewa Gajda
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Michał Łaźniewski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Somnath Rakshit
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Kaustav Sengupta
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warszawa, Poland
- Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warszawa, Poland
| | | | - Michał Denkiewicz
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Górczak
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Jürgen Claesen
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tomasz Burzykowski
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
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Boulifa A, Raftery MJ, Franzén AS, Radecke C, Stintzing S, Blohmer JU, Pecher G. Role of beta-(1→3)(1→6)-D-glucan derived from yeast on natural killer (NK) cells and breast cancer cell lines in 2D and 3D cultures. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:339. [PMID: 38486205 PMCID: PMC10938759 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11979-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beta-(1,3)(1,6)-D-glucan is a complex polysaccharide, which is found in the cell wall of various fungi, yeasts, bacteria, algae, barley, and oats and has immunomodulatory, anticancer and antiviral effects. In the present study, we investigated the effect of beta-(1,3)(1,6)-D-glucan derived from yeast on the proliferation of primary NK cells and breast cancer cell lines in 2D and 3D models, and on the cytotoxicity of primary NK cells against breast cancer cell lines in 2D and 3D models. METHODS In this study, we investigated the effects of different concentrations of yeast-derived beta-(1→3)(1→6)-D-glucan on the proliferation and cytotoxicity of human NK cells and breast cancer cell lines in 2D and 3D models using the XTT cell proliferation assay and the CellTiter-Glo® 2.0 assay to determine the cytotoxicity of human NK cells on breast cancer cell lines in 2D and 3D models. RESULTS We found that the co-incubation of NK cells with beta-glucan in the absence of IL2 at 48 h significantly increased the proliferation of NK cells, whereas the co-incubation of NK cells with beta-glucan in the presence of IL2 (70 U/ml) increased the proliferation of NK cells but not significantly. Moreover, beta-glucan significantly inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cell lines in 2D model and induced a weak, non-significant growth inhibitory effect on breast cancer multicellular tumor spheroids (3D). In addition, the cytotoxicity of NK cells against breast cancer cell lines was examined in 2D and 3D models, and beta-glucan significantly increased the cytotoxicity of NK cells against MCF-7 (in 2D). CONCLUSIONS Yeast derived beta-(1,3)(1,6)-D-glucan could contribute to the treatment of cancer by enhancing NK cell immune response as well as contributing to inhibition of breast cancer cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelhadi Boulifa
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy (KITZ), Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Martin J Raftery
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy (KITZ), Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Alexander Sebastian Franzén
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy (KITZ), Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Clarissa Radecke
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy (KITZ), Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Sebastian Stintzing
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy (KITZ), Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Jens-Uwe Blohmer
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Gabriele Pecher
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany.
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy (KITZ), Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany.
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Li Z, Guo K, Gao Z, Chen J, Ye Z, Cao M, Wang SE, Yin Y, Zhong W. Colocalization of protein and microRNA markers reveals unique extracellular vesicle subpopulations for early cancer detection. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadh8689. [PMID: 38416840 PMCID: PMC10901469 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh8689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play important roles in cell-cell communication but are highly heterogeneous, and each vesicle has dimensions smaller than 200 nm with very limited amounts of cargos encapsulated. The technique of NanOstirBar (NOB)-EnabLed Single Particle Analysis (NOBEL-SPA) reported in the present work permits rapid inspection of single EV with high confidence by confocal fluorescence microscopy, thus enables colocalization assessment for selected protein and microRNA (miRNA) markers in the EVs produced by various cell lines, or present in clinical sera samples. EV subpopulations marked by the colocalization of unique protein and miRNA combinations were discovered to be able to detect early-stage (stage I or II) breast cancer (BC). NOBEL-SPA can be adapted to analyze other types of cargo molecules or other small submicron biological particles. Study of the sorting of specific cargos to heterogeneous vesicles under different physiological conditions can help discover distinct vesicle subpopulations valuable in clinical examination and therapeutics development and gain better understanding of their biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongbo Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Kaizhu Guo
- Department of Chemistry, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Ziting Gao
- Department of Chemistry, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Junyi Chen
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Zuyang Ye
- Department of Chemistry, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Minghui Cao
- Department of Pathology, University of California–San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Shizhen Emily Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of California–San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yadong Yin
- Department of Chemistry, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Wenwan Zhong
