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Obaid Saleh R, Shbeer AM, Jetti R, Ahmed Robadi I, Hjazi A, Hussein Kareem A, Noori Shakir M, Qasim Alasheqi M, Alawadi A, Haslany A. Association between lncRNAs with stem cells in cancer; a particular focus on lncRNA-CSCs axis in cancer immunopathogenesis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 136:112306. [PMID: 38833843 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
A unique population of cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs) is essential to developing and spreading cancer. Cancer initiation, maintenance, and progression are all believed to be significantly impacted by the distinct characteristics these cells exhibit regarding self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation. Transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational processes are the only steps of gene expression that lncRNAs can affect. As a result, these proteins participate in numerous biological processes, including the repair of DNA damage, inflammatory reactions, metabolic control, the survival of cells, intercellular communication, and the development and specialization of cells. Studies have indicated that lncRNAs are important for controlling the increase in the subset of CSCs contributing to cancer development. The knowledge that is currently available about lncRNAs and their critical role in maintaining the biological properties of CSCs is highlighted in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raed Obaid Saleh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Al-Maarif University College, Al-Anbar, Iraq
| | - Abdullah M Shbeer
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Raghu Jetti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Ahmed Robadi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Maha Noori Shakir
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, AL-Nisour University College, Baghdad, Iraq
| | | | - Ahmed Alawadi
- College of Technical Engineering, the Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq; College of Technical Engineering, the Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Iraq; College of Technical Engineering, the Islamic University of Babylon, Iraq
| | - Ali Haslany
- College of Technical Engineering, Imam Ja'afar Al-Sadiq University, Al-Muthanna 66002, Iraq
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Ma H, Yue GGL, Lee JKM, Gao S, Yuen KK, Cheng W, Li X, Lau CBS. Scutellarin, a flavonoid compound from Scutellaria barbata, suppresses growth of breast cancer stem cells in vitro and in tumor-bearing mice. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155418. [PMID: 38518647 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB), commonly known as Ban Zhi Lian and firstly documented by Shigong Chen, is a dried whole plant that has been studied for its therapeutic effects on breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. Among its various compounds, scutellarin (SCU) has been demonstrated with anti-tumor effects. PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the effects of SB water extract (SBW) and scutellarin on breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), and to investigate their potential therapeutic effects on breast tumors in mice. METHODS BCSCs were enriched from human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-361) and their characteristics were analyzed. The effects of varying concentrations of SBW and scutellarin on cell viability, proliferation, self-renewal, and migration abilities were studied, along with the underlying mechanisms. The in vivo anti-tumor effects of scutellarin were further evaluated in SCID/NOD mice. Firstly, mice were inoculated with naïve BCSCs and subjected to treatment with scutellarin or vehicle. Secondly, BCSCs were pre-treated with scutellarin or vehicle prior to inoculation into mice. RESULTS The derived BCSCs expressed CD44, CD133 and ALDH1, but not CD24, indicating that BCSCs have been successfully induced from both MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-361 cells. Both SBW and scutellarin reduced the viability, proliferation, sphere and colony formation, and migration of BCSCs. In mice with tumors derived from naïve BCSCs, scutellarin significantly reduced tumor growth, expression of proliferative (Ki67) and stem cell markers (CD44), and lung metastasis. In addition, pre-treatment with scutellarin also slowed tumor growth. Western blot results suggested the involvement of Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, and PTEN/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways underlying the inhibitory effects of scutellarin. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated for the first time that both SB water extract and scutellarin could reduce the proliferation and migration of BCSCs in vitro. Scutellarin was shown to possess novel inhibitory activities in BCSCs progression. These findings suggest that Scutellaria barbata water extract, in particular, scutellarin, may have potential to be further developed as an adjuvant therapy for reducing breast cancer recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ma
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Grace Gar-Lee Yue
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Julia Kin-Ming Lee
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Si Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ka-Ki Yuen
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wen Cheng
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Clara Bik-San Lau
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy and School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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3
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Bauer K, Hauswirth A, Gleixner KV, Greiner G, Thaler J, Bettelheim P, Filik Y, Koller E, Hoermann G, Staber PB, Sperr WR, Keil F, Valent P. BRD4 degraders may effectively counteract therapeutic resistance of leukemic stem cells in AML and ALL. Am J Hematol 2024. [PMID: 38822666 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are life-threatening hematopoietic malignancies characterized by clonal expansion of leukemic blasts in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. The epigenetic reader BRD4 and its downstream effector MYC have recently been identified as potential drug targets in human AML and ALL. We compared anti-leukemic efficacies of the small-molecule BET inhibitor JQ1 and the recently developed BRD4 degraders dBET1 and dBET6 in AML and ALL cells. JQ1, dBET1, and dBET6 were found to suppress growth and viability in all AML and ALL cell lines examined as well as in primary patient-derived AML and ALL cells, including CD34+/CD38- and CD34+/CD38+ leukemic stem and progenitor cells, independent of the type (variant) of leukemia or molecular driver expressed in leukemic cells. Moreover, we found that dBET6 overcomes osteoblast-induced drug resistance in AML and ALL cells, regardless of the type of leukemia or the drug applied. Most promising cooperative or even synergistic drug combination effects were seen with dBET6 and the FLT3 ITD blocker gilteritinib in FLT3 ITD-mutated AML cells, and with dBET6 and the multi-kinase blocker ponatinib in BCR::ABL1+ ALL cells. Finally, all BRD4-targeting drugs suppressed interferon-gamma- and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced expression of the resistance-related checkpoint antigen PD-L1 in AML and ALL cells, including LSC. In all assays examined, the BRD4 degrader dBET6 was a superior anti-leukemic drug compared with dBET1 and JQ1. Together, BRD4 degraders may provide enhanced inhibition of multiple mechanisms of therapy resistance in AML and ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Bauer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Hauswirth
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karoline V Gleixner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Greiner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ihr Labor, Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Thaler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Yüksel Filik
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Koller
- Third Medical Department for Hematology and Oncology, Hanusch Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Hoermann
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp B Staber
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang R Sperr
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Felix Keil
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Third Medical Department for Hematology and Oncology, Hanusch Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Valent
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Aalam SMM, Nguyen LV, Ritting ML, Kannan N. Clonal tracking in cancer and metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:639-656. [PMID: 37910295 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10149-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The eradication of many cancers has proven challenging due to the presence of functionally and genetically heterogeneous clones maintained by rare cancer stem cells (CSCs), which contribute to disease progression, treatment refractoriness, and late relapse. The characterization of functional CSC activity has necessitated the development of modern clonal tracking strategies. This review describes viral-based and CRISPR-Cas9-based cellular barcoding, lineage tracing, and imaging-based approaches. DNA-based cellular barcoding technology is emerging as a powerful and robust strategy that has been widely applied to in vitro and in vivo model systems, including patient-derived xenograft models. This review also highlights the potential of these methods for use in the clinical and drug discovery contexts and discusses the important insights gained from such approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Long Viet Nguyen
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Megan L Ritting
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Nagarajan Kannan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
- Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Lian X, Chatterjee S, Sun Y, Dilliard SA, Moore S, Xiao Y, Bian X, Yamada K, Sung YC, Levine RM, Mayberry K, John S, Liu X, Smith C, Johnson LT, Wang X, Zhang CC, Liu DR, Newby GA, Weiss MJ, Yen JS, Siegwart DJ. Bone-marrow-homing lipid nanoparticles for genome editing in diseased and malignant haematopoietic stem cells. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024:10.1038/s41565-024-01680-8. [PMID: 38783058 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01680-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic genome editing of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) would provide long-lasting treatments for multiple diseases. However, the in vivo delivery of genetic medicines to HSCs remains challenging, especially in diseased and malignant settings. Here we report on a series of bone-marrow-homing lipid nanoparticles that deliver mRNA to a broad group of at least 14 unique cell types in the bone marrow, including healthy and diseased HSCs, leukaemic stem cells, B cells, T cells, macrophages and leukaemia cells. CRISPR/Cas and base editing is achieved in a mouse model expressing human sickle cell disease phenotypes for potential foetal haemoglobin reactivation and conversion from sickle to non-sickle alleles. Bone-marrow-homing lipid nanoparticles were also able to achieve Cre-recombinase-mediated genetic deletion in bone-marrow-engrafted leukaemic stem cells and leukaemia cells. We show evidence that diverse cell types in the bone marrow niche can be edited using bone-marrow-homing lipid nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xizhen Lian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sumanta Chatterjee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yehui Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sean A Dilliard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Stephen Moore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yufen Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Bian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kohki Yamada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yun-Chieh Sung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rachel M Levine
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kalin Mayberry
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Samuel John
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoye Liu
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Caroline Smith
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lindsay T Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Cheng Cheng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mitchell J Weiss
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jonathan S Yen
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Daniel J Siegwart
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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Najima Y, Maeda T, Kamiyama Y, Nakao S, Ozaki Y, Nishio H, Tsuchihashi K, Ichihara E, Miumra Y, Endo M, Maruyama D, Yoshinami T, Susumu N, Takekuma M, Motohashi T, Ito M, Baba E, Ochi N, Kubo T, Uchino K, Kimura T, Tamura S, Nishimoto H, Kato Y, Sato A, Takano T, Yano S. Effectiveness and safety of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor priming regimen for acute myeloid leukemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the Clinical Practice Guideline for the use of G-CSF 2022 from the Japan Society of Clinical Oncology. Int J Clin Oncol 2024:10.1007/s10147-023-02461-4. [PMID: 38755516 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-023-02461-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outcomes of relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remain poor. Although the concomitant use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and anti-chemotherapeutic agents has been investigated to improve the antileukemic effect on AML, its usefulness remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the effects of G-CSF priming as a remission induction therapy or salvage chemotherapy. METHODS We performed a thorough literature search for studies related to the priming effect of G-CSF using PubMed, Ichushi-Web, and the Cochrane Library. A qualitative analysis of the pooled data was performed, and risk ratios (RRs) with confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and summarized. RESULTS Two reviewers independently extracted and accessed the 278 records identified during the initial screening, and 62 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility in second screening. Eleven studies were included in the qualitative analysis and 10 in the meta-analysis. A systematic review revealed that priming with G-CSF did not correlate with an improvement in response rate and overall survival (OS). The result of the meta-analysis revealed the tendency for lower relapse rate in the G-CSF priming groups without inter-study heterogeneity [RR, 0.91 (95% CI 0.82-1.01), p = 0.08; I2 = 4%, p = 0.35]. In specific populations, including patients with intermediate cytogenetic risk and those receiving high-dose cytarabine, the G-CSF priming regimen prolonged OS. CONCLUSIONS G-CSF priming in combination with intensive remission induction treatment is not universally effective in patients with AML. Further studies are required to identify the patient cohort for which G-CSF priming is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuho Najima
- Hematology Division, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome Hospital, 3-8-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8677, Japan.
