1
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Metge BJ, Alsheikh HAM, Kammerud SC, Chen D, Das D, Nebane NM, Bostwick JR, Shevde LA, Samant RS. Targeting EMT using low-dose Teniposide by downregulating ZEB2-driven activation of RNA polymerase I in breast cancer. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:322. [PMID: 38719798 PMCID: PMC11079014 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06694-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Metastatic dissemination from the primary tumor is a complex process that requires crosstalk between tumor cells and the surrounding milieu and involves the interplay between numerous cellular-signaling programs. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) remains at the forefront of orchestrating a shift in numerous cellular programs, such as stemness, drug resistance, and apoptosis that allow for successful metastasis. Till date, there is limited success in therapeutically targeting EMT. Utilizing a high throughput screen of FDA-approved compounds, we uncovered a novel role of the topoisomerase inhibitor, Teniposide, in reversing EMT. Here, we demonstrate Teniposide as a potent modulator of the EMT program, specifically through an IRF7-NMI mediated response. Furthermore, Teniposide significantly reduces the expression of the key EMT transcriptional regulator, Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 2 (ZEB2). ZEB2 downregulation by Teniposide inhibited RNA polymerase I (Pol I) activity and rRNA biogenesis. Importantly, Teniposide treatment markedly reduced pulmonary colonization of breast cancer cells. We have uncovered a novel role of Teniposide, which when used at a very low concentration, mitigates mesenchymal-like invasive phenotype. Overall, its ability to target EMT and rRNA biogenesis makes Teniposide a viable candidate to be repurposed as a therapeutic option to restrict breast cancer metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon J Metge
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Sarah C Kammerud
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Dongquan Chen
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Devika Das
- Birmingham VA Health Care System, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Parexel Biotech, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - N Miranda Nebane
- High-Throughput Screening Center, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - J Robert Bostwick
- High-Throughput Screening Center, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Lalita A Shevde
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Rajeev S Samant
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Birmingham VA Health Care System, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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2
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Sharma NK, Bahot A, Sekar G, Bansode M, Khunteta K, Sonar PV, Hebale A, Salokhe V, Sinha BK. Understanding Cancer's Defense against Topoisomerase-Active Drugs: A Comprehensive Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:680. [PMID: 38398072 PMCID: PMC10886629 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the emergence of cancer drug resistance has been one of the crucial tumor hallmarks that are supported by the level of genetic heterogeneity and complexities at cellular levels. Oxidative stress, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, overexpression of ABC transporters, and stemness are among the several key contributing molecular and cellular response mechanisms. Topo-active drugs, e.g., doxorubicin and topotecan, are clinically active and are utilized extensively against a wide variety of human tumors and often result in the development of resistance and failure to therapy. Thus, there is an urgent need for an incremental and comprehensive understanding of mechanisms of cancer drug resistance specifically in the context of topo-active drugs. This review delves into the intricate mechanistic aspects of these intracellular and extracellular topo-active drug resistance mechanisms and explores the use of potential combinatorial approaches by utilizing various topo-active drugs and inhibitors of pathways involved in drug resistance. We believe that this review will help guide basic scientists, pre-clinicians, clinicians, and policymakers toward holistic and interdisciplinary strategies that transcend resistance, renewing optimism in the ongoing battle against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh Kumar Sharma
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Anjali Bahot
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Gopinath Sekar
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Mahima Bansode
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Kratika Khunteta
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Priyanka Vijay Sonar
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Ameya Hebale
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Vaishnavi Salokhe
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Birandra Kumar Sinha
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
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3
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Clune S, Awolade P, Zhou Q, Esquer H, Matter B, Kearns JT, Kellett T, Akintayo DC, Kompella UB, LaBarbera DV. The validation of new CHD1L inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116037. [PMID: 38128184 PMCID: PMC10792906 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116037] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 1 like (CHD1L) is an oncogene that promotes tumor progression, metastasis, and multidrug resistance. CHD1L expression is indicative of poor outcomes and low survival in cancer patients with various cancer types. Herein, we report a set of CHD1L inhibitors (CHD1Li) discovered from high-throughput screening and evaluated using enzyme inhibition, 3D tumor organoid cytotoxicity and mechanistic assays. The structurally distinct compounds 8-11 emerged as hits with promising bioactivity by targeting CHD1L. CHD1Li were further examined for their stability in human and mouse liver microsomes, which showed compounds 9 and 11 to be the most metabolically stable. Additionally, molecular modeling studies of CHD1Li with the target protein shed light on key pharmacophore features driving CHD1L binding. Taken together, these results expand the chemical space of CHD1Li as a potential targeted therapy for colorectal cancer and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Clune
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Paul Awolade
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; The CU Anschutz Center for Drug Discovery, USA
| | - Qiong Zhou
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; The CU Anschutz Center for Drug Discovery, USA; The CU Cancer Center, USA
| | - Hector Esquer
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; The CU Anschutz Center for Drug Discovery, USA; The CU Cancer Center, USA
| | - Brock Matter
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Kearns
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Timothy Kellett
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Damilola Caleb Akintayo
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Uday B Kompella
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; The CU Anschutz Center for Drug Discovery, USA; The CU Cancer Center, USA
| | - Daniel V LaBarbera
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; The CU Anschutz Center for Drug Discovery, USA; The CU Cancer Center, USA.
