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Shang F, Nie H, Du L, Shang J, Song X, Chen Y, Li H, Wang Z, Qi Y, Zhao L. Inhibition of ATG5-mediated autophagy maintains PMAIP1 stability to promote cell apoptosis and suppress triple-negative breast cancer progression. Discov Oncol 2025; 16:687. [PMID: 40338396 PMCID: PMC12061822 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-025-02470-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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2025] [Accepted: 04/23/2025] [Indexed: 05/09/2025] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by a high recurrence rate and a lack of effective targeted therapies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction between the pro-apoptotic factor phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced protein 1 (PMAIP1) and autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5), as well as their regulatory mechanisms in TNBC cell apoptosis and autophagy, to identify potential therapeutic targets for TNBC. METHODS TNBC-related datasets were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas and selected by Prediction Analysis of Microarray 50 analysis to assess the expression of PMAIP1 in the samples. Additionally, the expression of PMAIP1 in the TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231) was detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In MDA-MB-231 cells, the expression of PMAIP1 and ATG5 was overexpressed or knocked down, and autophagy was inhibited using chloroquine (20 μM). Gene and protein expression levels were evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. Immunofluorescence was used to observe microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 puncta formation to assess autophagy levels. Furthermore, cell apoptosis, proliferation, migration, and invasion were analyzed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay, colony formation assay, and Transwell assay. RESULTS Compared to the control group, the expression of PMAIP1 was significantly elevated in TNBC tissues and MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, overexpression of PMAIP1 led to a marked increase in apoptosis levels and a remarkable reduction in autophagy levels in MDA-MB-231 cells, while knockdown of PMAIP1 showed the opposite effects. Additionally, knockdown of ATG5 expression or treatment with chloroquine not only resulted in an increase in PMAIP1 expression in a time-dependent manner, but also reduced autophagy levels and enhanced apoptosis levels of cells. Furthermore, simultaneous knockdown of PMAIP1 and ATG5 considerably up-regulated apoptosis levels while down-regulating autophagy levels. Moreover, knockdown of PMAIP1 alone promoted the viability, invasion, and migration abilities of TNBC cells, while dual knockdown reversed these effects. CONCLUSION Inhibition of ATG5-mediated autophagy maintains PMAIP1 stability, thereby promoting cell apoptosis and suppressing TNBC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangjian Shang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050023, Hebei, China
- Department of Gland Surgery, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei, China
| | - Hongfeng Nie
- Department of Gland Surgery, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei, China
| | - Liyan Du
- Department of Gland Surgery, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei, China
| | - Jin Shang
- Department of Gland Surgery, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei, China
| | - Xiangquan Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xingtai Medical College, Xingtai, 054000, Hebei, China
| | - Ya Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xingtai Medical College, Xingtai, 054000, Hebei, China
| | - Hui Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xingtai Medical College, Xingtai, 054000, Hebei, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xingtai Medical College, Xingtai, 054000, Hebei, China
| | - Yixin Qi
- Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China.
| | - Liyan Zhao
- Department of Gland Surgery, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei, China.
