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Abdullaev B, Rasyid SA, Ali E, Al-Dhalimy AMB, Mustafa YF, Fenjan MN, Misra N, Al-Musawi SG, Alawadi A, Alsalamy A. Effective exosomes in breast cancer: focusing on diagnosis and treatment of cancer progression. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:154995. [PMID: 38113765 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154995] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent aggressive malignant tumor in women worldwide and develops from breast tissue. Although cutting-edge treatment methods have been used and current mortality rates have decreased, BC control is still not satisfactory. Clarifying the underlying molecular mechanisms will help clinical options. Extracellular vesicles known as exosomes mediate cellular communication by delivering a variety of biomolecules, including proteins, oncogenes, oncomiRs, and even pharmacological substances. These transferable bioactive molecules can alter the transcriptome of target cells and affect signaling pathways that are related to tumors. Numerous studies have linked exosomes to BC biology, including therapeutic resistance and the local microenvironment. Exosomes' roles in tumor treatment resistance, invasion, and BC metastasis are the main topics of discussion in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bekhzod Abdullaev
- Research Department of Biotechnology, New Uzbekistan University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Central Asian University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
| | - Sri Anggarini Rasyid
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Mandala Waluya University, Kendari, South East Sulawesi, Indonesia.
| | - Eyhab Ali
- college of chemistry, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq
| | | | - Yasser Fakri Mustafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Iraq
| | - Mohammed N Fenjan
- College of Health and Medical Technology, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Iraq
| | - Neeti Misra
- Department of Management, Uttaranchal Institute of Management, Uttaranchal University, India
| | | | - 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 Alsalamy
- College of technical engineering, Imam Ja'afar Al-Sadiq University, Iraq
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2
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Chai K, Wang C, Zhou J, Mu W, Gao M, Fan Z, Lv G. Quenching thirst with poison? Paradoxical effect of anticancer drugs. Pharmacol Res 2023; 198:106987. [PMID: 37949332 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106987] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Anticancer drugs have been developed with expectations to provide long-term or at least short-term survival benefits for patients with cancer. Unfortunately, drug therapy tends to provoke malignant biological and clinical behaviours of cancer cells relating not only to the evolution of resistance to specific drugs but also to the enhancement of their proliferation and metastasis abilities. Thus, drug therapy is suspected to impair long-term survival in treated patients under certain circumstances. The paradoxical therapeutic effects could be described as 'quenching thirst with poison', where temporary relief is sought regardless of the consequences. Understanding the underlying mechanisms by which tumours react on drug-induced stress to maintain viability is crucial to develop rational targeting approaches which may optimize survival in patients with cancer. In this review, we describe the paradoxical adverse effects of anticancer drugs, in particular how cancer cells complete resistance evolution, enhance proliferation, escape from immune surveillance and metastasize efficiently when encountered with drug therapy. We also describe an integrative therapeutic framework that may diminish such paradoxical effects, consisting of four main strategies: (1) targeting endogenous stress response pathways, (2) targeting new identities of cancer cells, (3) adaptive therapy- exploiting subclonal competition of cancer cells, and (4) targeting tumour microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyuan Chai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chuanlei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jianpeng Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wentao Mu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Menghan Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhongqi Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Guoyue Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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3
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Chen B, Huang R, Xia T, Wang C, Xiao X, Lu S, Chen X, Ouyang Y, Deng X, Miao J, Zhao C, Wang L. The m6A reader IGF2BP3 preserves NOTCH3 mRNA stability to sustain Notch3 signaling and promote tumor metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Oncogene 2023; 42:3564-3574. [PMID: 37853162 PMCID: PMC10673713 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02865-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis remains the major cause of treatment failure in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), in which sustained activation of the Notch signaling plays a critical role. N6-Methyladenosine (m6A)-mediated post-transcriptional regulation is involved in fine-tuning the Notch signaling output; however, the post-transcriptional mechanisms underlying NPC metastasis remain poorly understood. In the present study, we report that insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding proteins 3 (IGF2BP3) serves as a key m6A reader in NPC. IGF2BP3 expression was significantly upregulated in metastatic NPC and correlated with poor prognosis in patients with NPC. IGF2BP3 overexpression promoted, while IGF2BP3 downregulation inhibited tumor metastasis and the stemness phenotype of NPC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, IGF2BP3 maintains NOTCH3 mRNA stability via suppression of CCR4-NOT complex-mediated deadenylation in an m6A-dependent manner, which sustains Notch3 signaling activation and increases the transcription of stemness-associated downstream genes, eventually promoting tumor metastasis. Our findings highlight the pro-metastatic function of the IGF2BP3/Notch3 axis and revealed the precise role of IGF2BP3 in post-transcriptional regulation of NOTCH3, suggesting IGF2BP3 as a novel prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in NPC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Runda Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Tianliang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Chunyang Wang
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
- Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shunzhen Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
- Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiangfu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Ying Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiaowu Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jingjing Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
- Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Chong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
- Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Lin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
- Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
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4
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Sharma A, Singh P, Jha R, Almatroodi SA, Alrumaihi F, Rahmani AH, Alharbi HO, Dohare R, Syed MA. Exploring the role of miR-200 family in regulating CX3CR1 and CXCR1 in lung adenocarcinoma tumor microenvironment: implications for therapeutic intervention. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16333. [PMID: 37770496 PMCID: PMC10539366 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43484-1] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common malignant subtype of lung cancer (LC). miR-200 family is one of the prime miR regulators of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and worst overall survival (OS) in LC patients. The study aimed to identify and validate the key differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) regulated by miR-200 family which may serve for therapeutic aspects in LUAD tumor microenvironment (TME) by affecting cancer progression, invasion, and metastasis. The study identified differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in LUAD, consisting of hsa-miR-200a-3p and hsa-miR-141-5p, respectively. Two highest-degree subnetwork motifs identified from 3-node miRNA FFL were: (i) miR-200a-3p-CX3CR1-SPIB and (ii) miR-141-5p-CXCR1-TBX21. TIMER analysis showed that the expression levels of CX3CR1 and CXCR1 were significantly positively correlated with infiltrating levels of M0-M2 macrophages and natural killer T (NKT) cells. The OS of LUAD patients was significantly affected by lower expression levels of hsa-miR-200a-3p, CX3CR1 and SPIB. These DEIRGs were validated using the human protein atlas (HPA) web server. Further, we validated the regulatory role of hsa-miR-200a-3p in an in-vitro indirect co-culture model using conditioned media from M0, M1 and M2 polarized macrophages (THP-1) and LUAD cell lines (A549 and H1299 cells). The results pointed out the essential role of hsa-miR-200a-3p regulated CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 expression in progression of LC TME. Thus, the study augments a comprehensive understanding and new strategies for LUAD treatment where miR-200 family regulated immune-related genes, especially chemokine receptors, which regulate the metastasis and invasion of LUAD, leading to the worst associated OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Sharma
- Translational Research Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Prithvi Singh
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Rishabh Jha
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Saleh A Almatroodi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, 51452, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faris Alrumaihi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, 51452, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arshad Husain Rahmani
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, 51452, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hajed Obaid Alharbi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, 51452, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ravins Dohare
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India.
| | - Mansoor Ali Syed
- Translational Research Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India.
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5
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Morii E. Tumor heterogeneity from the viewpoint of pathologists. Pathol Int 2023; 73:394-405. [PMID: 37638598 DOI: 10.1111/pin.13366] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Morphological and functional heterogeneity are found in tumors, with the latter reflecting the different levels of resistance against antitumor therapies. In a therapy-resistant subpopulation, the expression levels of differentiation markers decrease, and those of immature markers increase. In addition, this subpopulation expresses genes involved in drug metabolism, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1). Because of their similarity to stem cells, cells in the latter therapy-resistant subpopulation are called cancer stem cells (CSCs). Like normal stem cells, CSCs were originally thought not to arise from non-CSCs, but this hierarchical model is too simple. It is now believed that CSCs are generated from non-CSCs. The plasticity of tumor phenotypes between CSCs and non-CSCs causes difficulty in completely curing tumors. In this review, focusing on ALDH1A1 as a marker for CSCs or immature tumor cells, the dynamics of ALDH1A1-expressing tumor cells and their regulatory mechanisms are described, and the plausible regulatory mechanisms of plasticity of ALDH1A1 expression phenotype are discussed. Genetic mutations are a significant factor for tumorigenesis, but non-mutational epigenetic reprogramming factors yielding tumor heterogeneity are also crucial in determining tumor characteristics. Factors influencing non-mutational epigenetic reprogramming in tumors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiichi Morii
- Department of Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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6
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Wieder R. Awakening of Dormant Breast Cancer Cells in the Bone Marrow. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15113021. [PMID: 37296983 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15113021] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Up to 40% of patients with breast cancer (BC) have metastatic cells in the bone marrow (BM) at the initial diagnosis of localized disease. Despite definitive systemic adjuvant therapy, these cells survive in the BM microenvironment, enter a dormant state and recur stochastically for more than 20 years. Once they begin to proliferate, recurrent macrometastases are not curable, and patients generally succumb to their disease. Many potential mechanisms for initiating recurrence have been proposed, but no definitive predictive data have been generated. This manuscript reviews the proposed mechanisms that maintain BC cell dormancy in the BM microenvironment and discusses the data supporting specific mechanisms for recurrence. It addresses the well-described mechanisms of secretory senescence, inflammation, aging, adipogenic BM conversion, autophagy, systemic effects of trauma and surgery, sympathetic signaling, transient angiogenic bursts, hypercoagulable states, osteoclast activation, and epigenetic modifications of dormant cells. This review addresses proposed approaches for either eliminating micrometastases or maintaining a dormant state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Wieder
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB F671, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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7
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Tian Y, Zhang P, Mou Y, Yang W, Zhang J, Li Q, Dou X. Silencing Notch4 promotes tumorigenesis and inhibits metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer via Nanog and Cdc42. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:148. [PMID: 37149651 PMCID: PMC10164131 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01450-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Elucidation of individual Notch protein biology in specific cancer is crucial to develop safe, effective, and tumor-selective Notch-targeting therapeutic reagents for clinical use [1]. Here, we explored the Notch4 function in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We found that silencing Notch4 enhanced tumorigenic ability in TNBC cells via upregulating Nanog expression, a pluripotency factor of embryonic stem cells. Intriguingly, silencing Notch4 in TNBC cells suppressed metastasis via downregulating Cdc42 expression, a key molecular for cell polarity formation. Notably, downregulation of Cdc42 expression affected Vimentin distribution, but not Vimentin expression to inhibit EMT shift. Collectively, our results show that silencing Notch4 enhances tumorigenesis and inhibits metastasis in TNBC, indicating that targeting Notch4 may not be a potential strategy for drug discovery in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tian
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Clinical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Clinical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yajun Mou
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Clinical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Wenxiu Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Junhong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaowei Dou
- Clinical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
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8
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Loric S, Denis JA, Desbene C, Sabbah M, Conti M. Extracellular Vesicles in Breast Cancer: From Biology and Function to Clinical Diagnosis and Therapeutic Management. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7208. [PMID: 37108371 PMCID: PMC10139222 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the first worldwide most frequent cancer in both sexes and the most commonly diagnosed in females. Although BC mortality has been thoroughly declining over the past decades, there are still considerable differences between women diagnosed with early BC and when metastatic BC is diagnosed. BC treatment choice is widely dependent on precise histological and molecular characterization. However, recurrence or distant metastasis still occurs even with the most recent efficient therapies. Thus, a better understanding of the different factors underlying tumor escape is mainly mandatory. Among the leading candidates is the continuous interplay between tumor cells and their microenvironment, where extracellular vesicles play a significant role. Among extracellular vesicles, smaller ones, also called exosomes, can carry biomolecules, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, and generate signal transmission through an intercellular transfer of their content. This mechanism allows tumor cells to recruit and modify the adjacent and systemic microenvironment to support further invasion and dissemination. By reciprocity, stromal cells can also use exosomes to profoundly modify tumor cell behavior. This review intends to cover the most recent literature on the role of extracellular vesicle production in normal and cancerous breast tissues. Specific attention is paid to the use of extracellular vesicles for early BC diagnosis, follow-up, and prognosis because exosomes are actually under the spotlight of researchers as a high-potential source of liquid biopsies. Extracellular vesicles in BC treatment as new targets for therapy or efficient nanovectors to drive drug delivery are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Loric
- INSERM U538, CRSA, Saint-Antoine University Hospital, 75012 Paris, France; (J.A.D.)