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4
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Yuan M, Barefoot ME, Peterson K, Campbell MJ, Blancato JK, Chen M, Schmidt MO, Kiliti AJ, Fang HB, Wellstein A, Riegel AT, Sharif GM. Loss of ANCO1 Expression Regulates Chromatin Accessibility and Drives Progression of Early-Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11505. [PMID: 37511268 PMCID: PMC10380654 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411505] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the gene ankyrin repeat domain containing 11 (ANKRD11/ANCO1) play a role in neurodegenerative disorders, and its loss of heterozygosity and low expression are seen in some cancers. Here, we show that low ANCO1 mRNA and protein expression levels are prognostic markers for poor clinical outcomes in breast cancer and that loss of nuclear ANCO1 protein expression predicts lower overall survival of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Knockdown of ANCO1 in early-stage TNBC cells led to aneuploidy, cellular senescence, and enhanced invasion in a 3D matrix. The presence of a subpopulation of ANCO1-depleted cells enabled invasion of the overall cell population in vitro and they converted more rapidly to invasive lesions in a xenograft mouse model. In ANCO1-depleted cells, ChIP-seq analysis showed a global increase in H3K27Ac signals that were enriched for AP-1, TEAD, STAT3, and NFκB motifs. ANCO1-regulated H3K27Ac peaks had a significantly higher overlap with known breast cancer enhancers compared to ANCO1-independent ones. H3K27Ac engagement was associated with transcriptional activation of genes in the PI3K-AKT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and senescence pathways. In conclusion, ANCO1 has hallmarks of a tumor suppressor whose loss of expression activates breast-cancer-specific enhancers and oncogenic pathways that can accelerate the early-stage progression of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yuan
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Megan E. Barefoot
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Kendell Peterson
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Moray J. Campbell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Jan K. Blancato
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Manjing Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Marcel O. Schmidt
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Amber J. Kiliti
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Hong-Bin Fang
- Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Anton Wellstein
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Anna T. Riegel
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Ghada M. Sharif
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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5
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Wang Z, Zhu Q, Li X, Ren X, Li J, Zhang Y, Zeng S, Xu L, Dong X, Zhai B. TOP2A inhibition reverses drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma to regorafenib. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:4343-4360. [PMID: 36225636 PMCID: PMC9548008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death attributed to high frequency of metastasis and multiple drug resistance. We aim to examine the underlying molecular mechanism and to seek potential strategies to reverse primary/acquired resistance to regorafenib. Topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A) is critical for tumorigenesis and carcinogenesis. Clinically, high-TOP2A expression was correlated to shorter overall survival (OS) of patients, but its role in drug resistance of HCC remains unknown. Here, we screened the expression profiling of TOP2A in HCC and identified TOP2A as an upregulated gene involved in the resistance to regorafenib. Sustained exposure of HCC cells to regorafenib could upregulate the expression of TOP2A. Silencing TOP2A enhanced HCC cells' sensitivity to regorafenib. TOP2A inhibition by doxorubicin or epirubicin synergized with regorafenib to suppress the growth of sorafenib-resistant HCC tumors that possessed the sorafenib-resistant features both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, targeting TOP2A may be a promising therapeutic strategy to alleviate resistance to regorafenib and thus improving the efficacy of HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongwen Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qiankun Zhu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaohang Ren
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jingtao Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shicong Zeng
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lishan Xu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaoqun Dong
- The Liver Research Center of Rhode Island Hospital/Lifespan; Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Bo Zhai
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
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6
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Prigaro BJ, Esquer H, Zhou Q, Pike LA, Awolade P, Lai XH, Abraham AD, Abbott JM, Matter B, Kompella UB, Messersmith WA, Gustafson DL, LaBarbera DV. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of the First Inhibitors of Oncogenic CHD1L. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3943-3961. [PMID: 35192363 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 1 like (CHD1L) is an oncogene implicated in tumor progression, multidrug resistance, and metastasis in many types of cancer. In this article, we described the optimization of the first lead CHD1L inhibitors (CHD1Li) through drug design and medicinal chemistry. More than 30 CHD1Li were synthesized and evaluated using a variety of colorectal cancer (CRC) tumor organoid models and functional assays. The results led to the prioritization of six lead CHD1Li analogues with improved potency, antitumor activity, and drug-like properties including metabolic stability and in vivo pharmacokinetics. Furthermore, lead CHD1Li 6.11 proved to be an orally bioavailable antitumor agent, significantly reducing the tumor volume of CRC xenografts generated from isolated quasi mesenchymal cells (M-phenotype), which possess enhanced tumorigenic properties. In conclusion, we reported the optimization of first-in-class inhibitors of oncogenic CHD1L as a novel therapeutic strategy with potential for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett J Prigaro
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Hector Esquer
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Qiong Zhou
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Laura A Pike
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Paul Awolade