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2
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Karbon G, Schuler F, Braun VZ, Eichin F, Haschka M, Drach M, Sotillo R, Geley S, Spierings DC, Tijhuis AE, Foijer F, Villunger A. Chronic spindle assembly checkpoint activation causes myelosuppression and gastrointestinal atrophy. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:2743-2772. [PMID: 38806674 PMCID: PMC11169569 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00160-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Interference with microtubule dynamics in mitosis activates the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) to prevent chromosome segregation errors. The SAC induces mitotic arrest by inhibiting the anaphase-promoting complex (APC) via the mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC). The MCC component MAD2 neutralizes the critical APC cofactor, CDC20, preventing exit from mitosis. Extended mitotic arrest can promote mitochondrial apoptosis and caspase activation. However, the impact of mitotic cell death on tissue homeostasis in vivo is ill-defined. By conditional MAD2 overexpression, we observe that chronic SAC activation triggers bone marrow aplasia and intestinal atrophy in mice. While myelosuppression can be compensated for, gastrointestinal atrophy is detrimental. Remarkably, deletion of pro-apoptotic Bim/Bcl2l11 prevents gastrointestinal syndrome, while neither loss of Noxa/Pmaip or co-deletion of Bid and Puma/Bbc3 has such a protective effect, identifying BIM as rate-limiting apoptosis effector in mitotic cell death of the gastrointestinal epithelium. In contrast, only overexpression of anti-apoptotic BCL2, but none of the BH3-only protein deficiencies mentioned above, can mitigate myelosuppression. Our findings highlight tissue and cell-type-specific survival dependencies in response to SAC perturbation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerlinde Karbon
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Fabian Schuler
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Vincent Z Braun
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Felix Eichin
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Manuel Haschka
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mathias Drach
- Dermatology, General Hospital, University Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rocio Sotillo
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Molecular Thoracic Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Geley
- Institute for Pathophysiology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Diana Cj Spierings
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea E Tijhuis
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Floris Foijer
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Villunger
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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3
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Deng H, Han Y, Liu L, Zhang H, Liu D, Wen J, Huang M, Zhao L. Targeting Myeloid Leukemia-1 in Cancer Therapy: Advances and Directions. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5963-5998. [PMID: 38597264 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
As a tripartite cell death switch, B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2) family members precisely regulate the endogenous apoptosis pathway in response to various cell signal stresses through protein-protein interactions. Myeloid leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), a key anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member, is positioned downstream in the endogenous apoptotic pathway and plays a central role in regulating mitochondrial function. Mcl-1 is highly expressed in a variety of hematological malignancies and solid tumors, contributing to tumorigenesis, poor prognosis, and chemoresistance, making it an attractive target for cancer treatment. This Perspective aims to discuss the mechanism by which Mcl-1 regulates apoptosis and non-apoptotic functions in cancer cells and to outline the discovery and optimization process of potent Mcl-1 modulators. In addition, we summarize the structural characteristics of potent inhibitors that bind to Mcl-1 through multiple co-crystal structures and analyze the cardiotoxicity caused by current Mcl-1 inhibitors, providing prospects for rational targeting of Mcl-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongguang Deng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yu Han
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jiachen Wen
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Min Huang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Linxiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
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4
