1
|
Freeman DW, Gates BL, Spendlove MD, Gulbahce HE, Spike BT. CRIPTO promotes extracellular vesicle uptake and activation of cancer associated fibroblasts. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.01.583059. [PMID: 38496478 PMCID: PMC10942388 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.01.583059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Expression of CRIPTO, a factor involved in embryonic stem cells, fetal development, and wound healing, is tied to poor prognosis in multiple cancers. Prior studies in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) models showed CRIPTO blockade inhibits tumor growth and dissemination. Here, we uncover a previously unidentified role for CRIPTO in orchestrating tumor-derived extracellular vesicle (TEV) uptake and fibroblast activation through discrete mechanisms. We found a novel mechanism by which CRIPTO drives aggressive TNBC phenotypes, involving CRIPTO-laden TEVs that program stromal fibroblasts, toward cancer associated fibroblast cell states, which in turn prompt tumor cell invasion. CRIPTO-bearing TEVs exhibited markedly elevated uptake in target fibroblasts and activated SMAD2/3 through NODAL-independent and - dependent mechanisms, respectively. Engineered expression of CRIPTO on EVs enhanced the delivery of bioactive molecules. In vivo , CRIPTO levels dictated TEV uptake in mouse lungs, a site of EV-regulated premetastatic niches important for breast cancer dissemination. These discoveries reveal a novel role for CRIPTO in coordinating heterotypic cellular crosstalk which offers novel insights into breast cancer progression, delivery of therapeutic molecules, and new, potentially targetable mechanisms of heterotypic cellular communication between tumor cells and the TME.
Collapse
|
2
|
Xu C, Zou J, Li L, Yuan Q, Wang W. Elevated serum Cripto‐1 and
VEGF
levels in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer. FASEB Bioadv 2022; 4:539-546. [PMID: 35949510 PMCID: PMC9353448 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2022-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cripto‐1 (CR‐1) facilitates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, and these markers are associated with various tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The main aim of our study was to investigate the clinical value of CR‐1 and VEGF for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Serum samples were collected from 312 patients with NSCLC and 120 healthy controls. The levels of CR‐1 and VEGF were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum levels of CR‐1 and VEGF in NSCLC patients were significantly higher than those of healthy controls (p < 0.05). Elevated CR‐1 levels were associated with progression of NSCLC stage and higher CR‐1 was detected more in patients with distant metastasis (p < 0.05). Patients exhibiting low levels of serum CR‐1 had better overall survival than those with high levels (p < 0.05). The CR‐1 levels of NSCLC patients with postoperative recurrent were higher than those of nonrecurrent NSCLC patients. Our study suggests that serum CR‐1 and VEGF are useful biomarker for NSCLC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunhua Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital Nanjing Medical University Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029 China
- Clinical Center of Nanjing Respiratory Diseases and Imaging Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029 China
| | - Jue Zou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital Nanjing Medical University Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029 China
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital Nanjing Medical University Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029 China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital Nanjing Medical University Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029 China
- Clinical Center of Nanjing Respiratory Diseases and Imaging Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029 China
| | - Qi Yuan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital Nanjing Medical University Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029 China
- Clinical Center of Nanjing Respiratory Diseases and Imaging Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029 China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital Nanjing Medical University Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029 China
- Clinical Center of Nanjing Respiratory Diseases and Imaging Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029 China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Balcioglu O, Heinz RE, Freeman DW, Gates BL, Hagos BM, Booker E, Mirzaei Mehrabad E, Diesen HT, Bhakta K, Ranganathan S, Kachi M, Leblanc M, Gray PC, Spike BT. CRIPTO antagonist ALK4 L75A-Fc inhibits breast cancer cell plasticity and adaptation to stress. Breast Cancer Res 2020; 22:125. [PMID: 33187540 PMCID: PMC7664111 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-020-01361-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CRIPTO is a multi-functional signaling protein that promotes stemness and oncogenesis. We previously developed a CRIPTO antagonist, ALK4L75A-Fc, and showed that it causes loss of the stem cell phenotype in normal mammary epithelia suggesting it may similarly inhibit CRIPTO-dependent plasticity in breast cancer cells. METHODS We focused on two triple negative breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) to measure the effects of ALK4L75A-Fc on cancer cell behavior under nutrient deprivation and endoplasmic reticulum stress. We characterized the proliferation and migration of these cells in vitro using time-lapse microscopy and characterized stress-dependent changes in the levels and distribution of CRIPTO signaling mediators and cancer stem cell markers. We also assessed the effects of ALK4L75A-Fc on proliferation, EMT, and stem cell markers in vivo as well as on tumor growth and metastasis using inducible lentiviral delivery or systemic administration of purified ALK4L75A-Fc, which represents a candidate therapeutic approach. RESULTS ALK4L75A-Fc inhibited adaptive responses of breast cancer cells under conditions of nutrient and ER stress and reduced their proliferation, migration, clonogenicity, and expression of EMT and cancer stem cell markers. ALK4L75A-Fc also inhibited proliferation of human breast cancer cells in stressed tumor microenvironments in xenografts and reduced both primary tumor size and metastatic burden. CONCLUSIONS Cancer cell adaptation to stresses such as nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, and chemotherapy can critically contribute to dormancy, metastasis, therapy resistance, and recurrence. Identifying mechanisms that govern cellular adaptation, plasticity, and the emergence of stem-like cancer cells may be key to effective anticancer therapies. Results presented here indicate that targeting CRIPTO with ALK4L75A-Fc may have potential as such a therapy since it inhibits breast cancer cell adaptation to microenvironmental challenges and associated stem-like and EMT phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozlen Balcioglu
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Richard E Heinz
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - David W Freeman
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Brooke L Gates
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Berhane M Hagos
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Evan Booker
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | | | - Hyrum T Diesen
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Kishan Bhakta
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Supraja Ranganathan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Masami Kachi
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Mathias Leblanc
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Peter C Gray
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Present Address: Biotheranostics Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Benjamin T Spike
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rodrigues Sousa E, Zoni E, Karkampouna S, La Manna F, Gray PC, De Menna M, Kruithof-de Julio M. A Multidisciplinary Review of the Roles of Cripto in the Scientific Literature Through a Bibliometric Analysis of its Biological Roles. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061480. [PMID: 32517087 PMCID: PMC7352664 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cripto is a small glycosylphosphatidylinisitol (GPI)-anchored and secreted oncofetal protein that plays important roles in regulating normal physiological processes, including stem cell differentiation, embryonal development, and tissue growth and remodeling, as well as pathological processes such as tumor initiation and progression. Cripto functions as a co-receptor for TGF-β ligands such as Nodal, GDF1, and GDF3. Soluble and secreted forms of Cripto also exhibit growth factor-like activity and activate SRC/MAPK/PI3K/AKT pathways. Glucose-Regulated Protein 78 kDa (GRP78) binds Cripto at the cell surface and has been shown to be required for Cripto signaling via both TGF-β and SRC/MAPK/PI3K/AKT pathways. To provide a comprehensive overview of the scientific literature related to Cripto, we performed, for the first time, a bibliometric analysis of the biological roles of Cripto as reported in the scientific literature covering the last 10 years. We present different fields of knowledge in comprehensive areas of research on Cripto, ranging from basic to translational research, using a keyword-driven approach. Our ultimate aim is to aid the scientific community in conducting targeted research by identifying areas where research has been conducted so far and, perhaps more importantly, where critical knowledge is still missing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rodrigues Sousa
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Eugenio Zoni
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
- Department of Urology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sofia Karkampouna
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Federico La Manna
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
- Department of Urology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marta De Menna
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Marianna Kruithof-de Julio
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
- Department of Urology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sato J, Karasawa H, Suzuki T, Nakayama S, Katagiri M, Maeda S, Ohnuma S, Motoi F, Naitoh T, Unno M. The Function and Prognostic Significance of Cripto-1 in Colorectal Cancer. Cancer Invest 2020; 38:214-227. [PMID: 32157913 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2020.1741604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Cripto-1 is a plasma membrane protein which is not expressed in adult tissue, but some tumors are accompanied by re-activation. We studied the clinical and biological significance of Cripto-1 in colorectal cancer. Cripto-1 was positive in 68 out of 192 cases (35%) by immunohistochemistry. Cripto-1 expression was correlated with worse prognosis and was an independent prognostic factor. Cripto-1-silenced colorectal cancer cell lines had reduced cell proliferation, migration, and activation of Akt and MAPK signaling pathways in vitro, and decreased tumor growth and lymph node metastasis in vivo. Cripto-1 could be a useful prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Sato
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hideaki Karasawa
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shun Nakayama
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Munetoshi Katagiri
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shimpei Maeda
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shinobu Ohnuma
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Fuyuhiko Motoi
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takeshi Naitoh
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Michiaki Unno