| | - Tomoya Maeda
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yutaro Kamiyama
- Department of Clinical Oncology/Hematology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinji Nakao
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yukinori Ozaki
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Tsuchihashi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cardiovascular Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Eiki Ichihara
- Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yuji Miumra
- Department of Medical Oncology, Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Endo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Dai Maruyama
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuhiro Yoshinami
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Susumu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International University of Health and Welfare Narita Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Takashi Motohashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mamoru Ito
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cardiovascular Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Eishi Baba
- Department of Oncology and Social Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Ochi
- Department of General Internal Medicine 4, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Toshio Kubo
- Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Keita Uchino
- Department of Medical Oncology, NTT Medical Center Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kimura
- Department of Urology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinobu Tamura
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Hitomi Nishimoto
- Department of Nursing, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Kato
- Department of Drug Information, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shonan University of Medical Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sato
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Aomori, Japan
| | - Toshimi Takano
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shingo Yano
- Department of Clinical Oncology/Hematology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Basar OY, Mohammed S, Qoronfleh MW, Acar A. Optimizing cancer therapy: a review of the multifaceted effects of metronomic chemotherapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1369597. [PMID: 38813084 PMCID: PMC11133583 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1369597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Metronomic chemotherapy (MCT), characterized by the continuous administration of chemotherapeutics at a lower dose without prolonged drug-free periods, has garnered significant attention over the last 2 decades. Extensive evidence from both pre-clinical and clinical settings indicates that MCT induces distinct biological effects than the standard Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) chemotherapy. The low toxicity profile, reduced likelihood of inducing acquired therapeutic resistance, and low cost of MCT render it an attractive chemotherapeutic regimen option. One of the most prominent aspects of MCT is its anti-angiogenesis effects. It has been shown to stimulate the expression of anti-angiogenic molecules, thereby inhibiting angiogenesis. In addition, MCT has been shown to decrease the regulatory T-cell population and promote anti-tumor immune response through inducing dendritic cell maturation and increasing the number of cytotoxic T-cells. Combination therapies utilizing MCT along with oncolytic virotherapy, radiotherapy or other chemotherapeutic regimens have been studied extensively. This review provides an overview of the current status of MCT research and the established mechanisms of action of MCT treatment and also offers insights into potential avenues of development for MCT in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyku Yagmur Basar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Sawsan Mohammed
- Qatar University, QU Health, College of Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - M. Walid Qoronfleh
- Q3 Research Institute (QRI), Research and Policy Division, Ypsilanti, MI, United States
| | - Ahmet Acar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Türkiye
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Shi X, Feng M, Nakada D. Metabolic dependencies of acute myeloid leukemia stem cells. Int J Hematol 2024:10.1007/s12185-024-03789-x. [PMID: 38750343 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-024-03789-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematologic malignancy primarily driven by an immature population of AML cells termed leukemia stem cells (LSCs) that are implicated in AML development, chemoresistance, and relapse. An emerging area of research in AML focuses on identifying and targeting the aberrant metabolism in LSCs. Dysregulated metabolism is involved in sustaining functional properties of LSCs, impeding myeloid differentiation, and evading programmed cell death, both in the process of leukemogenesis and in response to chemotherapy. This review discusses recent discoveries regarding the aberrant metabolic processes of AML LSCs that have begun to change the therapeutic landscape of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangguo Shi
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
| | - Mengdie Feng
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Daisuke Nakada
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Yu R, Hang Y, Tsai HI, Wang D, Zhu H. Iron metabolism: backfire of cancer cell stemness and therapeutic modalities. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:157. [PMID: 38704599 PMCID: PMC11070091 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03329-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), with their ability of self-renewal, unlimited proliferation, and multi-directional differentiation, contribute to tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapy and immunotherapy. Eliminating CSCs has long been thought to prevent tumorigenesis. Although known to negatively impact tumor prognosis, research revealed the unexpected role of iron metabolism as a key regulator of CSCs. This review explores recent advances in iron metabolism in CSCs, conventional cancer therapies targeting iron biochemistry, therapeutic resistance in these cells, and potential treatment options that could overcome them. These findings provide important insights into therapeutic modalities against intractable cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Yu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Yinhui Hang
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Hsiang-I Tsai
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Dongqing Wang
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Haitao Zhu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
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10
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Pandya P, Al-Qasrawi DS, Klinge S, Justilien V. Extracellular vesicles in non-small cell lung cancer stemness and clinical applications. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1369356. [PMID: 38765006 PMCID: PMC11099288 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1369356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) accounts for 85% of lung cancers, the leading cause of cancer associated deaths in the US and worldwide. Within NSCLC tumors, there is a subpopulation of cancer cells termed cancer stem cells (CSCs) which exhibit stem-like properties that drive NSCLC progression, metastasis, relapse, and therapeutic resistance. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound nanoparticles secreted by cells that carry vital messages for short- and long-range intercellular communication. Numerous studies have implicated NSCLC CSC-derived EVs in the factors associated with NSCLC lethality. In this review, we have discussed mechanisms of EV-directed cross-talk between CSCs and cells of the tumor microenvironment that promote stemness, tumor progression and metastasis in NSCLC. The mechanistic studies discussed herein have provided insights for developing novel NSCLC diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and strategies to therapeutically target the NSCLC CSC niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prita Pandya
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | | | - Skyeler Klinge
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Department of Biology, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Verline Justilien
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
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11
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Loh JJ, Ma S. Hallmarks of cancer stemness. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:617-639. [PMID: 38701757 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stemness is recognized as a key component of tumor development. Previously coined "cancer stem cells" (CSCs) and believed to be a rare population with rigid hierarchical organization, there is good evidence to suggest that these cells exhibit a plastic cellular state influenced by dynamic CSC-niche interplay. This revelation underscores the need to reevaluate the hallmarks of cancer stemness. Herein, we summarize the techniques used to identify and characterize the state of these cells and discuss their defining and emerging hallmarks, along with their enabling and associated features. We also highlight potential future directions in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jian Loh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Translational and Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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12
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Higa T, Nakayama KI. Cell cycle heterogeneity and plasticity of colorectal cancer stem cells. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:1370-1377. [PMID: 38413370 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a long-lived and self-renewing cancer cell population that drives tumor propagation and maintains cancer heterogeneity. They are also implicated in the therapeutic resistance of various types of cancer. Recent studies of CSCs in colorectal cancer (CRC) have uncovered fundamental paradigms that have increased understanding of CSC systems in solid tumors. Colorectal CSCs share multiple biological properties with normal intestinal stem cells (ISCs), including expression of the stem cell marker Lgr5. New evidence suggests that colorectal CSCs manifest substantial heterogeneity, as exemplified by the existence of both actively cycling Lgr5+ CSCs as well as quiescent Lgr5+ CSCs that are resistant to conventional anticancer therapies. The classical view of a rigid cell hierarchy and irreversible cell differentiation trajectory in normal and neoplastic tissues is now challenged by the finding that differentiated cells have the capacity to revert to stem cells through dynamic physiological reprogramming events. Such plasticity of CSC systems likely underlies both carcinogenesis and therapeutic resistance in CRC. Further characterization of the mechanisms underpinning the heterogeneity and plasticity of CSCs should inform future development of eradicative therapeutic strategies for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsunaki Higa
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Keiichi I Nakayama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Anticancer Strategies Laboratory, TMDU Advanced Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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O'Connor KW, Kishimoto K, Kuzma IO, Wagner KP, Selway JS, Roderick JE, Karna KK, Gallagher KM, Hu K, Liu H, Li R, Brehm MA, Zhu LJ, Curtis DJ, Tremblay CS, Kelliher MA. The role of quiescent thymic progenitors in TAL/LMO2-induced T-ALL chemotolerance. Leukemia 2024; 38:951-962. [PMID: 38553571 PMCID: PMC11073972 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02232-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Relapse in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) may signify the persistence of leukemia-initiating cells (L-ICs). Ectopic TAL1/LMO expression defines the largest subset of T-ALL, but its role in leukemic transformation and its impact on relapse-driving L-ICs remain poorly understood. In TAL1/LMO mouse models, double negative-3 (DN3; CD4-CD8-CD25+CD44-) thymic progenitors harbored L-ICs. However, only a subset of DN3 leukemic cells exhibited L-IC activity, and studies linking L-ICs and chemotolerance are needed. To investigate L-IC heterogeneity, we used mouse models and applied single-cell RNA-sequencing and nucleosome labeling techniques in vivo. We identified a DN3 subpopulation with a cell cycle-restricted profile and heightened TAL1/LMO2 activity, that expressed genes associated with stemness and quiescence. This dormant DN3 subset progressively expanded throughout leukemogenesis, displaying intrinsic chemotolerance and enrichment in genes linked to minimal residual disease. Examination of TAL/LMO patient samples revealed a similar pattern in CD7+CD1a- thymic progenitors, previously recognized for their L-IC activity, demonstrating cell cycle restriction and chemotolerance. Our findings substantiate the emergence of dormant, chemotolerant L-ICs during leukemogenesis, and demonstrate that Tal1 and Lmo2 cooperate to promote DN3 quiescence during the transformation process. This study provides a deeper understanding of TAL1/LMO-induced T-ALL and its clinical implications in therapy failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin W O'Connor
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Kensei Kishimoto
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Irena O Kuzma
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Kelsey P Wagner
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan S Selway
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Justine E Roderick
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Keshab K Karna
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Kayleigh M Gallagher
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Kai Hu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Haibo Liu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Michael A Brehm
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Lihua Julie Zhu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - David J Curtis
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases (ACBD), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Cedric S Tremblay
- Department of Immunology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0T5, Canada
- Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CCMB, CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB), Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9, Canada
| | - Michelle A Kelliher
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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14
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Brunetti M, Iasenza IA, Jenner AL, Raynal NJM, Eppert K, Craig M. Mathematical modelling of clonal reduction therapeutic strategies in acute myeloid leukemia. Leuk Res 2024; 140:107485. [PMID: 38579483 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2024.107485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Over the years, the overall survival of older patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has not significantly increased. Although standard cytotoxic therapies that rapidly eliminate dividing myeloblasts are used to induce remission, relapse can occur due to surviving therapy-resistant leukemic stem cells (LSCs). Hence, anti-LSC strategies have become a key target to cure AML. We have recently shown that previously approved cardiac glycosides and glucocorticoids target LSC-enriched CD34+ cells in the primary human AML 8227 model with more efficacy than normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). To translate these in vitro findings into humans, we developed a mathematical model of stem cell dynamics that describes the stochastic evolution of LSCs in AML post-standard-of-care. To this, we integrated population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) models to investigate the clonal reduction potential of several promising candidate drugs in comparison to cytarabine, which is commonly used in high doses for consolidation therapy in AML patients. Our results suggest that cardiac glycosides (proscillaridin A, digoxin and ouabain) and glucocorticoids (budesonide and mometasone) reduce the expansion of LSCs through a decrease in their viability. While our model predicts that effective doses of cardiac glycosides are potentially too toxic to use in patients, simulations show the possibility of mometasone to prevent relapse through the glucocorticoid's ability to drastically reduce LSC population size. This work therefore highlights the prospect of these treatments for anti-LSC strategies and underlines the use of quantitative approaches to preclinical drug translation in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Brunetti
- Département de Mathématiques et de Statistiques, Université de Montréal, 2900 Édouard Montpetit Blvd, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada; Sainte-Justine University Hospital Azrieli Research Center, 3175 Chem. de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, Québec H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Isabella A Iasenza
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, 845 Sherbrooke St W, Montréal, Québec H3A 0G4, Canada; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Décarie Blvd, Montréal, Québec H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Adrianne L Jenner
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Noël J-M Raynal
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Azrieli Research Center, 3175 Chem. de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, Québec H3T 1C5, Canada; Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Université de Montréal, 2900 Édouard Montpetit Blvd, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Kolja Eppert
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Décarie Blvd, Montréal, Québec H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, 845 Sherbrooke St W, Montréal, Québec H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Morgan Craig
- Département de Mathématiques et de Statistiques, Université de Montréal, 2900 Édouard Montpetit Blvd, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada; Sainte-Justine University Hospital Azrieli Research Center, 3175 Chem. de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, Québec H3T 1C5, Canada.
