1
|
Shahmoradi M, Rezvani Z. Functional Prediction of Long Noncoding RNAs in Cutaneous Melanoma Using a Systems Biology Approach. Bioinform Biol Insights 2021; 15:1177932220988508. [PMID: 33613027 PMCID: PMC7868446 DOI: 10.1177/1177932220988508] [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: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer which its incidence has significantly increased in recent years worldwide. Thus, more investigations are required to identify the underlying mechanisms of melanoma malignant transformation and metastasis. In this context, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a new type of noncoding transcripts that their dysregulations are associated with almost all cancers including melanoma. However, the precise functional roles of most of the significantly altered lncRNAs in melanoma have not yet been fully inspected. In this study, a comprehensive list of lncRNAs was interrogated across cutaneous melanoma samples to identify the significantly altered/dysregulated lncRNAs. To this end, lncRNAs were filtered in several steps and the selected lncRNAs projected to a bioinformatic and systems biology analysis using several publicly available databases and tools such as GEPIA and cBioPortal. According to our results, 30 lncRNAs were notably altered/dysregulated in cutaneous melanoma most of which were co-expressed with each other. Also, co-expression/alteration and differential expression analyses led to the selection of 12 out of these 30 lncRNAs as cutaneous melanoma key lncRNAs. Furthermore, functional demonstrated that these 12 lncRNAs might be involved in melanoma-relevant biological processes and pathways. In addition, the end result of our analyses demonstrated that these lncRNAs are associated with the clinicopathological features of melanoma patients. These 12 lncRNAs need to be further investigated in future studies to characterize their exact roles in melanoma development and to identify their potential for being used as drug targets and/or biomarkers for cutaneous melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mozhdeh Shahmoradi
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran
| | - Zahra Rezvani
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gómez-Gil V. Therapeutic Implications of TGFβ in Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030379. [PMID: 33498521 PMCID: PMC7864190 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary While the importance of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) in cancer development and progression has long been recognized, a successful therapy targeting this cytokine has not been developed yet. The difficulty in blocking the tumor-promoting activity of this factor while maintaining the tumor suppressor effects can compromise the expected outcomes. This systematic review summarizes and discusses the different strategies being tested to regulate TGFβ expression in cancer treatment, as well as their associated side effects. Abstract Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is a pleiotropic cytokine that participates in a wide range of biological functions. The alterations in the expression levels of this factor, or the deregulation of its signaling cascade, can lead to different pathologies, including cancer. A great variety of therapeutic strategies targeting TGFβ, or the members included in its signaling pathway, are currently being researched in cancer treatment. However, the dual role of TGFβ, as a tumor suppressor or a tumor-promoter, together with its crosstalk with other signaling pathways, has hampered the development of safe and effective treatments aimed at halting the cancer progression. This systematic literature review aims to provide insight into the different approaches available to regulate TGFβ and/or the molecules involved in its synthesis, activation, or signaling, as a cancer treatment. The therapeutic strategies most commonly investigated include antisense oligonucleotides, which prevent TGFβ synthesis, to molecules that block the interaction between TGFβ and its signaling receptors, together with inhibitors of the TGFβ signaling cascade-effectors. The effectiveness and possible complications of the different potential therapies available are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Gómez-Gil
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (Area of Pharmacology), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Padmavathi P, Setlur AS, Chandrashekar K, Niranjan V. A comprehensive in-silico computational analysis of twenty cancer exome datasets and identification of associated somatic variants reveals potential molecular markers for detection of varied cancer types. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2021.100762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
|
4
|
Solier S, Müller S, Rodriguez R. Whole-genome mapping of small-molecule targets for cancer medicine. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2020; 56:42-50. [PMID: 31978625 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancers display intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity, which poses challenges to small-molecule intervention. Studying drug responses on a whole-genome and transcriptome level using next-generation sequencing has revolutionized our understanding of how small molecules intervene in cells, which helps us to study and potentially predict treatment outcomes. Some small molecules act directly at the genomic level by targeting DNA or chromatin proteins. Here, we review recent advances in establishing whole-genome and transcriptome maps of small-molecule targets, comprising chromatin components or downstream events. We also describe recent advances in studying drug responses using single-cell RNA and DNA sequencing. Furthermore, we discuss how this fundamental research can be taken forward to devise innovative personalized treatment modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Solier
- Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248, Paris, Cedex 05, France; PSL Université Paris, France; Chemical Biology of Cancer Laboratory, CNRS UMR 3666, INSERM U1143, France
| | - Sebastian Müller
- Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248, Paris, Cedex 05, France; PSL Université Paris, France; Chemical Biology of Cancer Laboratory, CNRS UMR 3666, INSERM U1143, France.
| | - Raphaël Rodriguez
- Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248, Paris, Cedex 05, France; PSL Université Paris, France; Chemical Biology of Cancer Laboratory, CNRS UMR 3666, INSERM U1143, France.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Caja L, Dituri F, Mancarella S, Caballero-Diaz D, Moustakas A, Giannelli G, Fabregat I. TGF-β and the Tissue Microenvironment: Relevance in Fibrosis and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018. [PMID: 29701666 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051294.pmid:29701666;pmcid:pmc5983604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a cytokine essential for the induction of the fibrotic response and for the activation of the cancer stroma. Strong evidence suggests that a strong cross-talk exists among TGF-β and the tissue extracellular matrix components. TGF-β is stored in the matrix as part of a large latent complex bound to the latent TGF-β binding protein (LTBP) and matrix binding of latent TGF-β complexes, which is required for an adequate TGF-β function. Once TGF-β is activated, it regulates extracellular matrix remodelling and promotes a fibroblast to myofibroblast transition, which is essential in fibrotic processes. This cytokine also acts on other cell types present in the fibrotic and tumour microenvironment, such as epithelial, endothelial cells or macrophages and it contributes to the cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) phenotype. Furthermore, TGF-β exerts anti-tumour activity by inhibiting the host tumour immunosurveillance. Aim of this review is to update how TGF-β and the tissue microenvironment cooperate to promote the pleiotropic actions that regulate cell responses of different cell types, essential for the development of fibrosis and tumour progression. We discuss recent evidences suggesting the use of TGF-β chemical inhibitors as a new line of defence against fibrotic disorders or cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laia Caja
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 582, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Serena Mancarella
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Daniel Caballero-Diaz
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de l'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain.