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Xin-He Lai
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Adedoyin D Abraham
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Joshua M Abbott
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Brock Matter
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Uday B Kompella
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States.,The University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Campus (AMC) Center for Drug Discovery, The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Wells A Messersmith
- The School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States.,The University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Campus (AMC) Center for Drug Discovery, The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States.,The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Daniel L Gustafson
- Flint Animal Cancer Center and Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States.,The University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Campus (AMC) Center for Drug Discovery, The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States.,The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Daniel V LaBarbera
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States.,The University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Campus (AMC) Center for Drug Discovery, The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States.,The CU Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
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7
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Topoisomerase II is regulated by translationally controlled tumor protein for cell survival during organ growth in Drosophila. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:811. [PMID: 34453033 PMCID: PMC8397738 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04091-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of cell survival is critical for organ development. Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is a conserved protein family implicated in the control of cell survival during normal development and tumorigenesis. Previously, we have identified a human Topoisomerase II (TOP2) as a TCTP partner, but its role in vivo has been unknown. To determine the significance of this interaction, we examined their roles in developing Drosophila organs. Top2 RNAi in the wing disc leads to tissue reduction and caspase activation, indicating the essential role of Top2 for cell survival. Top2 RNAi in the eye disc also causes loss of eye and head tissues. Tctp RNAi enhances the phenotypes of Top2 RNAi. The depletion of Tctp reduces Top2 levels in the wing disc and vice versa. Wing size is reduced by Top2 overexpression, implying that proper regulation of Top2 level is important for normal organ development. The wing phenotype of Tctp RNAi is partially suppressed by Top2 overexpression. This study suggests that mutual regulation of Tctp and Top2 protein levels is critical for cell survival during organ development.
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8
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Isolating and targeting the real-time plasticity and malignant properties of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer. Oncogene 2021; 40:2884-2897. [PMID: 33742123 PMCID: PMC8944243 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01728-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a driving force in promoting malignant cancer, including initiation, growth, and metastasis. EMT is a dynamic process that can undergo a mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) and partial transitions between both phenotypes, termed epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP). In cancer, the acquisition of EMP results in a spectrum of phenotypes, promoting tumor cell heterogeneity and resistance to standard of care therapy. Here we describe a real-time fluorescent dual-reporter for vimentin and E-cadherin, biomarkers of the mesenchymal and epithelial cell phenotypes, respectively. Stable dual-reporter cell lines generated from colorectal (SW620), lung (A549), and breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer demonstrate a spectrum of EMT cell phenotypes. We used the dual-reporter to isolate the quasi epithelial, epithelial/mesenchymal, and mesenchymal phenotypes. Although EMT is a dynamic process, these isolated quasi-EMT-phenotypes remain stable to spontaneous EMP in the absence of stimuli and during prolonged cell culture. However, the quasi-EMT phenotypes can readily be induced to undergo EMT or MET with growth factors or small molecules. Moreover, isolated EMT phenotypes display different tumorigenic properties and are morphologically and metabolically distinct. 3D high-content screening of ~23,000 compounds using dual-reporter mesenchymal SW620 tumor organoids identified small molecule probes that modulate EMT, and a subset of probes that effectively induced MET. The tools, probes, and models described herein provide a coherent mechanistic understanding of mesenchymal cell plasticity. Future applications utilizing this technology and probes are expected to advance our understanding of EMT and studies aimed at therapeutic strategies targeting EMT.
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9
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A self-sustaining endocytic-based loop promotes breast cancer plasticity leading to aggressiveness and pro-metastatic behavior. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3020. [PMID: 32541686 PMCID: PMC7296024 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16836-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The subversion of endocytic routes leads to malignant transformation and has been implicated in human cancers. However, there is scarce evidence for genetic alterations of endocytic proteins as causative in high incidence human cancers. Here, we report that Epsin 3 (EPN3) is an oncogene with prognostic and therapeutic relevance in breast cancer. Mechanistically, EPN3 drives breast tumorigenesis by increasing E-cadherin endocytosis, followed by the activation of a β-catenin/TCF4-dependent partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), followed by the establishment of a TGFβ-dependent autocrine loop that sustains EMT. EPN3-induced partial EMT is instrumental for the transition from in situ to invasive breast carcinoma, and, accordingly, high EPN3 levels are detected at the invasive front of human breast cancers and independently predict metastatic rather than loco-regional recurrence. Thus, we uncover an endocytic-based mechanism able to generate TGFβ-dependent regulatory loops conferring cellular plasticity and invasive behavior.
