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Del Bufalo D, Damia G. Overview of BH3 mimetics in ovarian cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 129:102771. [PMID: 38875743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102771] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian carcinoma is the leading cause of gynecological cancer-related death, still with a dismal five-year prognosis, mainly due to late diagnosis and the emergence of resistance to cytotoxic and targeted agents. Bcl-2 family proteins have a key role in apoptosis and are associated with tumor development/progression and response to therapy in different cancer types, including ovarian carcinoma. In tumors, evasion of apoptosis is a possible mechanism of resistance to therapy. BH3 mimetics are small molecules that occupy the hydrophobic pocket on pro-survival proteins, allowing the induction of apoptosis, and are currently under study as single agents and/or in combination with cytotoxic and targeted agents in solid tumors. Here, we discuss recent advances in targeting anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family for the treatment of ovarian cancer, focusing on BH3 mimetics, and how these approaches could potentially offer an alternative/complementary way to treat patients and overcome or delay resistance to current treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Damia
- Laboratory of Gynecological Preclinical Oncology, Experimental Oncology Department, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via M. Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy.
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2
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Chitluri KK, Emerson IA. The importance of protein domain mutations in cancer therapy. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27655. [PMID: 38509890 PMCID: PMC10950675 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27655] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease that is caused by multiple genetic factors. Researchers have been studying protein domain mutations to understand how they affect the progression and treatment of cancer. These mutations can significantly impact the development and spread of cancer by changing the protein structure, function, and signalling pathways. As a result, there is a growing interest in how these mutations can be used as prognostic indicators for cancer prognosis. Recent studies have shown that protein domain mutations can provide valuable information about the severity of the disease and the patient's response to treatment. They may also be used to predict the response and resistance to targeted therapy in cancer treatment. The clinical implications of protein domain mutations in cancer are significant, and they are regarded as essential biomarkers in oncology. However, additional techniques and approaches are required to characterize changes in protein domains and predict their functional effects. Machine learning and other computational tools offer promising solutions to this challenge, enabling the prediction of the impact of mutations on protein structure and function. Such predictions can aid in the clinical interpretation of genetic information. Furthermore, the development of genome editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9 has made it possible to validate the functional significance of mutants more efficiently and accurately. In conclusion, protein domain mutations hold great promise as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in cancer. Overall, considerable research is still needed to better define genetic and molecular heterogeneity and to resolve the challenges that remain, so that their full potential can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Kumar Chitluri
- Bioinformatics Programming Lab, Department of Bio-Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, TN, 632014, India
| | - Isaac Arnold Emerson
- Bioinformatics Programming Lab, Department of Bio-Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, TN, 632014, India
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3
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Szymanowski W, Szymanowska A, Bielawska A, Lopez-Berestein G, Rodriguez-Aguayo C, Amero P. Aptamers as Potential Therapeutic Tools for Ovarian Cancer: Advancements and Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5300. [PMID: 37958473 PMCID: PMC10647731 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most common lethal gynecologic cause of death in women worldwide, with a high mortality rate and increasing incidence. Despite advancements in the treatment, most OC patients still die from their disease due to late-stage diagnosis, the lack of effective diagnostic methods, and relapses. Aptamers, synthetic, short single-stranded oligonucleotides, have emerged as promising anticancer therapeutics. Their ability to selectively bind to target molecules, including cancer-related proteins and receptors, has revolutionized drug discovery and biomarker identification. Aptamers offer unique insights into the molecular pathways involved in cancer development and progression. Moreover, they show immense potential as drug delivery systems, enabling targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to cancer cells while minimizing off-target effects and reducing systemic toxicity. In the context of OC, the integration of aptamers with non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) presents an opportunity for precise and efficient gene targeting. Additionally, the conjugation of aptamers with nanoparticles allows for accurate and targeted delivery of ncRNAs to specific cells, tissues, or organs. In this review, we will summarize the potential use and challenges associated with the use of aptamers alone or aptamer-ncRNA conjugates, nanoparticles, and multivalent aptamer-based therapeutics for the treatment of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Szymanowski
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (W.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Anna Szymanowska
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
| | - Anna Bielawska
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (W.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Paola Amero
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
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4