| | | | - Cédric Desbene
- INSERM U538, CRSA, Saint-Antoine University Hospital, 75012 Paris, France; (J.A.D.)
| | - Michèle Sabbah
- INSERM U538, CRSA, Saint-Antoine University Hospital, 75012 Paris, France; (J.A.D.)
| | - Marc Conti
- INSERM U538, CRSA, Saint-Antoine University Hospital, 75012 Paris, France; (J.A.D.)
- INTEGRACELL SAS, 91160 Longjumeau, France
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9
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Moore PC, Henderson KW, Classon M. The epigenome and the many facets of cancer drug tolerance. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 158:1-39. [PMID: 36990531 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The use of chemotherapeutic agents and the development of new cancer therapies over the past few decades has consequently led to the emergence of myriad therapeutic resistance mechanisms. Once thought to be explicitly driven by genetics, the coupling of reversible sensitivity and absence of pre-existing mutations in some tumors opened the way for discovery of drug-tolerant persisters (DTPs): slow-cycling subpopulations of tumor cells that exhibit reversible sensitivity to therapy. These cells confer multi-drug tolerance, to targeted and chemotherapies alike, until the residual disease can establish a stable, drug-resistant state. The DTP state can exploit a multitude of distinct, yet interlaced, mechanisms to survive otherwise lethal drug exposures. Here, we categorize these multi-faceted defense mechanisms into unique Hallmarks of Cancer Drug Tolerance. At the highest level, these are comprised of heterogeneity, signaling plasticity, differentiation, proliferation/metabolism, stress management, genomic integrity, crosstalk with the tumor microenvironment, immune escape, and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. Of these, epigenetics was both one of the first proposed means of non-genetic resistance and one of the first discovered. As we describe in this review, epigenetic regulatory factors are involved in most facets of DTP biology, positioning this hallmark as an overarching mediator of drug tolerance and a potential avenue to novel therapies.
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10
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Elkholi IE, Lalonde A, Park M, Côté JF. Breast Cancer Metastatic Dormancy and Relapse: An Enigma of Microenvironment(s). Cancer Res 2022; 82:4497-4510. [PMID: 36214624 PMCID: PMC9755970 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Multiple factors act in concert to define the fate of disseminated tumor cells (DTC) to enter dormancy or develop overt metastases. Here, we review these factors in the context of three stages of the metastatic cascade that impact DTCs. First, cells can be programmed within the primary tumor microenvironment to promote or inhibit dissemination, and the primary tumor can condition a premetastatic niche. Then, cancer cells from the primary tumor spread through hematogenous and lymphatic routes, and the primary tumor sends cues systematically to regulate the fate of DTCs. Finally, DTCs home to their metastatic site, where they are influenced by various organ-specific aspects of the new microenvironment. We discuss these factors in the context of breast cancer, where about one-third of patients develop metastatic relapse. Finally, we discuss how the standard-of-care options for breast cancer might affect the fate of DTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam E. Elkholi
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Corresponding Authors: Jean-François Côté, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal H2W 1R7, Québec, Canada. Phone: 514-987-5647; E-mail: ; and Islam E. Elkholi, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal (QC) Canada, H2W 1R7. Phone: 514-987-5656; E-mail:
| | - Andréane Lalonde
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Morag Park
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-François Côté
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Corresponding Authors: Jean-François Côté, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal H2W 1R7, Québec, Canada. Phone: 514-987-5647; E-mail: ; and Islam E. Elkholi, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal (QC) Canada, H2W 1R7. Phone: 514-987-5656; E-mail:
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11
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Cui G, Wang Z, Liu H, Pang Z. Cytokine-mediated crosstalk between cancer stem cells and their inflammatory niche from the colorectal precancerous adenoma stage to the cancerous stage: Mechanisms and clinical implications. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1057181. [PMID: 36466926 PMCID: PMC9714270 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1057181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of colorectal cancers (CRCs) are thought to arise from precancerous adenomas. Upon exposure to diverse microenvironmental factors, precancerous stem cells (pCSCs) undergo complex genetic/molecular changes and gradually progress to form cancer stem cells (CSCs). Accumulative evidence suggests that the pCSC/CSC niche is an inflammatory dominated milieu that contains different cytokines that function as the key communicators between pCSCs/CSCs and their niche and have a decisive role in promoting CRC development, progression, and metastasis. In view of the importance and increasing data about cytokines in modulating pCSCs/CSC stemness properties and their significance in CRC, this review summarizes current new insights of cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, IL-33 and interferon (IFN)-γ, involving in the modulation of pCSC/CSC properties and features in precancerous and cancerous lesions and discusses the possible mechanisms of adenoma progression to CRCs and their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanglin Cui
- Research Group of Gastrointestinal Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Faculty of Health Science, Nord University, Levanger, Norway
| | - Ziqi Wang
- College of Medical Imaging, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Hanzhe Liu
- School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhigang Pang
- Research Group of Gastrointestinal Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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12
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Guo C, Sun Y, Zhai W, Yao X, Gong D, You B, Huang CP, Zheng J, Chang C. Hypoxia increases RCC stem cell phenotype via altering the androgen receptor (AR)-lncTCFL5-2-YBX1-SOX2 signaling axis. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:185. [PMID: 36397101 PMCID: PMC9670551 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00912-5] [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: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early studies indicated that the androgen receptor (AR) could promote renal cell carcinoma (RCC) development and metastasis, but its linkage to RCC progression under hypoxia, remains unclear. Results Here we found AR expression in RCC cells decreased in response to hypoxia, which might then lead to increase the cancer stem cells (CSC) phenotype through the lncTCFL5-2-modulated YBX1/SOX2 signals. The consequences of such hypoxia-modulated AR/lncTCFL5-2/YBX1/SOX2 signals ablity to alter the CSC phenotype might render RCC cells more resistant to targeted therapy with Sunitinib. Mechanism dissection revealed that AR might alter the lncTCFL5-2/YBX1/SOX2 signaling through transcriptional suppression of the lncTCFL5-2 expression via the AR-response-elements (AREs) on the lncTCFL5-2 promoter. The lncTCFL5-2 interacts with YBX1 to increase its stability, which in turn increases SOX2 expression at a transcriptional level via the YBX1-response-elements (YBX1Es) on the SOX2 promoter. The in vivo mouse model with orthotopic xenografts of RCC cells also validates the in vitro data, and a human RCC sample survey demonstrated the clinical significance of the AR/lncTCFL5-2/YBX1/SOX2 signaling axis for the RCC prognosis, likely as a result of regulating CSC phenotypes. Conclusions Together, these findings suggest that hypoxia may increase the RCC CSC phenotype via altering the AR/lncTCFL5-2/YBX1/SOX2 signaling axis and a potential therapy to target this newly identified signal perhaps may help improve the targeted therapy with Sunitinib to better suppress RCC progression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-022-00912-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changcheng Guo
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072 China ,grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology, Urology, Radiation Oncology and The Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Yin Sun
- grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology, Urology, Radiation Oncology and The Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Wei Zhai
- grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology, Urology, Radiation Oncology and The Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642 USA ,grid.415869.7Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 400062 China
| | - Xudong Yao
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072 China
| | - Dongkui Gong
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072 China ,grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology, Urology, Radiation Oncology and The Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Bosen You
- grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology, Urology, Radiation Oncology and The Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Chi-Ping Huang
- grid.411508.90000 0004 0572 9415Department of Urology, China Medical University/Hospital, Taichung, 404 Taiwan
| | - Junhua Zheng
- grid.415869.7Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 400062 China
| | - Chawnshang Chang
- grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology, Urology, Radiation Oncology and The Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642 USA ,grid.411508.90000 0004 0572 9415Department of Urology, China Medical University/Hospital, Taichung, 404 Taiwan
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13
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Makhlin I, McAndrew NP, Wileyto EP, Clark AS, Holmes R, Bottalico LN, Mesaros C, Blair IA, Jeschke GR, Fox KR, Domchek SM, Matro JM, Bradbury AR, Feldman MD, Hexner EO, Bromberg JF, DeMichele A. Ruxolitinib and exemestane for estrogen receptor positive, aromatase inhibitor resistant advanced breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2022; 8:122. [PMID: 36369506 PMCID: PMC9652412 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-022-00487-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating IL-6, an activator of JAK/STAT signaling, is associated with poor prognosis and aromatase inhibitor (AI) resistance in hormone-receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer. Here we report the results of a phase 2 single-arm Simon 2-stage trial combining Ruxolitinib, an oral selective inhibitor of JAK1/2, with exemestane, a steroidal AI, in patients with HR+ metastatic breast cancer (MBC) after progression on non-steroidal AI (NSAI). Safety and efficacy were primary objectives, and analysis of inflammatory markers as predictors of response was a key secondary objective. Twenty-five subjects enrolled. The combination of ruxolitinib and exemestane was safe, though anemia requiring transfusion in 5/15 (33%) at the 25 mg dose in stage 1 led to a reduction to 15 mg twice daily in stage 2 (with no additional transfusions). Clinical benefit rate (CBR) in the overall study population was 24% (95% CI 9.4-45.1); 6/25 patients demonstrated stable disease for ≥6 months. Median progression-free survival was 2.8 months (95% CI 2.6-3.9). Exploratory biomarkers revealed high levels of systemic inflammation and 60% harbored a high-risk IL-6 genotype. Pharmacodynamics demonstrated modest on-target inhibition of phosphorylated-STAT3 by ruxolitinib at a tolerable dose. Thus, ruxolitinib combined with exemestane at a tolerable dose was safe but minimally active in AI-resistant tumors of patients with high levels of systemic inflammation. These findings highlight the need for more potent and specific therapies targeting inflammation in MBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Makhlin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Nicholas P McAndrew