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15
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Lee JS, Lee HY. Ginseng-derived compounds as potential anticancer agents targeting cancer stem cells. J Ginseng Res 2024; 48:266-275. [PMID: 38707642 PMCID: PMC11068999 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare subpopulation of cancer cells that exhibit stem cell-like characteristics, including self-renewal and differentiation in a multi-stage lineage state via symmetric or asymmetric division, causing tumor initiation, heterogeneity, progression, and recurrence and posing a major challenge to current anticancer therapy. Despite the importance of CSCs in carcinogenesis and cancer progression, currently available anticancer therapeutics have limitations for eradicating CSCs. Moreover, the efficacy and therapeutic windows of currently available anti-CSC agents are limited, suggesting the necessity to optimize and develop a novel anticancer agent targeting CSCs. Ginseng has been traditionally used for enhancing immunity and relieving fatigue. As ginseng's long history of use has demonstrated its safety, it has gained attention for its potential pharmacological properties, including anticancer effects. Several studies have identified the bioactive principles of ginseng, such as ginseng saponin (ginsenosides) and non-saponin compounds (e.g., polysaccharides, polyacetylenes, and phenolic compounds), and their pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antifatigue, and neuroprotective effects. Notably, recent reports have shown the potential of ginseng-derived compounds as anti-CSC agents. This review investigates the biology of CSCs and efforts to utilize ginseng-derived components for cancer treatment targeting CSCs, highlighting their role in overcoming current therapeutic limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Sun Lee
- Department of Molecular, Cell & Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ho-Young Lee
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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16
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Petrella PE, Chen JW, Ravelo GO, Cosgrove BD. Chemoresistance to additive PARP/PI3K dual inhibition in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines is associated with adaptive stem cell-like prevalence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.28.591568. [PMID: 38746322 PMCID: PMC11092486 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.28.591568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are posited to exhibit specialized oncogenic capacity to drive malignancies. CSCs are distinguished by enhanced hallmarks of cancer, including apoptosis avoidance, phenotypic plasticity and aberrant growth pathway signaling. Standard-of-care chemotherapies targeted to rapidly cycling cells routinely fail to eliminate this resistant subpopulation, leading to disease recurrence and metastasis. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer, is enriched for tumor-propagating CD44+/CD24-/low CSCs, which are poorly ablated by chemotherapeutics and are associated with poor prognosis. CD44 governs sustained PI3K signaling in breast cancer, which is essential for CSC maintenance. PI3K inhibition can elicit DNA damage and down-regulate BRCA1 expression, which in turn enhance the synthetic lethality of PARP inhibitors. Here, we examined a dual chemotherapeutic approach targeting these pathways by combining a pan-PI3K inhibitor (Buparlisib) and a PARP1 inhibitor (Olaparib) on a panel of TNBC cell lines with distinct mutational profiles and proportions of CSCs. We observed differential sensitivity to this dual inhibition strategy and varying cellular stress and resistance responses across eight TNBC lines. The dual chemotherapeutic effect is associated with a reduction in S-phase cells, an increased in apoptotic cells and elevated expression of cleaved PARP, indicating a provoked replicative stress response. We observed that PARP/PI3K inhibition efficacy was potentiated by repeated administration in some TNBC lines and identified critical treatment schedules, which further potentiated the dual chemotherapeutic effect. Dual inhibition induced small but significant increases in CSC relative abundance as marked by CD44+/CD24-/low or ALDH1+ cells and increased stress and survival signaling in multiple TNBC cell lines, suggesting this sub-population contributes to TNBC chemoresistance. These results suggest the additive effects of PARP and PI3K inhibition against CSC phenotypes may be enhanced by temporally-staged administration in TNBC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason W. Chen
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Gabrielle O. Ravelo
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin D. Cosgrove
- Graduate Field of Biochemistry, Molecular, and Cell Biology and
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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17
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Ai CJ, Chen LJ, Guo LX, Wang YP, Zhao ZY. Gossypol acetic acid regulates leukemia stem cells by degrading LRPPRC via inhibiting IL-6/JAK1/STAT3 signaling or resulting mitochondrial dysfunction. World J Stem Cells 2024; 16:444-458. [PMID: 38690512 PMCID: PMC11056636 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i4.444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are found to be one of the main factors contributing to poor therapeutic effects in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), as they are protected by the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) against conventional therapies. Gossypol acetic acid (GAA), which is extracted from the seeds of cotton plants, exerts anti-tumor roles in several types of cancer and has been reported to induce apoptosis of LSCs by inhibiting Bcl2. AIM To investigate the exact roles of GAA in regulating LSCs under different microenvironments and the exact mechanism. METHODS In this study, LSCs were magnetically sorted from AML cell lines and the CD34+CD38- population was obtained. The expression of leucine-rich pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein (LRPPRC) and forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) was evaluated in LSCs, and the effects of GAA on malignancies and mitochondrial function were measured. RESULTS LRPPRC was found to be upregulated, and GAA inhibited cell proliferation by degrading LRPPRC. GAA induced LRPPRC degradation and inhibited the activation of interleukin 6 (IL-6)/janus kinase (JAK) 1/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 signaling, enhancing chemosensitivity in LSCs against conventional chemotherapies, including L-Asparaginase, Dexamethasone, and cytarabine. GAA was also found to downregulate FOXM1 indirectly by regulating LRPPRC. Furthermore, GAA induced reactive oxygen species accumulation, disturbed mitochondrial homeostasis, and caused mitochondrial dysfunction. By inhibiting IL-6/JAK1/STAT3 signaling via degrading LRPPRC, GAA resulted in the elimination of LSCs. Meanwhile, GAA induced oxidative stress and subsequent cell damage by causing mitochondrial damage. CONCLUSION Taken together, the results indicate that GAA might overcome the BMM protective effect and be considered as a novel and effective combination therapy for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Jin Ai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 641000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ling-Juan Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 641000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li-Xuan Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 641000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ya-Ping Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 641000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zi-Yi Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 641000, Sichuan Province, China
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 641000, Sichuan Province, China.
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18
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Lee AQ, Konishi H, Ijiri M, Li Y, Panigrahi A, Chien J, Satake N. Therapeutic efficacy of RAS inhibitor trametinib using a juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia patient-derived xenograft model. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38647418 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2024.2343688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is an aggressive pediatric leukemia with few effective treatments and poor outcomes even after stem cell transplantation, the only current curative treatment. We developed a JMML patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse model and demonstrated the in vivo therapeutic efficacy and confirmed the target of trametinib, a RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway inhibitor, in this model. A PDX model was created through transplantation of patient JMML cells into mice, up to the second generation, and successful engraftment was confirmed using flow cytometry. JMML PDX mice were treated with trametinib versus vehicle control, with a median survival of 194 days in the treatment group versus 124 days in the control group (p = 0.02). Trametinib's target as a RAS pathway inhibitor was verified by showing inhibition of ERK phosphorylation using immunoblot assays. In conclusion, trametinib monotherapy significantly prolongs survival in our JMML PDX model by inhibiting the RAS pathway. Our model can be effectively used for assessment of novel targeted treatments, including potential combination therapies, to improve JMML outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Q Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Hiroaki Konishi
- Department of Pediatrics, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Masami Ijiri
- Department of Pediatrics, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Yueju Li
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Arun Panigrahi
- Department of Pediatrics, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Jeremy Chien
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Noriko Satake
- Department of Pediatrics, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
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19
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Sun B, Cheng X, Wu Q. The Endometrial Stem/Progenitor Cells and Their Niches. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024:10.1007/s12015-024-10725-3. [PMID: 38635126 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10725-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Endometrial stem/progenitor cells are a type of stem cells with the ability to self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types. They exist in the endometrium and form niches with their neighbor cells and extracellular matrix. The interaction between endometrial stem/progenitor cells and niches plays an important role in maintaining, repairing, and regenerating the endometrial structure and function. This review will discuss the characteristics and functions of endometrial stem/progenitor cells and their niches, the mechanisms of their interaction, and their roles in endometrial regeneration and diseases. Finally, the prospects for their applications will also be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baolan Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.
- The State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China.
| | - Xi Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.