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Samia S, Sandeep Chary P, Khan O, Kumar Mehra N. Recent trends and advances in novel formulations as an armament in Bcl-2/Bax targeted breast cancer. Int J Pharm 2024; 653:123889. [PMID: 38346605 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) remains a significant health burden worldwide, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family proteins, Bcl-2 and Bax, play a crucial role in regulating apoptosis and thus are promising targets for BC therapy. We focus on the recent advancements in novel formulations that specifically target Bcl-2/Bax pathway to combat BC. It provides an overview on biological functions of Bcl-2/Bax in apoptosis regulation, emphasizing their significance in pathogenesis and progression of the disease while covering the numerous therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the Bcl-2/Bax pathway, including small-molecule inhibitors, peptides, gene-based therapies and other repurposed drugs harboured onto cutting-edge technologies and nanocarrier systems employed to enhance the targeted delivery of Bcl-2/Bax inhibitors tumor cells. These advanced formulations aim to improve therapeutic efficacy, minimize off-target effects, and overcome drug resistance, offering promising prospects in its treatment. In conclusion, it illuminates the diverse and evolving landscape of novel formulations as an essential armament in targeting these proteins while bridging and unravelling the obscurity of Bcl-2/Bax pathway-targeted drug delivery systems which are presently in their nascent stages of exploration for BC therapy which can benefit researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaikh Samia
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Padakanti Sandeep Chary
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Omar Khan
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Neelesh Kumar Mehra
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
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5
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Shi J, Ding F, Dai D, Song X, Wu X, Yan D, Han X, Tao G, Dai W. Noxa inhibits oncogenesis through ZNF519 in gastric cancer and is suppressed by hsa-miR-200b-3p. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6568. [PMID: 38503887 PMCID: PMC10951337 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57099-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
While Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced protein 1 (Noxa/PMAIP1) assumes a pivotal role in numerous tumors, its clinical implications and underlying mechanisms of gastric cancer (GC) are yet enigmatic. In this investigation, our primary objective was to scrutinize the clinical relevance and potential mechanisms of Noxa in gastric cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted on tissue microarrays comprising samples from a meticulously characterized cohort of 84 gastric cancer patients, accompanied by follow-up data, to assess the expression of Noxa. Additionally, Noxa expression levels in gastric cancer clinical samples and cell lines were measured through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. The effect of Noxa expression on the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival. Further insight into the role of Noxa in driving gastric cancer progression was gained through an array of experimental techniques, including cell viability assays (CCK8), plate cloning assays, transwell assays, scratch assays, and real-time cell analysis (RTCA). Potential upstream microRNAs (miRNAs) that might modulate Noxa were identified through rigorous bioinformatics analysis, substantiated by luciferase reporter assays and Western blot experiments. Additionally, we utilized RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR, and Western blot to identify proteins binding to Noxa and potential downstream target. Finally, we utilized BALB/c nude mice to explore the role of Noxa in vivo. Our investigation unveiled a marked downregulation of Noxa expression in gastric cancer and underscored its significance as a pivotal prognostic factor influencing overall survival (OS). Noxa overexpression exerted a substantial inhibitory effect on the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells. Bioinformatic analysis and dual luciferase reporter assays unveiled the capacity of hsa-miR-200b-3p to interact with the 3'-UTR of Noxa mRNA, thereby orchestrating a downregulation of Noxa expression in vitro, consequently promoting tumor progression in GC. Our transcriptome analysis, coupled with mechanistic validation, elucidated a role for Noxa in modulating the expression of ZNF519 in the Mitophagy-animal pathway. The depletion of ZNF519 effectively reversed the oncogenic attributes induced by Noxa. Upregulation of Noxa expression suppressed the tumorigenesis of GC in vivo. The current investigation sheds light on the pivotal role of the hsa-miR-200b-3p/Noxa/ZNF519 axis in elucidating the pathogenesis of gastric cancer, offering a promising avenue for targeted therapeutic interventions in the management of this challenging malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Shi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, 223300, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Ding
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, 223300, People's Republic of China
| | - Dezhu Dai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, 223300, People's Republic of China
| | - Xudong Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, 223300, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Wu
- Department of Vascular, Huaian Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, 223300, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongsheng Yan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, 223300, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, 223300, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoquan Tao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, 223300, People's Republic of China.
| | - Weijie Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, 223300, People's Republic of China.
