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Tolue Ghasaban F, Ghanei M, Mahmoudian RA, Taghehchian N, Abbaszadegan MR, Moghbeli M. MicroRNAs as the critical regulators of epithelial mesenchymal transition in pancreatic tumor cells. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30599. [PMID: 38726188 PMCID: PMC11079401 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30599] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC), as one of the main endocrine and digestive systems malignancies has the highest cancer related mortality in the world. Lack of the evident clinical symptoms and appropriate diagnostic markers in the early stages of tumor progression are the main reasons of the high mortality rate among PC patients. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the molecular pathways involved in the PC progression, in order to introduce novel early diagnostic methods. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical cellular process associated with pancreatic tumor cells invasion and distant metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are also important regulators of EMT process. In the present review, we discussed the role of miRNAs in regulation of EMT process during PC progression. It has been reported that the miRNAs mainly regulate the EMT process in pancreatic tumor cells through the regulation of EMT-specific transcription factors and several signaling pathways such as WNT, NOTCH, TGF-β, JAK/STAT, and PI3K/AKT. Considering the high stability of miRNAs in body fluids and their role in regulation of EMT process, they can be introduced as the non-invasive diagnostic markers in the early stages of malignant pancreatic tumors. This review paves the way to introduce a non-invasive EMT based panel marker for the early tumor detection among PC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Tolue Ghasaban
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Ghanei
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Reihaneh Alsadat Mahmoudian
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Cancer Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Negin Taghehchian
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Meysam Moghbeli
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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2
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Yang Y, Kong Y, Cui J, Hou Y, Gu Z, Ma C. Advances and Applications of Cancer Organoids in Drug Screening and Personalized Medicine. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024:10.1007/s12015-024-10714-6. [PMID: 38532032 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10714-6] [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] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the rapid emergence of 3D organoid technology has garnered significant attention from researchers. These miniature models accurately replicate the structure and function of human tissues and organs, offering more physiologically relevant platforms for cancer research. These intricate 3D structures not only serve as promising models for studying human cancer, but also significantly contribute to the advancement of various potential applications in the field of cancer research. To date, organoids have been efficiently constructed from both normal and malignant tissues originating from patients. Using such bioengineering platforms, simulations of infections and cancer processes, mutations and carcinogenesis can be achieved, and organoid technology is also expected to facilitate drug testing and personalized therapies. In conclusion, regenerative medicine has the potential to enhance organoid technology and current transplantation treatments by utilizing genetically identical healthy organoids as substitutes for irreversibly deteriorating diseased organs. This review explored the evolution of cancer organoids and emphasized the significant role these models play in fundamental research and the advancement of personalized medicine in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Yang
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China
- Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yajie Kong
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China
- Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jinlei Cui
- Immunology Department, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yu Hou
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China
- Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zhanjing Gu
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China
- Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Cuiqing Ma
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China.
- Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China.
- Immunology Department, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China.
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Peng M, Ye F, Fan C, Dong J, Chai W, Deng W, Zhang H, Yang L. Endogenous S100P-mediated autophagy regulates the chemosensitivity of leukemia cells through the p53/AMPK/mTOR pathway. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:1121-1138. [PMID: 38590396 PMCID: PMC10998763 DOI: 10.62347/nwxe8730] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, a highly regulated lysosome-dependent catabolic pathway, has garnered increasing attention because of its role in leukemia resistance. Among the S100 family of small calcium-binding proteins, S100P is differentially expressed in various tumor cell lines, thereby influencing tumor occurrence, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. However, the relationship between S100P and autophagy in determining chemosensitivity in leukemia cells remains unexplored. Our investigation revealed a negative correlation between S100P expression and the clinical status in childhood leukemia, with its presence observed in HL-60 and Jurkat cell lines. Suppression of S100P expression resulted in increased cell proliferation and decreased chemosensitivity in leukemia cells, whereas enhancement of S100P expression inhibited cell proliferation and increased chemosensitivity. Additionally, S100P knockdown drastically promoted autophagy, which was subsequently suppressed by S100P upregulation. Moreover, the p53/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway was found to be functionally associated with S100P-mediated autophagy. Knockdown of S100P expression led to a decrease in p53 and p-mTOR levels and an increase in p-AMPK expression, ultimately promoting autophagy. This effect was reversed by administration of Tenovin-6 (a p53 activator) and Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor). The findings of our in vivo experiments provide additional evidence supporting the aforementioned data. Specifically, S100P inhibition significantly enhanced the growth of HL-60 tumor xenografts and increased the expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 and p-AMPK in nude mice. Consequently, it can be concluded that S100P plays a regulatory role in the chemosensitivity of leukemia cells by modulating the p53/AMPK/mTOR pathway, which controls autophagy in leukemia cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, Hunan, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Fanghua Ye