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sandomenico A, Ruvo M. Targeting Nodal and Cripto-1: Perspectives Inside Dual Potential Theranostic Cancer Biomarkers. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:1994-2050. [PMID: 30207211 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180912104707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elucidating the mechanisms of recurrence of embryonic signaling pathways in tumorigenesis has led to the discovery of onco-fetal players which have physiological roles during normal development but result aberrantly re-activated in tumors. In this context, Nodal and Cripto-1 are recognized as onco-developmental factors, which are absent in normal tissues but are overexpressed in several solid tumors where they can serve as theranostic agents. OBJECTIVE To collect, review and discuss the most relevant papers related to the involvement of Nodal and Cripto-1 in the development, progression, recurrence and metastasis of several tumors where they are over-expressed, with a particular attention to their occurrence on the surface of the corresponding sub-populations of cancer stem cells (CSC). RESULTS We have gathered, rationalized and discussed the most interesting findings extracted from some 370 papers related to the involvement of Cripto-1 and Nodal in all tumor types where they have been detected. Data demonstrate the clear connection between Nodal and Cripto-1 presence and their multiple oncogenic activities across different tumors. We have also reviewed and highlighted the potential of targeting Nodal, Cripto-1 and the complexes that they form on the surface of tumor cells, especially of CSC, as an innovative approach to detect and suppress tumors with molecules that block one or more mechanisms that they regulate. CONCLUSION Overall, Nodal and Cripto-1 represent two innovative and effective biomarkers for developing potential theranostic anti-tumor agents that target normal as well as CSC subpopulations and overcome both pharmacological resistance and tumor relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Sandomenico
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
In vivo and in vitro study of co-expression of LMP1 and Cripto-1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2019; 86:617-625. [PMID: 31375471 PMCID: PMC9422379 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, an epithelial-derived malignant tumor which because of its anatomical location and atypical early symptoms, when diagnosed invasion and metastasis often have occurred. This requires a better understanding of the development mechanism, identifying diagnostic markers, and developing new treatment strategies. OBJECTIVE To study the relationship of LMP1 and Cripto-1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS The expression of LMP1 and Cripto-1 in specimens obtained from nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients (n=42) and nasopharyngitis patients (n=22) were examined. The expression of LMP1 and Cripto-1 in LMP1-negative and LMP1-positive (CNE1-LMP1) cells were also examined. RESULTS The expression of LMP1 and Cripto-1 was significantly higher in nasopharyngeal carcinoma than in nasopharyngitis (p<0.05). Their expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma with metastasis were significantly higher than that without metastasis (p<0.05), which was correlated with TNM staging (p<0.05). High Cripto-1 expression and high proliferation rate were seen in CNE1-LMP1 cells. CONCLUSIONS The expression of LMP1 and Cripto-1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma is positively related. Their co-expression might contribute to the proliferation and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Collapse
|
8
|
Focà G, Iaccarino E, Focà A, Sanguigno L, Untiveros G, Cuevas-Nunez M, Strizzi L, Leonardi A, Ruvo M, Sandomenico A. Development of conformational antibodies targeting Cripto-1 with neutralizing effects in vitro. Biochimie 2019; 158:246-256. [PMID: 30703478 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Human Cripto-1 (Cripto-1), the founding member of the EGF-CFC superfamily, is a key regulator of many processes during embryonic development and oncogenesis. Cripto-1 is barely present or even absent in normal adult tissues while it is aberrantly re-expressed in various tumors. Blockade of the CFC domain-mediated Cripto-1 functions is acknowledged as a promising therapeutic intervention point to inhibit the tumorigenic activity of the protein. In this work, we report the generation and characterization of murine monoclonal antibodies raised against the synthetic folded CFC [112-150] domain of the human protein. Through subtractive ELISA assays clones were screened for the ability to specifically recognize "hot spot" residues on the CFC domain, which are crucial for the interaction with Activin Type I receptor (ALK4) and GRP78. On selected antibodies, SPR and epitope mapping studies have confirmed their specificity and have revealed that recognition occurs only on a conformational epitope. Furthermore, FACS analyses have confirmed the ability of 1B4 antibody to recognize the membrane-anchored and soluble native Cripto-1 protein in a panel of human cancer cells. Finally, we have evaluated its functional effects through in vitro cellular signaling assays and cell cycle analysis. These findings suggest that the selected anti-CFC mAbs have the potential to neutralize the protein oncogenic activity and may be used as theranostic molecules suitable as tumor homing agents for Cripto-1-overexpressing cancer cells and tissues and to overcome drug-resistance in routine cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Focà
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Iaccarino
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Annalia Focà
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Sanguigno
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Gustavo Untiveros
- Midwestern University, Colleges of Graduate Studies, Dwners Grove, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maria Cuevas-Nunez
- Midwestern University, Colleges of Graduate Studies, Dwners Grove, Chicago, IL, USA; College of Dental Medicine, Dwners Grove, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Luigi Strizzi
- Midwestern University, Colleges of Graduate Studies, Dwners Grove, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Antonio Leonardi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Sandomenico
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xu CH, Chi CZ, Zhang Q, Wang YC, Wang W, Yuan Q, Zhan P, Zhang XW, Lin Y. Diagnostic and prognostic value of serum Cripto-1 in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2018; 12:2469-2474. [PMID: 29570945 DOI: 10.1111/crj.12793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chun Hua Xu
- Endoscopic Center of Nanjing Chest Hospital; Nanjing Jiangsu 210029 People's Republic of China
- Clinical Center of Nanjing Respiratory Diseases and Imaging; Nanjing Jiangsu 210029 People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Zhen Chi
- Endoscopic Center of Nanjing Chest Hospital; Nanjing Jiangsu 210029 People's Republic of China
- Clinical Center of Nanjing Respiratory Diseases and Imaging; Nanjing Jiangsu 210029 People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Endoscopic Center of Nanjing Chest Hospital; Nanjing Jiangsu 210029 People's Republic of China
- Clinical Center of Nanjing Respiratory Diseases and Imaging; Nanjing Jiangsu 210029 People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Chao Wang
- Endoscopic Center of Nanjing Chest Hospital; Nanjing Jiangsu 210029 People's Republic of China
- Clinical Center of Nanjing Respiratory Diseases and Imaging; Nanjing Jiangsu 210029 People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Endoscopic Center of Nanjing Chest Hospital; Nanjing Jiangsu 210029 People's Republic of China
- Clinical Center of Nanjing Respiratory Diseases and Imaging; Nanjing Jiangsu 210029 People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Yuan
- Endoscopic Center of Nanjing Chest Hospital; Nanjing Jiangsu 210029 People's Republic of China
- Clinical Center of Nanjing Respiratory Diseases and Imaging; Nanjing Jiangsu 210029 People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Zhan
- Endoscopic Center of Nanjing Chest Hospital; Nanjing Jiangsu 210029 People's Republic of China
- Clinical Center of Nanjing Respiratory Diseases and Imaging; Nanjing Jiangsu 210029 People's Republic of China
| | - Xiu Wei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine; Nanjing Jiangning Hospital; Nanjing Jiangsu 211100 People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Lin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine; Nanjing Chest Hospital; Nanjing Jiangsu 210029 People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Witt K, Ligtenberg MA, Conti L, Lanzardo S, Ruiu R, Wallmann T, Tufvesson-Stiller H, Chambers BJ, Rolny C, Lladser A, Lundqvist A, Cavallo F, Kiessling R. Cripto-1 Plasmid DNA Vaccination Targets Metastasis and Cancer Stem Cells in Murine Mammary Carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Res 2018; 6:1417-1425. [PMID: 30143536 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-17-0572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer is a fatal disease that responds poorly to treatment. Cancer vaccines targeting antigens expressed by metastatic breast cancer cells and cancer stem cells could function as anticancer therapies. Cripto-1 is an oncofetal protein overexpressed in invasive breast cancer and cancer-initiating cells. In this study, we explored the potential of a Cripto-1-encoding DNA vaccine to target breast cancer in preclinical mouse models. BALB/c mice and BALB-neuT mice were treated with a DNA vaccine encoding mouse Cripto-1 (mCr-1). BALB/c mice were challenged with murine breast cancer 4T1 cells or TUBO spheres; BALB-neuT mice spontaneously developed breast cancer. Tumor growth was followed in all mouse models and lung metastases were evaluated. In vitro assays were performed to identify the immune response elicited by vaccination. Vaccination against mCr-1 reduced primary tumor growth in the 4T1 metastatic breast cancer model and reduced lung metastatic burden. In BALB-neuT mice, because the primary tumors are Cripto-1 negative, vaccination against mCr-1 did not affect primary tumors but did reduce lung metastatic burden. Spheroid-cultured TUBO cells, derived from a BALB/neuT primary tumor, develop a cancer stem cell-like phenotype and express mCr-1. We observed reduced tumor growth in vaccinated mice after challenge with TUBO spheres. Our data indicate that vaccination against Cripto-1 results in a protective immune response against mCr-1 expressing and metastasizing cells. Targeting Cripto-1 by vaccination holds promise as an immunotherapy for treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(11); 1417-25. ©2018 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Witt
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maarten A Ligtenberg
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Stefania Lanzardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Roberto Ruiu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Tatjana Wallmann
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helena Tufvesson-Stiller
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Benedict J Chambers
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Rolny
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alvaro Lladser
- Laboratory of Gene Immunotherapy; Fundación Ciencia and Vida; Santiago, Chile
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Rolf Kiessling
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cripto-1 contributes to stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma by stabilizing Dishevelled-3 and activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Cell Death Differ 2018; 25:1426-1441. [PMID: 29445127 PMCID: PMC6113239 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-018-0059-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification and characterization of functional molecular targets conferring stemness properties in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) offers crucial insights to overcome the major hurdles of tumor recurrence, metastasis and chemoresistance in clinical management. In the current study, we investigated the significance of Cripto-1 in contributing to HCC stemness. Cripto-1 was upregulated in the sorafenib-resistant clones derived from HCC cell lines and patient-derived xenograft that we previously developed, suggesting an association between Cripto-1 and stemness. By in vitro experiments, Cripto-1 fostered cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. It also enhanced self-renewal ability and conferred chemoresistance of HCC cells. Consistently, silencing of Cripto-1 suppressed in vivo tumorigenicity on serial transplantation. On the downstream signaling mechanism, expression of major components of Wnt/β-catenin pathway β-catenin, AXIN2, and C-MYC, accompanied by β-catenin activity was reduced upon Cripto-1 knockdown. The suppressive effects on stemness properties with Cripto-1 knockdown in vitro and in vivo were partially rescued by forced expression of constitutively active β-catenin. Further elucidation revealed the binding of Cripto-1 to Frizzled-7 (FZD7), low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) and Dishevelled-3 (DVL3) of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and stabilized DVL3 protein. Analyses with clinical samples validated Cripto-1 overexpression in HCC tissues, as well as a positive correlation between Cripto-1 and AXIN2 expressions. High Cripto-1 level in tumor was associated with poorer disease-free survival of HCC patients. Taken together, Cripto-1 binds to FZD7/LRP6 and DVL3, stabilizes DVL3 expression and activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade to confer stemness in HCC. Our study findings substantiated the role of Cripto-1 in determining stemness phenotypes of HCC and mechanistically in modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade, one of the most frequently deregulated pathways in liver cancer.