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - E Paul Wileyto
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amy S Clark
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robin Holmes
- University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lisa N Bottalico
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Clementina Mesaros
- Center for Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ian A Blair
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Kevin R Fox
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Susan M Domchek
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Basser Center at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer M Matro
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UC San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Angela R Bradbury
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael D Feldman
- Department of Pathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth O Hexner
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Angela DeMichele
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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14
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Ozyurt R, Ozpolat B. Molecular Mechanisms of Anti-Estrogen Therapy Resistance and Novel Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5206. [PMID: 36358625 PMCID: PMC9655708 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, constituting one-third of all cancers in women, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Anti-estrogen therapies, such as selective estrogen receptor modulators, significantly improve survival in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) BC patients, which represents about 70% of cases. However, about 60% of patients inevitably experience intrinsic or acquired resistance to anti-estrogen therapies, representing a major clinical problem that leads to relapse, metastasis, and patient deaths. The resistance mechanisms involve mutations of the direct targets of anti-estrogen therapies, compensatory survival pathways, as well as alterations in the expression of non-coding RNAs (e.g., microRNA) that regulate the activity of survival and signaling pathways. Although cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors have significantly improved survival, the efficacy of these therapies alone and in combination with anti-estrogen therapy for advanced ER+ BC, are not curative in advanced and metastatic disease. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms causing treatment resistance is critical for developing highly effective therapies and improving patient survival. This review focuses on the key mechanisms that contribute to anti-estrogen therapy resistance and potential new treatment strategies alone and in combination with anti-estrogen drugs to improve the survival of BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumeysa Ozyurt
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Department of Nanomedicine, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Department of Nanomedicine, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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15
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Chung WC, Egan SE, Xu K. A tumor-suppressive function for Notch3 in the parous mammary gland. Development 2022; 149:277236. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.200913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Notch3 promotes mammary luminal cell specification and forced Notch3 activation can induce mammary tumor formation. However, recent studies suggest a tumor-suppressive role for Notch3. Here, we report on Notch3 expression and functional analysis in the mouse mammary gland. Notch3 is expressed in the luminal compartment throughout mammary gland development, but switches to basal cells with initiation of post-lactational involution. Deletion of Notch3 caused a decrease of Notch activation in luminal cells and diminished luminal progenitors at puberty, as well as reduced alveolar progenitors during pregnancy. Parous Notch3−/− mammary glands developed hyperplasia with accumulation of CD24hiCD49flo cells, some of which progressed to invasive tumors with luminal features. Notch3 deletion abolished Notch activation in basal cells during involution, accompanied by altered apoptosis and reduced brown adipocytes, leading to expansion of parity-identified mammary epithelial cells (PI-MECs). Interestingly, the postpartum microenvironment is required for the stem cell activity of Notch3−/− PI-MECs. Finally, high expression of NOTCH3 is associated with prolonged survival in patients with luminal breast cancer. These results highlight an unexpected tumor-suppressive function for Notch3 in the parous mammary gland through restriction of PI-MEC expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Cheng Chung
- Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center 1 , Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Sean E. Egan
- Program in Cell Biology, The Peter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children 2 , Toronto, ON M5G 0A4 , Canada
| | - Keli Xu
- Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center 1 , Jackson, MS 39216, USA
- University of Mississippi Medical Center 3 Department of Cell and Molecular Biology , , Jackson, MS 39216, USA
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16
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Strillacci A, Sansone P, Rajasekhar VK, Turkekul M, Boyko V, Meng F, Houck-Loomis B, Brown D, Berger MF, Hendrickson RC, Chang Q, de Stanchina E, Pareja F, Reis-Filho JS, Rajappachetty RS, Del Priore I, Liu B, Cai Y, Penson A, Mastroleo C, Berishaj M, Borsetti F, Spisni E, Lyden D, Chandarlapaty S, Bromberg J. ERα-LBD, an isoform of estrogen receptor alpha, promotes breast cancer proliferation and endocrine resistance. NPJ Breast Cancer 2022; 8:96. [PMID: 35999225 PMCID: PMC9399095 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-022-00470-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) drives mammary gland development and breast cancer (BC) growth through an evolutionarily conserved linkage of DNA binding and hormone activation functions. Therapeutic targeting of the hormone binding pocket is a widely utilized and successful strategy for breast cancer prevention and treatment. However, resistance to this endocrine therapy is frequently encountered and may occur through bypass or reactivation of ER-regulated transcriptional programs. We now identify the induction of an ERα isoform, ERα-LBD, that is encoded by an alternative ESR1 transcript and lacks the activation function and DNA binding domains. Despite lacking the transcriptional activity, ERα-LBD is found to promote breast cancer growth and resistance to the ERα antagonist fulvestrant. ERα-LBD is predominantly localized to the cytoplasm and mitochondria of BC cells and leads to enhanced glycolysis, respiration and stem-like features. Intriguingly, ERα-LBD expression and function does not appear to be restricted to cancers that express full length ERα but also promotes growth of triple-negative breast cancers and ERα-LBD transcript (ESR1-LBD) is also present in BC samples from both ERα(+) and ERα(-) human tumors. These findings point to ERα-LBD as a potential mediator of breast cancer progression and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Strillacci
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pasquale Sansone
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Mesruh Turkekul
- Molecular Cytology Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vitaly Boyko
- Molecular Cytology Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fanli Meng
- Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian Houck-Loomis
- Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Brown
- Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael F Berger
- Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ronald C Hendrickson
- Microchemistry and Proteomics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Qing Chang
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fresia Pareja
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jorge S Reis-Filho
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ramya Segu Rajappachetty
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Isabella Del Priore
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yanyan Cai
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alex Penson
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chiara Mastroleo
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marjan Berishaj
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Francesca Borsetti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Enzo Spisni
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - David Lyden
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarat Chandarlapaty
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jacqueline Bromberg
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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17
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Lv L, Yang S, Zhu Y, Zhai X, Li S, Tao X, Dong D. Relationship between metabolic reprogramming and drug resistance in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:942064. [PMID: 36059650 PMCID: PMC9434120 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.942064] [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: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women. At present, chemotherapy is the main method to treat breast cancer in addition to surgery and radiotherapy, but the process of chemotherapy is often accompanied by the development of drug resistance, which leads to a reduction in drug efficacy. Furthermore, mounting evidence indicates that drug resistance is caused by dysregulated cellular metabolism, and metabolic reprogramming, including enhanced glucose metabolism, fatty acid synthesis and glutamine metabolic rates, is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Changes in metabolism have been considered one of the most important causes of resistance to treatment, and knowledge of the mechanisms involved will help in identifying potential treatment deficiencies. To improve women’s survival outcomes, it is vital to elucidate the relationship between metabolic reprogramming and drug resistance in breast cancer. This review analyzes and investigates the reprogramming of metabolism and resistance to breast cancer therapy, and the results offer promise for novel targeted and cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Shilei Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yanna Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaohan Zhai
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xufeng Tao
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Xufeng Tao, ; Deshi Dong,
| | - Deshi Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Xufeng Tao, ; Deshi Dong,
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18
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Xu H, Zhang F, Gao X, Zhou Q, Zhu L. Fate decisions of breast cancer stem cells in cancer progression. Front Oncol 2022; 12:968306. [PMID: 36046046 PMCID: PMC9420991 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.968306] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer has a marked recurrence and metastatic trait and is one of the most prevalent malignancies affecting women’s health worldwide. Tumor initiation and progression begin after the cell goes from a quiescent to an activated state and requires different mechanisms to act in concert to regulate t a specific set of spectral genes for expression. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been proven to initiate and drive tumorigenesis due to their capability of self-renew and differentiate. In addition, CSCs are believed to be capable of causing resistance to anti-tumor drugs, recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, exploring the origin, regulatory mechanisms and ultimate fate decision of CSCs in breast cancer outcomes has far-reaching clinical implications for the development of breast cancer stem cell (BCSC)-targeted therapeutic strategies. In this review, we will highlight the contribution of BCSCs to breast cancer and explore the internal and external factors that regulate the fate of BCSCs.