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20
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Hollands CG, Boyd AL, Zhao X, Reid JC, Henly C, ElRafie A, Boylan D, Broder E, Kalau O, Johnson P, Mark A, McNicol J, Xenocostas A, Berg T, Foley R, Trus M, Leber B, Garcia-Horton A, Campbell C, Bhatia M. Identification of cells of leukemic stem cell origin with non-canonical regenerative properties. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101485. [PMID: 38582086 PMCID: PMC11031376 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Despite most acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients entering remission following chemotherapy, outcomes remain poor due to surviving leukemic cells that contribute to relapse. The nature of these enduring cells is poorly understood. Here, through temporal single-cell transcriptomic characterization of AML hierarchical regeneration in response to chemotherapy, we reveal a cell population: AML regeneration enriched cells (RECs). RECs are defined by CD74/CD68 expression, and although derived from leukemic stem cells (LSCs), are devoid of stem/progenitor capacity. Based on REC in situ proximity to CD34-expressing cells identified using spatial transcriptomics on AML patient bone marrow samples, RECs demonstrate the ability to augment or reduce leukemic regeneration in vivo based on transfusion or depletion, respectively. Furthermore, RECs are prognostic for patient survival as well as predictive of treatment failure in AML cohorts. Our study reveals RECs as a previously unknown functional catalyst of LSC-driven regeneration contributing to the non-canonical framework of AML regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron G Hollands
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Allison L Boyd
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Xueli Zhao
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Jennifer C Reid
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Charisa Henly
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Amro ElRafie
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - David Boylan
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Emily Broder
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Olivia Kalau
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Paige Johnson
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Alyssa Mark
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Jamie McNicol
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Anargyros Xenocostas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Schulich School of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada; Hematology Exploration and Applications in Leukemia (HEAL) Program, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Tobias Berg
- Hematology Exploration and Applications in Leukemia (HEAL) Program, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Ronan Foley
- Hematology Exploration and Applications in Leukemia (HEAL) Program, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Michael Trus
- Hematology Exploration and Applications in Leukemia (HEAL) Program, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Brian Leber
- Hematology Exploration and Applications in Leukemia (HEAL) Program, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Alejandro Garcia-Horton
- Hematology Exploration and Applications in Leukemia (HEAL) Program, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Clinton Campbell
- Hematology Exploration and Applications in Leukemia (HEAL) Program, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Mickie Bhatia
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; Hematology Exploration and Applications in Leukemia (HEAL) Program, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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21
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Li GX, Chen YP, Hu YY, Zhao WJ, Lu YY, Wan FJ, Wu ZJ, Wang XQ, Yu QY. Machine learning for identifying tumor stemness genes and developing prognostic model in gastric cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:6455-6477. [PMID: 38613794 PMCID: PMC11042969 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Gastric cancer presents a formidable challenge, marked by its debilitating nature and often dire prognosis. Emerging evidence underscores the pivotal role of tumor stem cells in exacerbating treatment resistance and fueling disease recurrence in gastric cancer. Thus, the identification of genes contributing to tumor stemness assumes paramount importance. Employing a comprehensive approach encompassing ssGSEA, WGCNA, and various machine learning algorithms, this study endeavors to delineate tumor stemness key genes (TSKGs). Subsequently, these genes were harnessed to construct a prognostic model, termed the Tumor Stemness Risk Genes Prognostic Model (TSRGPM). Through PCA, Cox regression analysis and ROC curve analysis, the efficacy of Tumor Stemness Risk Scores (TSRS) in stratifying patient risk profiles was underscored, affirming its ability as an independent prognostic indicator. Notably, the TSRS exhibited a significant correlation with lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer. Furthermore, leveraging algorithms such as CIBERSORT to dissect immune infiltration patterns revealed a notable association between TSRS and monocytes and other cell. Subsequent scrutiny of tumor stemness risk genes (TSRGs) culminated in the identification of CDC25A for detailed investigation. Bioinformatics analyses unveil CDC25A's implication in driving the malignant phenotype of tumors, with a discernible impact on cell proliferation and DNA replication in gastric cancer. Noteworthy validation through in vitro experiments corroborated the bioinformatics findings, elucidating the pivotal role of CDC25A expression in modulating tumor stemness in gastric cancer. In summation, the established and validated TSRGPM holds promise in prognostication and delineation of potential therapeutic targets, thus heralding a pivotal stride towards personalized management of this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Xing Li
- Department of Oncology and Central Laboratory, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226361, P.R. China
| | - Yun-Peng Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226361, P.R. China
| | - You-Yang Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226361, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Jing Zhao
- Department of Oncology and Central Laboratory, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226361, P.R. China
| | - Yun-Yan Lu
- Department of Oncology and Central Laboratory, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226361, P.R. China
| | - Fu-Jian Wan
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430081, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Jun Wu
- Department of Oncology, Nantong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226361, P.R. China
| | - Xiang-Qian Wang
- Department of Oncology and Central Laboratory, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226361, P.R. China
| | - Qi-Ying Yu
- Department of Oncology and Central Laboratory, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226361, P.R. China
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22
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Waldum H, Slupphaug G. Correctly identifying the cells of origin is essential for tailoring treatment and understanding the emergence of cancer stem cells and late metastases. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1369907. [PMID: 38660133 PMCID: PMC11040596 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1369907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignancy manifests itself by deregulated growth and the ability to invade surrounding tissues or metastasize to other organs. These properties are due to genetic and/or epigenetic changes, most often mutations. Many aspects of carcinogenesis are known, but the cell of origin has been insufficiently focused on, which is unfortunate since the regulation of its growth is essential to understand the carcinogenic process and guide treatment. Similarly, the concept of cancer stem cells as cells having the ability to stop proliferation and rest in a state of dormancy and being resistant to cytotoxic drugs before "waking up" and become a highly malignant tumor recurrence, is not fully understood. Some tumors may recur after decades, a phenomenon probably also connected to cancer stem cells. The present review shows that many of these questions are related to the cell of origin as differentiated cells being long-term stimulated to proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge Waldum
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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23
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Marrone L, Romano S, Malasomma C, Di Giacomo V, Cerullo A, Abate R, Vecchione MA, Fratantonio D, Romano MF. Metabolic vulnerability of cancer stem cells and their niche. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1375993. [PMID: 38659591 PMCID: PMC11039812 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1375993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) are the leading cause of the failure of anti-tumor treatments. These aggressive cancer cells are preserved and sustained by adjacent cells forming a specialized microenvironment, termed niche, among which tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are critical players. The cycle of tricarboxylic acids, fatty acid oxidation path, and electron transport chain have been proven to play central roles in the development and maintenance of CSCs and TAMs. By improving their oxidative metabolism, cancer cells are able to extract more energy from nutrients, which allows them to survive in nutritionally defective environments. Because mitochondria are crucial bioenergetic hubs and sites of these metabolic pathways, major hopes are posed for drugs targeting mitochondria. A wide range of medications targeting mitochondria, electron transport chain complexes, or oxidative enzymes are currently investigated in phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials against hard-to-treat tumors. This review article aims to highlight recent literature on the metabolic adaptations of CSCs and their supporting macrophages. A focus is provided on the resistance and dormancy behaviors that give CSCs a selection advantage and quiescence capacity in particularly hostile microenvironments and the role of TAMs in supporting these attitudes. The article also describes medicaments that have demonstrated a robust ability to disrupt core oxidative metabolism in preclinical cancer studies and are currently being tested in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Marrone
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Romano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Malasomma
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Di Giacomo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Cerullo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosetta Abate
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Deborah Fratantonio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University Giuseppe Degennaro, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Fiammetta Romano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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24
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Radu P, Zurzu M, Tigora A, Paic V, Bratucu M, Garofil D, Surlin V, Munteanu AC, Coman IS, Popa F, Strambu V, Ramboiu S. The Impact of Cancer Stem Cells in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4140. [PMID: 38673727 PMCID: PMC11050141 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite incessant research, colorectal cancer (CRC) is still one of the most common causes of fatality in both men and women worldwide. Over time, advancements in medical treatments have notably enhanced the survival rates of patients with colorectal cancer. Managing metastatic CRC involves a complex tradeoff between the potential benefits and adverse effects of treatment, considering factors like disease progression, treatment toxicity, drug resistance, and the overall impact on the patient's quality of life. An increasing body of evidence highlights the significance of the cancer stem cell (CSC) concept, proposing that CSCs occupy a central role in triggering cancer. CSCs have been a focal point of extensive research in a variety of cancer types, including CRC. Colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs) play a crucial role in tumor initiation, metastasis, and therapy resistance, making them potential treatment targets. Various methods exist for isolating CCSCs, and understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance associated with them is crucial. This paper offers an overview of the current body of research pertaining to the comprehension of CSCs in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petru Radu
- Tenth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (P.R.); (A.T.); (V.P.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (I.S.C.); (F.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Mihai Zurzu
- Tenth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (P.R.); (A.T.); (V.P.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (I.S.C.); (F.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Anca Tigora
- Tenth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (P.R.); (A.T.); (V.P.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (I.S.C.); (F.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Vlad Paic
- Tenth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (P.R.); (A.T.); (V.P.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (I.S.C.); (F.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Mircea Bratucu
- Tenth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (P.R.); (A.T.); (V.P.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (I.S.C.); (F.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Dragos Garofil
- Tenth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (P.R.); (A.T.); (V.P.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (I.S.C.); (F.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Valeriu Surlin
- Sixth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova Emergency Clinical 7 Hospital, 200642 Craiova, Romania; (V.S.); (A.C.M.); (S.R.)
| | - Alexandru Claudiu Munteanu
- Sixth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova Emergency Clinical 7 Hospital, 200642 Craiova, Romania; (V.S.); (A.C.M.); (S.R.)
| | - Ionut Simion Coman
- Tenth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (P.R.); (A.T.); (V.P.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (I.S.C.); (F.P.); (V.S.)
- General Surgery Department, “Bagdasar-Arseni” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 12 Berceni Road, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florian Popa
- Tenth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (P.R.); (A.T.); (V.P.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (I.S.C.); (F.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Victor Strambu
- Tenth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (P.R.); (A.T.); (V.P.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (I.S.C.); (F.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Sandu Ramboiu
- Sixth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova Emergency Clinical 7 Hospital, 200642 Craiova, Romania; (V.S.); (A.C.M.); (S.R.)
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25
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Yi SY, Wei MZ, Zhao L. Targeted immunotherapy to cancer stem cells: A novel strategy of anticancer immunotherapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 196:104313. [PMID: 38428702 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a major disease that endangers human health. Cancer drug resistance and relapse are the two main causes contributing to cancer treatment failure. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small fraction of tumor cells that are responsible for tumorigenesis, metastasis, relapse, and resistance to conventional anticancer therapies. Therefore, CSCs are considered to be the root of cancer recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Novel anticancer strategies need to face this new challenge and explore their efficacy against CSCs. Recently, immunotherapy has made rapid advances in cancer treatment, and its potential against CSCs is also an interesting area of research. Meanwhile, immunotherapy strategies are novel therapeutic modalities with promising results in targeting CSCs. In this review, we summarize the targeting of CSCs by various immunotherapy strategies such as monoclonal antibodies(mAb), tumor vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor-T cells(CAR-T) in pre-clinical and clinical studies. This review provides new insights into the application of these immunotherapeutic approaches to potential anti-tumor therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Yong Yi
- Department of Oncology of the Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, Henan Province 450007, China.
| | - Mei-Zhuo Wei
- Department of Oncology of the Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, Henan Province 450007, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Department of Oncology of the Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, Henan Province 450007, China.