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6
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Cirillo F, Talia M, Santolla MF, Pellegrino M, Scordamaglia D, Spinelli A, De Rosis S, Giordano F, Muglia L, Zicarelli A, Di Dio M, Rigiracciolo DC, Miglietta AM, Filippelli G, De Francesco EM, Belfiore A, Lappano R, Maggiolini M. GPER deletion triggers inhibitory effects in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells through the JNK/c-Jun/p53/Noxa transduction pathway. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:353. [PMID: 37749101 PMCID: PMC10520078 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01654-0] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) mediates estrogen action in different pathophysiological conditions, including cancer. GPER expression and signaling have been found to join in the progression of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), even though controversial data have been reported. In present study, we aimed at providing new mechanistic and biological discoveries knocking out (KO) GPER expression by CRISPR/Cas9 technology in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells. GPER KO whole transcriptome respect to wild type (WT) MDA-MB-231 cells was determined through total RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. We ascertained that anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic gene signatures characterize GPER KO MDA-MB-231 cells. Thereafter, we determined that these cells exhibit a reduced proliferative, clonogenic and self-renewal potential along with an increased mitochondria-dependent apoptosis phenotype. In addition, we recognized that decreased cAMP levels trigger the JNK/c-Jun/p53/Noxa axis, which in turn orchestrates the pro-apoptotic effects observed in GPER KO cells. In accordance with these data, survival analyses in TNBC patients of the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) dataset indicated that high Noxa expression correlates with improved outcomes in TNBC patients. Furthermore, we demonstrated that GPER KO in TNBC cells impairs the expression and secretion of the well-acknowledged GPER target gene named CTGF, thus resulting in the inhibition of migratory effects in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Overall, the present study provides novel mechanistic and biological insights on GPER KO in TNBC cells suggesting that GPER may be considered as a valuable target in comprehensive therapeutic approaches halting TNBC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Santolla
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Pellegrino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Asia Spinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Rosis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesca Giordano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Lucia Muglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Azzurra Zicarelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Marika Di Dio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Damiano Cosimo Rigiracciolo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milano, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Miglietta
- Breast and General Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, 87100, Cosenza, Italy
| | | | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
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7
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Al Shboul S, El-Sadoni M, Alhesa A, Abu Shahin N, Abuquteish D, Abu Al Karsaneh O, Alsharaiah E, Ismail MA, Tyutyunyk-Massey L, Alotaibi MR, Neely V, Harada H, Saleh T. NOXA expression is downregulated in human breast cancer undergoing incomplete pathological response and senescence after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15903. [PMID: 37741850 PMCID: PMC10517932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42994-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is a frequently utilized approach to treat locally advanced breast cancer, but, unfortunately, a subset of tumors fails to undergo complete pathological response. Apoptosis and therapy-induced senescence (TIS) are both cell stress mechanisms but their exact role in mediating the pathological response to NAC is not fully elucidated. We investigated the change in expression of PAMIP1, the gene encoding for the pro-apoptotic protein, NOXA, following NAC in two breast cancer gene datasets, and the change in NOXA protein expression in response to NAC in 55 matched patient samples (pre- and post-NAC). PAMIP1 expression significantly declined in post-NAC in the two sets, and in our cohort, 75% of the samples exhibited a downregulation in NOXA post-NAC. Matched samples that showed a decline in NOXA post-NAC were examined for TIS based on a signature of downregulated expression of Lamin-B1 and Ki-67 and increased p16INK4a, and the majority exhibited a decrease in Lamin B1 (66%) and Ki-67 (80%), and increased p16INK4a (49%). Since our cohort consisted of patients that did not develop complete pathological response, such findings have clinical implications on the role of TIS and NOXA downregulation in mediating suboptimal responses to the currently established NAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofian Al Shboul
- Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan
| | - Mohammed El-Sadoni
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Alhesa
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Nisreen Abu Shahin
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Dua Abuquteish
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan
| | - Ola Abu Al Karsaneh
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan
| | - Elham Alsharaiah
- Department of Pathology, King Hussein Medical Center, Royal Medical Service, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | | | | | - Moureq R Alotaibi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Victoria Neely
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Hisashi Harada
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Tareq Saleh
- Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan.