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19
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Chimento A, D’Amico M, Pezzi V, De Amicis F. Notch Signaling in Breast Tumor Microenvironment as Mediator of Drug Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116296. [PMID: 35682974 PMCID: PMC9181656 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling dysregulation encourages breast cancer progression through different mechanisms such as stem cell maintenance, cell proliferation and migration/invasion. Furthermore, Notch is a crucial driver regulating juxtracrine and paracrine communications between tumor and stroma. The complex interplay between the abnormal Notch pathway orchestrating the activation of other signals and cellular heterogeneity contribute towards remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. These changes, together with tumor evolution and treatment pressure, drive breast cancer drug resistance. Preclinical studies have shown that targeting the Notch pathway can prevent or reverse resistance, reducing or eliminating breast cancer stem cells. In the present review, we will summarize the current scientific evidence that highlights the involvement of Notch activation within the breast tumor microenvironment, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and tumor/stroma/immune system interplay and its involvement in mechanisms of therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Chimento
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (A.C.); (M.D.); (F.D.A.)
| | - Maria D’Amico
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (A.C.); (M.D.); (F.D.A.)
- Health Center, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pezzi
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (A.C.); (M.D.); (F.D.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0984-493148
| | - Francesca De Amicis
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (A.C.); (M.D.); (F.D.A.)
- Health Center, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
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20
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Ibragimova M, Tsyganov M, Litviakov N. Tumour Stem Cells in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095058. [PMID: 35563449 PMCID: PMC9099719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour stem cells (CSCs) are a self-renewing population that plays important roles in tumour initiation, recurrence, and metastasis. Although the medical literature is extensive, problems with CSC identification and cancer therapy remain. This review provides the main mechanisms of CSC action in breast cancer (BC): CSC markers and signalling pathways, heterogeneity, plasticity, and ecological behaviour. The dynamic heterogeneity of CSCs and the dynamic transitions of CSC− non-CSCs and their significance for metastasis are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Ibragimova
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 5, Kooperativny Street, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (M.T.); (N.L.)
- Laboratory of Genetic Technologies, Siberian State Medical University, 2, Moscow Tract, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
- Biological Institute, National Research Tomsk State University, 36, Lenin, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
- Correspondence:
| | - Matvey Tsyganov
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 5, Kooperativny Street, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (M.T.); (N.L.)
| | - Nikolai Litviakov
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 5, Kooperativny Street, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (M.T.); (N.L.)
- Laboratory of Genetic Technologies, Siberian State Medical University, 2, Moscow Tract, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
- Biological Institute, National Research Tomsk State University, 36, Lenin, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
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21
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Yang YS, Jia XZ, Lu QY, Cai SL, Huang XT, Yang SH, Wood C, Wang YH, Zhou JJ, Chen YD, Yang JS, Yang WJ. Exosomal DEK removes chemoradiotherapy resistance by triggering quiescence exit of breast cancer stem cells. Oncogene 2022; 41:2624-2637. [PMID: 35351996 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02278-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor therapeutics often target the primary tumor bulk but fail to eradicate therapy-resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs) in quiescent state. These can then become activated to initiate recurrence and/or metastasis beyond therapy. Here, we identified and isolated chemoradiotherapy-resistant CSCs in quiescent state with high capacity of tumor-initiation and tumorsphere formation from three types of breast tumors in mice. Experiments of knockdown and rescue revealed DEK, a nuclear protein, as essential for CSC activation. Exogenous DEK was then used to trigger quiescence exit of CSCs. ChIP-seq and ATAC-seq showed that DEK directly binds to chromatin, facilitating its genome-wide accessibility. The resulting epigenetic events upregulate the expression of cellular activation-related genes including MYC targets, whereas cellular quiescence-related genes including the p53 signaling pathway are silenced. However, twinned with DEK-induced activation, formerly resistant CSCs were then destroyed by chemotherapy in vitro. In mice, traditional chemoradiotherapy concurrent with the injection of DEK-containing exosomes resulted in eradication of primary tumors together with formerly resistant CSCs without recurrence or metastasis. Our findings advance knowledge of the mechanism of quiescent CSC activation and may provide novel clinical opportunities for removal of quiescence-linked therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Shun Yang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xi-Zheng Jia
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qian-Yun Lu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Sun-Li Cai
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xue-Ting Huang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shu-Hua Yang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chris Wood
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yue-Hong Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiao-Jiao Zhou
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Ding Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Shu Yang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei-Jun Yang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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22
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Saha T, Lukong KE. Breast Cancer Stem-Like Cells in Drug Resistance: A Review of Mechanisms and Novel Therapeutic Strategies to Overcome Drug Resistance. Front Oncol 2022; 12:856974. [PMID: 35392236 PMCID: PMC8979779 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.856974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent type of malignancy in women worldwide, and drug resistance to the available systemic therapies remains a major challenge. At the molecular level, breast cancer is heterogeneous, where the cancer-initiating stem-like cells (bCSCs) comprise a small yet distinct population of cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) that can differentiate into cells of multiple lineages, displaying varying degrees of cellular differentiation, enhanced metastatic potential, invasiveness, and resistance to radio- and chemotherapy. Based on the expression of estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors, expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and/or BRCA mutations, the breast cancer molecular subtypes are identified as TNBC, HER2 enriched, luminal A, and luminal B. Management of breast cancer primarily involves resection of the tumor, followed by radiotherapy, and systemic therapies including endocrine therapies for hormone-responsive breast cancers; HER2-targeted therapy for HER2-enriched breast cancers; chemotherapy and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors for TNBC, and the recent development of immunotherapy. However, the complex crosstalk between the malignant cells and stromal cells in the breast TME, rewiring of the many different signaling networks, and bCSC-mediated processes, all contribute to overall drug resistance in breast cancer. However, strategically targeting bCSCs to reverse chemoresistance and increase drug sensitivity is an underexplored stream in breast cancer research. The recent identification of dysregulated miRNAs/ncRNAs/mRNAs signatures in bCSCs and their crosstalk with many cellular signaling pathways has uncovered promising molecular leads to be used as potential therapeutic targets in drug-resistant situations. Moreover, therapies that can induce alternate forms of regulated cell death including ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and immunotherapy; drugs targeting bCSC metabolism; and nanoparticle therapy are the upcoming approaches to target the bCSCs overcome drug resistance. Thus, individualizing treatment strategies will eliminate the minimal residual disease, resulting in better pathological and complete response in drug-resistant scenarios. This review summarizes basic understanding of breast cancer subtypes, concept of bCSCs, molecular basis of drug resistance, dysregulated miRNAs/ncRNAs patterns in bCSCs, and future perspective of developing anticancer therapeutics to address breast cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taniya Saha
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Kiven Erique Lukong
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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23
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Barone I, Caruso A, Gelsomino L, Giordano C, Bonofiglio D, Catalano S, Andò S. Obesity and endocrine therapy resistance in breast cancer: Mechanistic insights and perspectives. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13358. [PMID: 34559450 PMCID: PMC9285685 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of obesity, a recognized risk factor for various metabolic and chronic diseases, including numerous types of cancers, has risen dramatically over the recent decades worldwide. To date, convincing research in this area has painted a complex picture about the adverse impact of high body adiposity on breast cancer onset and progression. However, an emerging but overlooked issue of clinical significance is the limited efficacy of the conventional endocrine therapies with selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) or degraders (SERDs) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) in patients affected by breast cancer and obesity. The mechanisms behind the interplay between obesity and endocrine therapy resistance are likely to be multifactorial. Therefore, what have we actually learned during these years and which are the main challenges in the field? In this review, we will critically discuss the epidemiological evidence linking obesity to endocrine therapeutic responses and we will outline the molecular players involved in this harmful connection. Given the escalating global epidemic of obesity, advances in understanding this critical node will offer new precision medicine-based therapeutic interventions and more appropriate dosing schedule for treating patients affected by obesity and with breast tumors resistant to endocrine therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Barone
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Amanda Caruso
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Luca Gelsomino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Cinzia Giordano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Daniela Bonofiglio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Stefania Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Andò
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
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24
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Metabolic Features of Tumor Dormancy: Possible Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030547. [PMID: 35158815 PMCID: PMC8833651 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor recurrence still represents a major clinical challenge for cancer patients. Cancer cells may undergo a dormant state for long times before re-emerging. Both intracellular- and extracellular-driven pathways are involved in maintaining the dormant state and the subsequent awakening, with a mechanism that is still mostly unknown. In this scenario, cancer metabolism is emerging as a critical driver of tumor progression and dissemination and have gained increasing attention in cancer research. This review focuses on the metabolic adaptations characterizing the dormant phenotype and supporting tumor re-growth. Deciphering the metabolic adaptation sustaining tumor dormancy may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches to prevent tumor recurrence based on combined metabolic drugs. Abstract Tumor relapse represents one of the main obstacles to cancer treatment. Many patients experience cancer relapse even decades from the primary tumor eradication, developing more aggressive and metastatic disease. This phenomenon is associated with the emergence of dormant cancer cells, characterized by cell cycle arrest and largely insensitive to conventional anti-cancer therapies. These rare and elusive cells may regain proliferative abilities upon the induction of cell-intrinsic and extrinsic factors, thus fueling tumor re-growth and metastasis formation. The molecular mechanisms underlying the maintenance of resistant dormant cells and their awakening are intriguing but, currently, still largely unknown. However, increasing evidence recently underlined a strong dependency of cell cycle progression to metabolic adaptations of cancer cells. Even if dormant cells are frequently characterized by a general metabolic slowdown and an increased ability to cope with oxidative stress, different factors, such as extracellular matrix composition, stromal cells influence, and nutrient availability, may dictate specific changes in dormant cells, finally resulting in tumor relapse. The main topic of this review is deciphering the role of the metabolic pathways involved in tumor cells dormancy to provide new strategies for selectively targeting these cells to prevent fatal recurrence and maximize therapeutic benefit.
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25
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STAT3 Signaling in Breast Cancer: Multicellular Actions and Therapeutic Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020429. [PMID: 35053592 PMCID: PMC8773745 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Many signaling pathways are overactive in breast cancer, and among them is the STAT3 signaling pathway. STAT3 is activated by secreted factors within the breast tumor, many of which are elevated and correlate to advanced disease and poor survival outcomes. This review examines how STAT3 signaling is activated in breast cancer by the proinflammatory, gp130 cytokines, interleukins 6 and 11. We evaluate how this signaling cascade functions in the various cells of the tumor microenvironment to drive disease progression and metastasis. We discuss how our understanding of these processes may lead to the development of novel therapeutics to tackle advanced disease. Abstract Interleukin (IL)-6 family cytokines, such as IL-6 and IL-11, are defined by the shared use of the gp130 receptor for the downstream activation of STAT3 signaling and the activation of genes which contribute to the “hallmarks of cancer”, including proliferation, survival, invasion and metastasis. Increased expression of these cytokines, or the ligand-specific receptors IL-6R and IL-11RA, in breast tumors positively correlate to disease progression and poorer patient outcome. In this review, we examine evidence from pre-clinical studies that correlate enhanced IL-6 and IL-11 mediated gp130/STAT3 signaling to the progression of breast cancer. Key processes by which the IL-6 family cytokines contribute to the heterogeneous nature of breast cancer, immune evasion and metastatic potential, are discussed. We examine the latest research into the therapeutic targeting of IL-6 family cytokines that inhibit STAT3 transcriptional activity as a potential breast cancer treatment, including current clinical trials. The importance of the IL-6 family of cytokines in cellular processes that promote the development and progression of breast cancer warrants further understanding of the molecular basis for its actions to help guide the development of future therapeutic targets.