Collapse
|
12
|
Park KS, Moon YW, Raffeld M, Lee DH, Wang Y, Giaccone G. High cripto-1 and low miR-205 expression levels as prognostic markers in early stage non-small cell lung cancer. Lung Cancer 2017; 116:38-45. [PMID: 29413049 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cripto-1 (CR-1) plays a critical role in the activation of SMAD, SRC, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways and has been shown to be prognostic in several cancer types. In addition, we showed that CR-1 renders EGFR-mutated NSCLC cells resistant to EGFR-TKI through the activation of SRC and EMT via miR-205 downregulation. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between expression of CR-1 and miR-205 and prognosis of NSCLC patients with or without EGFR mutations. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 265 patients with stage I (AJCC 6th edition) radically resected NSCLC were tested for CR-1 expression and EGFR mutations by immunohistochemistry and miR-205 expression via qPCR assay. RESULTS CR-1 expression was evaluated with immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray on 265 T1-2N0 surgical NSCLC samples. Of the 265 tumors, 250 (94%) expressed various levels of CR-1. A significant inverse correlation was identified between expression of miR-205 and CR-1. NSCLC patients (T1N0, n = 106) with high CR-1 expression had worse prognosis (shorter recurrence-free survival, p = .045) than those with low CR-1 expression. A similar trend was observed in NSCLC patients with normal preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels (serum CEA levels <5 ng/ml; n = 179; p = .085); however, no significant correlation was found between CR-1 expression and survival rate in the T2N0 or high CEA groups. In addition, NSCLC patients with low miR-205 expression (n = 126) had poorer prognosis in terms of recurrence than those with high miR-205 expression (n = 127; p = .001). CONCLUSION High CR-1 expression is correlated with poor prognosis in NSCLC with low tumor burden and may be used to select high-risk patients for adjuvant chemotherapy in early NSCLC. Moreover, low miR-205 expression likely related to high CR-1 expression could be a prognostic marker for patients with NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Seo Park
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC 20057, USA; Institute for Innovative Cancer Research, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 138-736, Republic of Korea; Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 138-736, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Wha Moon
- Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 463-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Mark Raffeld
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Dae Ho Lee
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 138-736, Republic of Korea
| | - Yisong Wang
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC 20057, USA
| | - Giuseppe Giaccone
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC 20057, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Liu Y, Qin Z, Yang K, Liu R, Xu Y. Cripto-1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in prostate cancer via Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Oncol Rep 2017; 37:1521-1528. [PMID: 28098905 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cripto-1 (CR-1) derived EGF-CFC family was overexpressed in tumor development enhancing proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migration of tumor cells. However, correlation between CR-1 and prostate cancer (PCa) remains still unclear. In the present study, we proved that CR-1 was expressed in PCa and its function was in the progression of PCa. Compared with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissues, we confirmed that PCa tissues had high expression of CR-1 by immunohistochemistry and statistical data showed that CR-1 promoted properties of EMT in PCa tissues, including the downregulation of the cell adhesion molecules β-catenin (membrane) and E-cadherin while upregulating transcription factors β-catenin. Overexpression of CR-1 had close relationship with PSA, Gleason, clinical staging and lymph node metastasis in PCa patients. Then, we found that PC-3 cells transfected with CR-1-shRNA inhibited EMT using RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence. Also, we evaluated cell invasive ability in vitro by transwell and wound-healing assay. Our data showed that transfected CR-1-shRNA altered EMT including β-catenin, E-cadherin, c-myc, GSK-3, p-GSK and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in PC-3. It also suppressed PC-3 cell migration. Additionally, our results displayed that Licl had antitumor activity against PC-3 through the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Inhibition of cell viability was dose-time dependent. The present study proved that CR-1 regulates EMT of PCa by Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Hence, CR-1 may provide a new biological marker, and possibly contributes to clinical treatment against PCa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Prostate Disease Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Tianjin 300211, P.R. China
| | - Zhenbang Qin
- Prostate Disease Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Tianjin 300211, P.R. China
| | - Kuo Yang
- Prostate Disease Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Tianjin 300211, P.R. China
| | - Ranlu Liu
- Prostate Disease Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Tianjin 300211, P.R. China
| | - Yong Xu
- Prostate Disease Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Tianjin 300211, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang JH, Wei W, Xu J, Guo ZX, Xiao CZ, Zhang YF, Jian PE, Wu XL, Shi M, Guo RP. Elevated expression of Cripto-1 correlates with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2016; 6:35116-28. [PMID: 26375669 PMCID: PMC4741514 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cripto-1 could promote tumorigenesis in a wide range of carcinomas, yet little is known in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The expression of Cripto-1 and MMP-9 were assessed by immunohistochemistry in 205 HCC specimens. The correlation between Cripto-1 and MMP-9, clinicopathological/prognostic value in HCC was examined. Cripto-1 overexpression was correlated with larger tumor, TNM stage, BCLC stage and tumor recurrence. In multivariate analyses, Cripto-1 was an independent predictor for overall survival (OS) and time to recurrence (TTR). Cripto-1 expression was increased in TNM and BCLC stage-dependent manner. Cripto-1 overexpression was associated with poor prognosis in patients subgroups stratified by tumor size, tumor differentiation, TNM and BCLC stage. In addition, Cripto-1 was positively correlated with MMP-9 among 205 HCC samples. Patients with Cripto-1 upregulation had poor OS and shorter TTR in low and high aggressiveness groups. Furthermore, Cripto-1 had predictive validity for early and late recurrence in HCC patients. Combination of Cripto-1 and serum AFP was correlated with OS and TTR. In conclusion, Cripto-1 overexpression contributes to aggressiveness and poor prognosis of HCC. Cripto-1/AFP expression could be a potential prognostic biomarker for survival in HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Hong Wang
- Department of Hepatobilliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Hepatobilliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Xing Guo
- Department of Ultrasonics, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng-Zuo Xiao
- Department of Hepatobilliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Fa Zhang
- Department of Hepatobilliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pei-En Jian
- Department of Hepatobilliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Liang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Shi
- Department of Hepatobilliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong-Ping Guo
- Department of Hepatobilliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sun G, Yan SS, Shi L, Wan ZQ, Jiang N, Fu LS, Li M, Guo J. MicroRNA-15b suppresses the growth and invasion of glioma cells through targeted inhibition of cripto-1 expression. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:4897-903. [PMID: 27082313 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common type of malignant brain tumor. Studies have identified that miR‑15b is negatively correlated with cripto-1 expression in glioma cells, and these molecules serve an important role in cancer development and progression. The current study was undertaken to further examine the association between these two molecules. Fluorescent quantitative PCR confirmed that miR‑15b expression was significantly downregulated in glioma tissue while cripto‑1 expression was significantly increased. Subsequent to transfection with miR‑15b mimics, cripto‑1 expression was significantly suppressed, and dual luciferase reporter assays further demonstrated that miR‑15b regulates cripto‑1 in a targeted manner. Furthermore, miR‑15b inhibited proliferation and invasion, and promoted apoptosis of glioma cells while downregulating the expression of MMP‑2 and MMP‑9. In contrast, cripto‑1 expression had the opposite effects. Co‑transfection with miR‑15b mimics and the cripto‑1 overexpression vector overcame the inhibitory action of miR‑15b on cripto‑1. Therefore, it is suggested that miR‑15b modulates cell growth and invasion through targeted regulation of cripto‑1 expression in glioma cells. This observation may provide novel targets for the prevention and treatment of gliomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guan Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, First Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224001, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Shan Yan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Eighty‑First Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Kunshan Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Zheng-Qiang Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, First Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224001, P.R. China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, First Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224001, P.R. China
| | - Lin-Shan Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, First Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224001, P.R. China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jiangning Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211100, P.R. China