- Department of Chemistry, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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Katti PD, Jasuja H. Current Advances in the Use of Tissue Engineering for Cancer Metastasis Therapeutics. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:617. [PMID: 38475301 DOI: 10.3390/polym16050617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and results in nearly 10 million deaths each year. The global economic burden of cancer from 2020 to 2050 is estimated to be USD 25.2 trillion. The spread of cancer to distant organs through metastasis is the leading cause of death due to cancer. However, as of today, there is no cure for metastasis. Tissue engineering is a promising field for regenerative medicine that is likely to be able to provide rehabilitation procedures to patients who have undergone surgeries, such as mastectomy and other reconstructive procedures. Another important use of tissue engineering has emerged recently that involves the development of realistic and robust in vitro models of cancer metastasis, to aid in drug discovery and new metastasis therapeutics, as well as evaluate cancer biology at metastasis. This review covers the current studies in developing tissue-engineered metastasis structures. This article reports recent developments in in vitro models for breast, prostate, colon, and pancreatic cancer. The review also identifies challenges and opportunities in the use of tissue engineering toward new, clinically relevant therapies that aim to reduce the cancer burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeya D Katti
- American University of Caribbean, Miramar, FL 33025, USA
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Begg LR, Orriols AM, Zannikou M, Yeh C, Vadlamani P, Kanojia D, Bolin R, Dunne SF, Balakrishnan S, Camarda R, Roth D, Zielinski-Mozny NA, Yau C, Vassilopoulos A, Huang TH, Kim KYA, Horiuchi D. S100A8/A9 predicts response to PIM kinase and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition in triple-negative breast cancer mouse models. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:22. [PMID: 38378783 PMCID: PMC10879183 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00444-8] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding why some triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients respond poorly to existing therapies while others respond well remains a challenge. This study aims to understand the potential underlying mechanisms distinguishing early-stage TNBC tumors that respond to clinical intervention from non-responders, as well as to identify clinically viable therapeutic strategies, specifically for TNBC patients who may not benefit from existing therapies. METHODS We conducted retrospective bioinformatics analysis of historical gene expression datasets to identify a group of genes whose expression levels in early-stage tumors predict poor clinical outcomes in TNBC. In vitro small-molecule screening, genetic manipulation, and drug treatment in syngeneic mouse models of TNBC were utilized to investigate potential therapeutic strategies and elucidate mechanisms of drug action. RESULTS Our bioinformatics analysis reveals a robust association between increased expression of immunosuppressive cytokine S100A8/A9 in early-stage tumors and subsequent disease progression in TNBC. A targeted small-molecule screen identifies PIM kinase inhibitors as capable of decreasing S100A8/A9 expression in multiple cell types, including TNBC and immunosuppressive myeloid cells. Combining PIM inhibition and immune checkpoint blockade induces significant antitumor responses, especially in otherwise resistant S100A8/A9-high PD-1/PD-L1-positive tumors. Notably, serum S100A8/A9 levels mirror those of tumor S100A8/A9 in a syngeneic mouse model of TNBC. CONCLUSIONS Our data propose S100A8/A9 as a potential predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarker in clinical trials evaluating combination therapy targeting PIM and immune checkpoints in TNBC. This work encourages the development of S100A8/A9-based liquid biopsy tests for treatment guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R Begg
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Adrienne M Orriols
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Markella Zannikou
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chen Yeh
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Biostatistics Collaboration Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Deepak Kanojia
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Mythic Therapeutics, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Rosemary Bolin
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Sara F Dunne
- High Throughput Analysis Laboratory, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Sanjeev Balakrishnan
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Pulze.ai, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Roman Camarda
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Novo Ventures US, Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Diane Roth
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nicolette A Zielinski-Mozny
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christina Yau
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Athanassios Vassilopoulos
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- AbbVie, Inc., North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tzu-Hsuan Huang
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kwang-Youn A Kim
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Biostatistics Collaboration Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dai Horiuchi