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 582, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de l'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain.
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Caja L, Dituri F, Mancarella S, Caballero-Diaz D, Moustakas A, Giannelli G, Fabregat I. TGF-β and the Tissue Microenvironment: Relevance in Fibrosis and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051294. [PMID: 29701666 PMCID: PMC5983604 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a cytokine essential for the induction of the fibrotic response and for the activation of the cancer stroma. Strong evidence suggests that a strong cross-talk exists among TGF-β and the tissue extracellular matrix components. TGF-β is stored in the matrix as part of a large latent complex bound to the latent TGF-β binding protein (LTBP) and matrix binding of latent TGF-β complexes, which is required for an adequate TGF-β function. Once TGF-β is activated, it regulates extracellular matrix remodelling and promotes a fibroblast to myofibroblast transition, which is essential in fibrotic processes. This cytokine also acts on other cell types present in the fibrotic and tumour microenvironment, such as epithelial, endothelial cells or macrophages and it contributes to the cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) phenotype. Furthermore, TGF-β exerts anti-tumour activity by inhibiting the host tumour immunosurveillance. Aim of this review is to update how TGF-β and the tissue microenvironment cooperate to promote the pleiotropic actions that regulate cell responses of different cell types, essential for the development of fibrosis and tumour progression. We discuss recent evidences suggesting the use of TGF-β chemical inhibitors as a new line of defence against fibrotic disorders or cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laia Caja
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 582, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Serena Mancarella
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Daniel Caballero-Diaz
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de l'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain.
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 582, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de l'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain.
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rani B, Malfettone A, Dituri F, Soukupova J, Lupo L, Mancarella S, Fabregat I, Giannelli G. Galunisertib suppresses the staminal phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating CD44 expression. Cell Death Dis 2018. [PMID: 29515105 PMCID: PMC5841307 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0384-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) niche in the tumor microenvironment is
responsible for cancer recurrence and therapy failure. To better understand its
molecular and biological involvement in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression,
one can design more effective therapies and tailored then to individual patients.
While sorafenib is currently the only approved drug for first-line treatment of
advanced stage HCC, its role in modulating the CSC niche is estimated to be small.
By contrast, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β
pathway seems to influence the CSC and thus may impact hallmarks of HCC, such as
liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and tumor progression. Therefore, blocking this pathway
may offer an appealing and druggable target. In our study, we have used galunisertib
(LY2157299), a selective ATP-mimetic inhibitor of TGF-β receptor I (TGFβI/ALK5)
activation, currently under clinical investigation in HCC patients. Because the drug
resistance is mainly mediated by CSCs, we tested the effects of galunisertib on
stemness phenotype in HCC cells to determine whether TGF-β signaling modulates CSC
niche and drug resistance. Galunisertib modulated the expression of stemness-related
genes only in the invasive (HLE and HLF) HCC cells inducing a decreased expression
of CD44 and THY1. Furthermore, galunisertib also reduced the stemness-related
functions of invasive HCC cells decreasing the formation of colonies, liver
spheroids and invasive growth ability. Interestingly, CD44 loss of function mimicked
the galunisertib effects on HCC stemness-related functions. Galunisertib treatment
also reduced the expression of stemness-related genes in ex vivo human HCC
specimens. Our observations are the first evidence that galunisertib effectiveness
overcomes stemness-derived aggressiveness via decreased expression CD44 and
THY1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhavna Rani
- School of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Malfettone
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
| | - Jitka Soukupova
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luigi Lupo
- School of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Serena Mancarella
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sun CY, Zhu Y, Li XF, Tang LP, Su ZQ, Wang XQ, Li CY, Yang HM, Zheng GJ, Feng B. Norcantharidin alone or in combination with crizotinib induces autophagic cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma by repressing c-Met-mTOR signaling. Oncotarget 2017; 8:114945-114955. [PMID: 29383132 PMCID: PMC5777744 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for effective molecular therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated derivative of cantharidin, reportedly exhibits anticancer activity against various types of tumors, including HCC, though the mechanisms involved remain largely unknown. Here, we report that NCTD reduces viability of human MHCC-97H (97H) and HepG2 HCC cells, and induces cell death by triggering high levels of autophagy. Moreover, a significant attenuation of tumor growth was observed after NCTD treatment of HepG2 tumors in vivo, and this effect was enhanced by co-treatment with the c-Met inhibitor crizotinib. Interestingly, western blot analyses showed that the cytotoxic autophagy induced by NCTD correlates with a reduction in the phosphorylation status of both c-Met and m-TOR. These results suggest that cytotoxic autophagy resulting from inhibition of c-Met/mTOR signaling may be achieved in HCC by combined NCTD and crizotinib administration. Further studies to validate the therapeutic potential of this approach are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Yue Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Li-Peng Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Zu-Qing Su
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xie-Qi Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Cai-Yun Li
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Hong-Mei Yang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guang-Juan Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Bing Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| |
Collapse
|