| | - Jun Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, First Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224001, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Terry S, El-Sayed IY, Destouches D, Maillé P, Nicolaiew N, Ploussard G, Semprez F, Pimpie C, Beltran H, Londono-Vallejo A, Allory Y, de la Taille A, Salomon DS, Vacherot F. CRIPTO overexpression promotes mesenchymal differentiation in prostate carcinoma cells through parallel regulation of AKT and FGFR activities. Oncotarget 2016; 6:11994-2008. [PMID: 25596738 PMCID: PMC4494918 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the EGF-CFC (Cripto, FRL-1, Cryptic) protein family are increasingly recognized as key mediators of cell movement and cell differentiation during vertebrate embryogenesis. The founding member of this protein family, CRIPTO, is overexpressed in various human carcinomas. Yet, the biological role of CRIPTO in this setting remains unclear. Here, we find CRIPTO expression as especially high in a subgroup of primary prostate carcinomas with poorer outcome, wherein resides cancer cell clones with mesenchymal traits. Experimental studies in PCa models showed that one notable function of CRIPTO expression in prostate carcinoma cells may be to augment PI3K/AKT and FGFR1 signaling, which promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and sustains a mesenchymal state. In the observed signaling events, FGFR1 appears to function parallel to AKT, and the two pathways act cooperatively to enhance migratory, invasive and transformation properties specifically in the CRIPTO overexpressing cells. Collectively, these findings suggest a novel molecular network, involving CRIPTO, AKT, and FGFR signaling, in favor of the emergence of mesenchymal-like cancer cells during the development of aggressive prostate tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Terry
- Inserm, U955, Equipe 7, Créteil, France.,Université Paris-Est, UMR_S955, UPEC, Créteil, France.,Institut Curie, Centre de Recherche, CNRS UMR 3244, Paris, France.,Inserm, U753, Institut de Cancérologie Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Ihsan Y El-Sayed
- Inserm, U955, Equipe 7, Créteil, France.,Université Paris-Est, UMR_S955, UPEC, Créteil, France.,EDST/PRASE, Rafic Harriri Campus, Faculté des Sciences, Université Libanaise, Beyrouth, Liban
| | - Damien Destouches
- Inserm, U955, Equipe 7, Créteil, France.,Université Paris-Est, UMR_S955, UPEC, Créteil, France.,Laboratoire de Recherche sur la Croissance Cellulaire, la Réparation et la Régénération Tissulaires (CRRET), CNRS, Créteil, France
| | - Pascale Maillé
- AP-HP, Hôpital H. Mondor, Département de Pathologie, Créteil, France
| | - Nathalie Nicolaiew
- Inserm, U955, Equipe 7, Créteil, France.,Université Paris-Est, UMR_S955, UPEC, Créteil, France
| | - Guillaume Ploussard
- Inserm, U955, Equipe 7, Créteil, France.,AP-HP, Hôpital H. Mondor, Service d'urologie, Créteil, France
| | - Fannie Semprez
- Inserm, U955, Equipe 7, Créteil, France.,Université Paris-Est, UMR_S955, UPEC, Créteil, France
| | - Cynthia Pimpie
- Inserm, U955, Equipe 7, Créteil, France.,Université Paris-Est, UMR_S955, UPEC, Créteil, France
| | - Himisha Beltran
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Yves Allory
- Inserm, U955, Equipe 7, Créteil, France.,Université Paris-Est, UMR_S955, UPEC, Créteil, France.,AP-HP, Hôpital H. Mondor, Département de Pathologie, Créteil, France
| | - Alexandre de la Taille
- Inserm, U955, Equipe 7, Créteil, France.,Université Paris-Est, UMR_S955, UPEC, Créteil, France.,AP-HP, Hôpital H. Mondor, Service d'urologie, Créteil, France
| | - David S Salomon
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Francis Vacherot
- Inserm, U955, Equipe 7, Créteil, France.,Université Paris-Est, UMR_S955, UPEC, Créteil, France
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rangel MC, Bertolette D, Castro NP, Klauzinska M, Cuttitta F, Salomon DS. Developmental signaling pathways regulating mammary stem cells and contributing to the etiology of triple-negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2016; 156:211-26. [PMID: 26968398 PMCID: PMC4819564 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-016-3746-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer has been considered as temporal and spatial aberrations of normal development in tissues. Similarities between mammary embryonic development and cell transformation suggest that the underlying processes required for mammary gland development are also those perturbed during various stages of mammary tumorigenesis and breast cancer (BC) development. The master regulators of embryonic development Cripto-1, Notch/CSL, and Wnt/β-catenin play key roles in modulating mammary gland morphogenesis and cell fate specification in the embryo through fetal mammary stem cells (fMaSC) and in the adult organism particularly within the adult mammary stem cells (aMaSC), which determine mammary progenitor cell lineages that generate the basal/myoepithelial and luminal compartments of the adult mammary gland. Together with recognized transcription factors and embryonic stem cell markers, these embryonic regulatory molecules can be inappropriately augmented during tumorigenesis to support the tumor-initiating cell (TIC)/cancer stem cell (CSC) compartment, and the effects of their deregulation may contribute for the etiology of BC, in particular the most aggressive subtype of BC, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This in depth review will present evidence of the involvement of Cripto-1, Notch/CSL, and Wnt/β-catenin in the normal mammary gland morphogenesis and tumorigenesis, from fMaSC/aMaSC regulation to TIC generation and maintenance in TNBC. Specific therapies for treating TNBC by targeting these embryonic pathways in TICs will be further discussed, providing new opportunities to destroy not only the bulk tumor, but also TICs that initiate and promote the metastatic spread and recurrence of this aggressive subtype of BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Rangel
- Tumor Growth Factor Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 560, Room 32-40B, 1050 Boyles Street, Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Daniel Bertolette
- Tumor Growth Factor Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 560, Room 32-40B, 1050 Boyles Street, Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Nadia P Castro
- Tumor Growth Factor Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 560, Room 32-40B, 1050 Boyles Street, Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Malgorzata Klauzinska
- Tumor Growth Factor Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 560, Room 32-40B, 1050 Boyles Street, Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Frank Cuttitta
- Tumor Growth Factor Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 560, Room 32-40B, 1050 Boyles Street, Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - David S Salomon
- Tumor Growth Factor Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 560, Room 32-40B, 1050 Boyles Street, Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Xu CH, Wang Y, Qian LH, Yu LK, Zhang XW, Wang QB. Serum Cripto-1 is a novel biomarker for non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis and prognosis. CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2016; 11:765-771. [PMID: 26605871 DOI: 10.1111/crj.12414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cripto-1 (CR-1) is highly expressed in several different types of human tumors. However, the clinical significance of CR-1 expression in serum specimens from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients has not yet been determined. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic and prognostic value of serum CR-1 levels in patients with NSCLC. METHODS Serum specimens from 592 NSCLC patients, 180 benign lung disease patients and 240 healthy controls were collected. The concentrations of CR-1 were measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Patients with NSCLC had higher serum CR-1 levels than the controls (P < 0.01) and patients with benign lung diseases (P < 0.01). When a cutoff point of 1.8 ng/mL was selected (diagnostic specificity 95%), the diagnostic sensitivity for NSCLC is 56.8%. About 37.5% of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-negative lung cancer patients were CR-1 positive at 95% specificity. In patients with stage I/II lung cancer, use of these two markers in combination results in almost 21% increase in sensitivity, at 95% specificity, compared with CEA alone. Uni-variate analysis revealed that NSCLC patients with positive CR-1 had a shorter overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) than those with negative CR-1 [hazard ratio (HR) of 2.93, P = 0.005; HR of 2.12, P = 0.005]. Cox multi-variate analysis indicated that CR-1 was an independent prognostic indicator of PFS and OS (HR of 1.91, P = 0.006; HR of 1.82, P = 0.007). Kaplan-Meier survival curves further confirmed that patients with negative CR-1 had longer PFS and OS (P = 0.026 and P = 0.011, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, measurement of serum CR-1 is a useful diagnostic and prognostic marker for NSCLC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun Hua Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nanjing Chest Hospital, Nanjing, China.,Clinical Center of Nanjing Respiratory Diseases and Imaging, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing Chest Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Hua Qian
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nanjing Pukou Central Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Ke Yu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nanjing Chest Hospital, Nanjing, China.,Clinical Center of Nanjing Respiratory Diseases and Imaging, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiu Wei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nanjing Jiangning Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing Bo Wang
- Department of Geriatrics Medicine, Nanjing Second Hospital, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Serum cripto-1 as a clinical marker for lung cancer. Int J Biol Markers 2015; 30:e369-73. [PMID: 26109366 DOI: 10.5301/jbm.5000155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cripto-1 (CR-1) plays an important role in angiogenesis related to tumor growth, in concert with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and enhanced expression of CR-1 has been reported in lung cancer tissue. METHODS Patients with lung cancer (n = 156) and healthy volunteers (n = 60) were enrolled in the study. Serum CR-1 and VEGF concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Patients with lung cancer had higher serum CR-1 (4.03 ± 1.49 ng/mL vs. 1.13 ± 0.43 ng/mL, p<0.05) and VEGF (503.62 ± 112.74 pg/mL vs. 398.62 ± 117.84 pg/mL, p<0.05) levels than the control group. With stage progression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), serum CR-1 levels increased, and patients with distant metastasis had higher levels than those without metastasis (p<0.05). In NSCLC, the low CR-1 group (<1.54 ng/mL) had a better overall survival rate compared with the high CR-1 group (>1.54 ng/mL, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that serum CR-1 is a useful diagnostic and prognostic marker for NSCLC patients.