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26
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Kim D, Kim S, Song H, Gwak D, Min S, Byun JM, Koh Y, Hong J, Yoon S, Yun H, Shin D. Pursuing dynamics of minimal residual leukemic subclones in relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia during conventional therapy. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7182. [PMID: 38591109 PMCID: PMC11002636 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by clonal heterogeneity, leading to frequent relapses and drug resistance despite intensive clinical therapy. Although AML's clonal architecture has been addressed in many studies, practical monitoring of dynamic changes in those subclones during relapse and treatment is still understudied. METHOD Fifteen longitudinal bone marrow (BM) samples were collected from three relapsed and refractory (R/R) AML patients. Using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), the frequencies of patient's leukemic variants were assessed in seven cell populations that were isolated from each BM sample based on cellular phenotypes. By quantifying mutant clones at the diagnosis, remission, and relapse stages, the distribution of AML subclones was sequentially monitored. RESULTS Minimal residual (MR) leukemic subclones exhibit heterogeneous distribution among BM cell populations, including mature leukocyte populations. During AML progression, these subclones undergo active phenotypic transitions and repopulate into distinct cell population regardless of normal hematopoiesis hierarchic order. Of these, MR subclones in progenitor populations of patient BM predominantly carry MR leukemic properties, leading to more robust expansion and stubborn persistence than those in mature populations. Moreover, a minor subset of MR leukemic subclones could be sustained at an extremely low frequency without clonal expansion during relapse. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we observed treatment persistent MR leukemic subclones and their phenotypic changes during the treatment process of R/R AML patients. This underscores the importance of preemptive inhibition of clonal promiscuity in R/R AML, proposing a practical method for monitoring AML MR subclones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongchan Kim
- Cancer Research InstituteSeoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Center for Medical InnovationSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Sheehyun Kim
- Center for Medical InnovationSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Center for Precision MedicineSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Hyojin Song
- Center for Medical InnovationSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Center for Precision MedicineSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Daehyeon Gwak
- Cancer Research InstituteSeoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Center for Medical InnovationSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Suji Min
- Cancer Research InstituteSeoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Center for Medical InnovationSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Ja Min Byun
- Cancer Research InstituteSeoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Center for Medical InnovationSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Youngil Koh
- Cancer Research InstituteSeoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Center for Medical InnovationSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Junshik Hong
- Cancer Research InstituteSeoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Center for Medical InnovationSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Sung‐Soo Yoon
- Cancer Research InstituteSeoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Center for Medical InnovationSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Hongseok Yun
- Center for Medical InnovationSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Center for Precision MedicineSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Dong‐Yeop Shin
- Cancer Research InstituteSeoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Center for Medical InnovationSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
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27
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Mina A, Pavletic S, Aplan PD. The evolution of preclinical models for myelodysplastic neoplasms. Leukemia 2024; 38:683-691. [PMID: 38396286 PMCID: PMC10997513 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02181-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Myelodysplastic Neoplasms (MDS) are a group of clonal disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and morphologic dysplasia. Clinical manifestations of MDS vary widely and are dictated in large part by a range of genetic aberrations. The lack of robust in vitro models for MDS has limited the ability to conduct high throughput drug screens, which in turn has hampered the development of novel therapies for MDS. There are very few well-characterized MDS cell lines, and the available cell lines expand poorly in vitro. Conventional xenograft mouse models can provide an in vivo vessel to provide growth of cancer cells, but human MDS cells engraft poorly. Three-dimensional (3D) scaffold models that form human "ossicles" represent a promising new approach and can reproduce the intricate communication between hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and their environment. Genetically engineered mice utilize specific mutations and may not represent the entire array of human MDS; however, genetically engineered mice provided in vivo proof of principle for novel agents such as luspatercept, demonstrating the clinical utility of this approach. This review offers an overview of available preclinical MDS models and potential approaches to accelerate accurate clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Mina
- Myeloid Malignancies Program, Immune Deficiency Cellular Therapy Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Steven Pavletic
- Myeloid Malignancies Program, Immune Deficiency Cellular Therapy Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peter D Aplan
- Myeloid Malignancies Program, Immune Deficiency Cellular Therapy Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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28
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Ruszkowska-Ciastek B, Kwiatkowska K, Marques-da-Silva D, Lagoa R. Cancer Stem Cells from Definition to Detection and Targeted Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3903. [PMID: 38612718 PMCID: PMC11011379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancers remain the second leading cause of mortality in the world. Preclinical and clinical studies point an important role of cancer/leukaemia stem cells (CSCs/LSCs) in the colonisation at secondary organ sites upon metastatic spreading, although the precise mechanisms for specific actions are still not fully understood. Reviewing the present knowledge on the crucial role of CSCs/LSCs, their plasticity, and population heterogeneity in treatment failures in cancer patients is timely. Standard chemotherapy, which acts mainly on rapidly dividing cells, is unable to adequately affect CSCs with a low proliferation rate. One of the proposed mechanisms of CSC resistance to anticancer agents is the fact that these cells can easily shift between different phases of the cell cycle in response to typical cell stimuli induced by anticancer drugs. In this work, we reviewed the recent studies on CSC/LSC alterations associated with disease recurrence, and we systematised the functional assays, markers, and novel methods for CSCs screening. This review emphasises CSCs' involvement in cancer progression and metastasis, as well as CSC/LSC targeting by synthetic and natural compounds aiming at their elimination or modulation of stemness properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ruszkowska-Ciastek
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kwiatkowska
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Jan Biziel University Hospital No. 2, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Dorinda Marques-da-Silva
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal; (D.M.-d.-S.); (R.L.)
- Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering (ALiCE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Morro do Lena-Alto do Vieiro, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Lagoa
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal; (D.M.-d.-S.); (R.L.)
- Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering (ALiCE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Morro do Lena-Alto do Vieiro, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
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29
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Bercier P, de Thé H. History of Developing Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Treatment and Role of Promyelocytic Leukemia Bodies. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1351. [PMID: 38611029 PMCID: PMC11011038 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The story of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) discovery, physiopathology, and treatment is a unique journey, transforming the most aggressive form of leukemia to the most curable. It followed an empirical route fueled by clinical breakthroughs driving major advances in biochemistry and cell biology, including the discovery of PML nuclear bodies (PML NBs) and their central role in APL physiopathology. Beyond APL, PML NBs have emerged as key players in a wide variety of biological functions, including tumor-suppression and SUMO-initiated protein degradation, underscoring their broad importance. The APL story is an example of how clinical observations led to the incremental development of the first targeted leukemia therapy. The understanding of APL pathogenesis and the basis for cure now opens new insights in the treatment of other diseases, especially other acute myeloid leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Bercier
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75231 Paris, France;
- GenCellDis, Inserm U944, CNRS UMR7212, Université Paris Cité, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Hugues de Thé
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75231 Paris, France;
- GenCellDis, Inserm U944, CNRS UMR7212, Université Paris Cité, 75010 Paris, France
- Hematology Laboratory, Hôpital St Louis, AP/HP, 75010 Paris, France
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30
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Nollmann C, Moskorz W, Wimmenauer C, Jäger PS, Cadeddu RP, Timm J, Heinzel T, Haas R. Characterization of CD34 + Cells from Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Using a t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) Protocol. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1320. [PMID: 38610998 PMCID: PMC11010974 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Using multi-color flow cytometry analysis, we studied the immunophenotypical differences between leukemic cells from patients with AML/MDS and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from patients in complete remission (CR) following their successful treatment. The panel of markers included CD34, CD38, CD45RA, CD123 as representatives for a hierarchical hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) classification as well as programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). Rather than restricting the evaluation on a 2- or 3-dimensional analysis, we applied a t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) approach to obtain deeper insight and segregation between leukemic cells and normal HPSCs. For that purpose, we created a t-SNE map, which resulted in the visualization of 27 cell clusters based on their similarity concerning the composition and intensity of antigen expression. Two of these clusters were "leukemia-related" containing a great proportion of CD34+/CD38- hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) or CD34+ cells with a strong co-expression of CD45RA/CD123, respectively. CD34+ cells within the latter cluster were also highly positive for PD-L1 reflecting their immunosuppressive capacity. Beyond this proof of principle study, the inclusion of additional markers will be helpful to refine the differentiation between normal HSPCs and leukemic cells, particularly in the context of minimal disease detection and antigen-targeted therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, we suggest a protocol for the assignment of new cell ensembles in quantitative terms, via a numerical value, the Pearson coefficient, based on a similarity comparison of the t-SNE pattern with a reference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathrin Nollmann
- Condensed Matter Physics Laboratory, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40204 Düsseldorf, Germany; (C.N.)
| | - Wiebke Moskorz
- Institute of Virology, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40204 Düsseldorf, Germany (J.T.)
| | - Christian Wimmenauer
- Condensed Matter Physics Laboratory, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40204 Düsseldorf, Germany; (C.N.)
| | - Paul S. Jäger
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (P.S.J.)
| | - Ron P. Cadeddu
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (P.S.J.)
| | - Jörg Timm
- Institute of Virology, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40204 Düsseldorf, Germany (J.T.)
| | - Thomas Heinzel
- Condensed Matter Physics Laboratory, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40204 Düsseldorf, Germany; (C.N.)
| | - Rainer Haas
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (P.S.J.)
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31
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Ling RE, Cross JW, Roy A. Aberrant stem cell and developmental programs in pediatric leukemia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1372899. [PMID: 38601080 PMCID: PMC11004259 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1372899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hematopoiesis is a finely orchestrated process, whereby hematopoietic stem cells give rise to all mature blood cells. Crucially, they maintain the ability to self-renew and/or differentiate to replenish downstream progeny. This process starts at an embryonic stage and continues throughout the human lifespan. Blood cancers such as leukemia occur when normal hematopoiesis is disrupted, leading to uncontrolled proliferation and a block in differentiation of progenitors of a particular lineage (myeloid or lymphoid). Although normal stem cell programs are crucial for tissue homeostasis, these can be co-opted in many cancers, including leukemia. Myeloid or lymphoid leukemias often display stem cell-like properties that not only allow proliferation and survival of leukemic blasts but also enable them to escape treatments currently employed to treat patients. In addition, some leukemias, especially in children, have a fetal stem cell profile, which may reflect the developmental origins of the disease. Aberrant fetal stem cell programs necessary for leukemia maintenance are particularly attractive therapeutic targets. Understanding how hijacked stem cell programs lead to aberrant gene expression in place and time, and drive the biology of leukemia, will help us develop the best treatment strategies for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E. Ling
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joe W. Cross
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anindita Roy
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom
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Fiorentino F, Fabbrizi E, Raucci A, Noce B, Fioravanti R, Valente S, Paolini C, De Maria R, Steinkühler C, Gallinari P, Rotili D, Mai A. Uracil- and Pyridine-Containing HDAC Inhibitors Displayed Cytotoxicity in Colorectal and Glioblastoma Cancer Stem Cells. ChemMedChem 2024:e202300655. [PMID: 38529661 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a niche of highly tumorigenic cells featuring self-renewal, activation of pluripotency genes, multidrug resistance, and ability to cause cancer relapse. Seven HDACi (1-7), showing either hydroxamate or 2'-aminoanilide function, were tested in colorectal cancer (CRC) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) CSCs to determine their effects on cell proliferation, H3 acetylation levels and in-cell HDAC activity. Two uracil-based hydroxamates, 5 and 6, which differ in substitution at C5 and C6 positions of the pyrimidine ring, exhibited the greatest cytotoxicity in GBM (5) and CRC (6) CSCs, followed by the pyridine-hydroxamate 2, with 2- to 6-fold higher potency than the positive control SAHA. Finally, increased H3 acetylation as well as HDAC inhibition directly in cells by selected 2'-aminoanilide 4 and hydroxamate 5 confirmed target engagement. Further investigation will be conducted into the broad-spectrum anticancer properties of the most potent derivatives and their effects in combination with approved, conventional anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fiorentino
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo, Moro n. 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Fabbrizi
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo, Moro n. 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Raucci
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo, Moro n. 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Noce
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo, Moro n. 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Fioravanti