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26
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Payne KK. Cellular stress responses and metabolic reprogramming in cancer progression and dormancy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 78:45-48. [PMID: 34098105 PMCID: PMC8642459 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent disease after prolonged cancer dormancy is a major cause of cancer associated mortality, yet many of the mechanisms that are engaged to initiate dormancy as well as later recurrence remain incompletely understood. It is known that cancer cells initiate adaptation mechanisms to adapt tightly regulated cellular processes to non-optimal growth environments; Recent investigations have begun to elucidate the contribution of these mechanisms to malignant progression, with intriguing studies now defining cellular stress as a key contributor to the development and maintenance of cancer dormancy. This review will focus on our current understanding of stress responses facilitating malignant cell adaptation and metabolic reprogramming to establish cancer dormancy.
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27
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Bai X, Ni J, Beretov J, Wang S, Dong X, Graham P, Li Y. THOC2 and THOC5 Regulate Stemness and Radioresistance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2102658. [PMID: 34708581 PMCID: PMC8693071 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202102658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer. Radioresistance and stemness are substantial obstacles to TNBC treatment. The THO complex (THOC) is a subunit of the TRanscription-EXport complex that functions in the coupling of transcription to nascent RNA splicing, elongation, and export. However, its role in regulating TNBC therapeutic resistance is not reported yet. In this study, the authors demonstrate that cancer stem cells are enriched in radioresistant TNBC cells and describe the role of the THOC in regulating TNBC radioresistance and stemness. The authors find that THOC2 and THOC5 are upregulated in radioresistant TNBC cells and associated with a poor prognosis in TNBC patients. Further investigation reveals that THOC2 promotes the stem-like properties and radioresistance of TNBC cells in a THOC5-dependent manner by facilitating the release of sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2) and homeobox transcription factor (NANOG) transcripts from the nucleus. Silencing THOC2 or THOC5 expression decreases the protein expression of SOX2 and NANOG, depletes the stem-like properties, and causes radiosensitization in these TNBC cells. Moreover, THOC2 or THOC5 depletion blocks the xenograft tumorigenesis and growth of radioresistant TNBC in vivo. These findings uncover the novel correlations of THOC with TNBC stemness and therapeutic resistance, proposing alternative therapeutic strategies against relapsed TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xupeng Bai
- St George and Sutherland Clinical SchoolFaculty of MedicineUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSW2052Australia
- Cancer Care CentreSt George HospitalKogarahNSW2217Australia
| | - Jie Ni
- St George and Sutherland Clinical SchoolFaculty of MedicineUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSW2052Australia
- Cancer Care CentreSt George HospitalKogarahNSW2217Australia
| | - Julia Beretov
- St George and Sutherland Clinical SchoolFaculty of MedicineUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSW2052Australia
- Cancer Care CentreSt George HospitalKogarahNSW2217Australia
- Anatomical PathologyNSW Health PathologySt George HospitalKogarahNSW2217Australia
| | - Shanping Wang
- Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical SciencesGuangdong University of TechnologyGuangzhou510006China
| | - Xingli Dong
- Department of Biopharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyHarbin Medical UniversityHarbin150081China
| | - Peter Graham
- St George and Sutherland Clinical SchoolFaculty of MedicineUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSW2052Australia
- Cancer Care CentreSt George HospitalKogarahNSW2217Australia
| | - Yong Li
- St George and Sutherland Clinical SchoolFaculty of MedicineUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSW2052Australia
- Cancer Care CentreSt George HospitalKogarahNSW2217Australia
- School of Basic MedicineZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou450001China
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28
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Li Y, Kong X, Xuan L, Wang Z, Huang YH. Prolactin and endocrine therapy resistance in breast cancer: The next potential hope for breast cancer treatment. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:10327-10348. [PMID: 34651424 PMCID: PMC8581311 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer, a hormone‐dependent tumour, generally includes four molecular subtypes (luminal A, luminal B, HER2 enriched and triple‐negative) based on oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2. Multiple hormones in the body regulate the development of breast cancer. Endocrine therapy is one of the primary treatments for hormone‐receptor‐positive breast cancer, but endocrine resistance is the primary clinical cause of treatment failure. Prolactin (PRL) is a protein hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, mainly promoting mammary gland growth, stimulating and maintaining lactation. Previous studies suggest that high PRL levels can increase the risk of invasive breast cancer in women. The expression levels of PRL and PRLR in breast cancer cells and breast cancer tissues are elevated in most ER+ and ER− tumours. PRL activates downstream signalling pathways and affects endocrine therapy resistance by combining with prolactin receptor (PRLR). In this review, we illustrated and summarized the correlations between endocrine therapy resistance in breast cancer and PRL, as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical practices. The study on PRL and its receptor would help explore reversing endocrine therapy‐resistance for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyi Kong
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lixue Xuan
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongzhao Wang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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29
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Petri BJ, Piell KM, South Whitt GC, Wilt AE, Poulton CC, Lehman NL, Clem BF, Nystoriak MA, Wysoczynski M, Klinge CM. HNRNPA2B1 regulates tamoxifen- and fulvestrant-sensitivity and hallmarks of endocrine resistance in breast cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2021; 518:152-168. [PMID: 34273466 PMCID: PMC8358706 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Despite new combination therapies improving survival of breast cancer patients with estrogen receptor α (ER+) tumors, the molecular mechanisms for endocrine-resistant disease remain unresolved. Previously we demonstrated that expression of the RNA binding protein and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader HNRNPA2B1 (A2B1) is higher in LCC9 and LY2 tamoxifen (TAM)-resistant ERα breast cancer cells relative to parental TAM-sensitive MCF-7 cells. Here we report that A2B1 protein expression is higher in breast tumors than paired normal breast tissue. Modest stable overexpression of A2B1 in MCF-7 cells (MCF-7-A2B1 cells) resulted in TAM- and fulvestrant- resistance whereas knockdown of A2B1 in LCC9 and LY2 cells restored TAM and fulvestrant, endocrine-sensitivity. MCF-7-A2B1 cells gained hallmarks of TAM-resistant metastatic behavior: increased migration and invasion, clonogenicity, and soft agar colony size, which were attenuated by A2B1 knockdown in MCF-7-A2B1 and the TAM-resistant LCC9 and LY2 cells. MCF-7-A2B1, LCC9, and LY2 cells have a higher proportion of CD44+/CD24-/low cancer stem cells (CSC) compared to MCF-7 cells. MCF-7-A2B1 cells have increased ERα and reduced miR-222-3p that targets ERα. Like LCC9 cells, MCF-7-A2B1 have activated AKT and MAPK that depend on A2B1 expression and are growth inhibited by inhibitors of these pathways. These data support that targeting A2B1 could provide a complimentary therapeutic approach to reduce acquired endocrine resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda J Petri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Kellianne M Piell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Gordon C South Whitt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Ali E Wilt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Claire C Poulton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Norman L Lehman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Brian F Clem
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Matthew A Nystoriak
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Marcin Wysoczynski
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Carolyn M Klinge
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA.