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Gali A, Bijnsdorp IV, Piersma SR, Pham TV, Gutiérrez-Galindo E, Kühnel F, Tsolakos N, Jimenez CR, Hausser A, Alexopoulos LG. Protein kinase D drives the secretion of invasion mediators in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. iScience 2024; 27:108958. [PMID: 38323010 PMCID: PMC10844833 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The protein kinase D (PKD) family members regulate the fission of cargo vesicles at the Golgi complex and play a pro-oncogenic role in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Whether PKD facilitates the secretion of tumor-promoting factors in TNBC, however, is still unknown. Using the pharmacological inhibition of PKD activity and siRNA-mediated depletion of PKD2 and PKD3, we identified the PKD-dependent secretome of the TNBC cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics and antibody-based assays revealed a significant downregulation of extracellular matrix related proteins and pro-invasive factors such as LIF, MMP-1, MMP-13, IL-11, M-CSF and GM-CSF in PKD-perturbed cells. Notably, secretion of these proteins in MDA-MB-231 cells was predominantly controlled by PKD2 and enhanced spheroid invasion. Consistently, PKD-dependent secretion of pro-invasive factors was more pronounced in metastatic TNBC cell lines. Our study thus uncovers a novel role of PKD2 in releasing a pro-invasive secretome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Gali
- Biomedical Systems Laboratory, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece
- Protavio Ltd, Demokritos Science Park, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Irene V. Bijnsdorp
- Department of Urology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, de Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam 1081 HV, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, OncoProteomics Laboratory, de Boelelaan 1117, , Amsterdam 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Sander R. Piersma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, OncoProteomics Laboratory, de Boelelaan 1117, , Amsterdam 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Thang V. Pham
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, OncoProteomics Laboratory, de Boelelaan 1117, , Amsterdam 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | | | - Fiona Kühnel
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Nikos Tsolakos
- Protavio Ltd, Demokritos Science Park, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Connie R. Jimenez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, OncoProteomics Laboratory, de Boelelaan 1117, , Amsterdam 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Angelika Hausser
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- Stuttgart Research Center for Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Leonidas G. Alexopoulos
- Biomedical Systems Laboratory, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece
- Protavio Ltd, Demokritos Science Park, 15341 Athens, Greece
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47
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Jacobo Jacobo M, Donnella HJ, Sobti S, Kaushik S, Goga A, Bandyopadhyay S. An inflamed tumor cell subpopulation promotes chemotherapy resistance in triple negative breast cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3694. [PMID: 38355954 PMCID: PMC10866903 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53999-w] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Individual cancers are composed of heterogeneous tumor cells with distinct phenotypes and genotypes, with triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) demonstrating the most heterogeneity among breast cancer types. Variability in transcriptional phenotypes could meaningfully limit the efficacy of monotherapies and fuel drug resistance, although to an unknown extent. To determine if transcriptional differences between tumor cells lead to differential drug responses we performed single cell RNA-seq on cell line and PDX models of breast cancer revealing cell subpopulations in states associated with resistance to standard-of-care therapies. We found that TNBC models contained a subpopulation in an inflamed cellular state, often also present in human breast cancer samples. Inflamed cells display evidence of heightened cGAS/STING signaling which we demonstrate is sufficient to cause tumor cell resistance to chemotherapy. Accordingly, inflamed cells were enriched in human tumors taken after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and associated with early recurrence, highlighting the potential for diverse tumor cell states to promote drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Jacobo Jacobo
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Hayley J Donnella
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Sushil Sobti
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Swati Kaushik
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Andrei Goga
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Sourav Bandyopadhyay
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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Zikry TM, Wolff SC, Ranek JS, Davis HM, Naugle A, Luthra N, Whitman AA, Kedziora KM, Stallaert W, Kosorok MR, Spanheimer PM, Purvis JE. Cell cycle plasticity underlies fractional resistance to palbociclib in ER+/HER2- breast tumor cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2309261121. [PMID: 38324568 PMCID: PMC10873600 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309261121] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib blocks cell cycle progression in Estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor 2 receptor-negative (ER+/HER2-) breast tumor cells. Despite the drug's success in improving patient outcomes, a small percentage of tumor cells continues to divide in the presence of palbociclib-a phenomenon we refer to as fractional resistance. It is critical to understand the cellular mechanisms underlying fractional resistance because the precise percentage of resistant cells in patient tissue is a strong predictor of clinical outcomes. Here, we hypothesize that fractional resistance arises from cell-to-cell differences in core cell cycle regulators that allow a subset of cells to escape CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy. We used multiplex, single-cell imaging to identify fractionally resistant cells in both cultured and primary breast tumor samples resected from patients. Resistant cells showed premature accumulation of multiple G1 regulators including E2F1, retinoblastoma protein, and CDK2, as well as enhanced sensitivity to pharmacological inhibition of CDK2 activity. Using trajectory inference approaches, we show how plasticity among cell cycle regulators gives rise to alternate cell cycle "paths" that allow individual tumor cells to escape palbociclib treatment. Understanding drivers of cell cycle plasticity, and how to eliminate resistant cell cycle paths, could lead to improved cancer therapies targeting fractionally resistant cells to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek M Zikry