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10
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Abbott JM, Zhou Q, Esquer H, Pike L, Broneske TP, Rinaldetti S, Abraham AD, Ramirez DA, Lunghofer PJ, Pitts TM, Regan DP, Tan AC, Gustafson DL, Messersmith WA, LaBarbera DV. First-in-Class Inhibitors of Oncogenic CHD1L with Preclinical Activity against Colorectal Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 19:1598-1612. [PMID: 32499299 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of CHD1L in 2008, it has emerged as an oncogene implicated in the pathology and poor prognosis of a variety of cancers, including gastrointestinal cancers. However, a mechanistic understanding of CHD1L as a driver of colorectal cancer has been limited. Until now, there have been no reported inhibitors of CHD1L, also limiting its development as a molecular target. We sought to characterize the clinicopathologic link between CHD1L and colorectal cancer, determine the mechanism(s) by which CHD1L drives malignant colorectal cancer, and discover the first inhibitors with potential for novel treatments for colorectal cancer. The clinicopathologic characteristics associated with CHD1L expression were evaluated using microarray data from 585 patients with colorectal cancer. Further analysis of microarray data indicated that CHD1L may function through the Wnt/TCF pathway. Thus, we conducted knockdown and overexpression studies with CHD1L to determine its role in Wnt/TCF-driven epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We performed high-throughput screening (HTS) to identify the first CHD1L inhibitors. The mechanism of action, antitumor efficacy, and drug-like properties of lead CHD1L inhibitors were determined using biochemical assays, cell models, tumor organoids, patient-derived tumor organoids, and in vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Lead CHD1L inhibitors display potent in vitro antitumor activity by reversing TCF-driven EMT. The best lead CHD1L inhibitor possesses drug-like properties in pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic mouse models. This work validates CHD1L as a druggable target and establishes a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Abbott
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Qiong Zhou
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Hector Esquer
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Laura Pike
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Travis P Broneske
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Sébastien Rinaldetti
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Adedoyin D Abraham
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Dominique A Ramirez
- Flint Animal Cancer Center and Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Paul J Lunghofer
- Flint Animal Cancer Center and Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Todd M Pitts
- The School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,The University of Colorado Cancer Center, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Daniel P Regan
- Flint Animal Cancer Center and Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Aik Choon Tan
- The School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,The University of Colorado Cancer Center, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Daniel L Gustafson
- Flint Animal Cancer Center and Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.,The University of Colorado Cancer Center, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Wells A Messersmith
- The School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,The University of Colorado Cancer Center, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Daniel V LaBarbera
- The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado. .,The University of Colorado Cancer Center, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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11
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Esquer H, Zhou Q, Abraham AD, LaBarbera DV. Advanced High-Content-Screening Applications of Clonogenicity in Cancer. SLAS DISCOVERY 2020; 25:734-743. [PMID: 32484006 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220926921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Since its first report in 1956 by Puck and Marcus, the clonogenic assay has not been completely adapted into high-content-screening (HCS) workflows despite the numerous automated systems available. Initially, clonogenic assays were used to observe the effects of radiation on cell survival, particularly with cancer cells. The clonogenic assay has since been well characterized as a measure of cancer stem cell (CSC) stemness, demonstrating that a single CSC can generate clonogenic colonies. CSCs are highly tumorigenic with an unlimited proliferation potential and capacity to generate malignant tumors. Furthermore, CSCs are also known to resist conventional chemotherapy as well as more contemporary targeted therapies alike. Therefore, given the complexity of CSCs and their clinical relevance, new methods must follow to more effectively study and characterize CSC mechanisms that allow them to proliferate and persist, and to develop drugs and other therapies that can more effectively target these populations. Herein, we present a HCS method to quantify the number and size of colonies in 2D and 3D culture models and to distinguish colonies based on fluorescent markers using an Opera Phenix high-content-screening system. In addition, we present a method to scan at low magnification and rescan at a higher magnification to capture in greater detail colonies or even single cells of interest. These methods can be adapted to numerous applications or other imaging systems to study CSC biology using high-content analysis and for high-throughput drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector Esquer
- The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Qiong Zhou
- The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Adedoyin D Abraham
- The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Daniel V LaBarbera
- The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, USA
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12
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Matulja D, Wittine K, Malatesti N, Laclef S, Turks M, Markovic MK, Ambrožić G, Marković D. Marine Natural Products with High Anticancer Activities. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:1243-1307. [PMID: 31931690 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200113154115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This review covers recent literature from 2012-2019 concerning 170 marine natural products and their semisynthetic analogues with strong anticancer biological activities. Reports that shed light on cellular and molecular mechanisms and biological functions of these compounds, thus advancing the understanding in cancer biology are also included. Biosynthetic studies and total syntheses, which have provided access to derivatives and have contributed to the proper structure or stereochemistry elucidation or revision are mentioned. The natural compounds isolated from marine organisms are divided into nine groups, namely: alkaloids, sterols and steroids, glycosides, terpenes and terpenoids, macrolides, polypeptides, quinones, phenols and polyphenols, and miscellaneous products. An emphasis is placed on several drugs originating from marine natural products that have already been marketed or are currently in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Matulja