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Bhattacharya R, Ghosh A, Mukhopadhyay S. High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, the "Achiles' hill" for clinicians and molecular biologists: a molecular insight. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:9511-9519. [PMID: 37737967 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08760-3] [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: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), the deadliest ovarian cancer, alone accounts for 90% of all its subtypes. Characterized by hallmark mutation of TP53, HGSOC show diverse molecular etiology. HGSOC can arise from both ovarian epithelium as well as the fimbrial epithelium of the fallopian tube. Ovulation induced reactive oxygen species, follicular fluid associated growth factor induced stemness, deregulation of hormone receptors like ER, FSHR, AR and hormones like FSH, LH, prolonged ovulation cycle, use of oral contraceptives are agonists of HGSOC while parity, breastfeeding provide protective effect from HGSOC development. Apart from a generic TP53 mutation, mutation of BRCA1/2, RAD51, BRIP1, PALB2, CHEK2, RAD50 etc., were reportedly associated with development of HGSOC. Epigenetic events like methylation of RASSF1A of RAS signaling pathway,OR51L1, OR51I1, OR51F1 etc. has been reported in HGSOC. Micro-RNAs like miR-1290, miR 27-a-3p miR23a, miR205 were reportedly upregulated in HGSOC. Amongst its cognate subtypes viz. differentiated, immunoreactive, mesenchymal, and proliferative, mesenchymal, and proliferative show worst prognosis. A system biology approach showed five major altered pathways in HGSOC, namely, RB, PI3K/RAS, NOTCH, HRR and FOXM1 signaling. For chemonaive patients, drugs that helps in efflux of reduced glutathione or prevent the redox coupling of GSH-GSSG, like Cisplatin, could be considered as the best therapeutic choice for HGSOC. For patients with BRCA1/2 mutations, PARP inhibitors alone or with Bevacizumab can be effective. Immune checkpoint inhibitors could be effective against immunoreactive subtypes. Identification of genes deregulated in chemoresistance could provide better insights in dealing with the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rittwika Bhattacharya
- Dept of Molecular Biology, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute, 3081, Nayabad, Kolkata, 700094, India.
| | - Arijit Ghosh
- Dept of Molecular Biology, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute, 3081, Nayabad, Kolkata, 700094, India
| | - Soma Mukhopadhyay
- Dept of Molecular Biology, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute, 3081, Nayabad, Kolkata, 700094, India
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5
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Golan T, Casolino R, Biankin AV, Hammel P, Whitaker KD, Hall MJ, Riegert-Johnson DL. Germline BRCA testing in pancreatic cancer: improving awareness, timing, turnaround, and uptake. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359231189127. [PMID: 37720496 PMCID: PMC10504836 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231189127] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Prognosis is generally poor for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. However, patients with germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations (gBRCAm) may benefit from first-line platinum-based chemotherapy and maintenance therapy with the poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase inhibitor olaparib following at least 16 weeks of first-line platinum-based chemotherapy without disease progression. Germline breast cancer gene (BRCA) testing is therefore important to ensure that patients receive the most effective treatment. In addition, testing for other DNA damage response gene mutations beyond gBRCAm may also guide treatment decisions. However, clinical pathways for genetic testing are often suboptimal, leading to delays in treatment initiation or missed opportunities for personalized therapy. Barriers to testing include low rates of referral and uptake, delays to referral and slow result turnaround times, cost, and biopsy and assay limitations if somatic testing is performed, leading to the requirement for subsequent dedicated germline testing. Low rates of referral may result from lack of awareness among physicians of the clinical value of testing, coupled with low confidence in interpreting test results and poor availability of genetic counseling services. Among patients, barriers to uptake may include similar lack of awareness of the clinical value of testing, anxiety regarding the implications of test results, lack of insurance coverage, fear of negative insurance implications, and socioeconomic factors. Potential solutions include innovative approaches to testing pathways, including 'mainstreaming' of testing in which BRCA tests are routinely arranged by the treating oncologist, with the involvement of genetic counselors if a patient is found to have a gBRCAm. More recently, the utility of multigene panel analyses has also been explored. Access to genetic counseling may also be improved through initiatives such as having a genetic counseling appointment for all new patient visits and telemedicine approaches, including the use of telephone consultations or DVD-assisted counseling. Educational programs will also be beneficial, and cost effectiveness is likely to improve as the number of targeted treatments increases and when the earlier detection of tumors in family members following cascade testing is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia Golan
- Institute of Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 52621, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Raffaella Casolino
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Medicine, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Andrew V. Biankin
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- West of Scotland Pancreatic Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Pascal Hammel
- Department of Digestive and Medical Oncology, University Paris-Saclay, Paul Brousse Hospital (AP-HP), Villejuif, France
| | - Kristen D. Whitaker
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael J. Hall
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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6