- Computational Medicine Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Samuel C Wolff
- Computational Medicine Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Jolene S Ranek
- Computational Medicine Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Harris M Davis
- Computational Medicine Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Ander Naugle
- Computational Medicine Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Namit Luthra
- Computational Medicine Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Austin A Whitman
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Katarzyna M Kedziora
- Center for Biologic Imaging, Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburg, Pittsburgh, PA 15620
| | - Wayne Stallaert
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburg, Pittsburgh, PA 15620
| | - Michael R Kosorok
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Philip M Spanheimer
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Jeremy E Purvis
- Computational Medicine Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
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Berfelde J, Hildebrand LS, Kuhlmann L, Fietkau R, Distel LV. FEN1 Inhibition as a Potential Novel Targeted Therapy against Breast Cancer and the Prognostic Relevance of FEN1. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2110. [PMID: 38396787 PMCID: PMC10889347 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
To improve breast cancer treatment and to enable new strategies for therapeutic resistance, therapeutic targets are constantly being studied. Potential targets are proteins of DNA repair and replication and genomic integrity, such as Flap Endonuclease 1 (FEN1). This study investigated the effects of FEN1 inhibitor FEN1-IN-4 in combination with ionizing radiation on cell death, clonogenic survival, the cell cycle, senescence, doubling time, DNA double-strand breaks and micronuclei in breast cancer cells, breast cells and healthy skin fibroblasts. Furthermore, the variation in the baseline FEN1 level and its influence on treatment prognosis was investigated. The cell lines show specific response patterns in the aspects studied and have heterogeneous baseline FEN1 levels. FEN1-IN-4 has cytotoxic, cytostatic and radiosensitizing effects, expressed through increasing cell death by apoptosis and necrosis, G2M share, senescence, double-strand breaks and a reduced survival fraction. Nevertheless, some cells are less affected by the cytotoxicity and fibroblasts show a rather limited response. In vivo, high FEN1 mRNA expression worsens the prognosis of breast cancer patients. Due to the increased expression in breast cancer tissue, FEN1 could represent a new tumor and prognosis marker and FEN1-IN-4 may serve as a new potent agent in personalized medicine and targeted breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Berfelde
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Laura S. Hildebrand
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lukas Kuhlmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rainer Fietkau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Luitpold V. Distel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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50
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Pommerenke C, Nagel S, Haake J, Koelz AL, Christgen M, Steenpass L, Eberth S. Molecular Characterization and Subtyping of Breast Cancer Cell Lines Provide Novel Insights into Cancer Relevant Genes. Cells 2024; 13:301. [PMID: 38391914 PMCID: PMC10886524 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040301] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Continuous cell lines are important and commonly used in vitro models in breast cancer (BC) research. Selection of the appropriate model cell line is crucial and requires consideration of their molecular characteristics. To characterize BC cell line models in depth, we profiled a panel of 29 authenticated and publicly available BC cell lines by mRNA-sequencing, mutation analysis, and immunoblotting. Gene expression profiles separated BC cell lines in two major clusters that represent basal-like (mainly triple-negative BC) and luminal BC subtypes, respectively. HER2-positive cell lines were located within the luminal cluster. Mutation calling highlighted the frequent aberration of TP53 and BRCA2 in BC cell lines, which, therefore, share relevant characteristics with primary BC. Furthermore, we showed that the data can be used to find novel, potential oncogenic fusion transcripts, e.g., FGFR2::CRYBG1 and RTN4IP1::CRYBG1 in cell line MFM-223, and to elucidate the regulatory circuit of IRX genes and KLF15 as novel candidate tumor suppressor genes in BC. Our data indicated that KLF15 was activated by IRX1 and inhibited by IRX3. Moreover, KLF15 inhibited IRX1 in cell line HCC-1599. Each BC cell line carries unique molecular features. Therefore, the molecular characteristics of BC cell lines described here might serve as a valuable resource to improve the selection of appropriate models for BC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pommerenke
- Department of Bioinformatics, IT and Databases, Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Stefan Nagel
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (S.N.)
| | - Josephine Haake
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (S.N.)
| | - Anne Leena Koelz
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (S.N.)
| | - Matthias Christgen
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Laura Steenpass
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (S.N.)
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sonja Eberth
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (S.N.)
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