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Karlo Wittine
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Nela Malatesti
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Sylvain Laclef
- Laboratoire de Glycochimie, des Antimicrobiens et des Agro-ressources (LG2A), CNRS FRE 3517, 33 rue Saint-Leu, 80039 Amiens, France
| | - Maris Turks
- Faculty of Material Science and Applied Chemistry, Riga Technical University, P. Valdena Str. 3, Riga, LV-1007, Latvia
| | - Maria Kolympadi Markovic
- Department of Physics, and Center for Micro- and Nanosciences and Technologies, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Gabriela Ambrožić
- Department of Physics, and Center for Micro- and Nanosciences and Technologies, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Dean Marković
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
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13
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Shang Y, Wang Q, Li J, Zhao Q, Huang X, Dong H, Liu H, Gui R, Nie X. Platelet-Membrane-Camouflaged Zirconia Nanoparticles Inhibit the Invasion and Metastasis of Hela Cells. Front Chem 2020; 8:377. [PMID: 32457875 PMCID: PMC7221201 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Zirconia nanoparticles (ZrO2 NPs) are widely applied in the field of biomedicine. In this study, we constructed a nanoplatform of ZrO2 NPs coated with a platelet membrane (PLTm), named PLT@ZrO2. PLTm nanovesicles camouflage ZrO2 NPs, prevent nanoparticles from being cleared by macrophage, and target tumor sites. Compared to ZrO2 alone, PLT@ZrO2 is better at inhibiting the invasion and metastasis of Hela cells in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, PLT@ZrO2 inhibited the growth and proliferation of Hela cells. Scratch-wound healing recovery assay demonstrated that PLT@ZrO2 inhibited Hela cells migration. Transwell migration and invasion assays showed that PLT@ZrO2 inhibited Hela cells migration and invasion. In vivo, PLT@ZrO2 inhibited the tumor growth of Xenograft mice and inhibited the lung and liver metastasis of Hela cells. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting results showed that anti-metastasis protein (E-cadherin) was upregulated and pro-metastasis proteins (N-cadherin, Smad4, Vimentin, E-cadherin,β-catenin, Fibronectin, Snail, Slug, MMP2, Smad2) were down-regulated. Our study indicated that PLT@ZrO2 significantly inhibits tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghui Shang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qinghai Wang
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Blood Transfusion, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiangqiang Zhao
- Department of Blood Transfusion, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xueyuan Huang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hang Dong
- Department of Blood Transfusion, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haiting Liu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Gui
- Department of Blood Transfusion, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinmin Nie
- Clinical Laboratory of the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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14
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Abraham AD, Esquer H, Zhou Q, Tomlinson N, Hamill BD, Abbott JM, Li L, Pike LA, Rinaldetti S, Ramirez DA, Lunghofer PJ, Gomez JD, Schaack J, Nemkov T, D'Alessandro A, Hansen KC, Gustafson DL, Messersmith WA, LaBarbera DV. Drug Design Targeting T-Cell Factor-Driven Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition as a Therapeutic Strategy for Colorectal Cancer. J Med Chem 2019; 62:10182-10203. [PMID: 31675229 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the cause of 90% of mortality in cancer patients. For metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), the standard-of-care drug therapies only palliate the symptoms but are ineffective, evidenced by a low survival rate of ∼11%. T-cell factor (TCF) transcription is a major driving force in CRC, and we have characterized it to be a master regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT transforms relatively benign epithelial tumor cells into quasi-mesenchymal or mesenchymal cells that possess cancer stem cell properties, promoting multidrug resistance and metastasis. We have identified topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A) as a DNA-binding factor required for TCF-transcription. Herein, we describe the design, synthesis, biological evaluation, and in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic analysis of TOP2A ATP-competitive inhibitors that prevent TCF-transcription and modulate or reverse EMT in mCRC. Unlike TOP2A poisons, ATP-competitive inhibitors do not damage DNA, potentially limiting adverse effects. This work demonstrates a new therapeutic strategy targeting TOP2A for the treatment of mCRC and potentially other types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dominique A Ramirez
- Clinical Sciences, School of Biomedical Engineering , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado 80523 , United States
| | - Paul J Lunghofer
- Clinical Sciences, School of Biomedical Engineering , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado 80523 , United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel L Gustafson
- Clinical Sciences, School of Biomedical Engineering , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado 80523 , United States
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15
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LncRNA SNHG3 promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma proliferation and migration by upregulating TOP2A. Exp Cell Res 2019; 384:111595. [PMID: 31505165 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.111595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
LncRNA plays a vital role in many diseases, and abnormal expression of LncRNA has been reported in many types of tumors. In this study, we analyzed the available public TCGA and GEO databases, and found that the expression of SNHG3 was increased in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), which was positively correlated with many clinicopathological parameters, and the higher expression of SNHG3 predicted worse clinical prognosis. Functional experiments indicated that knockdown of SNHG3 could significantly inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of ccRCC in vitro and in vivo. Subsequently, through luciferase reporter assays, qPCR and rescue experiments, it was found that SNHG3 could bind to miR-139-5p, thereby up-regulating the expression of its target gene TOP2A, and play a role in promoting tumor progression in ccRCC. The correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between the expression of SNHG3 and TOP2A, and both of them were significantly negative correlated with the expression of miR-139-5p. Our work suggested that the SNHG3/miR-139-5p/TOP2A axis plays an important role in the proliferation and metastasis of ccRCC, and was expected to be a new biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis and a target for treatment of ccRCC.