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8
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Pervaiz A, Saleem T, Kanwal K, Raza SM, Iqbal S, Zepp M, Georges RB, Berger MR. Expression profiling of anticancer genes in colorectal cancer patients and their in vitro induction by riproximin, a ribosomal inactivating plant protein. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:4825-4837. [PMID: 36251065 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04410-6] [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: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ectopic expression of anticancer genes (ACGs) imposes antineoplastic effects on transformed cells. Clinically, reduced expression of these genes has been linked with poor prognosis, metastasis and chemo/radiotherapy resistance in cancers. Identifying expression pattern of ACGs is crucial to establish their prognostic and therapeutic relevance in colorectal cancer (CRC). In addition to the clinical perspective, naturally occurring compounds can be explored in parallel for inducing ACGs to achieve cancer cell-specific death. METHODOLOGY Expression profiles of three ACGs (NOXA, PAR-4, TRAIL) were identified via real-time PCR in CRC clinical isolates. Time lapse-based expression modifications in ACGs were studied in a CRC liver metastasis animal model using microarray methodology. Effects of a purified plant protein (riproximin) on selected ACGs were identified in three primary and metastatic CRC cell lines by real-time PCR. Lastly, importance of the ACGs in a cellular environment was highlighted via bioinformatic analysis. RESULTS ACGs (except NOXA) were persistently downregulated in clinical isolates when comparing the overall mean expression values with normal mucosa levels. In vivo studies showed a prominent inhibition of NOXA and PAR-4 genes in implanted CRC cells during rat liver colonization. TRAIL showed deviation from this theme while showing marked induction during the early period of liver colonization (days 3 and 6 after CRC cell implantation). Riproximin exhibited substantial potential of inducing ACGs at transcriptome levels in selected CRC cell lines. Bioinformatic analysis showed that vital molecular/functional aspects of a cell are associated with the presence of ACGs. CONCLUSION ACGs are downregulated in primary and metastatic phase of CRC. Riproximin effectively induces ACGs in CRC cells and can be exploited for clinical investigations over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim Pervaiz
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Talha Saleem
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kinzah Kanwal
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Syed Mohsin Raza
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sana Iqbal
- Human Genetics and Molecular Biology Department, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Michael Zepp
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Immundiagnostik, Bensheim, Germany
| | - Rania B Georges
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Coordination Centre for Clinical Trials, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin R Berger
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Immundiagnostik, Bensheim, Germany
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Fan P, Wang J, Li R, Chang K, Liu L, Wang Y, Wang Z, Zhang B, Ji C, Zhang J, Chen S, Ling R. Development and validation of an endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecular prognostic model for breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1178595. [PMID: 37313465 PMCID: PMC10258344 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1178595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of several malignancies. However, the prognostic value of ERS-related genes in breast cancer has not been thoroughly investigated. Methods We downloaded and analyzed expression profiling data for breast invasive carcinoma samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas-Breast Invasive Carcinoma (TCGA-BRCA) and identified 23 ERS-related genes differentially expressed between the normal breast tissue and primary breast tumor tissues. We constructed and validated risk models using external test datasets. We assessed the differences in sensitivity to common antitumor drugs between high- and low-scoring groups using the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database, evaluated the sensitivity of patients in high- and low-scoring groups to immunotherapy using the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) algorithm, and assessed immune and stromal cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment (TME) using the Estimation of Stromal and Immune cells in Malignant Tumor tissues using Expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithm. We also analyzed the expression of independent factors in the prognostic model using the Western-blot analysis for correlation in relation to breast cancer. Results Using multivariate Cox analysis, FBXO6, PMAIP1, ERP27, and CHAC1 were identified as independent prognostic factors in patients with breast cancer. The risk score in our model was defined as the endoplasmic reticulum score (ERScore). ERScore had high predictive power for overall survival in patients with breast cancer. The high-ERScore group exhibited a worse prognosis, lower drug sensitivity, and lower immunotherapy response and immune infiltration than did the low-ERScore group. Conclusions based on ERScore were consistent with Western-blot results. Conclusion We constructed and validated for the first time an endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecular prognostic model for breast cancer with reliable predictive properties and good sensitivity, as an important addition to the prognostic prediction model for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Fan
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ruolei Li
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Kexin Chang
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Liuyin Liu
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Cheng Ji