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, Hunan, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Chenying Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, Hunan, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiajia Dong
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, Hunan, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenwen Chai
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, Hunan, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenjun Deng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, Hunan, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, Hunan, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Liangchun Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, Hunan, The People’s Republic of China
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Ahmed AA, Chen S, Roman-Escorza M, Angell R, Oxenford S, McConville M, Barton N, Sunose M, Neidle D, Haider S, Arshad T, Neidle S. Structure-activity relationships for the G-quadruplex-targeting experimental drug QN-302 and two analogues probed with comparative transcriptome profiling and molecular modeling. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3447. [PMID: 38342953 PMCID: PMC10859377 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54080-2] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The tetrasubstituted naphthalene diimide compound QN-302 binds to G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures. It shows high potency in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells and inhibits the transcription of cancer-related genes in these cells and in PDAC animal models. It is currently in Phase 1a clinical evaluation as an anticancer drug. A study of structure-activity relationships of QN-302 and two related analogues (CM03 and SOP1247) is reported here. These have been probed using comparisons of transcriptional profiles from whole-genome RNA-seq analyses, together with molecular modelling and molecular dynamics simulations. Compounds CM03 and SOP1247 differ by the presence of a methoxy substituent in the latter: these two compounds have closely similar transcriptional profiles. Whereas QN-302 (with an additional benzyl-pyrrolidine group), although also showing down-regulatory effects in the same cancer-related pathways, has effects on distinct genes, for example in the hedgehog pathway. This distinctive pattern of genes affected by QN-302 is hypothesized to contribute to its superior potency compared to CM03 and SOP1247. Its enhanced ability to stabilize G4 structures has been attributed to its benzyl-pyrrolidine substituent fitting into and filling most of the space in a G4 groove compared to the hydrogen atom in CM03 or the methoxy group substituent in SOP1247.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abdullah Ahmed
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
- Now at Guy's Cancer Centre, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Shuang Chen
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | | | - Richard Angell
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
- Now at Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Sally Oxenford
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
- Now at Artios Ltd, Cambridge, CB22 3FH, UK
| | | | | | - Mihiro Sunose
- Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Nottingham, NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Dan Neidle
- Tax Policy Associates, London, EC1R 0ET, UK
| | - Shozeb Haider
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Tariq Arshad
- Qualigen Therapeutics Inc, Carlsbad, CA, 92011, USA
| | - Stephen Neidle
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK.
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Sun J, Baker JR, Russell CC, Pham HNT, Goldsmith CD, Cossar PJ, Sakoff JA, Scarlett CJ, McCluskey A. Novel piperazine-1,2,3-triazole leads for the potential treatment of pancreatic cancer. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:2246-2267. [PMID: 37974967 PMCID: PMC10650957 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00289b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
From lead 1, (N-(4-((4-(3-(4-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)propyl)piperazin-1-yl)sulfonyl)-phenyl)acetamide), a S100A2-p53 protein-protein interaction inhibitor based on an in silico modelling driven hypothesis, four focused libraries were designed and synthesised. Growth inhibition screening was performed against 16 human cancer cell lines including the pancreatic cell lines MiaPaCa2, BxPC3, AsPC-1, Capan-2, HPAC, PANC-1 and the drug resistant CFPAC1. Modification of 1's phenylacetamide moiety, gave Library 1 with only modest pancreatic cancer activity. Modification of the 3-OCH3Ph moiety (Library 2) gave 4-CH3 (26), 4-CH2CH3 (27), 4-CF3 (31) and 4-NO2 (32) with sterically bulky groups more active. A 4-CF3 acetamide replacement enhanced cytotoxicity (Library 3). The 4-C(CH3)336 resulted in a predicted steric clash in the S100A2-p53 binding groove, with a potency decrease. Alkyl moieties afforded more potent analogues, 34 (4-CH3) and 35 (CH2CH3), a trend evident against pancreatic cancer: GI50 3.7 (35; BxPC-3) to 18 (40; AsPC-1) μM. Library 4 analogues with a 2-CF3 and 3-CF3 benzenesulfonamide moiety were less active than the corresponding Library 3 analogues. Two additional analogues were designed: 51 (4-CF3; 4-OCH3) and 52 (4-CF3; 2-OCH3) revealed 52 to be 10-20 fold more active than 51, against the pancreatic cancer cell lines examined with sub-micromolar GI50 values 0.43 (HPAC) to 0.61 μM (PANC-1). MOE calculated binding scores for each pose are also consistent with the observed biological activity with 52. The obtained SAR data is consistent with the proposed interaction within the S100A2-p53 bonding groove.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jufeng Sun
- Chemistry, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle University Drive Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia
- Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University Yantai 264003 China
| | - Jennifer R Baker
- Chemistry, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle University Drive Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia
| | - Cecilia C Russell
- Chemistry, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle University Drive Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia
| | - Hong N T Pham
- Experimental Therapeutics Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital Edith Street Waratah NSW 2298 Australia
| | - Chloe D Goldsmith
- Experimental Therapeutics Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital Edith Street Waratah NSW 2298 Australia
| | - Peter J Cossar
- Chemistry, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle University Drive Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia
| | - Jennette A Sakoff
- Experimental Therapeutics Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital Edith Street Waratah NSW 2298 Australia
| | - Christopher J Scarlett
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle Ourimbah NSW 2258 Australia
| | - Adam McCluskey
- Chemistry, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle University Drive Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia
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6
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Hao W, Zhang Y, Dou J, Cui P, Zhu J. S100P as a potential biomarker for immunosuppressive microenvironment in pancreatic cancer: a bioinformatics analysis and in vitro study. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:997. [PMID: 37853345 PMCID: PMC10585823 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11490-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunosuppression is a significant factor contributing to the poor prognosis of cancer. S100P, a member of the S100 protein family, has been implicated in various cancers. However, its role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential impact of S100P on TME characteristics in patients with pancreatic cancer. METHODS Multiple data (including microarray, RNA-Seq, and scRNA-Seq) were obtained from public databases. The expression pattern of S100P was comprehensively evaluated in RNA-Seq data and validated in four different microarray datasets. Prognostic value was assessed through Kaplan-Meier plotter and Cox regression analyses. Immune infiltration levels were determined using the ESTIMATE and ssGSEA algorithms and validated at the single-cell level. Spearman correlation test was used to examine the correlation between S100P expression and immune checkpoint genes, and tumor mutation burden (TMB). DNA methylation analysis was performed to investigate the change in mRNA expression. Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemical (IHC) were utilized to validate the expression using five cell lines and 60 pancreatic cancer tissues. RESULTS This study found that S100P was differentially expressed in pancreatic cancer and was associated with poor prognosis (P < 0.05). Notably, S100P exhibited a significant negative-correlation with immune cell infiltration, particularly CD8 + T cells. Furthermore, a close association between S100P and immunotherapy was observed, as it strongly correlated with TMB and the expression levels of TIGIT, HAVCR2, CTLA4, and BTLA (P < 0.05). Intriguingly, higher S100P expression demonstrated a negative correlation with methylation levels (cg14323984, cg27027375, cg14900031, cg14140379, cg25083732, cg07210669, cg26233331, and cg22266967), which were associated with CD8 + T cells. In vitro RT-PCR validated upregulated S100P expression across all five pancreatic cancer cell lines, and IHC confirmed high S100P levels in pancreatic cancer tissues (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that S100P could serve as a promising biomarker for immunosuppressive microenvironment, which may provide a novel therapeutic way for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Hao
- Department of gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Department of gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jingwen Dou
- Department of gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Pu Cui
- Department of gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jicun Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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Cao T, Wu H, Ji T. Bioinformatics-based construction of prognosis-related methylation prediction model for pancreatic cancer patients and its application value. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1086309. [PMID: 36969862 PMCID: PMC10034005 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1086309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a highly malignant gastrointestinal tumor with almost similar morbidity and mortality. In this study, based on bioinformatics, we investigated the role of gene methylation in PAAD, evaluated relevant factors affecting patient prognosis, screened potential anti-cancer small molecule drugs, and constructed a prediction model to assess the prognosis of PAAD.Methods: Clinical and genomic data of PAAD were collected from the Tumor Genome Atlas Project (TCGA) database and gene expression profiles were obtained from the GTEX database. Analysis of differentially methylated genes (DMGs) and significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was performed on tumorous samples with KRAS wild-type and normal samples using the “limma” package and combined analysis. We selected factors significantly associated with survival from the significantly differentially methylated and expressed genes (DMEGs), and their fitting into a relatively streamlined prognostic model was validated separately from the internal training and test sets and the external ICGC database to show the robustness of the model.Results: In the TCGA database, 2,630 DMGs were identified, with the largest gap between DMGs in the gene body and TSS200 region. 318 DEGs were screened, and the enrichment analysis of DMGs and DEGs was taken to intersect DMEGs, showing that the DMEGs were mainly related to Olfactory transduction, natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity pathway, and Cytokine -cytokine receptor interaction. DMEGs were able to distinguish well between PAAD and paraneoplastic tissues. Through techniques such as drug database and molecular docking, we screened a total of 10 potential oncogenic small molecule compounds, among which felbamate was the most likely target drug for PAAD. We constructed a risk model through combining three DMEGs (S100P, LY6D, and WFDC13) with clinical factors significantly associated with prognosis, and confirmed the model robustness using external and internal validation.Conclusion: The classification model based on DMEGs was able to accurately separate normal samples from tumor samples and find potential anti-PAAD drugs by performing gene-drug interactions on DrugBank.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tengfei Ji
- *Correspondence: Tiansheng Cao, ; Tengfei Ji,