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16
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Yu C, Chen F, Jiang J, Zhang H, Zhou M. Screening key genes and signaling pathways in colorectal cancer by integrated bioinformatics analysis. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:1259-1269. [PMID: 31173250 PMCID: PMC6625394 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to identify potential key genes associated with the progression and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CRC and normal samples were screened by integrated analysis of gene expression profile datasets, including the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis was conducted to identify the biological role of DEGs. In addition, a protein‑protein interaction network and survival analysis were used to identify the key genes. The profiles of GSE9348, GSE22598 and GSE113513 were downloaded from the GEO database. A total of 405 common DEGs were identified, including 236 down‑ and 169 upregulated. GO analysis revealed that the downregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in 'detoxification of copper ion' [biological process, (BP)], 'oxidoreductase activity, acting on CH‑OH group of donors, NAD or NADP as acceptor' [molecular function, (MF)] and 'brush border' [cellular component, (CC)]. Upregulated DEGs were mainly involved in 'nuclear division' (BP), 'snoRNA binding' (MF) and 'nucleolar part' (CC). KEGG pathway analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly involved in 'mineral absorption', 'nitrogen metabolism', 'cell cycle' and 'caffeine metabolism'. A PPI network was constructed with 268 nodes and 1,027 edges. The top one module was selected, and it was revealed that module‑related genes were mainly enriched in the GO terms 'sister chromatid segregation' (BP), 'chemokine activity' (MF), and 'condensed chromosome (CC)'. The KEGG pathway was mainly enriched in 'cell cycle', 'progesterone‑mediated oocyte maturation', 'chemokine signaling pathway', 'IL‑17 signaling pathway', 'legionellosis', and 'rheumatoid arthritis'. DNA topoisomerase II‑α (TOP2A), mitotic arrest deficient 2 like 1 (MAD2L1), cyclin B1 (CCNB1), checkpoint kinase 1 (CHEK1), cell division cycle 6 (CDC6) and ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2 C (UBE2C) were indicated as hub genes. Furthermore, survival analysis revealed that TOP2A, MAD2L1, CDC6 and CHEK1 may serve as prognostic biomarkers in CRC. The present study provided insights into the molecular mechanism of CRC that may be useful in further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Yu
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Fuqiang Chen
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Jianjun Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Hong Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P.R. China
| | - Meijuan Zhou
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
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17
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Kwok GTY, Zhao JT, Glover AR, Gill AJ, Clifton-Bligh R, Robinson BG, Ip JCY, Sidhu SB. microRNA-431 as a Chemosensitizer and Potentiator of Drug Activity in Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Oncologist 2019; 24:e241-e250. [PMID: 30918109 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2018-0849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine cancer with treatments limited in efficacy for metastatic disease. New molecular targeted therapies have yet to improve patient outcomes. In contrast, established treatment regimens of adrenolytics and chemotherapy have demonstrated treatment benefit, although admittedly in a minority of patients. Identification of microRNAs (miRNAs) in patients responsive to adjuvant therapy may offer a means to sensitize patients with progressive disease to existing adjuvant regimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS Samples from primary ACC tumors of 10 Stage IV patients were examined for differentially expressed miRNAs between a "sensitive" and "resistant" cohort. Candidate microRNAs were restored via transfection in two functional ACC cell lines. Gain of function and effects on apoptosis and cell cycle were assessed. RESULTS microRNA-431 (miR-431) was underexpressed in patients with ACC with progressive disease undergoing adjuvant therapy. Restoration of miR-431 in vitro decreased the half maximal inhibitory concentrations of doxorubicin and mitotane, with markedly increased apoptosis. We found that a reversal of epithelial-mesenchymal transition underlies the action of miR-431 with doxorubicin treatment, with Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 1 implicated as the molecular target of miR-431 in ACC. CONCLUSION This is the first report of the potential of miRNA therapy to sensitize ACC to current established adjuvant therapy regimens, which may mitigate the resistance underlying treatment failure in patients with advanced ACC. Effective and well-studied methods of targeted miRNA delivery in existence hints at the imminent translatability of these findings. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine cancer with outcomes not improving despite extensive research and new targeted therapies. Mitotane and etoposide/doxorubicin/cisplatin chemotherapy is trial validated for improved recurrence-free survival. However, a minority of patients experience sustained benefit. Significant side effects exist for this regimen, with patients often unable to attain target drug doses shown to give survival benefit. This preclinical study examines the role of microRNAs in sensitizing ACC to doxorubicin or mitotane. This study offers an important bridge between new and existing cancer treatments, offering an imminently translatable approach to the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace T Y Kwok
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jing Ting Zhao
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony R Glover
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital and University of Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony J Gill
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards and University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roderick Clifton-Bligh
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School Northern, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital and University of Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Sydney Endocrine Surgery Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bruce G Robinson
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital and University of Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julian C Y Ip
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stan B Sidhu
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Sydney Endocrine Surgery Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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18