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30
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Dittmer J. Nuclear Mechanisms Involved in Endocrine Resistance. Front Oncol 2021; 11:736597. [PMID: 34604071 PMCID: PMC8480308 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.736597] [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: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine therapy is a standard treatment offered to patients with ERα (estrogen receptor α)-positive breast cancer. In endocrine therapy, ERα is either directly targeted by anti-estrogens or indirectly by aromatase inhibitors which cause estrogen deficiency. Resistance to these drugs (endocrine resistance) compromises the efficiency of this treatment and requires additional measures. Endocrine resistance is often caused by deregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and/or cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 activities allowing inhibitors of these factors to be used clinically to counteract endocrine resistance. The nuclear mechanisms involved in endocrine resistance are beginning to emerge. Exploring these mechanisms may reveal additional druggable targets, which could help to further improve patients' outcome in an endocrine resistance setting. This review intends to summarize our current knowledge on the nuclear mechanisms linked to endocrine resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Dittmer
- Clinic for Gynecology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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31
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Xiao L, Zhou J, Liu H, Zhou Y, Chen W, Cui W, Zhao Y. RNA Sequence Profiling Reveals Unique Immune and Metabolic Features of Breast Cancer Brain Metastases. Front Oncol 2021; 11:679262. [PMID: 34513670 PMCID: PMC8427193 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.679262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to improve our understanding of breast cancer brain metastases (BCBMs). Thus, we obtained transcriptome data of BCBMs, primary breast cancers (BCs), and extracranial metastases (BCEMs) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, including GSE43837, GSE14017, and GSE14018, for immune and metabolic analysis. Firstly, we performed immune and metabolic analysis on BCBMs and primary breast cancers of GSE43837 using RNA sequence. We identified significant immunosuppression and gene signatures associated with immune infiltration in BCBMs; the lower the expression of the signatures, the worse the prognosis of breast cancer patients in the Kaplan–Meier (KM) plotter [Breast cancer] database. We also identified increased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) utilization in BCBMs compared with BCs and gene signatures associated with increased OXPHOS utilization in BCBMs; the higher the expression of the signatures, the worse the prognosis of breast cancer patients in the KM plotter [Breast cancer] database, which can predict the prognosis of breast cancer patients better, as it can also predict the prognosis of patients with different breast cancer subtypes. In addition, we performed immune and metabolic analysis on BCBMs and extracranial metastases of GSE14017 and GSE14018 using RNA sequence. Compared with extracranial metastases, we identified more significant immunosuppression but no difference in OXPHOS utilization in BCBMs, which may be because OXPHOS was also involved in extracranial metastases. We have proven that OXPHOS was functionally significant in metastasis in vitro assays. Oligomycin, an OXPHOS inhibitor, substantially attenuated the migration and invasion potential of breast cancer cells. Our study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of BCBMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limei Xiao
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hongyi Liu
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhou
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Weibin Chen
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wugeng Cui
- School of Medical Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yilin Zhao
- Department of Oncology and Vascular Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Xiamen University Affiliated ZhongShan Hospital), Xiamen, China
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32
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Chen W, Wei W, Yu L, Ye Z, Huang F, Zhang L, Hu S, Cai C. Mammary Development and Breast Cancer: a Notch Perspective. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2021; 26:309-320. [PMID: 34374886 PMCID: PMC8566423 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-021-09496-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammary gland development primarily occurs postnatally, and this unique process is complex and regulated by systemic hormones and local growth factors. The mammary gland is also a highly dynamic organ that undergoes profound changes at puberty and during the reproductive cycle. These changes are driven by mammary stem cells (MaSCs). Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death in women. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play prominent roles in tumor initiation, drug resistance, tumor recurrence, and metastasis. The highly conserved Notch signaling pathway functions as a key regulator of the niche mediating mammary organogenesis and breast neoplasia. In this review, we discuss mechanisms by which Notch contributes to breast carcinoma pathology and suggest potentials for therapeutic targeting of Notch in breast cancer. In summary, we provide a comprehensive overview of Notch functions in regulating MaSCs, mammary development, and breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhen Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Liya Yu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zi Ye
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Fujing Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Liyan Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shiqi Hu
- DU-ANU Joint Science College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264200, China
| | - Cheguo Cai
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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The Role of the IL-6 Cytokine Family in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158334. [PMID: 34361105 PMCID: PMC8347315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) plays critical roles during embryonic development, wound repair, fibrosis, inflammation and cancer. During cancer progression, EMP results in heterogeneous and dynamic populations of cells with mixed epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics, which are required for local invasion and metastatic dissemination. Cancer development is associated with an inflammatory microenvironment characterized by the accumulation of multiple immune cells and pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines. Cytokines from the interleukin 6 (IL-6) family play fundamental roles in mediating tumour-promoting inflammation within the tumour microenvironment, and have been associated with chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, infectious diseases and cancer, where some members often act as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. All IL-6 family members signal through the Janus kinase (JAK)–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway and are able to activate a wide array of signalling pathways and transcription factors. In general, IL-6 cytokines activate EMP processes, fostering the acquisition of mesenchymal features in cancer cells. However, this effect may be highly context dependent. This review will summarise all the relevant literature related to all members of the IL-6 family and EMP, although it is mainly focused on IL-6 and oncostatin M (OSM), the family members that have been more extensively studied.
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Xiu M, Wang Y, Li B, Wang X, Xiao F, Chen S, Zhang L, Zhou B, Hua F. The Role of Notch3 Signaling in Cancer Stemness and Chemoresistance: Molecular Mechanisms and Targeting Strategies. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:694141. [PMID: 34195229 PMCID: PMC8237348 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.694141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant Notch signaling profoundly affects cancer progression. Especially the Notch3 receptor was found to be dysregulated in cancer, where its expression is correlated with worse clinicopathological features and poor prognosis. The activation of Notch3 signaling is closely related to the activation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subpopulation in cancer that is responsible for cancer progression. In addition, Notch3 signaling also contributes to tumor chemoresistance against several drugs, including doxorubicin, platinum, taxane, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and gemcitabine, through complex mechanisms. In this review, we mainly focus on discussing the molecular mechanisms by which Notch3 modulates cancer stemness and chemoresistance, as well as other cancer behaviors including metastasis and angiogenesis. What’s more, we propose potential treatment strategies to block Notch3 signaling, such as non-coding RNAs, antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates, providing a comprehensive reference for research on precise targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxi Xiu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Yongbo Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Baoli Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Xifeng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fan Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Shoulin Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Lieliang Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Fuzhou Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
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35
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Chen J, Wan R, Li Q, Rao Z, Wang Y, Zhang L, Teichmann AT. Utilizing the Hippo pathway as a therapeutic target for combating endocrine-resistant breast cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:306. [PMID: 34112175 PMCID: PMC8194146 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01999-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is always a great obstacle in any endocrine therapy of breast cancer. Although the combination of endocrine therapy and targeted therapy has been shown to significantly improve prognosis, refractory endocrine resistance is still common. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway is often related to the occurrence and the development of many tumors. Targeted therapies of this pathway have played important roles in the study of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Targeting the Hippo pathway in combination with chemotherapy or other targeted therapies has been shown to significantly improve specific antitumor effects and reduce cancer antidrug resistance. Further exploration has shown that the Hippo pathway is closely related to endocrine resistance, and it plays a "co-correlation point" role in numerous pathways involving endocrine resistance, including related pathways in breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Agents and miRNAs targeting the components of the Hippo pathway are expected to significantly enhance the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to endocrine therapy. This review initially explains the possible mechanism of the Hippo pathway in combating endocrine resistance, and it concludes by recommending endocrine therapy in combination with therapies targeting the Hippo pathway in the study of endocrine-resistant breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.,Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Runlan Wan
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinqin Li
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.,Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Zhenghuan Rao
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.,Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yanlin Wang
- North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, 644000, China
| | - Alexander Tobias Teichmann
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China. .,Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
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36
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Bushnell GG, Deshmukh AP, den Hollander P, Luo M, Soundararajan R, Jia D, Levine H, Mani SA, Wicha MS. Breast cancer dormancy: need for clinically relevant models to address current gaps in knowledge. NPJ Breast Cancer 2021; 7:66. [PMID: 34050189 PMCID: PMC8163741 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-021-00269-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the USA. Although advances in treatment over the past several decades have significantly improved the outlook for this disease, most women who are diagnosed with estrogen receptor positive disease remain at risk of metastatic relapse for the remainder of their life. The cellular source of late relapse in these patients is thought to be disseminated tumor cells that reactivate after a long period of dormancy. The biology of these dormant cells and their natural history over a patient's lifetime is largely unclear. We posit that research on tumor dormancy has been significantly limited by the lack of clinically relevant models. This review will discuss existing dormancy models, gaps in biological understanding, and propose criteria for future models to enhance their clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace G Bushnell
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Abhijeet P Deshmukh
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Petra den Hollander
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ming Luo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rama Soundararajan
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dongya Jia
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics and Departments of Physics and Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sendurai A Mani
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Max S Wicha
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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37
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Geles KG, Gao Y, Giannakou A, Sridharan L, Yamin TT, Zhang J, Karim R, Bard J, Piche-Nicholas N, Charati M, Maderna A, Lucas J, Golas J, Guffroy M, Pirie-Shepherd S, Roy M, Qian J, Franks T, Zhong W, O'Donnell CJ, Tchistiakova L, Gerber HP, Sapra P. NOTCH3-targeted antibody drug conjugates regress tumors by inducing apoptosis in receptor cells and through transendocytosis into ligand cells. CELL REPORTS MEDICINE 2021; 2:100279. [PMID: 34095881 PMCID: PMC8149476 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant NOTCH3 signaling and overexpression is oncogenic, associated with cancer stem cells and drug resistance, yet therapeutic targeting remains elusive. Here, we develop NOTCH3-targeted antibody drug conjugates (NOTCH3-ADCs) by bioconjugation of an auristatin microtubule inhibitor through a protease cleavable linker to two antibodies with differential abilities to inhibit signaling. The signaling inhibitory antibody rapidly induces ligand-independent receptor clustering and internalization through both caveolin and clathrin-mediated pathways. The non-inhibitory antibody also efficiently endocytoses via clathrin without inducing receptor clustering but with slower lysosomal co-localization kinetics. In addition, DLL4 ligand binding to the NOTCH3 receptor mediates transendocytosis of NOTCH3-ADCs into ligand-expressing cells. NOTCH3-ADCs internalize into receptor and ligand cells independent of signaling and induce cell death in both cell types representing an atypical mechanism of ADC cytotoxicity. Treatment of xenografts with NOTCH3-ADCs leads to sustained tumor regressions, outperforms standard-of-care chemotherapy, and allows targeting of tumors that overexpress NOTCH3 independent of signaling inhibition. NOTCH3 receptor is overexpressed in breast, lung, and ovarian tumors Newly generated NOTCH3-targeted antibody drug conjugates are efficacious and safe NOTCH3 antibodies internalize through different routes depending on signaling status NOTCH3 antibody intercellular trafficking occurs by transendocytosis into ligand cells
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth G Geles