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Ahmed AA, Greenhalf W, Palmer DH, Williams N, Worthington J, Arshad T, Haider S, Alexandrou E, Guneri D, Waller ZAE, Neidle S. The Potent G-Quadruplex-Binding Compound QN-302 Downregulates S100P Gene Expression in Cells and in an In Vivo Model of Pancreatic Cancer. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062452. [PMID: 36985425 PMCID: PMC10051992 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The naphthalene diimide compound QN-302, designed to bind to G-quadruplex DNA sequences within the promoter regions of cancer-related genes, has high anti-proliferative activity in pancreatic cancer cell lines and anti-tumor activity in several experimental models for the disease. We show here that QN-302 also causes downregulation of the expression of the S100P gene and the S100P protein in cells and in vivo. This protein is well established as being involved in key proliferation and motility pathways in several human cancers and has been identified as a potential biomarker in pancreatic cancer. The S100P gene contains 60 putative quadruplex-forming sequences, one of which is in the promoter region, 48 nucleotides upstream from the transcription start site. We report biophysical and molecular modeling studies showing that this sequence forms a highly stable G-quadruplex in vitro, which is further stabilized by QN-302. We also report transcriptome analyses showing that S100P expression is highly upregulated in tissues from human pancreatic cancer tumors, compared to normal pancreas material. The extent of upregulation is dependent on the degree of differentiation of tumor cells, with the most poorly differentiated, from more advanced disease, having the highest level of S100P expression. The experimental drug QN-302 is currently in pre-IND development (as of Q1 2023), and its ability to downregulate S100P protein expression supports a role for this protein as a marker of therapeutic response in pancreatic cancer. These results are also consistent with the hypothesis that the S100P promoter G-quadruplex is a potential therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer at the transcriptional level for QN-302.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Ahmed
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
- Guy's Cancer Centre, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - William Greenhalf
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7BE, UK
| | - Daniel H Palmer
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7BE, UK
| | | | | | | | - Shozeb Haider
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | | | - Dilek Guneri
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Zoe A E Waller
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Stephen Neidle
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
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9
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Biel TG, Petrovskaya S, Mascia F, Ju T, Fashoyin-Aje L, Herremans KM, Riner AN, Underwood PW, Gerber MH, Donoghue M, Trevino JG, Rao VA. Transcriptomic analysis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma specimens obtained from Black and White patients. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281182. [PMID: 36812168 PMCID: PMC9946261 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In pancreatic cancer clinical trials, Black patients are under-represented while having higher morbidity and mortality rates as compared to other racial groups. Multiple factors, including socioeconomic and lifestyle factors may contribute to this disparity, but genomic contributions remain unclear. In an exploratory project to identify genes that may contribute to differences in survival between Black (n = 8) and White (n = 20) patients with pancreatic cancer, transcriptomic sequencing of over 24,900 genes was performed in human pancreatic tumor and non-tumor tissue obtained from Black and White patients. Over 4,400 genes were differentially expressed in tumor and non-tumor tissue, irrespective of race. To validate these results, the expression of four genes (AGR2, POSTN, TFF1, and CP) reported to be up-regulated in pancreatic tumor tissue as compared to non-tumor tissue were confirmed using quantitative PCR. Transcriptomic analysis that compared pancreatic tumor tissue from Black and White patients revealed differential expression in 1,200 genes, while a comparison of the non-tumor and tumor gene expression differences within each race revealed over 1,500 tumor-specific differentially expressed genes in pancreatic tumor and non-tumor tissue from Black patients. We identified TSPAN8 as a potential tumor-specific gene significantly overexpressed in pancreatic tumor tissue in Black patients as compared to White patients. Using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software to compare the race-associated gene expression profiles, over 40 canonical pathways were identified to be potentially impacted by the gene expression differences between the races. Heightened expression of TSPAN8 was associated with poor overall survival, suggesting TSPAN8 as one potential genetic factor contributing to the differential outcomes in Black patients with pancreatic cancer, supporting the potential utility of larger genomic studies to further explore the role of TSPAN8 in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G. Biel
- Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Svetlana Petrovskaya
- Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Francesca Mascia
- Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tongzhong Ju
- Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lola Fashoyin-Aje
- Office of Oncologic Diseases, Office of New Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kelly M. Herremans
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Andrea N. Riner
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Patrick W. Underwood
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Michael H. Gerber
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Martha Donoghue
- Office of Oncologic Diseases, Office of New Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jose G. Trevino
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - V. Ashutosh Rao
- Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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10