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Rangsrikitphoti P, Marquez-Garban DC, Pietras RJ, McGowan E, Boonyaratanakornkit V. Sex steroid hormones and DNA repair regulation: Implications on cancer treatment responses. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 227:106230. [PMID: 36450315 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2022.106230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The role of sex steroid hormones (SSHs) has been shown to modulate cancer cytotoxic treatment sensitivity. Dysregulation of DNA repair associated with genomic instability, abnormal cell survival and not only promotes cancer progression but also resistance to cancer treatment. The three major SSHs, androgen, estrogen, and progesterone, have been shown to interact with several essential DNA repair components. The presence of androgens directly regulates key molecules in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. Estrogen can promote cell proliferation and DNA repair, allowing cancer cells to tolerate chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Information on the role of progesterone in DNA repair is limited: progesterone interaction with some DNA repair components has been identified, but the biological significance is still unknown. Here, we review the roles of how each SSH affects DNA repair regulation and modulates response to genotoxic therapies and discuss future research that can be beneficial when combining SSHs with cancer therapy. We also provide preliminary analysis from publicly available databases defining the link between progesterone/PR and DDRs & DNA repair regulation that plausibly contribute to chemotherapy response and breast cancer patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattarasiri Rangsrikitphoti
- Graduate Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Diana C Marquez-Garban
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Richard J Pietras
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Eileen McGowan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Viroj Boonyaratanakornkit
- Graduate Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Age-related Inflammation and Degeneration Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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7
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Chen M, Lei N, Tian W, Li Y, Chang L. Recent advances of non-coding RNAs in ovarian cancer prognosis and therapeutics. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2022; 14:17588359221118010. [PMID: 35983027 PMCID: PMC9379276 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221118010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the third most common gynecological malignancy with the highest mortality worldwide. OC is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, and the standard treatment is surgery combined with platinum or paclitaxel chemotherapy. However, chemoresistance inevitably appears coupled with the easy recurrence and poor prognosis. Thus, early diagnosis, predicting prognosis, and reducing chemoresistance are of great significance for controlling the progression and improving treatment effects of OC. Recently, much insight has been gained into the non-coding RNA (ncRNA) that is employed for RNAs but does not encode a protein, and many types of ncRNAs have been characterized including long-chain non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and circular RNAs. Accumulating evidence indicates these ncRNAs play very active roles in OC progression and metastasis. In this review, we briefly discuss the ncRNAs as biomarkers for OC prognosis. We focus on the recent advances of ncRNAs as therapeutic targets in preventing OC metastasis, chemoresistance, immune escape, and metabolism. The novel strategies for ncRNAs-targeted therapy are also exploited for improving the survival of OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ningjing Lei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wanjia Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Level 2, Research and Education Centre, 4-10 South Street, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - Lei Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 East Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China
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8
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Extraterrestrial Gynecology: Could Spaceflight Increase the Risk of Developing Cancer in Female Astronauts? An Updated Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137465. [PMID: 35806469 PMCID: PMC9267413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Outer space is an extremely hostile environment for human life, with ionizing radiation from galactic cosmic rays and microgravity posing the most significant hazards to the health of astronauts. Spaceflight has also been shown to have an impact on established cancer hallmarks, possibly increasing carcinogenic risk. Terrestrially, women have a higher incidence of radiation-induced cancers, largely driven by lung, thyroid, breast, and ovarian cancers, and therefore, historically, they have been permitted to spend significantly less time in space than men. In the present review, we focus on the effects of microgravity and radiation on the female reproductive system, particularly gynecological cancer. The aim is to provide a summary of the research that has been carried out related to the risk of gynecological cancer, highlighting what further studies are needed to pave the way for safer exploration class missions, as well as postflight screening and management of women astronauts following long-duration spaceflight.
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9
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Casolino R, Corbo V, Beer P, Hwang CI, Paiella S, Silvestri V, Ottini L, Biankin AV. Germline Aberrations in Pancreatic Cancer: Implications for Clinical Care. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3239. [PMID: 35805011 PMCID: PMC9265115 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has an extremely poor prognosis and represents a major public health issue, as both its incidence and mortality are expecting to increase steeply over the next years. Effective screening strategies are lacking, and most patients are diagnosed with unresectable disease precluding the only chance of cure. Therapeutic options for advanced disease are limited, and the treatment paradigm is still based on chemotherapy, with a few rare exceptions to targeted therapies. Germline variants in cancer susceptibility genes-particularly those involved in mechanisms of DNA repair-are emerging as promising targets for PDAC treatment and prevention. Hereditary PDAC is part of the spectrum of several syndromic disorders, and germline testing of PDAC patients has relevant implications for broad cancer prevention. Germline aberrations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are predictive biomarkers of response to poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor olaparib and platinum-based chemotherapy in PDAC, while mutations in mismatch repair genes identify patients suitable for immune checkpoint inhibitors. This review provides a timely and comprehensive overview of germline aberrations in PDAC and their implications for clinical care. It also discusses the need for optimal approaches to better select patients for PARP inhibitor therapy, novel therapeutic opportunities under clinical investigation, and preclinical models for cancer susceptibility and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Casolino
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (P.B.); (A.V.B.)