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Yijie Gao
- BioMedicine Design, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andreas Giannakou
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Latha Sridharan
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Ting-Ting Yamin
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Joel Bard
- BioMedicine Design, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Manoj Charati
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | | | - Judy Lucas
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Jonathon Golas
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Magali Guffroy
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | | | - Marc Roy
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Jessie Qian
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Tania Franks
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Wenyan Zhong
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Hans-Peter Gerber
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Puja Sapra
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
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38
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McCaw TR, Inga E, Chen H, Jaskula‐Sztul R, Dudeja V, Bibb JA, Ren B, Rose JB. Gamma Secretase Inhibitors in Cancer: A Current Perspective on Clinical Performance. Oncologist 2021; 26:e608-e621. [PMID: 33284507 PMCID: PMC8018325 DOI: 10.1002/onco.13627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs), initially developed as Alzheimer's therapies, have been repurposed as anticancer agents given their inhibition of Notch receptor cleavage. The success of GSIs in preclinical models has been ascribed to induction of cancer stem-like cell differentiation and apoptosis, while also impairing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and sensitizing cells to traditional chemoradiotherapies. The promise of these agents has yet to be realized in the clinic, however, as GSIs have failed to demonstrate clinical benefit in most solid tumors with the notable exceptions of CNS malignancies and desmoid tumors. Disappointing clinical performance to date reflects important questions that remain to be answered. For example, what is the net impact of these agents on antitumor immune responses, and will they require concurrent targeting of tumor-intrinsic compensatory pathways? Addressing these limitations in our current understanding of GSI mechanisms will undoubtedly facilitate their rational incorporation into combinatorial strategies and provide a valuable tool with which to combat Notch-dependent cancers. In the present review, we provide a current understanding of GSI mechanisms, discuss clinical performance to date, and suggest areas for future investigation that might maximize the utility of these agents. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The performance of gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs) in clinical trials generally has not reflected their encouraging performance in preclinical studies. This review provides a current perspective on the clinical performance of GSIs across various solid tumor types alongside putative mechanisms of antitumor activity. Through exploration of outstanding gaps in knowledge as well as reasons for success in certain cancer types, the authors identify areas for future investigation that will likely enable incorporation of GSIs into rational combinatorial strategies for superior tumor control and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler R. McCaw
- Divisions of Surgical Oncology, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Evelyn Inga
- Divisions of Surgical Oncology, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Herbert Chen
- Breast & Endocrine Surgery, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Renata Jaskula‐Sztul
- Breast & Endocrine Surgery, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Vikas Dudeja
- Divisions of Surgical Oncology, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - James A. Bibb
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Bin Ren
- Vascular Surgery & Endovascular Therapy, Department of Surgery, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - J. Bart Rose
- Divisions of Surgical Oncology, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
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39
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Dai L, Li M, Zhang WL, Tang YJ, Tang YL, Liang XH. Fibroblasts in cancer dormancy: foe or friend? Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:184. [PMID: 33771156 PMCID: PMC7995785 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01883-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer dormancy is defined that the residual cancer cells could enter into a state of quiescence and patients remain asymptomatic for years or even decades after anti-tumor therapies. Fibroblasts, which represent a predominant cell type in tumor microenvironment, play a pivotal role in determining the ultimate fate of tumor cells. This review recapitulates the pleiotropic roles of fibroblasts which are divided into normal, senescent, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and circulation CAFs in tumor dormancy, relapse, metastasis and resistance to therapy to help the treatment of cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei-long Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya-Jie Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Ya-ling Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin-hua Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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40
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Haider MT, Ridlmaier N, Smit DJ, Taipaleenmäki H. Interleukins as Mediators of the Tumor Cell-Bone Cell Crosstalk during the Initiation of Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2898. [PMID: 33809315 PMCID: PMC7999500 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with advanced breast cancer are at high risk of developing bone metastasis. Despite treatment advances for primary breast cancer, metastatic bone disease remains incurable with a low relative survival. Hence, new therapeutic approaches are required to improve survival and treatment outcome for these patients. Bone is among the most frequent sites of metastasis in breast cancer. Once in the bone, disseminated tumor cells can acquire a dormant state and remain quiescent until they resume growth, resulting in overt metastasis. At this stage the disease is characterized by excessive, osteoclast-mediated osteolysis. Cells of the bone microenvironment including osteoclasts, osteoblasts and endothelial cells contribute to the initiation and progression of breast cancer bone metastasis. Direct cell-to-cell contact as well as soluble factors regulate the crosstalk between disseminated breast cancer cells and bone cells. In this complex signaling network interleukins (ILs) have been identified as key regulators since both, cancer cells and bone cells secrete ILs and express corresponding receptors. ILs regulate differentiation and function of bone cells, with several ILs being reported to act pro-osteoclastogenic. Consistently, the expression level of ILs (e.g., in serum) has been associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. In this review we discuss the role of the most extensively investigated ILs during the establishment of breast cancer bone metastasis and highlight their potential as therapeutic targets in preventing metastatic outgrowth in bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Therese Haider
- Molecular Skeletal Biology Laboratory, Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (M.-T.H.); (N.R.)
| | - Nicole Ridlmaier
- Molecular Skeletal Biology Laboratory, Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (M.-T.H.); (N.R.)
- Department of Life Sciences, IMC FH Krems University of Applied Sciences, 3500 Krems, Austria
| | - Daniel J. Smit
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Hanna Taipaleenmäki
- Molecular Skeletal Biology Laboratory, Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (M.-T.H.); (N.R.)
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41
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Akil A, Gutiérrez-García AK, Guenter R, Rose JB, Beck AW, Chen H, Ren B. Notch Signaling in Vascular Endothelial Cells, Angiogenesis, and Tumor Progression: An Update and Prospective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:642352. [PMID: 33681228 PMCID: PMC7928398 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.642352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway plays an essential role in a wide variety of biological processes including cell fate determination of vascular endothelial cells and the regulation of arterial differentiation and angiogenesis. The Notch pathway is also an essential regulator of tumor growth and survival by functioning as either an oncogene or a tumor suppressor in a context-dependent manner. Crosstalk between the Notch and other signaling pathways is also pivotal in tumor progression by promoting cancer cell growth, migration, invasion, metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, and the expansion of cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this review, we provide an overview and update of Notch signaling in endothelial cell fate determination and functioning, angiogenesis, and tumor progression, particularly in the development of CSCs and therapeutic resistance. We further summarize recent studies on how endothelial signaling crosstalk with the Notch pathway contributes to tumor angiogenesis and the development of CSCs, thereby providing insights into vascular biology within the tumor microenvironment and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellah Akil
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Ana K. Gutiérrez-García
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Rachael Guenter
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - J. Bart Rose
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Adam W. Beck
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Bin Ren
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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42
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Liu S, Zhang C, Wang B, Zhang H, Qin G, Li C, Cao L, Gao Q, Ping Y, Zhang K, Lian J, Zhao Q, Wang D, Zhang Z, Zhao X, Yang L, Huang L, Yang B, Zhang Y. Regulatory T cells promote glioma cell stemness through TGF-β-NF-κB-IL6-STAT3 signaling. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 70:2601-2616. [PMID: 33576874 PMCID: PMC8360896 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-02872-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Glioma stem cells (GSCs) contribute to the malignant growth of glioma, but little is known about the interaction between GSCs and tumor microenvironment. Here, we found that intense infiltration of regulatory T cells (Tregs) facilitated the qualities of GSCs through TGF-β secretion that helped coordinately tumor growth. Mechanistic investigations indicated that TGF-β acted on cancer cells to induce the core cancer stem cell-related genes CD133, SOX2, NESTIN, MUSASHI1 and ALDH1A expression and spheres formation via NF-κB–IL6–STAT3 signaling pathway, resulting in the increased cancer stemness and tumorigenic potential. Furthermore, Tregs promoted glioma tumor growth, and this effect could be abrogated with blockade of IL6 receptor by tocilizumab which also demonstrated certain level of therapeutic efficacy in xenograft model. Additionally, expression levels of CD133, IL6 and TGF-β were found to serve as prognosis markers of glioma patients. Collectively, our findings reveal a new immune-associated mechanism underlying Tregs-induced GSCs. Moreover, efforts to target this network may be an effective strategy for treating glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Liu
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Chaoqi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Boqiao Wang
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Huanyu Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Guohui Qin
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Congcong Li
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Ling Cao
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Qun Gao
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yu Ping
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jingyao Lian
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Qitai Zhao
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Li Yang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Lan Huang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China. .,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China. .,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China. .,School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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43
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Zheng Q, Zhang M, Zhou F, Zhang L, Meng X. The Breast Cancer Stem Cells Traits and Drug Resistance. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:599965. [PMID: 33584277 PMCID: PMC7876385 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.599965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is a major challenge in breast cancer (BC) treatment at present. Accumulating studies indicate that breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are responsible for the BC drugs resistance, causing relapse and metastasis in BC patients. Thus, BCSCs elimination could reverse drug resistance and improve drug efficacy to benefit BC patients. Consequently, mastering the knowledge on the proliferation, resistance mechanisms, and separation of BCSCs in BC therapy is extremely helpful for BCSCs-targeted therapeutic strategies. Herein, we summarize the principal BCSCs surface markers and signaling pathways, and list the BCSCs-related drug resistance mechanisms in chemotherapy (CT), endocrine therapy (ET), and targeted therapy (TT), and display therapeutic strategies for targeting BCSCs to reverse drug resistance in BC. Even more importantly, more attention should be paid to studies on BCSC-targeted strategies to overcome the drug resistant dilemma of clinical therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghui Zheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengdi Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Long Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuli Meng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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44
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Trailblazing perspectives on targeting breast cancer stem cells. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 223:107800. [PMID: 33421449 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BCa) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors affecting women's health worldwide. The recurrence and metastasis of BCa have made it a long-standing challenge to achieve remission-persistent or disease-undetectable clinical outcomes. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess the ability to self-renew and generate heterogeneous tumor bulk. The existence of CSCs has been found to be vital in the initiation, metastasis, therapy resistance, and recurrence of tumors across cancer types. Because CSCs grow slowly in their dormant state, they are insensitive to conventional chemotherapies; however, when CSCs emerge from their dormant state and become clinically evident, they usually acquire genetic traits that make them resistant to existing therapies. Moreover, CSCs also show evidence of acquired drug resistance in synchrony with tumor relapses. The concept of CSCs provides a new treatment strategy for BCa. In this review, we highlight the recent advances in research on breast CSCs and their association with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), plasticity of tumor cells, tumor microenvironment (TME), T-cell modulatory protein PD-L1, and non-coding RNAs. On the basis that CSCs are associated with multiple dysregulated biological processes, we envisage that increased understanding of disease sub-classification, selected combination of conventional treatment, molecular aberration directed therapy, immunotherapy, and CSC targeting/sensitizing strategy might improve the treatment outcome of patients with advanced BCa. We also discuss novel perspectives on new drugs and therapeutics purposing the potent and selective expunging of CSCs.