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Guo H, Wang Y, Gou L, Wang X, Tang Y, Wang X. A novel prognostic model based on urea cycle-related gene signature for colorectal cancer. Front Surg 2022; 9:1027655. [PMID: 36338624 PMCID: PMC9633963 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.1027655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. This study aimed to develop a urea cycle (UC)-related gene signature that provides a theoretical foundation for the prognosis and treatment of patients with CRC. Methods Differentially expressed UC-related genes in CRC were confirmed using differential analysis and Venn diagrams. Univariate Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analyses were performed to identify UC-related prognostic genes. A UC-related signature was created and confirmed using distinct datasets. Independent prognostic predictors were authenticated using Cox analysis. The Cell-type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of RNA Transcripts algorithm and Spearman method were applied to probe the linkage between UC-related prognostic genes and tumor immune-infiltrating cells. The Human Protein Atlas database was used to determine the protein expression levels of prognostic genes in CRC and normal tissues. Verification of the expression levels of UC-related prognostic genes in clinical tissue samples was performed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results A total of 49 DEUCRGs in CRC were mined. Eight prognostic genes (TIMP1, FABP4, MMP3, MMP1, CD177, CA2, S100P, and SPP1) were identified to construct a UC-related gene signature. The signature was then affirmed using an external validation set. The risk score was demonstrated to be a credible independent prognostic predictor using Cox regression analysis. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, IL-17 signaling pathway, and nitrogen metabolism were associated with the UC-related gene signature. Immune infiltration and correlation analyses revealed a significant correlation between UC-related prognostic genes and differential immune cells between the two risk subgroups. Finally, the qPCR results of clinical samples further confirmed the results of the public database. Conclusion Taken together, this study authenticated UC-related prognostic genes and developed a gene signature for the prognosis of CRC, which will be of great significance in the identification of prognostic molecular biomarkers, clinical prognosis prediction, and development of treatment strategies for patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yuanbiao Wang
- Department of Yunnan Tumor Research Institute, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Lei Gou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yong Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xianfei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Correspondence: Xianfei Wang
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11
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Li Q, Xie D, Yao L, Qiu H, You P, Deng J, Li C, Zhan W, Weng M, Wu S, Li F, Zhou Y, Zeng F, Zheng Y, Zhou H. Combining autophagy and immune characterizations to predict prognosis and therapeutic response in lung adenocarcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:944378. [PMID: 36177001 PMCID: PMC9513242 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.944378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autophagy, a key regulator of programmed cell death, is critical for maintaining the stability of the intracellular environment. Increasing evidence has revealed the clinical importance of interactions between autophagy and immune status in lung adenocarcinoma. The present study evaluated the potential of autophagy-immune-derived biomarkers to predict prognosis and therapeutic response in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Methods Patients from the GSE72094 dataset were randomized 7:3 to a training set and an internal validation set. Three independent cohorts, TCGA, GSE31210, and GSE37745, were used for external verification. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering based on autophagy- and immune-associated genes was used to identify autophagy- and immune-associated molecular patterns, respectively. Significantly prognostic autophagy-immune genes were identified by LASSO analysis and by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Differences in tumor immune microenvironments, functional pathways, and potential therapeutic responses were investigated to differentiate high-risk and low-risk groups. Results High autophagy status and high immune status were associated with improved overall survival. Autophagy and immune subtypes were merged into a two-dimensional index to characterize the combined prognostic classifier, with 535 genes defined as autophagy-immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Four genes (C4BPA, CD300LG, CD96, and S100P) were identified to construct an autophagy-immune-related prognostic risk model. Survival and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses showed that this model was significantly prognostic of survival. Patterns of autophagy and immune genes differed in low- and high-risk patients. Enrichment of most immune infiltrating cells was greater, and the expression of crucial immune checkpoint molecules was higher, in the low-risk group. TIDE and immunotherapy clinical cohort analysis predicted that the low-risk group had more potential responders to immunotherapy. GO, KEGG, and GSEA function analysis identified immune- and autophagy-related pathways. Autophagy inducers were observed in patients in the low-risk group, whereas the high-risk group was sensitive to autophagy inhibitors. The expression of the four genes was assessed in clinical specimens and cell lines. Conclusions The autophagy-immune-based gene signature represents a promising tool for risk stratification in patients with lung adenocarcinoma, guiding individualized targeted therapy or immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaxuan Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Daipeng Xie
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lintong Yao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Hongrui Qiu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peimeng You
- Department of Thoracic radiology, Cancer Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research (Jiangxi Cancer Hospital of Nanchang University), Nanchang, China
| | - Jialong Deng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Congsen Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Weijie Zhan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Maotao Weng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Shaowei Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Fasheng Li
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yubo Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fanjun Zeng
- Department of General Practice, Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyu Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Jiangxi Lung Cancer Institute, Nanchang, China
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12
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Synthesis and anticancer screening of some novel Pd-catalysed 3-methyl indole based analogues on Mia PaCa-2 cell line. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.133211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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13