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Suning Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Ling
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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Pervaiz A, Naseem N, Saleem T, Raza SM, Shaukat I, Kanwal K, Sajjad O, Iqbal S, Shams F, Ijaz B, Berger MR. Anticancer genes (NOXA, PAR-4, TRAIL) are de-regulated in breast cancer patients and can be targeted by using a ribosomal inactivating plant protein (riproximin). Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:5209-5221. [PMID: 37127809 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08477-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anticancer genes are an endogenous defense against transformed cells as they impose antineoplastic effects upon ectopic expression. Profiling the expression of these genes is fundamental for exploring their prognostic and therapeutic relevance in cancers. Natural compounds can upregulate anticancer genes in malignant cells and thus be useful for therapeutic purposes. In this study, we identified the expression levels of anticancer genes in breast cancer clinical isolates. In addition, the purified and sequenced plant protein (riproximin) was evaluated for its potential to induce anticancer genes in two breast cancer cell lines. METHODOLOGY Expression profiles of three anticancer genes (NOXA, PAR-4, TRAIL) were identified by immunohistochemistry in 45 breast cancer clinical isolates. Breast cancer cells were exposed to riproximin and expression of the anticancer genes was determined by microarray, real-time PCR and western blot methodologies. Lastly, a bioinformatic approach was adopted to highlight the molecular/functional significance of the anticancer genes. RESULTS NOXA expression was evenly de-regulated among the clinical isolates, while PAR-4 was significantly down-regulated in majority of the breast cancer tissues. In contrast, TRAIL expression was increased in most of the clinical samples. Expression levels of the anticancer genes followed a distinct trend in accordance with the disease severity. Riproximin showed a substantial potential of inducing expression of the anticancer genes in breast cancer cells at transcriptomic and protein levels. The bioinformatic approach revealed involvement of anticancer genes in multiple cellular functions and signaling cascades. CONCLUSION Anticancer genes were de-regulated and showed discrete expression patterns in breast cancer patient samples. Riproximin effectively induced the expression of selected anticancer genes in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim Pervaiz
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Nadia Naseem
- Morbid Anatomy and Histopathology Department, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Talha Saleem
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Syed Mohsin Raza
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Iqra Shaukat
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kinzah Kanwal
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Osheen Sajjad
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sana Iqbal
- Human Genetics and Molecular Biology Department, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Faiza Shams
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Ijaz
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Martin R Berger
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Immundiagnostik Comp, Bensheim, Germany
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Winder ML, Campbell KJ. MCL-1 is a clinically targetable vulnerability in breast cancer. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:1439-1455. [PMID: 35349392 PMCID: PMC9278428 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2054096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Pro-survival members of the BCL-2 family, including MCL-1, are emerging as important proteins during the development and therapeutic response of solid tumors. Notably, high levels of MCL-1 occur in breast cancer, where functional dependency has been demonstrated using cell lines and mouse models. The utility of restoring apoptosis in cancer cells through inhibition of pro-survival BCL-2 proteins has been realized in the clinic, where the first specific inhibitor of BCL-2 is approved for use in leukemia. A variety of MCL-1 inhibitors are now undergoing clinical trials for blood cancer treatment and application of this new class of drugs is also being tested in solid cancers. On-target compounds specific to MCL-1 have demonstrated promising efficacy in preclinical models of breast cancer and show potential to enhance the anti-tumor effect of conventional therapies. Taken together, this makes MCL-1 an extremely attractive target for clinical evaluation in the context of breast cancer.Abbreviations: ADC (antibody-drug conjugate); AML (Acute myeloid leukemia); APAF1 (apoptotic protease activating factor 1); bCAFs (breast cancer associated fibroblasts); BCL-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2); BH (BCL-2 homology); CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia); EGF (epidermal growth factor); EMT (epithelial to mesenchymal transition); ER (estrogen receptor); FDA (food and drug administration); GEMM (genetically engineered mouse model); HER2 (human epidermal growth factor 2); IL6 (interleukin 6); IMM (inner mitochondrial membrane); IMS (intermembrane space); MCL-1 (myeloid cell leukemia-1); MOMP (mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilisation); MM (multiple myeloma); PDX (patient-derived xenograft); OMM (outer mitochondrial membrane); PROTAC (proteolysis-targeting chimeras) TNBC (triple negative breast cancer); UPS (ubiquitin mediated proteolysis system).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Winder
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate,Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Kirsteen J Campbell
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate,Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
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