Collapse
|
20
|
Ruggiero D, Nappo S, Nutile T, Sorice R, Talotta F, Giorgio E, Bellenguez C, Leutenegger AL, Liguori GL, Ciullo M. Genetic variants modulating CRIPTO serum levels identified by genome-wide association study in Cilento isolates. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1004976. [PMID: 25629528 PMCID: PMC4309561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cripto, the founding member of the EGF-CFC genes, plays an essential role in embryo development and is involved in cancer progression. Cripto is a GPI-anchored protein that can interact with various components of multiple signaling pathways, such as TGF-β, Wnt and MAPK, driving different processes, among them epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell proliferation, and stem cell renewal. Cripto protein can also be cleaved and released outside the cell in a soluble and still active form. Cripto is not significantly expressed in adult somatic tissues and its re-expression has been observed associated to pathological conditions, mainly cancer. Accordingly, CRIPTO has been detected at very low levels in the plasma of healthy volunteers, whereas its levels are significantly higher in patients with breast, colon or glioblastoma tumors. These data suggest that CRIPTO levels in human plasma or serum may have clinical significance. However, very little is known about the variability of serum levels of CRIPTO at a population level and the genetic contribution underlying this variability remains unknown. Here, we report the first genome-wide association study of CRIPTO serum levels in isolated populations (n = 1,054) from Cilento area in South Italy. The most associated SNPs (p-value<5*10-8) were all located on chromosome 3p22.1-3p21.3, in the CRIPTO gene region. Overall six CRIPTO associated loci were replicated in an independent sample (n = 535). Pathway analysis identified a main network including two other genes, besides CRIPTO, in the associated regions, involved in cell movement and proliferation. The replicated loci explain more than 87% of the CRIPTO variance, with 85% explained by the most associated SNP. Moreover, the functional analysis of the main associated locus identified a causal variant in the 5’UTR of CRIPTO gene which is able to strongly modulate CRIPTO expression through an AP-1-mediate transcriptional regulation. Cripto gene has a fundamental role in embryo development and is also involved in cancer. The protein is bound to the cell membrane through an anchor, that can be cleaved, causing the secretion of the protein, in a still active form. In the adult, CRIPTO is detected at very low levels in normal tissues and in the blood, while its increase in both tissues and blood is associated to pathological conditions, mainly cancer. As other GPI linked proteins such as the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), one of the most used tumor markers, CRIPTO is able to reach the bloodstream. Therefore, CRIPTO represents a new promising biomarker and potential therapeutic target, and blood CRIPTO levels might be associated to clinical features. Here we examined the variability of blood CRIPTO levels at a population level (population isolates from the Cilento region in South Italy) and we investigated the genetic architecture underlying this variability. We reported the association of common genetic variants with the levels of CRIPTO protein in the blood and we identified a main locus on chromosome 3 and additional five associated loci. Moreover, through functional analyses, we were able to uncover the mechanism responsible for the variation in CRIPTO levels, which is a regulation mediated by the transcriptional factor AP-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ruggiero
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Nappo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Nutile
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Rossella Sorice
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Talotta
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Giorgio
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Celine Bellenguez
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
- Inserm, U744, Lille, France
- Université Lille-Nord de France, Lille, France
| | - Anne-Louise Leutenegger
- Inserm, U946, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, IUH, UMR-S 946, Paris, France
| | - Giovanna L. Liguori
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Ciullo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Park KS, Raffeld M, Moon YW, Xi L, Bianco C, Pham T, Lee LC, Mitsudomi T, Yatabe Y, Okamoto I, Subramaniam D, Mok T, Rosell R, Luo J, Salomon DS, Wang Y, Giaccone G. CRIPTO1 expression in EGFR-mutant NSCLC elicits intrinsic EGFR-inhibitor resistance. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:3003-15. [PMID: 24911146 DOI: 10.1172/jci73048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harbor EGFR-activating mutations that can be therapeutically targeted by EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI), such as erlotinib and gefitinib. Unfortunately, a subset of patients with EGFR mutations are refractory to EGFR-TKIs. Resistance to EGFR inhibitors reportedly involves SRC activation and induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we have demonstrated that overexpression of CRIPTO1, an EGF-CFC protein family member, renders EGFR-TKI-sensitive and EGFR-mutated NSCLC cells resistant to erlotinib in culture and in murine xenograft models. Furthermore, tumors from NSCLC patients with EGFR-activating mutations that were intrinsically resistant to EGFR-TKIs expressed higher levels of CRIPTO1 compared with tumors from patients that were sensitive to EGFR-TKIs. Primary NSCLC cells derived from a patient with EGFR-mutated NSCLC that was intrinsically erlotinib resistant were CRIPTO1 positive, but gained erlotinib sensitivity upon loss of CRIPTO1 expression during culture. CRIPTO1 activated SRC and ZEB1 to promote EMT via microRNA-205 (miR-205) downregulation. While miR-205 depletion induced erlotinib resistance, miR-205 overexpression inhibited CRIPTO1-dependent ZEB1 and SRC activation, restoring erlotinib sensitivity. CRIPTO1-induced erlotinib resistance was directly mediated through SRC but not ZEB1; therefore, cotargeting EGFR and SRC synergistically attenuated growth of erlotinib-resistant, CRIPTO1-positive, EGFR-mutated NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that this combination may overcome intrinsic EGFR-inhibitor resistance in patients with CRIPTO1-positive, EGFR-mutated NSCLC.
Collapse
|
22
|
Elevated expression of Cripto-1 correlates with poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:8673-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2039-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
|
23
|
Spike BT, Kelber JA, Booker E, Kalathur M, Rodewald R, Lipianskaya J, La J, He M, Wright T, Klemke R, Wahl GM, Gray PC. CRIPTO/GRP78 signaling maintains fetal and adult mammary stem cells ex vivo. Stem Cell Reports 2014; 2:427-39. [PMID: 24749068 PMCID: PMC3986630 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 02/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the extracellular signaling factors that govern mammary stem cell behavior. Here, we identify CRIPTO and its cell-surface receptor GRP78 as regulators of stem cell behavior in isolated fetal and adult mammary epithelial cells. We develop a CRIPTO antagonist that promotes differentiation and reduces self-renewal of mammary stem cell-enriched populations cultured ex vivo. By contrast, CRIPTO treatment maintains the stem cell phenotype in these cultures and yields colonies with enhanced mammary gland reconstitution capacity. Surface expression of GRP78 marks CRIPTO-responsive, stem cell-enriched fetal and adult mammary epithelial cells, and deletion of GRP78 from adult mammary epithelial cells blocks their mammary gland reconstitution potential. Together, these findings identify the CRIPTO/GRP78 pathway as a developmentally conserved regulator of fetal and adult mammary stem cell behavior ex vivo, with implications for the stem-like cells found in many cancers. CRIPTO/GRP78 signaling activates PI3K/AKT in fetal mammary epithelial cells ex vivo Cell-surface GRP78 marks a CRIPTO-responsive adult mammary stem cell population An antagonist, ALK4L75A-Fc, blocks soluble CRIPTO growth-factor-like activity CRIPTO promotes and ALK4L75A-Fc inhibits mammary stem cell maintenance ex vivo
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin T Spike
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jonathan A Kelber
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Evan Booker
- Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Madhuri Kalathur
- Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Rose Rodewald
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Julia Lipianskaya
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Justin La
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Marielle He
- Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tracy Wright
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Richard Klemke
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Geoffrey M Wahl
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Peter C Gray
- Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pilgaard L, Mortensen JH, Henriksen M, Olesen P, Sørensen P, Laursen R, Vyberg M, Agger R, Zachar V, Moos T, Duroux M. Cripto-1 expression in glioblastoma multiforme. Brain Pathol 2014; 24:360-70. [PMID: 24521322 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive cancer with a very poor prognosis. Cripto-1 (CR-1) has a key regulatory role in embryogenesis, while in adult tissue re-expression of CR-1 has been correlated to malignant progression in solid cancers of non-neuronal origin. As CR-1 expression has yet to be described in cerebral cancer and CR-1 is regulated by signaling pathways dysregulated in GBM, we aimed to investigate CR-1 in the context of expression in GBM. The study was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry to analyze the blood and tissue from 28 GBM and 4 low-grade glioma patients. Within the patient cohort, we found high CR-1 protein levels in blood plasma to significantly correlate with a shorter overall survival. We identified CR-1 in different areas of GBM tissue, including perivascular tumor cells, and in endothelial cells. Collectively, our data suggest that CR-1 could be a prognostic biomarker for GBM with the potential of being a therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Pilgaard
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biomedicine Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Age-Dependent Association between Protein Expression of the Embryonic Stem Cell Marker Cripto-1 and Survival of Glioblastoma Patients. Transl Oncol 2013; 6:732-41. [PMID: 24466376 DOI: 10.1593/tlo.13427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Exploring the re-emergence of embryonic signaling pathways may reveal important information for cancer biology. Nodal is a transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-related morphogen that plays a critical role during embryonic development. Nodal signaling is regulated by the Cripto-1 co-receptor and another TGF-β member, Lefty. Although these molecules are poorly detected in differentiated tissues, they have been found in different human cancers. Poor prognosis of glioblastomas justifies the search for novel signaling pathways that can be exploited as potential therapeutic targets. Because our intracranial glioblastoma rat xenograft model has revealed importance of gene ontology categories related to development and differentiation, we hypothesized that increased activity of Nodal signaling could be found in glioblastomas. We examined the gene expressions of Nodal, Cripto-1, and Lefty in microarrays of invasive and angiogenic xenograft samples developed from four patients with glioblastoma. Protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 199 primary glioblastomas, and expression levels were analyzed for detection of correlations with available clinical information. Gene expression of Nodal, Lefty, and Cripto-1 was detected in the glioblastoma xenografts. Most patient samples showed significant levels of Cripto-1 detected by immunohistochemistry, whereas only weak to moderate levels were detected for Nodal and Lefty. Most importantly, the higher Cripto-1 scores were associated with shorter survival in a subset of younger patients. These findings suggest for the first time that Cripto-1, an important molecule in developmental biology, may represent a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target in categories of younger patients with glioblastoma.