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Wang Z, Liu Y, Zhan X, Wang X, Zhang C, Qin L, Liu L, Qin S. A novel prognostic signature of metastasis-associated genes and personalized therapeutic strategy for lung adenocarcinoma patients. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:5571-5589. [PMID: 35830566 PMCID: PMC9320549 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a highly invasive and metastatic malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to construct a prognostic signature for LUAD patients based on metastasis-associated genes (MAGs). RNA expression profiles were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. RRA method was applied to identify differentially expressed MAGs. A total of 192 significantly robust MAGs were determined among seven GEO datasets. MAGs were initially selected through the Lasso Cox regression analysis and 6 MAGs were included to construct a prognostic signature model. Transcriptome profile, patient prognosis, correlation between the risk score and clinicopathological features, immune cell infiltration characteristics, immunotherapy sensitivity and chemotherapy sensitivity differed between low- and high-risk groups after grouping according to median risk score. The reliability and applicability of the signature were further validated in the GSE31210, GSE50081 and GSE68465 cohort. CMap predicted 62 small molecule drugs on the base of the prognostic MAGs. Targeted drug staurosporine had hydrogen bonding with Gln-172 of SLC2A1, which is one of MAGs. Staurosporine could inhibit cell migration in A549 and H1299. We further verified mRNA and protein expression of 6 MAGs in A549 and H1299. The signature can serve as a promising prognostic tool and may provide a novel personalized therapeutic strategy for LUAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Wang
- Hubei University of Science and Technology Xianning Medical College, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Yusi Liu
- Hubei University of Science and Technology Xianning Medical College, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Xiaoqian Zhan
- Institute of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Institute of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Institute of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Lingzhi Qin
- Institute of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Liwei Liu
- Institute of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shenghui Qin
- Institute of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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14
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Garcia V, Perera YR, Chazin WJ. A Structural Perspective on Calprotectin as a Ligand of Receptors Mediating Inflammation and Potential Drug Target. Biomolecules 2022; 12:519. [PMID: 35454108 PMCID: PMC9026754 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Calprotectin, a heterodimer of S100A8 and S100A9 EF-hand calcium-binding proteins, is an integral part of the innate immune response. Calprotectin (CP) serves as a ligand for several pattern recognition cell surface receptors including the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and cluster of differentiation 33 (CD33). The receptors initiate kinase signaling cascades that activate inflammation through the NF-kB pathway. Receptor activation by CP leads to upregulation of both receptor and ligand, a positive feedback loop associated with specific chronic inflammatory syndromes. Hence, CP and its two constituent homodimers have been viewed as potential targets to suppress certain chronic inflammation pathologies. A variety of inhibitors of CP and other S100 proteins have been investigated for more than 30 years, but no candidates have advanced significantly into clinical trials. Here, current knowledge of the interactions of CP with its receptors is reviewed along with recent progress towards the development of CP-directed chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velia Garcia
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA;
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA;
| | - Yasiru Randika Perera
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Walter Jacob Chazin
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA;
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
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15
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3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)phenylsulfonamides, a novel pancreatic cancer active lead. Investigation of the terminal aromatic moiety. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 61:128591. [PMID: 35114371 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Virtual screening identified N-(6-((4-bromobenzyl)amino)hexyl)-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzenesulfonamide (1) a lead compound that bound to the S100A2-p53 binding groove. S100A2 is a Ca2+ binding protein with implications in cell signaling and is known to be upregulated in pancreatic cancer. It is a validated pancreatic cancer drug target. Lead 1, inhibited the growth of the MiaPaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cell line (GI50 = 2.97 μM). Focused compound libraries were developed to explore the SAR of this compound class with 4 libraries and 43 compounds total. Focused library (Library 1) development identified lipophillic sulfonamides as preferred for MiaPaCa-2 activity, with -CF3 and -C(CH3)3 substituents well tolerated (MiaPaCa-2 GI50 < 6 μM). Contraction of the hexylamino spacer to ethyl (Library 2) and propyl (Library 3) proved beneficial to activity against a broad spectrum panel of cancer cell lines: HT29 (lung), MCF-7 (breast), A2780 (ovarian), H460 (colon), A431 (skin), Du145 (prostate), BE2-C (neuroblastoma), U87 and SJ-G2 (glioblastoma) (cohort-1); and a pancreatic cancer cell line panel: MiaPaCa-2, BxPC-3, AsPC-1, Capan-2, HPAC and PANC-1 (cohort-2). With a marked preference for a propyl linker the observed GI50 values ranged from 1.4 - 18 μM against cohort-1 and 1.4-18 μM against cohort-2 cell lines. In Library 4 the terminal aromatic moiety was explored with 4-substituted analogues preferred (with activity of 48 (4-Cl) >47 (3-Cl) >46 (2-Cl)) against the cell lines examined. The introduction of bulky aromatic moieties was well tolerated, e.g. dihydrobenzo[b]1,4dioxine (51) returned cohort-2 GI50 values of 1.7 - 3.4 μM. In all instances the observed docked binding poses and binding scores were consistent with the observed cytotoxicity. This in turn supports, but does not prove, that these analogues function via S100A2-p53 binding groove inhibition.