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Liu LM, Xiong DD, Lin P, Yang H, Dang YW, Chen G. DNA topoisomerase 1 and 2A function as oncogenes in liver cancer and may be direct targets of nitidine chloride. Int J Oncol 2018; 53:1897-1912. [PMID: 30132517 PMCID: PMC6192772 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the role of topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) and topoisomerase 2A (TOP2A) in liver cancer (LC), and to investigate the inhibitory effect of nitidine chloride (NC) on these two topoisomerases. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and microarray or RNA sequencing data mining showed markedly higher expression of TOP1 and TOP2A at the protein and mRNA levels in LC tissues compared with that in control non-tumor tissues. The prognostic values of TOP1 and TOP2A expression were also estimated based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The elevated expression levels of TOP1 and TOP2A were closely associated with poorer overall survival and disease-free survival rates. When patients with LC were divided into high- and low-risk groups according to their prognostic index, TOP1 and TOP2A were highly expressed in the high-risk group. Bioinformatics analyses conducted on the co-expressed genes of TOP1 and TOP2A revealed that the topoisomerases were involved in several key cancer-related pathways, including the 'p53 pathway', 'pathway in cancer' and 'apoptosis signaling pathway'. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and IHC performed on triplicate tumor tissue samples from LC xenografts in control or NC-treated nude mice showed that NC treatment markedly reduced the protein and mRNA expression of TOP1 and TOP2A in LC tissues. Molecular docking studies further confirmed the direct binding of NC to TOP1 and TOP2A. In conclusion, the present findings indicate that TOP1 and TOP2A are oncogenes in LC and could serve as potential biomarkers for the prediction of the prognosis of patients with LC and for identification of high-risk cases, thereby optimizing individual treatment management. More importantly, the findings support TOP1 and TOP2A as potential drug targets of NC for the treatment of LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Min Liu
- Department of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Dan-Dan Xiong
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Peng Lin
- Ultrasonics Division, Radiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Hong Yang
- Ultrasonics Division, Radiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Wu Dang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
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19
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Zhang R, Xu J, Zhao J, Bai JH. Proliferation and invasion of colon cancer cells are suppressed by knockdown of TOP2A. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:7256-7263. [PMID: 29761838 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Recent research has shown that TOP2A plays an important role in the tumorigenesis of many malignancies, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer. However, few studies have been conducted on TOP2A expression and functions in colon cancer. In the present study, we found that TOP2A expression was obviously elevated in colon cancer tissues compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Depletion of TOP2A in HCT116 and SW480 colon cancer cells by transfection of specific small interfering RNA significantly suppressed proliferation and inhibited invasion of cells, even induced apoptosis as indicated by both MTT assay, Annexin V/propidium iodide staining, and Transwell assay. Furthermore, we explored the underlying mechanisms. Knockdown of TOP2A not only affects the expression of cell apoptosis-related (Bcl-2 and Bax) and invasion-related proteins (MMP-2 and MMP-9), but also reduced the phosphorylation levels of ERK and AKT. In conclusion, we showed that TOP2A was upregulated in colon cancer tissue samples and that TOP2A may serve as an oncogene in colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Insititute, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, P.R. China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Insititute, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Insititute, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, P.R. China
| | - Jing H Bai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Insititute, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, P.R. China
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20
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Reabroi S, Chairoungdua A, Saeeng R, Kasemsuk T, Saengsawang W, Zhu W, Piyachaturawat P. A silyl andrographolide analogue suppresses Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in colon cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 101:414-421. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.02.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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21
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Yue B, Liu C, Sun H, Liu M, Song C, Cui R, Qiu S, Zhong M. A Positive Feed-Forward Loop between LncRNA-CYTOR and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Promotes Metastasis of Colon Cancer. Mol Ther 2018; 26:1287-1298. [PMID: 29606502 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that long non-coding RNA cytoskeleton regulator RNA (CYTOR), also known as Linc00152, was significantly overexpressed in colon cancer and conferred resistance to oxaliplatin-induced apoptosis. At the same time, elevated CYTOR expression was also reported in gastric cancer and exerted influences on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. However, the precise mechanism by which CYTOR promotes the EMT phenotype and cancer metastasis remains poorly understood. Here, we showed that loss of epithelial characteristics and simultaneous gain of mesenchymal features correlated with CYTOR expression. Knockdown of CYTOR attenuated colon cancer cell migration and invasion. Conversely, ectopic expression of CYTOR induced an EMT program and enhanced metastatic properties of colon cancer cells. Mechanistically, the binding of CYTOR to cytoplasmic β-catenin impeded casein kinase 1 (CK1)-induced β-catenin phosphorylation that enabled it to accumulate and translocate to the nucleus. Reciprocally, β-catenin/TCF complex enhanced the transcription activity of CYTOR in nucleus, thus forming a positive feed-forward circuit. Moreover, elevated CYTOR, alone or combined with overexpression of nuclear β-catenin, was predictive of poor prognosis. Our findings suggest that CYTOR promotes colon cancer EMT and metastasis by interacting with β-catenin, and the positive feed-forward circuit of CYTOR-β-catenin might be a useful therapeutic target in antimetastatic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Yue
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Chenchen Liu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Huimin Sun
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Mengru Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Chenlong Song
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Ran Cui
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Shenglong Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China.