Collapse
|
26
|
Wielscher M, Liou W, Pulverer W, Singer CF, Rappaport-Fuerhauser C, Kandioler D, Egger G, Weinhäusel A. Cytosine 5-Hydroxymethylation of the LZTS1 Gene Is Reduced in Breast Cancer. Transl Oncol 2013; 6:715-21. [PMID: 24466374 PMCID: PMC3890706 DOI: 10.1593/tlo.13523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Change of DNA cytosine methylation (5mC) is an early event in the development of cancer, and the recent discovery of a 5-hydroxymethylated form (5hmC) of cytosine suggests a regulatory epigenetic role that might be different from 5-methylcytosine. Here, we aimed at elucidating the role of 5hmC in breast cancer. To interrogate the 5hmC levels of the leucine zipper, putative tumor suppressor 1 (LZTS1) gene in detail, we analyzed 75 primary breast cancer tissue samples from initial diagnosis and 12 normal breast tissue samples derived from healthy persons. Samples were subjected to 5hmC glucosyltransferase treatment followed by restriction digestion and segment-specific amplification of 11 polymerase chain reaction products. Nine of the 11 5'LZTS1 fragments showed significantly lower (fold change of 1.61-6.01, P < .05) 5hmC content in primary breast cancer tissue compared to normal breast tissue samples. No significant differences were observed for 5mC DNA methylation. Furthermore, both LZTS1 and TET1 mRNA expressions were significantly reduced in tumor samples (n = 75, P < .001, Student's t test), which correlated significantly with 5hmC levels in samples. 5hmC levels in breast cancer tissues were associated with unfavorable histopathologic parameters such as lymph node involvement (P < .05, Student's t test). A decrease of 5hmC levels of LZTS1, a classic tumor suppressor gene known to influence metastasis in breast cancer progression, is correlated to down-regulation of LZTS1 mRNA expression in breast cancer and might epigenetically enhance carcinogenesis. The study provides support for the novel hypothesis that suggests a strong influence of 5hmC on mRNA expression. Finally, one may also consider 5hmC as a new biomarker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Wielscher
- Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Health and Environment Department, Austrian Institute of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Willy Liou
- Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Health and Environment Department, Austrian Institute of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Pulverer
- Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Health and Environment Department, Austrian Institute of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian F Singer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Gerda Egger
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Weinhäusel
- Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Health and Environment Department, Austrian Institute of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bianco C, Castro NP, Baraty C, Rollman K, Held N, Rangel MC, Karasawa H, Gonzales M, Strizzi L, Salomon DS. Regulation of human Cripto-1 expression by nuclear receptors and DNA promoter methylation in human embryonal and breast cancer cells. J Cell Physiol 2013; 228:1174-88. [PMID: 23129342 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Human Cripto-1 (CR-1) plays an important role in regulating embryonic development while also regulating various stages of tumor progression. However, mechanisms that regulate CR-1 expression during embryogenesis and tumorigenesis are still not well defined. In the present study, we investigated the effects of two nuclear receptors, liver receptor homolog (LRH)-1 and germ cell nuclear factor receptor (GCNF) and epigenetic modifications on CR-1 gene expression in NTERA-2 human embryonal carcinoma cells and in breast cancer cells. CR-1 expression in NTERA-2 cells was positively regulated by LRH-1 through direct binding to a DR0 element within the CR-1 promoter, while GCNF strongly suppressed CR-1 expression in these cells. In addition, the CR-1 promoter was unmethylated in NTERA-2 cells, while T47D, ZR75-1, and MCF7 breast cancer cells showed high levels of CR-1 promoter methylation and low CR-1 mRNA and protein expression. Treatment of breast cancer cells with a demethylating agent and histone deacetylase inhibitors reduced methylation of the CR-1 promoter and reactivated CR-1 mRNA and protein expression in these cells, promoting migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Analysis of a breast cancer tissue array revealed that CR-1 was highly expressed in the majority of human breast tumors, suggesting that CR-1 expression in breast cancer cell lines might not be representative of in vivo expression. Collectively, these findings offer some insight into the transcriptional regulation of CR-1 gene expression and its critical role in the pathogenesis of human cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Bianco
- Laboratory of Cancer Prevention, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Janthur WD, Cantoni N, Mamot C. Drug conjugates such as Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), immunotoxins and immunoliposomes challenge daily clinical practice. Int J Mol Sci 2012; 13:16020-45. [PMID: 23443108 PMCID: PMC3546676 DOI: 10.3390/ijms131216020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Revised: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug conjugates have been studied extensively in preclinical in vitro and in vivo models but to date only a few compounds have progressed to the clinical setting. This situation is now changing with the publication of studies demonstrating a significant impact on clinical practice and highlighting the potential of this new class of targeted therapies. This review summarizes the pharmacological and molecular background of the main drug conjugation systems, namely antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), immunotoxins and immunoliposomes. All these compounds combine the specific targeting moiety of an antibody or similar construct with the efficacy of a toxic drug. The aim of this strategy is to target tumor cells specifically while sparing normal tissue, thus resulting in high efficacy and low toxicity. Recently, several strategies have been investigated in phase I clinical trials and some have entered phase III clinical development. This review provides a detailed overview of various strategies and critically discusses the most relevant achievements. Examples of the most advanced compounds include T-DM1 and brentuximab vedotin. However, additional promising strategies such as immunotoxins and immunoliposmes are already in clinical development. In summary, targeted drug delivery by drug conjugates is a new emerging class of anti-cancer therapy that may play a major role in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wolf-Dieter Janthur
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Cantonal Hospital of Aarau, CH-5001 Aarau, Switzerland; E-Mails: (W.-D.J.); (N.C.)
| | - Nathan Cantoni
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Cantonal Hospital of Aarau, CH-5001 Aarau, Switzerland; E-Mails: (W.-D.J.); (N.C.)