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16
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Wu J, Zhou J, Xu Q, Foley R, Guo J, Zhang X, Tian C, Mu M, Xing Y, Liu Y, Wang X, Hu D. Identification of Key Genes Driving Tumor Associated Macrophage Migration and Polarization Based on Immune Fingerprints of Lung Adenocarcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:751800. [PMID: 34805160 PMCID: PMC8600368 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.751800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of reliable indicators in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for tumor prognosis. Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are the major component of non-tumor stromal cells in TME and have increasingly been recognized as a predictive biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) prognosis. Here, we report the development of a prognosis model for LUAD using three immune-related genes (IRGs) detected in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) which potentially regulate TAMs in TME. In 497 LUAD patients, higher immune scores conferred better overall survival (OS). We identified 93 hub IRGs out of 234 for further prognostic significance. Among them, three IRGs (BTK, Cd1c, and S100P) were proved to be closely correlated to the prognosis of patients with LUAD. Moreover, the immune risk score (IRS) based on the gene expression level of the three IRGs was an independent prognostic factor for OS. Higher IRS predicted lower OS, higher mortality and worse tumor stage. With a good predictive ability [area under the ROC curve (AUC) in TCGA = 0.701, AUC in GEO = 0.722], the IRS contributed to a good risk stratification ability of the nomogram. Immunologically, the three IRGs were related to M1 macrophages and NK cell subsets in TME. Interestingly, by characterizing these immune components in situ we found that S100P is a driver for tumor cells to induce TAM migration and M2 polarization in the immunosuppressive tumor niche. We identified the key genes driving TAM migration and transformation and elucidated the immune landscape of LUAD. The data suggest that IRGs from TME have the potential to become indicators for estimating cancer prognosis and guiding individualized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control & Occupational Safety and Health of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Jiawei Zhou
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Qian Xu
- The Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ruth Foley
- The Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jianqiang Guo
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Chang Tian
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control & Occupational Safety and Health of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Min Mu
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control & Occupational Safety and Health of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Yingru Xing
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Yafeng Liu
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Xueqin Wang
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Dong Hu
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control & Occupational Safety and Health of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
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17
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Li X, Qiu N, Li Q. Prognostic Values and Clinical Significance of S100 Family Member's Individualized mRNA Expression in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Front Genet 2021; 12:758725. [PMID: 34804125 PMCID: PMC8595214 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.758725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a common malignant tumor worldwide. S100 family (S100s) is wildly involved in regulating the occurrence, development, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, and drug resistance of many malignant tumors. However, the expression pattern, prognostic value, and oncological role of individual S100s members in PAAD need to be elucidated. Methods: The transcriptional expression levels of S100s were analyzed through the Oncomine and GEPIA, respectively. The protein levels of S100s members in PAAD were studied by Human Protein Atlas. The correlation between S100 mRNA expression and overall survival and tumor stage in PAAD patients was studied by GEPIA. The transcriptional expression correlation and gene mutation rate of S100s members in PAAD patients were explored by cBioPortal. The co-expression networks of S100s are identified using STRING and Gene MANIA to predict their potential functions. The correlation of S100s expression and tumor-infiltrating immune cells was tested by TIMER. Pathway activity and drug target analyzed by GSCALite. Results: 13 S100s members were upregulated in PAAD tissues. 15 S100s members were associated with TP53 mutation. Expression levels of S100A3/A5/A6/A10/A11/A14/A16/B/P/Z were significantly correlated with the pathological stage. Prognosis analysis demonstrated that PAAD patients with low mRNA levels of S100A1/B/Z or high levels of S100A2/A3/A5/A10/A11/A14/A16 had a poor prognosis. Immuno-infiltration analysis showed that the mRNA levels of S100A10/A11/A14/A16 were correlated with the infiltration degree of macrophages in PAAD. Drug sensitivity analysis showed that PAAD expressing high levels of S100A2/A6/A10/A11/A13/A14/A16 maybe resistant to small molecule drugs. Conclusion: This study identifies the clinical significance and biological functions of the S100s in PAAD, which may provide novel insights for the selection of prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Li
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ning Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, Guangdong Southern Marine Science & Engineering Laboratory (Guangzhou), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qijuan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
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18