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo, Moro n. 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo, Moro n. 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Chantal Paolini
- IRBM S.p.A., Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Steinkühler
- Research and Development, Italfarmaco Group, Via dei Lavoratori 54, 20092, Cinisello Balsamo, Italy
| | - Paola Gallinari
- Exiris S.r.l., Tecnopolo Castel, Romano, Via Castel Romano 100, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo, Moro n. 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo, Moro n. 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, P. de Aldo Moro n. 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Das N, Panda D, Gajendra S, Gupta R, Thakral D, Kaur G, Khan A, Singh VK, Vemprala A, Bakhshi S, Seth R, Sahoo RK, Sharma A, Rai S, Prajapati VK, Singh S. Immunophenotypic characterization of leukemic stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia using single tube 10-colour panel by multiparametric flow cytometry: Deciphering the spectrum, complexity and immunophenotypic heterogeneity. Int J Lab Hematol 2024. [PMID: 38456256 DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.14250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite extensive research, comprehensive characterization of leukaemic stem cells (LSC) and information on their immunophenotypic differences from normal haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) is lacking. Herein, we attempted to unravel the immunophenotypic (IPT) characteristics and heterogeneity of LSC using multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) and single-cell sequencing. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bone marrow aspirate samples from patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) were evaluated using MFC at diagnostic and post induction time points using a single tube-10-colour-panel containing LSC-associated antibodies CD123, CD45RA, CD44, CD33 and COMPOSITE (CLL-1, TIM-3, CD25, CD11b, CD22, CD7, CD56) with backbone markers that is, CD45, CD34, CD38, CD117, sCD3. Single-cell sequencing of the whole transcriptome was also done in a bone marrow sample. RESULTS LSCs and HSCs were identified in 225/255 (88.2%) and 183/255 (71.6%) samples, respectively. Significantly higher expression was noted for COMPOSITE, CD45RA, CD123, CD33, and CD44 in LSCs than HSCs (p < 0.0001). On comparing the LSC specific antigen expressions between CD34+ (n = 184) and CD34- LSCs (n = 41), no difference was observed between the groups. More than one sub-population of LSC was demonstrated in 4.4% of cases, which further revealed high concordance between MFC and single cell transcriptomic analysis in one of the cases displaying three LSC subpopulations by both methods. CONCLUSION A single tube-10-colour MFC panel is proposed as an easy and reproducible tool to identify and discriminate LSCs from HSCs. LSCs display both inter- and intra-sample heterogeneity in terms of antigen expressions, which opens the facets for single cell molecular analysis to elucidate the role of subpopulations of LSCs in AML progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nupur Das
- Department of Laboratory Oncology, Dr. BRAIRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Devasis Panda
- Department of Laboratory Oncology, Dr. BRAIRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Smeeta Gajendra
- Department of Laboratory Oncology, Dr. BRAIRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Ritu Gupta
- Department of Laboratory Oncology, Dr. BRAIRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepshi Thakral
- Department of Laboratory Oncology, Dr. BRAIRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Gurvinder Kaur
- Department of Laboratory Oncology, Dr. BRAIRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Aafreen Khan
- Department of Laboratory Oncology, Dr. BRAIRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Vivek Kumar Singh
- Department of Laboratory Oncology, Dr. BRAIRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Arushi Vemprala
- Department of Laboratory Oncology, Dr. BRAIRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Sameer Bakhshi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. BRAIRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Rachna Seth
- Department of Paediatrics, Dr. BRAIRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Atul Sharma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. BRAIRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Sandeep Rai
- Department of Laboratory Oncology, Dr. BRAIRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Vijay K Prajapati
- Department of Laboratory Oncology, Dr. BRAIRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Saroj Singh
- Department of Laboratory Oncology, Dr. BRAIRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
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Azizidoost S, Nasrolahi A, Sheykhi-Sabzehpoush M, Anbiyaiee A, Khoshnam SE, Farzaneh M, Uddin S. Signaling pathways governing the behaviors of leukemia stem cells. Genes Dis 2024; 11:830-846. [PMID: 37692500 PMCID: PMC10491880 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukemia is a malignancy in the blood that develops from the lymphatic system and bone marrow. Although various treatment options have been used for different types of leukemia, understanding the molecular pathways involved in the development and progression of leukemia is necessary. Recent studies showed that leukemia stem cells (LSCs) play essential roles in the pathogenesis of leukemia by targeting several signaling pathways, including Notch, Wnt, Hedgehog, and STAT3. LSCs are highly proliferative cells that stimulate tumor initiation, migration, EMT, and drug resistance. This review summarizes cellular pathways that stimulate and prevent LSCs' self-renewal, metastasis, and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Azizidoost
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6193673111, Iran
| | - Ava Nasrolahi
- Infectious Ophthalmologic Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6193673111, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Sheykhi-Sabzehpoush
- Department of Laboratory, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 2193672411, Iran
| | - Amir Anbiyaiee
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6193673111, Iran
| | - Seyed Esmaeil Khoshnam
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6193673111, Iran
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6193673111, Iran
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
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35
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Ashrafizadeh M, Zhang W, Tian Y, Sethi G, Zhang X, Qiu A. Molecular panorama of therapy resistance in prostate cancer: a pre-clinical and bioinformatics analysis for clinical translation. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:229-260. [PMID: 38374496 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10168-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a malignant disorder of prostate gland being asymptomatic in early stages and high metastatic potential in advanced stages. The chemotherapy and surgical resection have provided favourable prognosis of PCa patients, but advanced and aggressive forms of PCa including CRPC and AVPC lack response to therapy properly, and therefore, prognosis of patients is deteriorated. At the advanced stages, PCa cells do not respond to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in a satisfactory level, and therefore, therapy resistance is emerged. Molecular profile analysis of PCa cells reveals the apoptosis suppression, pro-survival autophagy induction, and EMT induction as factors in escalating malignant of cancer cells and development of therapy resistance. The dysregulation in molecular profile of PCa including upregulation of STAT3 and PI3K/Akt, downregulation of STAT3, and aberrant expression of non-coding RNAs are determining factor for response of cancer cells to chemotherapy. Because of prevalence of drug resistance in PCa, combination therapy including co-utilization of anti-cancer drugs and nanotherapeutic approaches has been suggested in PCa therapy. As a result of increase in DNA damage repair, PCa cells induce radioresistance and RelB overexpression prevents irradiation-mediated cell death. Similar to chemotherapy, nanomaterials are promising for promoting radiosensitivity through delivery of cargo, improving accumulation in PCa cells, and targeting survival-related pathways. In respect to emergence of immunotherapy as a new tool in PCa suppression, tumour cells are able to increase PD-L1 expression and inactivate NK cells in mediating immune evasion. The bioinformatics analysis for evaluation of drug resistance-related genes has been performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Xianbin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| | - Aiming Qiu
- Department of Geriatrics, the Fifth People's Hospital of Wujiang District, Suzhou, China.
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36
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Knopik-Skrocka A, Sempowicz A, Piwocka O. Plasticity and resistance of cancer stem cells as a challenge for innovative anticancer therapies - do we know enough to overcome this? EXCLI JOURNAL 2024; 23:335-355. [PMID: 38655094 PMCID: PMC11036066 DOI: 10.17179/excli2024-6972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
According to the CSC hypothesis, cancer stem cells are pivotal in initiating, developing, and causing cancer recurrence. Since the identification of CSCs in leukemia, breast cancer, glioblastoma, and colorectal cancer in the 1990s, researchers have actively investigated the origin and biology of CSCs. However, the CSC hypothesis and the role of these cells in tumor development model is still in debate. These cells exhibit distinct surface markers, are capable of self-renewal, demonstrate unrestricted proliferation, and display metabolic adaptation. CSC phenotypic plasticity and the capacity to EMT is strictly connected to the stemness state. CSCs show high resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. The plasticity of CSCs is significantly influenced by tumor microenvironment factors, such as hypoxia. Targeting the genetic and epigenetic changes of cancer cells, together with interactions with the tumor microenvironment, presents promising avenues for therapeutic strategies. See also the Graphical abstract(Fig. 1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Knopik-Skrocka
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University of Poznań, Poland
- Section of Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Research, Natural Sciences Club, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Alicja Sempowicz
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University of Poznań, Poland
- Section of Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Research, Natural Sciences Club, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Oliwia Piwocka
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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37
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Yang K, Yi T. Tumor cell stemness in gastrointestinal cancer: regulation and targeted therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 10:1297611. [PMID: 38455361 PMCID: PMC10918437 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1297611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The cancer stem cells are a rare group of self-renewable cancer cells capable of the initiation, progression, metastasis and recurrence of tumors, and also a key contributor to the therapeutic resistance. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanism of tumor stemness regulation, especially in the gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, is of great importance for targeting CSC and designing novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to elucidate current advancements in the understanding of CSC regulation, including CSC biomarkers, signaling pathways, and non-coding RNAs. We will also provide a comprehensive view on how the tumor microenvironment (TME) display an overall tumor-promoting effect, including the recruitment and impact of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the establishment of an immunosuppressive milieu, and the induction of angiogenesis and hypoxia. Lastly, this review consolidates mainstream novel therapeutic interventions targeting CSC stemness regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangqi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tuo Yi
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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38
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Kellaway SG, Potluri S, Keane P, Blair HJ, Ames L, Worker A, Chin PS, Ptasinska A, Derevyanko PK, Adamo A, Coleman DJL, Khan N, Assi SA, Krippner-Heidenreich A, Raghavan M, Cockerill PN, Heidenreich O, Bonifer C. Leukemic stem cells activate lineage inappropriate signalling pathways to promote their growth. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1359. [PMID: 38355578 PMCID: PMC10867020 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45691-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is caused by multiple mutations which dysregulate growth and differentiation of myeloid cells. Cells adopt different gene regulatory networks specific to individual mutations, maintaining a rapidly proliferating blast cell population with fatal consequences for the patient if not treated. The most common treatment option is still chemotherapy which targets such cells. However, patients harbour a population of quiescent leukemic stem cells (LSCs) which can emerge from quiescence to trigger relapse after therapy. The processes that allow such cells to re-grow remain unknown. Here, we examine the well characterised t(8;21) AML sub-type as a model to address this question. Using four primary AML samples and a novel t(8;21) patient-derived xenograft model, we show that t(8;21) LSCs aberrantly activate the VEGF and IL-5 signalling pathways. Both pathways operate within a regulatory circuit consisting of the driver oncoprotein RUNX1::ETO and an AP-1/GATA2 axis allowing LSCs to re-enter the cell cycle while preserving self-renewal capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie G Kellaway
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
- Blood Cancer and Stem Cells, Centre for Cancer Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Sandeep Potluri
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Peter Keane
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Helen J Blair
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Luke Ames
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alice Worker
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Paulynn S Chin
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Anetta Ptasinska
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Assunta Adamo
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Daniel J L Coleman
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Naeem Khan
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Salam A Assi
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Manoj Raghavan
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Clinical Haematology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Peter N Cockerill
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Olaf Heidenreich
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Princess Maxima Center of Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Constanze Bonifer
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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Sinha S, Hembram KC, Chatterjee S. Targeting signaling pathways in cancer stem cells: A potential approach for developing novel anti-cancer therapeutics. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 385:157-209. [PMID: 38663959 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as prime players in the intricate landscape of cancer development, progression, and resistance to traditional treatments. These unique cellular subpopulations own the remarkable capability of self-renewal and differentiation, giving rise to the diverse cellular makeup of tumors and fostering their recurrence following conventional therapies. In the quest for developing more effective cancer therapeutics, the focus has now shifted toward targeting the signaling pathways that govern CSCs behavior. This chapter underscores the significance of these signaling pathways in CSC biology and their potential as pivotal targets for the development of novel chemotherapy approaches. We delve into several key signaling pathways essential for maintaining the defining characteristics of CSCs, including the Wnt, Hedgehog, Notch, JAK-STAT, NF-κB pathways, among others, shedding light on their potential crosstalk. Furthermore, we highlight the latest advancements in CSC-targeted therapies, spanning from promising preclinical models to ongoing clinical trials. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular aspects of CSC signaling pathways and their manipulation holds the prospective to revolutionize cancer treatment paradigms. This, in turn, could lead to more efficacious and personalized therapies with the ultimate goal of eradicating CSCs and enhancing overall patient outcomes. The exploration of CSC signaling pathways represents a key step towards a brighter future in the battle against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saptarshi Sinha
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Subhajit Chatterjee
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.