| | - Christoph Mamot
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Cantonal Hospital of Aarau, CH-5001 Aarau, Switzerland; E-Mails: (W.-D.J.); (N.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Rangel MC, Karasawa H, Castro NP, Nagaoka T, Salomon DS, Bianco C. Role of Cripto-1 during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in development and cancer. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2012; 180:2188-200. [PMID: 22542493 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Revised: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 02/21/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical multistep process that converts epithelial cells to more motile and invasive mesenchymal cells, contributing to body patterning and morphogenesis during embryonic development. In addition, both epithelial plasticity and increased motility and invasiveness are essential for the branching morphogenesis that occurs during development of the mammary gland and during tumor formation, allowing cancer cells to escape from the primary tumor. Cripto-1, a member of the epidermal growth factor-Cripto-1/FRL-1/Cryptic (EGF/CFC) gene family, together with the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family ligand Nodal, regulates both cell movement and EMT during embryonic development. During postnatal development, Cripto-1 regulates the branching morphogenesis of the mouse mammary gland and enhances both the invasive and migratory properties of mammary epithelial cells in vitro. Furthermore, transgenic mouse models have shown that Cripto-1 promotes the formation of mammary tumors that display properties of EMT, including the down-regulation of the cell surface adherens junctional protein E-cadherin and the up-regulation of mesenchymal markers, such as vimentin, N-cadherin, and Snail. Interestingly, Cripto-1 is enriched in a subpopulation of embryonal, melanoma, prostate, and pancreatic cancer cells that possess stem-like characteristics. Therefore, Cripto-1 may play a role during developmental EMT, and it may also be involved in the reprogramming of differentiated tumor cells into cancer stem cells through the induction of an EMT program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Rangel
- Tumor Growth Factor Section, Laboratory of Cancer Prevention, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
|
31
|
Yoon HJ, Hong JS, Shin WJ, Lee YJ, Hong KO, Lee JI, Hong SP, Hong SD. The role of Cripto-1 in the tumorigenesis and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2011; 47:1023-31. [PMID: 21824804 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2011.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Revised: 07/20/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the most common malignancy of the oral cavity, remains a lethal disease in over 50% of cases diagnosed annually, due mostly to late detection of this cancer in its advanced stages despite the easy accessibility of the oral cavity for regular examinations. Cripto-1 is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-CFC protein family and is involved in the activation of several different signaling pathways during embryonic development and cellular transformation. Although the Cripto-1 protein is overexpressed in several human cancers including breast, colon, cervix, gastric, and pancreatic cancer, no prior study has evaluated Cripto-1 expression in OSCC. Therefore, our aims in this study were to examine Cripto-1 expression in clinical samples of OSCC patients using immunohistochemistry, to analyze the correlation between Cripto-1 expression and clinicopathologic parameters, and to identify the oncogenic roles of Cripto-1 in OSCC cell lines. Both epithelial dysplasia (73.3%) and OSCC (55.5%) tissue samples showed significantly higher expression of Cripto-1 than normal mucosa (20%) (p=0.031). In the OSCC samples, there was a significant correlation between Cripto-1 expression and the histological differentiation of OSCC (p=0.015) and a high PCNA index (p=0.011). The in vitro cell proliferation assays demonstrated that recombinant human Cripto-1 (rhCripto-1) induced both SCC-4 and SCC-25 cells to proliferate as compared with control cells (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). In in vitro migration assays, treatment of SCC-4 and SCC-25 cells with rhCripto-1 protein induced a 2.4-fold and 1.7-fold-increase in cell migration, respectively (p=0.000 and p=0.008, respectively). Taken together, our data suggest that Cripto-1 plays a role in the malignant transformation of the oral mucosa and is involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of OSCC by promoting the growth and migration of malignant cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Jung Yoon
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, 28 Yeongeon-dong, Chongno-gu, Seoul 110-749, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Kelly RK, Olson DL, Sun Y, Wen D, Wortham KA, Antognetti G, Cheung AE, Orozco OE, Yang L, Bailly V, Sanicola M. An antibody-cytotoxic conjugate, BIIB015, is a new targeted therapy for Cripto positive tumours. Eur J Cancer 2011; 47:1736-46. [PMID: 21458984 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2011.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2010] [Revised: 02/21/2011] [Accepted: 02/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BIIB015 is an immunoconjugate created for the treatment of solid tumours and is currently in Phase I of clinical evaluation. BIIB015 consists of a humanised monoclonal antibody against the Cripto protein carrying a payload, via a hindered disulphide linker, of the maytansinoid derivative, DM4. Cripto is a GPI-linked protein required for signal transduction of the TGF-beta ligand, Nodal. Cripto has been previously described as an oncogene and fits the classic pattern of an embryonic gene that is re-expressed in a transformed tumour cell. Cripto expression is highly prevalent on a number of solid tumours, including greater than 75% of breast, lung, and colorectal tumours. Our report documents for the first time that targeting the cell surface Cripto protein with an anti-Cripto antibody-cytotoxic conjugate is an effective means of inhibiting or regressing growth of Cripto positive tumours. BIIB015 which utilises a 'cleavable' linker containing a disulphide bond exhibits superior activity when compared to huB3F6 mAb conjugates with different linker systems, including one with a 'non-cleavable' linker. BIIB015 displays specificity for Cripto in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. In human xenograft models originating from lung (Calu-6), colon (CT-3), testicular (NCCIT) and breast (MDA-MB-231) tumour samples, BIIB015 shows robust activity with results ranging from >50% tumour inhibition to complete tumour regression. The efficacy seen in the MDA-MB-231 model, a triple negative (-HER2, -ER, and -PR) tumour, is particularly exciting since there is currently no approved therapy for this indication. In addition, BIIB015 can be combined with standard of care chemotherapeutics for enhanced efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Kelly
- Biogen Idec, Inc, Discovery Oncology, 14 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Emerging evidence has clearly implicated an inappropriate activation of embryonic regulatory genes during cell transformation in adult tissues. An example of such a case is the embryonic gene Cripto-1. Cripto-1 is critical for embryonic development and is considered a marker of undifferentiated embryonic stem cells. Critpo-1 is expressed at low levels in adult tissues, but is re-expressed at a high frequency in a number of different types of human carcinomas, therefore, representing an attractive therapeutic target in cancer. AREA COVERED IN THIS REVIEW This review surveys different approaches that have been used to target Cripto-1 in cancer as reflected by the relevant patent literature as well as peer-reviewed publications. Potential involvement and targeting of Cripto-1 in neurodegenerative and degenerative muscle diseases are also discussed. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN The reader will gain an overview of different mAbs, vaccines or oligonucleotides antisense targeting Cripto-1. A humanized anti-Cripto-1 antibody is currently being tested in a Phase I clinical trial in cancer patients. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Targeting Cripto-1 in human tumors has the potential to eliminate not only differentiated cancer cells but also destroy an undifferentiated subpopulation of cancer cells with stem-like characteristics that support tumor initiation and self-renewal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Bianco
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Mammary Biology & Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
de Castro NP, Rangel MC, Nagaoka T, Salomon DS, Bianco C. Cripto-1: an embryonic gene that promotes tumorigenesis. Future Oncol 2010; 6:1127-42. [DOI: 10.2217/fon.10.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown that cell fate regulation during embryonic development and oncogenic transformation share common regulatory mechanisms and signaling pathways. Indeed, an embryonic gene member of the EGF–Cripto-1/FRL1/Cryptic family, Cripto-1, has been implicated in embryogenesis and in carcinogenesis. Cripto-1 together with the TGF-β ligand Nodal is a key regulator of embryonic development and is a marker of undifferentiated human and mouse embryonic stem cells. While Cripto-1 expression is very low in normal adult tissues, Cripto-1 is re-expressed at high levels in several different human tumors, modulating cancer cell proliferation, migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and stimulating tumor angiogenesis. Therefore, inhibition of Cripto-1 expression using blocking antibodies or antisense expression vectors might be a useful modality not only to target fully differentiated cancer cells but also to target a subpopulation of tumor cells with stem-like characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Pereira de Castro
- Mammary Biology & Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Dr., Bldg 37 Room 1112, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Maria Cristina Rangel
- Mammary Biology & Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Dr., Bldg 37 Room 1112, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tadahiro Nagaoka
- Mammary Biology & Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Dr., Bldg 37 Room 1112, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David S Salomon
- Mammary Biology & Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Dr., Bldg 37 Room 1112, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hardy KM, Booth BW, Hendrix MJC, Salomon DS, Strizzi L. ErbB/EGF signaling and EMT in mammary development and breast cancer. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2010; 15:191-9. [PMID: 20369376 PMCID: PMC2889136 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-010-9172-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2010] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases via cognate Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)-like peptide ligands constitutes a major group of related signaling pathways that control proliferation, survival, angiogenesis and metastasis of breast cancer. In this respect, clinical trials with various ErbB receptor blocking antibodies and specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors have proven to be partially efficacious in the treatment of this heterogeneous disease. Induction of an embryonic program of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer, whereupon epithelial tumor cells convert to a more mesenchymal-like phenotype, facilitates the migration, intravasation, and extravasation of tumor cells during metastasis. Breast cancers which exhibit properties of EMT are highly aggressive and resistant to therapy. Activation of ErbB signaling can regulate EMT-associated invasion and migration in normal and malignant mammary epithelial cells, as well as modulating discrete stages of mammary gland development. The purpose of this review is to summarize current information regarding the role of ErbB signaling in aspects of EMT that influence epithelial cell plasticity during mammary gland development and tumorigenesis. How this information may contribute to the improvement of therapeutic approaches in breast cancer will also be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharine M. Hardy