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Wu Y, Zhou Q, Guo F, Chen M, Tao X, Dong D. S100 Proteins in Pancreatic Cancer: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Front Oncol 2021; 11:711180. [PMID: 34527585 PMCID: PMC8435722 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.711180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant tumor occurring in the digestive system. Currently, there is a lack of specific and effective interventions for PC; thus, further exploration regarding the pathogenesis of this malignancy is warranted. The S100 protein family, a collection of calcium-binding proteins expressed only in vertebrates, comprises 25 members with high sequence and structural similarity. Dysregulated expression of S100 proteins is a biomarker of cancer progression and prognosis. Functionally, these proteins are associated with the regulation of multiple cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, growth, differentiation, enzyme activation, migration/invasion, Ca2+ homeostasis, and energy metabolism. This review highlights the significance of the S100 family in the diagnosis and prognosis of PC and its vital functions in tumor cell metastasis, invasion and proliferation. A further understanding of S100 proteins will provide potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fangyue Guo
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Mingming Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xufeng Tao
- School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Deshi Dong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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19
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Shen Q, Zheng G, Zhou Y, Tong J, Xu S, Gao H, Zhang X, Fu Q. CircRNA circ_0092314 Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Pancreatic Cancer Cells via Elevating the Expression of S100P by Sponging miR-671. Front Oncol 2021; 11:675442. [PMID: 33842379 PMCID: PMC8027261 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.675442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) is a novel class of non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression during cancer progression. Circ_0092314 is a newly discovered circRNA that was upregulated in pancreatic cancer (PAAD) tissues. However, the detailed functions and underlying mechanisms of circ_0092314 in PAAD cells remain unclear. Methods We first determined the expression of circ_0092314 in PAAD and normal tissues and further investigated the functional roles of circ_0092314 in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PAAD cells. We also assessed the regulatory action of circ_0092314 on the microRNA-671 (miR-671) and its target S100P. Results Circ_0092314 was markedly upregulated in PAAD tissues and cells, and its overexpression was closely correlated with worse prognosis of PAAD patients. Functionally, circ_0092314 promotes proliferation, invasion and EMT in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that circ_0092314 directly binds to miR-671 and relieve its suppression of the downstream target S100P, which induces EMT and activates the AKT signaling pathway. The tumor-promoting effects caused by overexpression of circ_0092314 could be revered by re-expression of miR-671 in PAAD cells. Conclusions Overall, our study demonstrates that circ_0092314 exerts critical roles in promoting the EMT features of PAAD cells, and provides insight into how elevated expression of circ_0092314 might influence PAAD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Shen
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, The Fifth Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Tong
- Department of PICC, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sanpeng Xu
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaofan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Mathai AM, Alexander J, Huang HY, Li CF, Jeng YM, Fung KM, Harris WP, Swanson PE, Truong C, Yeh MM. S100P as a marker for poor survival and advanced stage in gallbladder carcinoma. Ann Diagn Pathol 2021; 52:151736. [PMID: 33798925 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2021.151736] [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: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Gallbladder carcinomas usually present in advanced stages and has a dismal prognosis despite modern imaging techniques and aggressive surgical intervention. Identification of biologic markers for early diagnosis and improved therapeutic strategies is thus of paramount importance. S100P has been identified in a variety of malignant neoplasms of the gastrointestinal and pancreaticobiliary systems, but it is not yet known if S100P expression is associated with clinically-relevant characteristics of gall bladder carcinoma. The aims of the present study were: 1) to investigate the relationship between S100P expression and histological type, grade, tumor-node-metastasis stage, presence of vascular invasion, perineural invasion and necrosis; and 2) to evaluate for any S100P-defined difference in the risk for tumor recurrence or death. METHOD Immunostains for S100P were performed on 4 tissue microarray blocks containing 91 cases of gall bladder carcinoma. RESULT The intensity of S100P staining was significantly associated with pathological T stage 4 (p = 0. 0238). Staining intensity ≥3 in ≥25% tumor cells was associated with pathological T stage 4 (p = 0.0005). A higher S100P immunoreactivity score (IRS) was significantly associated with higher TNM stage (p = 0.0341). Age (p = 0.0485), presence of vascular invasion (p = 0.0359), pathological T stage (p = 0.0291) and TNM stage (p = 0.0153) were significantly associated with tumor recurrence. Intense S100P reactivity was associated with decreased overall survival [hazard ratio = 9.614; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.873-49.338; p = 0.0067]. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that S100P over-expression is a potential prognostic marker for gall bladder carcinoma and is significantly associated with advanced tumor stage and poorer survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alka Mary Mathai
- Department of Pathology, Sree Uthradom Thirunal Academy of Medical Sciences, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Jacob Alexander
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School - Baystate Health, Springfield, MA, United States
| | - Hsuan-Ying Huang
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Feng Li
- Department of Pathology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Ming Jeng
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kar-Ming Fung
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - William P Harris
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Paul E Swanson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Camtu Truong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Matthew M Yeh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.
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