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40
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I A, Raghavan Pillai VB, P Joseph A, Ramani P, P J, Ramalingam K. Identification and Evaluation of Cancer Stem Cells in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Oral Epithelial Dysplasia Using NANOG: An Immunohistochemical Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e55111. [PMID: 38558704 PMCID: PMC10979711 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity may show precursor lesions, termed as potentially malignant disorders, of which leukoplakia is the most frequent one. Oral leukoplakia is a clinical diagnosis for which the histological diagnosis may be either hyperplasia or oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and sometimes even oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Cancer stem cells (CSCs), identified in various tumors, are a specific group of cells that exhibit the properties of self-renewal and differentiation. Among the various biomarkers that identify CSCs, the transcription factor NANOG is considered to be a significant one. AIM In this study, we intend to identify and compare the immunohistochemical expression of NANOG in OSCC, OED, and normal oral mucosa. METHODOLOGY Tissue blocks of OSCC (n=28), OED (n=28), and normal oral mucosa (n=28) were used in this study. Specimens were immunohistochemically analyzed for NANOG expression. The results were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Games-Howell post hoc, and Student t-test. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 21; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) software was used for performing the statistical analysis, and the level of significance was set as 0.05. OBSERVATIONS NANOG expression was higher in OSCC when compared to oral dysplasias and normal oral mucosa, in decreasing order. A significantly higher histo-score and labeling index score were observed in OSCC and oral dysplasias compared to normal oral mucosa (p=<0.001). CONCLUSION The expression levels of NANOG were positively correlated with disease progression in OSCC, implicating that NANOG can be used as a surrogate marker of oral oncogenesis and prognosis. Therefore, decoding the molecular mechanisms of NANOG regulation in the progression of cancer helps in developing new therapeutic strategies for oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arya I
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, PMS College of Dental Science and Research, Trivandrum, IND
| | - Varun B Raghavan Pillai
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, PMS College of Dental Science and Research, Trivandrum, IND
| | - Anna P Joseph
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, PMS College of Dental Science and Research, Trivandrum, IND
| | - Pratibha Ramani
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Jayanthi P
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Azeezia College of Dental Sciences and Research, Kollam, IND
| | - Karthikeyan Ramalingam
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
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Pérez Millán MI, Cheung LYM, Mercogliano F, Camilletti MA, Chirino Felker GT, Moro LN, Miriuka S, Brinkmeier ML, Camper SA. Pituitary stem cells: past, present and future perspectives. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2024; 20:77-92. [PMID: 38102391 PMCID: PMC10964491 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00922-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary cells that express the transcription factor SOX2 are stem cells because they can self-renew and differentiate into multiple pituitary hormone-producing cell types as organoids. Wounding and physiological challenges can activate pituitary stem cells, but cell numbers are not fully restored, and the ability to mobilize stem cells decreases with increasing age. The basis of these limitations is still unknown. The regulation of stem cell quiescence and activation involves many different signalling pathways, including those mediated by WNT, Hippo and several cytokines; more research is needed to understand the interactions between these pathways. Pituitary organoids can be formed from human or mouse embryonic stem cells, or from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Human pituitary organoid transplantation is sufficient to induce corticosterone release in hypophysectomized mice, raising the possibility of therapeutic applications. Today, pituitary organoids have the potential to assess the role of individual genes and genetic variants on hormone production ex vivo, providing an important tool for the advancement of exciting frontiers in pituitary stem cell biology and pituitary organogenesis. In this article, we provide an overview of notable discoveries in pituitary stem cell function and highlight important areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Inés Pérez Millán
- Institute of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Translational Biology (IB3-UBA), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leonard Y M Cheung
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Florencia Mercogliano
- Institute of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Translational Biology (IB3-UBA), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Andrea Camilletti
- Institute of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Translational Biology (IB3-UBA), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gonzalo T Chirino Felker
- Laboratory of Applied Research of Neurosciences (LIAN-CONICET), FLENI Sede Escobar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucia N Moro
- Laboratory of Applied Research of Neurosciences (LIAN-CONICET), FLENI Sede Escobar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Santiago Miriuka
- Laboratory of Applied Research of Neurosciences (LIAN-CONICET), FLENI Sede Escobar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Michelle L Brinkmeier
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sally A Camper
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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42
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Ding G, Yu H, Jin J, Qiao X, Ma J, Zhang T, Cheng X. Reciprocal relationship between cancer stem cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells: implications for tumor progression and therapeutic strategies. Future Oncol 2024; 20:215-228. [PMID: 38390682 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2023-0907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been an increased focus on cancer stem cells (CSCs) due to their resilience, making them difficult to eradicate. This resilience often leads to tumor recurrence and metastasis. CSCs adeptly manipulate their surroundings to create an environment conducive to their survival. In this environment, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a crucial role in promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and bolstering CSCs' stemness. In response, CSCs attract MDSCs, enhancing their infiltration, expansion and immunosuppressive capabilities. This interaction between CSCs and MDSCs increases the difficulty of antitumor therapy. In this paper, we discuss the interplay between CSCs and MDSCs based on current research and highlight recent therapeutic strategies targeting either CSCs or MDSCs that show promise in achieving effective antitumor outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiqing Ding
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Yue-yang Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Hua Yu
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Yue-yang Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Jason Jin
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Yue-yang Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Xi Qiao
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Yue-yang Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Jinyun Ma
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Yue-yang Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Yue-yang Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Yue-yang Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
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Velasco‐Hernandez T, Trincado JL, Vinyoles M, Closa A, Martínez‐Moreno A, Gutiérrez‐Agüera F, Molina O, Rodríguez‐Cortez VC, Ximeno‐Parpal P, Fernández‐Fuentes N, Petazzi P, Beneyto‐Calabuig S, Velten L, Romecin P, Casquero R, Abollo‐Jiménez F, de la Guardia RD, Lorden P, Bataller A, Lapillonne H, Stam RW, Vives S, Torrebadell M, Fuster JL, Bueno C, Sarry J, Eyras E, Heyn H, Menéndez P. Integrative single-cell expression and functional studies unravels a sensitization to cytarabine-based chemotherapy through HIF pathway inhibition in AML leukemia stem cells. Hemasphere 2024; 8:e45. [PMID: 38435427 PMCID: PMC10895904 DOI: 10.1002/hem3.45] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Relapse remains a major challenge in the clinical management of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is driven by rare therapy-resistant leukemia stem cells (LSCs) that reside in specific bone marrow niches. Hypoxia signaling maintains cells in a quiescent and metabolically relaxed state, desensitizing them to chemotherapy. This suggests the hypothesis that hypoxia contributes to the chemoresistance of AML-LSCs and may represent a therapeutic target to sensitize AML-LSCs to chemotherapy. Here, we identify HIFhigh and HIFlow specific AML subgroups (inv(16)/t(8;21) and MLLr, respectively) and provide a comprehensive single-cell expression atlas of 119,000 AML cells and AML-LSCs in paired diagnostic-relapse samples from these molecular subgroups. The HIF/hypoxia pathway signature is attenuated in AML-LSCs compared with more differentiated AML cells but is more expressed than in healthy hematopoietic cells. Importantly, chemical inhibition of HIF cooperates with standard-of-care chemotherapy to impair AML growth and to substantially eliminate AML-LSCs in vitro and in vivo. These findings support the HIF pathway in the stem cell-driven drug resistance of AML and unravel avenues for combinatorial targeted and chemotherapy-based approaches to specifically eliminate AML-LSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia Velasco‐Hernandez
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research InstituteBarcelonaSpain
- Red Española de Terapias Avanzadas (TERAV)‐Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) (RICORS, RD21/0017/0029)MadridSpain
| | - Juan L. Trincado
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research InstituteBarcelonaSpain
- Red Española de Terapias Avanzadas (TERAV)‐Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) (RICORS, RD21/0017/0029)MadridSpain
| | - Meritxell Vinyoles
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research InstituteBarcelonaSpain
- Red Española de Terapias Avanzadas (TERAV)‐Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) (RICORS, RD21/0017/0029)MadridSpain
| | - Adria Closa
- The John Curtin School of Medical ResearchThe Australian National UniversityCanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
- EMBL Australia Partner Laboratory Network at the Australian National UniversityCanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
| | | | | | - Oscar Molina
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research InstituteBarcelonaSpain
- Red Española de Terapias Avanzadas (TERAV)‐Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) (RICORS, RD21/0017/0029)MadridSpain
| | - Virginia C. Rodríguez‐Cortez
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research InstituteBarcelonaSpain
- Red Española de Terapias Avanzadas (TERAV)‐Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) (RICORS, RD21/0017/0029)MadridSpain
| | | | | | - Paolo Petazzi
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research InstituteBarcelonaSpain
- Red Española de Terapias Avanzadas (TERAV)‐Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) (RICORS, RD21/0017/0029)MadridSpain
| | - Sergi Beneyto‐Calabuig
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBarcelonaSpain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Lars Velten
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBarcelonaSpain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Paola Romecin
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research InstituteBarcelonaSpain
- Red Española de Terapias Avanzadas (TERAV)‐Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) (RICORS, RD21/0017/0029)MadridSpain
| | | | | | - Rafael D. de la Guardia
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research InstituteBarcelonaSpain
- GENYO, Center for Genomics and Oncological ResearchPfizer/Universidad de Granada/Junta de AndalucíaGranadaSpain
| | - Patricia Lorden
- CNAG‐CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Alex Bataller
- Department of HematologyHospital Clínic de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Hélène Lapillonne
- Centre de Recherce Saint‐AntoineArmand‐Trousseau Childrens HospitalParisFrance
| | - Ronald W. Stam
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric OncologyUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Susana Vives
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research InstituteBarcelonaSpain
- Hematology DepartmentICO‐Hospital Germans Trias i PujolBarcelonaSpain
| | - Montserrat Torrebadell
- Hematology LaboratoryHospital Sant Joan de DéuBarcelonaSpain
- Leukemia and Other Pediatric Hemopathies. Developmental Tumors Biology Group. Institut de Recerca Hospital Sant Joan de DéuBarcelonaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) ISCIIIMadridSpain
| | - Jose L. Fuster
- Red Española de Terapias Avanzadas (TERAV)‐Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) (RICORS, RD21/0017/0029)MadridSpain
- Sección de Oncohematología PediátricaHospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)MurciaSpain
| | - Clara Bueno
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research InstituteBarcelonaSpain
- Red Española de Terapias Avanzadas (TERAV)‐Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) (RICORS, RD21/0017/0029)MadridSpain
- CIBER‐ONCBarcelonaSpain
| | - Jean‐Emmanuel Sarry
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de ToulouseUniversité de ToulouseInserm U1037, CNRS U5077ToulouseFrance
- LabEx ToucanToulouseFrance
- Équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le CancerToulouseFrance
| | - Eduardo Eyras
- The John Curtin School of Medical ResearchThe Australian National UniversityCanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
- EMBL Australia Partner Laboratory Network at the Australian National UniversityCanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM)BarcelonaSpain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Holger Heyn