- Children's Memorial Research Center, Robert H. Lurie, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg, School of Medicine, 2300 Children's Plaza, Box 222, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
| | - Brian W. Booth
- Institute for Biological Interfaces of Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Mary J. C. Hendrix
- Children's Memorial Research Center, Robert H. Lurie, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg, School of Medicine, 2300 Children's Plaza, Box 222, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
| | - David S. Salomon
- Laboratory of Mammary Gland Biology and Tumorigenesis, Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Luigi Strizzi
- Children's Memorial Research Center, Robert H. Lurie, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg, School of Medicine, 2300 Children's Plaza, Box 222, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Wu Z, Li G, Wu L, Weng D, Li X, Yao K. Cripto-1 overexpression is involved in the tumorigenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2009; 9:315. [PMID: 19732464 PMCID: PMC2751776 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-9-315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2009] [Accepted: 09/06/2009] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human Cripto-1, a member of the EGF-CFC family, is indispensable for early embryonic development. Cripto-1 plays an important oncogenic role during tumorigenesis and is overexpressed in a wide range of epithelial carcinomas, yet little is known about Cripto-1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The aim of this study was to analyze the roles of Cripto-1 in the progression and clinical characteristics in NPC clinical samples and cell lines. Methods The expression of Cripto-1 at mRNA level was detected by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real time RT-PCR, and western blot was used to examine the protein expression. Cripto-1 expression and its clinical characteristics were investigated by performing immunohistochemical analysis on a total of 37 NPC clinical tissue samples. Lentiviral vectors were constructed to get an efficient expression of anti-Cripto-1 siRNA in CNE-2 and C666-1 cells, with invalid RNAi sequence as control. After the inhibition of the endogenous Cripto-1, the growth, cell cycle and invasion of cells were detected by MTT, FACS and Boyden chamber assay respectively. Moreover, in vivo, the proliferation of the tumor cells was evaluated in xenotransplant nude mice model with whole-body visualizing instrument. Results The results of real-time RT-PCR and western blot showed that the expression level of Cripto-1 was markedly higher in NPC cell lines than that in the immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelial cell at both mRNA and protein levels. RT-PCR of 17 NPC tissues showed a high expression rate in 76.5% (13/17) cases. In an immunohistochemical study, Cripto-1 was found to express in 54.1% (20/37) cases of NPC. In addition, Cripto-1 overexpression was significantly associated with N classification (p = 0.034), distant metastasis (p = 0.036), and clinical stage (p = 0.007). Inhibition of endogenous Cripto-1 by lentivirus-mediated RNAi silencing technique suppressed NPC cell growth and invasion in vitro. In vivo, the average weight (p = 0.026) and volume (p = 0.044) of tumor in CNE-2/GFP+/Cripto-1- xenotransplant mice group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The Ki67 index was obviously lower in Cripto-1 RNAi treated tumors (p < 0.01). Conclusion Data of this study suggest that Cripto-1 overexpression is connected with the tumorigenesis and progression of NPC, lentivector-mediated RNAi might be feasible for the inhibition of the growth and invasion of NPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengrong Wu
- 1Department of Pathology & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Strizzi L, Postovit LM, Margaryan NV, Seftor EA, Abbott DE, Seftor REB, Salomon DS, Hendrix MJC. Emerging roles of nodal and Cripto-1: from embryogenesis to breast cancer progression. Breast Dis 2009; 29:91-103. [PMID: 19029628 DOI: 10.3233/bd-2008-29110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Breast carcinoma cells and embryonic progenitors similarly implement stem cell-associated signaling pathways to sustain continued growth and plasticity. Indeed, recent studies have implicated signaling pathways, including those associated with the Notch, and Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-beta) superfamilies, as instrumental to both embryological development and breast cancer progression. In particular, Nodal, an embryonic morphogen belonging to the TGF-beta superfamily, and its co-receptor, Cripto-1, are requisite to both embryogenesis and mammary gland maturation. Moreover, these developmental proteins have been shown to promote breast cancer progression. Here, we review the role of Nodal and its co-receptor Cripto-1 during development and we describe how this signaling pathway may be involved in breast cancer tumorigenesis. Moreover, we emphasize the potential utility of this signaling pathway as a novel target for the treatment and diagnosis of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Strizzi
- Children's Memorial Research Center, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Chambery A, Vissers JPC, Langridge JI, Lonardo E, Minchiotti G, Ruvo M, Parente A. Qualitative and Quantitative Proteomic Profiling of Cripto−/− Embryonic Stem Cells by Means of Accurate Mass LC−MS Analysis. J Proteome Res 2009; 8:1047-58. [DOI: 10.1021/pr800485c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Chambery
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Seconda Università di Napoli, I-81100 Caserta, Italy, Waters Corporation, MS Technologies Center, M22 5PP Manchester, United Kingdom, Istituto di Genetica e Biofisica “A Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, I-80131 Napoli, Italy, and Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, I-80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Johannes P. C. Vissers
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Seconda Università di Napoli, I-81100 Caserta, Italy, Waters Corporation, MS Technologies Center, M22 5PP Manchester, United Kingdom, Istituto di Genetica e Biofisica “A Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, I-80131 Napoli, Italy, and Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, I-80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - James I. Langridge
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Seconda Università di Napoli, I-81100 Caserta, Italy, Waters Corporation, MS Technologies Center, M22 5PP Manchester, United Kingdom, Istituto di Genetica e Biofisica “A Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, I-80131 Napoli, Italy, and Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, I-80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Enza Lonardo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Seconda Università di Napoli, I-81100 Caserta, Italy, Waters Corporation, MS Technologies Center, M22 5PP Manchester, United Kingdom, Istituto di Genetica e Biofisica “A Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, I-80131 Napoli, Italy, and Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, I-80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Gabriella Minchiotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Seconda Università di Napoli, I-81100 Caserta, Italy, Waters Corporation, MS Technologies Center, M22 5PP Manchester, United Kingdom, Istituto di Genetica e Biofisica “A Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, I-80131 Napoli, Italy, and Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, I-80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Seconda Università di Napoli, I-81100 Caserta, Italy, Waters Corporation, MS Technologies Center, M22 5PP Manchester, United Kingdom, Istituto di Genetica e Biofisica “A Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, I-80131 Napoli, Italy, and Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, I-80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Augusto Parente
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Seconda Università di Napoli, I-81100 Caserta, Italy, Waters Corporation, MS Technologies Center, M22 5PP Manchester, United Kingdom, Istituto di Genetica e Biofisica “A Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, I-80131 Napoli, Italy, and Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, I-80134, Napoli, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Sun C, Orozco O, Olson DL, Choi E, Garber E, Tizard R, Szak S, Sanicola M, Carulli JP. CRIPTO3, a presumed pseudogene, is expressed in cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2008; 377:215-20. [PMID: 18835250 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.09.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2008] [Accepted: 09/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cripto is a cell surface protein highly expressed in certain solid tumors, and overexpression of Cripto protein is oncogenic. Cripto-1 protein is encoded by CRIPTO1 gene. CRIPTO3, a presumed pseudogene, has an open reading frame with six amino acid differences from Cripto-1. We show that CRIPTO3 mRNA is the CRIPTO message expressed in many cancer samples. A CRIPTO3 SAGE tag was found in several cancer SAGE libraries, while the CRIPTO1 tag was found in ES cell libraries. In vitro experiments indicate both Cripto-1 and Cripto-3 proteins are functional in the Nodal-dependent signal pathway. Our data indicate that CRIPTO3 is an expressed gene, particularly in certain cancers, and suggest a potentially novel mechanism of oncogenesis through activation of a retrogene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Sun
- Department of Drug Discovery, Biogen Idec Inc, 14 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Mancino M, Strizzi L, Wechselberger C, Watanabe K, Gonzales M, Hamada S, Normanno N, Salomon DS, Bianco C. Regulation of human cripto-1 gene expression by TGF-β1 and BMP-4 in embryonal and colon cancer cells. J Cell Physiol 2008; 215:192-203. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
41
|
Human embryonic stem cell microenvironment suppresses the tumorigenic phenotype of aggressive cancer cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:4329-34. [PMID: 18334633 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0800467105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells sustain a microenvironment that facilitates a balance of self-renewal and differentiation. Aggressive cancer cells, expressing a multipotent, embryonic cell-like phenotype, engage in a dynamic reciprocity with a microenvironment that promotes plasticity and tumorigenicity. However, the cancer-associated milieu lacks the appropriate regulatory mechanisms to maintain a normal cellular phenotype. Previous work from our laboratory reported that aggressive melanoma and breast carcinoma express the embryonic morphogen Nodal, which is essential for human embryonic stem cell (hESC) pluripotency. Based on the aberrant expression of this embryonic plasticity gene by tumor cells, this current study tested whether these cells could respond to regulatory cues controlling the Nodal signaling pathway, which might be sequestered within the microenvironment of hESCs, resulting in the suppression of the tumorigenic phenotype. Specifically, we discovered that metastatic tumor cells do not express the inhibitor to Nodal, Lefty, allowing them to overexpress this embryonic morphogen in an unregulated manner. However, exposure of the tumor cells to a hESC microenvironment (containing Lefty) leads to a dramatic down-regulation in their Nodal expression concomitant with a reduction in clonogenicity and tumorigenesis accompanied by an increase in apoptosis. Furthermore, this ability to suppress the tumorigenic phenotype is directly associated with the secretion of Lefty, exclusive to hESCs, because it is not detected in other stem cell types, normal cell types, or trophoblasts. The tumor-suppressive effects of the hESC microenvironment, by neutralizing the expression of Nodal in aggressive tumor cells, provide previously unexplored therapeutic modalities for cancer treatment.
Collapse
|