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Philip Beer
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (P.B.); (A.V.B.)
| | - Chang-il Hwang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Biological Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Salvatore Paiella
- General and Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Institute, University of Verona Hospital Trust, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Valentina Silvestri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.S.); (L.O.)
| | - Laura Ottini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.S.); (L.O.)
| | - Andrew V. Biankin
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (P.B.); (A.V.B.)
- West of Scotland Pancreatic Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G31 2ER, UK
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
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10
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Li Y, Tian W, Zhang H, Zhang Z, Zhao Q, Chang L, Lei N, Zhang W. MSLN Correlates With Immune Infiltration and Chemoresistance as a Prognostic Biomarker in Ovarian Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:830570. [PMID: 35692779 PMCID: PMC9174524 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.830570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesothelin (MSLN) is a glycoprotein with various expression degrees in different tumors including mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc. MSLN is considered to play an important role in cell survival, proliferation, and tumor progression. Although the expression of MSLN in tumors makes it a potential therapeutic target, its mechanism of action is still unclear, especially its correlation with immune cells infiltration in the tumor microenvironment has not been investigated. In this study, we detected the overexpression of MSLN in ovarian cancer using database analysis and tissue-array staining. We further evaluated the diagnostic value of MSLN and found it was associated with poor overall survival in ovarian cancer. In addition, the high expression of MSLN was significantly related to the immune-related genes and chemoresistant genes. We confirmed the overexpression of MSLN in the chemoresistant ovarian cancer cell lines. Our research suggests that MSLN participates in a variety of pathways related to the suppression of immune activation and promotion of chemoresistance, leading to a poor prognosis in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yike Li
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wanjia Tian
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qinghe Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Chang
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ningjing Lei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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11
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Di Fiore R, Suleiman S, Drago-Ferrante R, Felix A, O’Toole SA, O’Leary JJ, Ward MP, Beirne J, Yordanov A, Vasileva-Slaveva M, Subbannayya Y, Pentimalli F, Giordano A, Calleja-Agius J. LncRNA MORT (ZNF667-AS1) in Cancer-Is There a Possible Role in Gynecological Malignancies? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157829. [PMID: 34360598 PMCID: PMC8346052 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Gynecological cancers (GCs) are currently among the major threats to female health. Moreover, there are different histologic subtypes of these cancers, which are defined as ‘rare’ due to an annual incidence of <6 per 100,000 women. The majority of these tend to be associated with a poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in the normal development of organisms as well as in tumorigenesis. LncRNAs can be classified into tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes, depending on their function within the cellular context and the signaling pathways in which they are involved. These regulatory RNAs are potential therapeutic targets for cancer due to their tissue and tumor specificity. However, there still needs to be a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which lncRNAs are involved in the regulation of numerous biological functions in humans, both in normal health and disease. The lncRNA Mortal Obligate RNA Transcript (MORT; alias ZNF667-AS1) has been identified as a tumor-related lncRNA. ZNF667-AS1 gene, located in the human chromosome region 19q13.43, has been shown to be silenced by DNA hypermethylation in several cancers. In this review, we report on the biological functions of ZNF667-AS1 from recent studies and describe the regulatory functions of ZNF667-AS1 in human disease, including cancer. Furthermore, we discuss the emerging insights into the potential role of ZNF667-AS1 as a biomarker and novel therapeutic target in cancer, including GCs (ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers).
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Di Fiore
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Correspondence: (R.D.F.); (J.C.-A.)
| | - Sherif Suleiman
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
| | | | - Ana Felix
- Department of Pathology, Instituto Portugues de Oncologia de Lisboa, NOVA Medical School, University NOVA of Lisbon, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Sharon A. O’Toole
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D08 HD53 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - John J. O’Leary
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Trinity College Dublin and Coombe Women’s and Infants University Hospital, D08 RX0X Dublin, Ireland; (J.J.O.); (M.P.W.)
| | - Mark P. Ward
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Trinity College Dublin and Coombe Women’s and Infants University Hospital, D08 RX0X Dublin, Ireland; (J.J.O.); (M.P.W.)
| | - James Beirne
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, St James Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, D08 X4RX Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Angel Yordanov
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Medical University Pleven, 5800 Pleven, Bulgaria;
| | | | - Yashwanth Subbannayya
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM), Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway;
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
- Correspondence: (R.D.F.); (J.C.-A.)
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