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45
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Priedigkeit N, Ding K, Horne W, Kolls JK, Du T, Lucas PC, Blohmer JU, Denkert C, Machleidt A, Ingold-Heppner B, Oesterreich S, Lee AV. Acquired mutations and transcriptional remodeling in long-term estrogen-deprived locoregional breast cancer recurrences. Breast Cancer Res 2021; 23:1. [PMID: 33407744 PMCID: PMC7788918 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-020-01379-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endocrine therapy resistance is a hallmark of advanced estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. In this study, we aimed to determine acquired genomic changes in endocrine-resistant disease. METHODS We performed DNA/RNA hybrid-capture sequencing on 12 locoregional recurrences after long-term estrogen deprivation and identified acquired genomic changes versus each tumor's matched primary. RESULTS Despite being up to 7 years removed from the primary lesion, most recurrences harbored similar intrinsic transcriptional and copy number profiles. Only two genes, AKAP9 and KMT2C, were found to have single nucleotide variant (SNV) enrichments in more than one recurrence. Enriched mutations in single cases included SNVs within transcriptional regulators such as ARID1A, TP53, FOXO1, BRD1, NCOA1, and NCOR2 with one local recurrence gaining three PIK3CA mutations. In contrast to DNA-level changes, we discovered recurrent outlier mRNA expression alterations were common-including outlier gains in TP63 (n = 5 cases [42%]), NTRK3 (n = 5 [42%]), NTRK2 (n = 4 [33%]), PAX3 (n = 4 [33%]), FGFR4 (n = 3 [25%]), and TERT (n = 3 [25%]). Recurrent losses involved ESR1 (n = 5 [42%]), RELN (n = 5 [42%]), SFRP4 (n = 4 [33%]), and FOSB (n = 4 [33%]). ESR1-depleted recurrences harbored shared transcriptional remodeling events including upregulation of PROM1 and other basal cancer markers. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, this study defines acquired genomic changes in long-term, estrogen-deprived disease; highlights the importance of longitudinal RNA profiling; and identifies a common ESR1-depleted endocrine-resistant breast cancer subtype with basal-like transcriptional reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolan Priedigkeit
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kai Ding
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Magee-Women's Research Institute, Magee-Women's Research Hospital of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - William Horne
- Richard King Mellon Foundation Institute for Pediatric Research, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jay K Kolls
- Richard King Mellon Foundation Institute for Pediatric Research, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tian Du
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Peter C Lucas
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jens-Uwe Blohmer
- Institute of Pathology and Department of Gynecology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Denkert
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps-University Marburg and University Hospital Marburg (UKGM), Marburg, Germany
| | - Anna Machleidt
- Institute of Pathology and Department of Gynecology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Steffi Oesterreich
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Magee-Women's Research Institute, Magee-Women's Research Hospital of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Adrian V Lee
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Magee-Women's Research Institute, Magee-Women's Research Hospital of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Magee-Women's Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue (Room A412), Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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46
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Orzechowska M, Anusewicz D, Bednarek AK. Functional Gene Expression Differentiation of the Notch Signaling Pathway in Female Reproductive Tract Tissues-A Comprehensive Review With Analysis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:592616. [PMID: 33384996 PMCID: PMC7770115 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.592616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch pathway involves evolutionarily conserved signaling regulating the development of the female tract organs such as breast, ovary, cervix, and uterine endometrium. A great number of studies revealed Notch aberrancies in association with their carcinogenesis and disease progression, the management of which is still challenging. The present study is a comprehensive review of the available literature on Notch signaling during the normal development and carcinogenesis of the female tract organs. The review has been enriched with our analyses of the TCGA data including breast, cervical, ovarian, and endometrial carcinomas concerning the effects of Notch signaling at two levels: the core components and downstream effectors, hence filling the lack of global overview of Notch-driven carcinogenesis and disease progression. Phenotype heterogeneity regarding Notch signaling was projected in two uniform manifold approximation and projection algorithm dimensions, preceded by the principal component analysis step reducing the data burden. Additionally, overall and disease-free survival analyses were performed with the optimal cutpoint determination by Evaluate Cutpoints software to establish the character of particular Notch components in tumorigenesis. In addition to the review, we demonstrated separate models of the examined cancers of the Notch pathway and its targets, although expression profiles of all normal tissues were much more similar to each other than to its cancerous compartments. Such Notch-driven cancerous differentiation resulted in a case of opposite association with DFS and OS. As a consequence, target genes also show very distinct profiles including genes associated with cell proliferation and differentiation, energy metabolism, or the EMT. In conclusion, the observed Notch associations with the female tract malignancies resulted from differential expression of target genes. This may influence a future analysis to search for new therapeutic targets based on specific Notch pathway profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dorota Anusewicz
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Andrzej K Bednarek
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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47
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Mavingire N, Campbell P, Wooten J, Aja J, Davis MB, Loaiza-Perez A, Brantley E. Cancer stem cells: Culprits in endocrine resistance and racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes. Cancer Lett 2020; 500:64-74. [PMID: 33309858 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) promote endocrine therapy (ET) resistance, also known as endocrine resistance in hormone receptor (HR) positive breast cancer. Endocrine resistance occurs via mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. In vitro, in vivo and clinical data suggest that signaling cascades such as Notch, hypoxia inducible factor (HIF), and integrin/Akt promote BCSC-mediated endocrine resistance. Once HR positive breast cancer patients relapse on ET, targeted therapy agents such as cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors are frequently implemented, though secondary resistance remains a threat. Here, we discuss Notch, HIF, and integrin/Akt pathway regulation of BCSC activity and potential strategies to target these pathways to counteract endocrine resistance. We also discuss a plausible link between elevated BCSC-regulatory gene levels and reduced survival observed among African American women with basal-like breast cancer which lacks HR expression. Should future studies reveal a similar link for patients with luminal breast cancer, then the use of agents that impede BCSC activity could prove highly effective in improving clinical outcomes among African American breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Mavingire
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University Health School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
| | - Petreena Campbell
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University Health School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
| | - Jonathan Wooten
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University Health School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA; Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University Health School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
| | - Joyce Aja
- National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.
| | - Melissa B Davis
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York Presbyterian Hospital Network, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Andrea Loaiza-Perez
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Oncología Ángel H. Roffo (IOAHR), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Área Investigación, Av. San Martin, 5481, C1417 DTB Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
| | - Eileen Brantley
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University Health School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA; Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University Health School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, Loma Linda University Health School of Pharmacy, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
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48
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Gao L, Shen K, Yin N, Jiang M. Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Dysregulated Competing Endogenous RNA Network in Endocrine Resistant Breast Cancer Cells. Front Oncol 2020; 10:600487. [PMID: 33324567 PMCID: PMC7723334 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.600487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tamoxifen and fulvestrant, both approved for endocrine therapy, have remarkably increased the prognosis of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients. However, acquired resistance to endocrine therapy greatly reduces its clinical efficacy. Accumulating evidence suggests a pivotal role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in breast cancer endocrine resistance, but the specific functions of ncRNAs in tamoxifen and fulvestrant resistance remain largely unknown. Methods Microarray analysis was performed for endocrine therapy sensitive (MCF-7), tamoxifen-resistant (LCC2), and dual tamoxifen and fulvestrant-resistant (LCC9) breast cancer cells. Gene ontology and pathway analysis were conducted for functional prediction of the unannotated differentially expressed ncRNAs. Competing endogenous RNA regulatory networks were constructed. Results We discovered a total of 3,129 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), 13,556 circular RNAs (circRNAs), 132 microRNAs, and 3358 mRNAs that were significantly differentially expressed. We constructed co-expression networks for lncRNA-mRNA, circRNA-mRNA, and microRNA-mRNA. In addition, we established lncRNA-microRNA-mRNA and circRNA-microRNA-mRNA regulatory networks to depict ncRNA crosstalk and transcriptomic regulation of endocrine resistance. Conclusions Our study delineates a comprehensive profiling of ncRNAs in tamoxifen and fulvestrant resistant breast cancer cells, which enriches our understanding of endocrine resistance and sheds new light on identifying novel endocrine resistance biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets to overcome endocrine resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Gao
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kunwei Shen
- Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ni Yin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Min Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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49
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Wang WJ, Wang H, Wang MS, Huang YQ, Ma YY, Qi J, Shi JP, Li W. Assessing the prognostic value of stemness-related genes in breast cancer patients. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18325. [PMID: 33110086 PMCID: PMC7591576 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73164-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is currently one of the deadliest tumors worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small group of tumor cells with self-renewal and differentiation abilities and high treatment resistance. One of the reasons for treatment failures is the inability to completely eliminate tumor stem cells. By using the edgeR package, we identified stemness-related differentially expressed genes in GSE69280. Via Lasso-penalized Cox regression analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis, survival genes were screened out to construct a prognostic model. Via nomograms and ROC curves, we verified the accuracy of the prognostic model. We selected 4 genes (PSMB9, CXCL13, NPR3, and CDKN2C) to establish a prognostic model from TCGA data and a validation model from GSE24450 data. We found that the low-risk score group had better OS than the high-risk score group, whether using TCGA or GSE24450 data. A prognostic model including four stemness-related genes was constructed in our study to determine targets of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) and improve the treatment effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jie Wang
- Department of Radio-Oncology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 26 Daoqian Street, Suzhou, 215001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Oncology, Jining Tumor Hospital, Jining, 272000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Sen Wang
- Department of Oncology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, 272011, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue-Qing Huang
- Department of General Practice, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Yuan Ma
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Qi
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Ping Shi
- Department of Radio-Oncology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 26 Daoqian Street, Suzhou, 215001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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50
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Sistigu A, Musella M, Galassi C, Vitale I, De Maria R. Tuning Cancer Fate: Tumor Microenvironment's Role in Cancer Stem Cell Quiescence and Reawakening. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2166. [PMID: 33193295 PMCID: PMC7609361 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell dormancy is a common feature of human tumors and represents a major clinical barrier to the long-term efficacy of anticancer therapies. Dormant cancer cells, either in primary tumors or disseminated in secondary organs, may reawaken and relapse into a more aggressive disease. The mechanisms underpinning dormancy entry and exit strongly resemble those governing cancer cell stemness and include intrinsic and contextual cues. Cellular and molecular components of the tumor microenvironment persistently interact with cancer cells. This dialog is highly dynamic, as it evolves over time and space, strongly cooperates with intrinsic cell nets, and governs cancer cell features (like quiescence and stemness) and fate (survival and outgrowth). Therefore, there is a need for deeper insight into the biology of dormant cancer (stem) cells and the mechanisms regulating the equilibrium quiescence-versus-proliferation are vital in our pursuit of new therapeutic opportunities to prevent cancer from recurring. Here, we review and discuss microenvironmental regulations of cancer dormancy and its parallels with cancer stemness, and offer insights into the therapeutic strategies adopted to prevent a lethal recurrence, by either eradicating resident dormant cancer (stem) cells or maintaining them in a dormant state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Sistigu
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Musella
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Galassi
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilio Vitale
- IIGM - Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, c/o IRCSS Candiolo (TO), Candiolo, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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