| | - Ming Zhong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
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22
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Yu M, Han G, Qi B, Wu X. Cx32 reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition in doxorubicin-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2017; 37:2121-2128. [PMID: 28260043 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been reported to be an important mechanism of drug resistance in numerous types of cancer cells, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Connexin (Cx)32 plays a crucial role in hepatocarcinogenesis. The present study investigated the role of Cx32 in the regulation of chemotherapy-induced EMT in HCC. We found that the expression levels of Cx32 and E-cadherin were clearly decreased in HCC tissues compared with the corresponding paracancerous tissues, while the expression level of vimentin was significantly enhanced in HCC tissues. The expression of Cx32 had a strong correlation with the expression of E-cadherin and vimentin. In an in vitro study, a doxorubicin (DOX)-resistant liver cell line HepG2/DOX was established from parental HepG2 cells. The results showed that HepG2/DOX cells acquired EMT characteristics, with a decreased expression level of E-cadherin and an enhanced expression level of vimentin, and possessed high migratory abilities and invasiveness. Meanwhile, Cx32 was significantly decreased in the HepG2/DOX cells. Knockdown of Cx32 by shRNA in HepG2 cells induced EMT, while overexpression of Cx32 converted EMT to mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) in the HepG2/DOX cells. These results suggest that Cx32 is an important regulator of DOX-induced EMT in HCC. Cx32 could be considered as a novel target to reverse DOX resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, Bengbu 233004, P.R. China
| | - Guangshu Han
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, Bengbu 233030, P.R. China
| | - Benquan Qi
- Department of Emergency Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, Bengbu 233004, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxiang Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, Bengbu 233004, P.R. China
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23
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Jin K, Li T, van Dam H, Zhou F, Zhang L. Molecular insights into tumour metastasis: tracing the dominant events. J Pathol 2017; 241:567-577. [PMID: 28035672 DOI: 10.1002/path.4871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis of malignant cells to vital organs remains the major cause of mortality in many types of cancers. The tumour invasion-metastasis cascade is a stepwise and multistage process whereby tumour cells disseminate from primary sites and spread to colonize distant sites through the systemic haematogenous or lymphatic circulations. The general steps of metastasis may be similar in almost all tumour types, but metastasis to different tissues seems to require distinct sets of regulators and/or an 'educated' microenvironment which may facilitate the infiltration and colonization of tumour cells to specific tissues. Moreover, interactions of tumour cells with stromal cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells that they encounter will also aid them to gain survival advantages, evade immune surveillance, and adapt to the new host microenvironment. Due to the high correlation between tumour metastasis and survival rate of patients, a deeper understanding of the molecular participants and processes involved in metastasis could pave the way towards novel, more effective and targeted approaches to prevent and treat tumour metastasis. In this review, we provide an update on the regulation networks orchestrated by the dominant regulators of different stages throughout the metastatic process including, but not limited to, epithelial-mesenchymal transition in local invasion, resistance to anoikis during migration, and colonization of different distant sites. We also put forward some suggestions and problems concerning the treatment of tumour metastasis that should be solved and/or improved for better therapies in the near future. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Jin
- Life Sciences Institute and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Tong Li
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Hans van Dam
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Cancer Genomics Centre and Centre for Biomedical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postbus 9600, 2300, RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Cancer Genomics Centre and Centre for Biomedical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postbus 9600, 2300, RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Institutes of Biology and Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, PR China
| | - Long Zhang
- Life Sciences Institute and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, PR China.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Cancer Genomics Centre and Centre for Biomedical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postbus 9600, 2300, RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
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