- CNAG‐CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Pablo Menéndez
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research InstituteBarcelonaSpain
- Red Española de Terapias Avanzadas (TERAV)‐Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) (RICORS, RD21/0017/0029)MadridSpain
- CIBER‐ONCBarcelonaSpain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA)BarcelonaSpain
- Department of Biomedicine, School of MedicineUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
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Stanger BZ, Wahl GM. Cancer as a Disease of Development Gone Awry. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 19:397-421. [PMID: 37832945 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-031621-025610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
In the 160 years since Rudolf Virchow first postulated that neoplasia arises by the same law that regulates embryonic development, scientists have come to recognize the striking overlap between the molecular and cellular programs used by cancers and embryos. Advances in cancer biology and molecular techniques have further highlighted the similarities between carcinogenesis and embryogenesis, where cellular growth, differentiation, motility, and intercellular cross talk are mediated by common drivers and regulatory networks. This review highlights the many connections linking cancer biology and developmental biology to provide a deeper understanding of how a tissue's developmental history may both enable and constrain cancer cell evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Z Stanger
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA;
| | - Geoffrey M Wahl
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA;
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45
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Sarker DB, Xue Y, Mahmud F, Jocelyn JA, Sang QXA. Interconversion of Cancer Cells and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cells 2024; 13:125. [PMID: 38247819 PMCID: PMC10814385 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells, especially cancer stem cells (CSCs), share many molecular features with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that enable the derivation of induced pluripotent cancer cells by reprogramming malignant cells. Conversely, normal iPSCs can be converted into cancer stem-like cells with the help of tumor microenvironment components and genetic manipulation. These CSC models can be utilized in oncogenic initiation and progression studies, understanding drug resistance, and developing novel therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes the role of pluripotency factors in the stemness, tumorigenicity, and therapeutic resistance of cancer cells. Different methods to obtain iPSC-derived CSC models are described with an emphasis on exposure-based approaches. Culture in cancer cell-conditioned media or cocultures with cancer cells can convert normal iPSCs into cancer stem-like cells, aiding the examination of processes of oncogenesis. We further explored the potential of reprogramming cancer cells into cancer-iPSCs for mechanistic studies and cancer dependencies. The contributions of genetic, epigenetic, and tumor microenvironment factors can be evaluated using these models. Overall, integrating iPSC technology into cancer stem cell research holds significant promise for advancing our knowledge of cancer biology and accelerating the development of innovative and tailored therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drishty B. Sarker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Yu Xue
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Faiza Mahmud
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Jonathan A. Jocelyn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Qing-Xiang Amy Sang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4380, USA
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Miao Y, Wang P, Huang J, Qi X, Liang Y, Zhao W, Wang H, Lyu J, Zhu H. Metabolomics, Transcriptome and Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis of the Metabolic Heterogeneity between Oral Cancer Stem Cells and Differentiated Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:237. [PMID: 38254728 PMCID: PMC10813553 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the distinct metabolic characteristics of cancer stem cells (CSC) may allow us to better cope with the clinical challenges associated with them. In this study, OSCC cell lines (CAL27 and HSC3) and multicellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) models were used to generate CSC-like cells. Quasi-targeted metabolomics and RNA sequencing were used to explore altered metabolites and metabolism-related genes. Pathview was used to display the metabolites and transcriptome data in a KEGG pathway. The single-cell RNA sequencing data of six patients with oral cancer were analyzed to characterize in vivo CSC metabolism. The results showed that 19 metabolites (phosphoethanolamine, carbamoylphosphate, etc.) were upregulated and 109 metabolites (2-aminooctanoic acid, 7-ketocholesterol, etc.) were downregulated in both MCTS cells. Integration pathway analysis revealed altered activity in energy production (glycolysis, citric cycle, fatty acid oxidation), macromolecular synthesis (purine/pyrimidine metabolism, glycerophospholipids metabolism) and redox control (glutathione metabolism). Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis confirmed altered glycolysis, glutathione and glycerophospholipid metabolism in in vivo CSC. We concluded that CSCs are metabolically inactive compared with differentiated cancer cells. Thus, oral CSCs may resist current metabolic-related drugs. Our result may be helpful in developing better therapeutic strategies against CSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Miao
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310020, China;
| | - Pan Wang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; (P.W.); (H.Z.)
| | - Jinyan Huang
- Biomedical Big Data Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xin Qi
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; (P.W.); (H.Z.)
| | - Yingjiqiong Liang
- Biomedical Big Data Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Wenquan Zhao
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; (P.W.); (H.Z.)
| | - Huiming Wang
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310020, China;
| | - Jiong Lyu
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; (P.W.); (H.Z.)
| | - Huiyong Zhu
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; (P.W.); (H.Z.)
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Lai J, Yang C, Shang C, Chen W, Chu MP, Brandwein J, Lai R, Wang P. ULK2 Is a Key Pro-Autophagy Protein That Contributes to the High Chemoresistance and Disease Relapse in FLT3-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:646. [PMID: 38203816 PMCID: PMC10780038 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
We recently demonstrated that a small subset of cells in FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines exhibit SORE6 reporter activity and cancer stem-like features including chemoresistance. To study why SORE6+ cells are more chemoresistant than SORE6- cells, we hypothesized that these cells carry higher autophagy, a mechanism linked to chemoresistance. We found that cytarabine (Ara-C) induced a substantially higher protein level of LC3B-II in SORE6+ compared to SORE6- cells. Similar observations were made using a fluorescence signal-based autophagy assay. Furthermore, chloroquine (an autophagy inhibitor) sensitized SORE6+ but not SORE6- cells to Ara-C. To decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying the high autophagic flux in SORE6+ cells, we employed an autophagy oligonucleotide array comparing gene expression between SORE6+ and SORE6- cells before and after Ara-C treatment. ULK2 was the most differentially expressed gene between the two cell subsets. To demonstrate the role of ULK2 in conferring higher chemoresistance in SORE6+ cells, we treated the two cell subsets with a ULK1/2 inhibitor, MRT68921. MRT68921 significantly sensitized SORE6+ but not SORE6- cells to Ara-C. Using our in vitro model for AML relapse, we found that regenerated AML cells contained higher ULK2 expression compared to pretreated cells. Importantly, inhibition of ULK2 using MRT68921 prevented in vitro AML relapse. Lastly, using pretreatment and relapsed AML patient bone marrow samples, we found that ULK2 expression was higher in relapsed AML. To conclude, our results supported the importance of autophagy in the relapse of FLT3-mutated AML and highlighted ULK2 in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Lai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (J.L.); (M.P.C.); (J.B.)
| | - Claire Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (C.Y.); (C.S.); (W.C.)
| | - Chuquan Shang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (C.Y.); (C.S.); (W.C.)
| | - Will Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (C.Y.); (C.S.); (W.C.)
| | - Michael P. Chu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (J.L.); (M.P.C.); (J.B.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Joseph Brandwein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (J.L.); (M.P.C.); (J.B.)
| | - Raymond Lai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (C.Y.); (C.S.); (W.C.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (J.L.); (M.P.C.); (J.B.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
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Beumer J, Clevers H. Hallmarks of stemness in mammalian tissues. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:7-24. [PMID: 38181752 PMCID: PMC10769195 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
All adult tissues experience wear and tear. Most tissues can compensate for cell loss through the activity of resident stem cells. Although the cellular maintenance strategies vary greatly between different adult (read: postnatal) tissues, the function of stem cells is best defined by their capacity to replace lost tissue through division. We discuss a set of six complementary hallmarks that are key enabling features of this basic function. These include longevity and self-renewal, multipotency, transplantability, plasticity, dependence on niche signals, and maintenance of genome integrity. We discuss these hallmarks in the context of some of the best-understood adult stem cell niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joep Beumer
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Hans Clevers
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland.
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49
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Wang H, Sica RA, Kaur G, Galbo PM, Jing Z, Nishimura CD, Ren X, Tanwar A, Etemad-Gilbertson B, Will B, Zheng D, Fooksman D, Zang X. TMIGD2 is an orchestrator and therapeutic target on human acute myeloid leukemia stem cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:11. [PMID: 38167704 PMCID: PMC10761673 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43843-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is initiated and sustained by a hierarchy of leukemia stem cells (LSCs), and elimination of this cell population is required for curative therapies. Here we show that transmembrane and immunoglobulin domain containing 2 (TMIGD2), a recently discovered co-stimulatory immune receptor, is aberrantly expressed by human AML cells, and can be used to identify and enrich functional LSCs. We demonstrate that TMIGD2 is required for the development and maintenance of AML and self-renewal of LSCs but is not essential for normal hematopoiesis. Mechanistically, TMIGD2 promotes proliferation, blocks myeloid differentiation and increases cell-cycle of AML cells via an ERK1/2-p90RSK-CREB signaling axis. Targeting TMIGD2 signaling with anti-TMIGD2 monoclonal antibodies attenuates LSC self-renewal and reduces leukemia burden in AML patient-derived xenograft models but has negligible effect on normal hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Thus, our studies reveal the function of TMIGD2 in LSCs and provide a promising therapeutic strategy for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - R Alejandro Sica
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Gurbakhash Kaur
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Phillip M Galbo
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Zhixin Jing
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Christopher D Nishimura
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Xiaoxin Ren
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Ankit Tanwar
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | | | - Britta Will
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Deyou Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - David Fooksman
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Xingxing Zang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
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50
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Martinez LM, Guzman ML. Understanding the interaction between leukaemia stem cells and their microenvironment to improve therapeutic approaches. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:273-282. [PMID: 37309573 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Although chemotherapeutic regimens can eliminate blasts in leukaemia patients, such therapies are associated with toxicity and often fail to eliminate all malignant cells resulting in disease relapse. Disease relapse has been attributed to the persistence of leukaemia cells in the bone marrow (BM) with the capacity to recapitulate disease; these cells are often referred to as leukaemia stem cells (LSCs). Although LSCs have distinct characteristics in terms of pathobiology and immunophenotype, they are still regulated by their interactions with the surrounding microenvironment. Thus, understanding the interaction between LSCs and their microenvironment is critical to identify effective therapies. To this end, there are numerous efforts to develop models to study such interactions. In this review, we will focus on the reciprocal interactions between LSCs and their milieu in the BM. Furthermore, we will highlight relevant therapies targeting these interactions and discuss some of the promising in vitro models designed to mimic such relationship. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Cancer Microenvironment and Pharmacological Interventions. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.2/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro M Martinez
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Monica L Guzman
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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