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Marima R, Basera A, Miya T, Damane BP, Kandhavelu J, Mirza S, Penny C, Dlamini Z. Exosomal long non-coding RNAs in cancer: Interplay, modulation, and therapeutic avenues. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:887-900. [PMID: 38616862 PMCID: PMC11015109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In the intricate field of cancer biology, researchers are increasingly intrigued by the emerging role of exosomal long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) due to their multifaceted interactions, complex modulation mechanisms, and potential therapeutic applications. These exosomal lncRNAs, carried within extracellular vesicles, play a vital partin tumorigenesis and disease progression by facilitating communication networks between tumor cells and their local microenvironment, making them an ideal candidates for use in a liquid biopsy approach. However, exosomal lncRNAs remain an understudied area, especially in cancer biology. Therefore this review aims to comprehensively explore the dynamic interplay between exosomal lncRNAs and various cellular components, including interactions with tumor-stroma, immune modulation, and drug resistance mechanisms. Understanding the regulatory functions of exosomal lncRNAs in these processes can potentially unveil novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for cancer. Additionally, the emergence of RNA-based therapeutics presents exciting opportunities for targeting exosomal lncRNAs, offering innovative strategies to combat cancer progression and improve treatment outcomes. Thus, this review provides insights into the current understanding of exosomal lncRNAs in cancer biology, highlighting their crucial roles, regulatory mechanisms, and the evolving landscape of therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, we have also discussed the advantage of exosomes as therapeutic carriers of lncRNAs for the development of personalized targeted therapy for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahaba Marima
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChi Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Afra Basera
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChi Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Thabiso Miya
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChi Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Botle Precious Damane
- Department of Surgery, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Jeyalakshmi Kandhavelu
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sheefa Mirza
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, 2193, South Africa
| | - Clement Penny
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, 2193, South Africa
| | - Zodwa Dlamini
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChi Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, South Africa
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Wei X, Xiong H, Zhou Y, Chen X, Yang W. Tracking epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells based on a multiplex electrochemical immunosensor. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 258:116372. [PMID: 38735081 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116372] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) promotes tumor cell infiltration and metastasis. Tracking the progression of EMT could potentially indicate early cancer metastasis. A key characteristic of EMT is the dynamic alteration in the molecular levels of E-cadherin and N-cadherin. Traditional assays have limited sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities, relying heavily on cell lysis. Here, we developed a multiplex electrochemical biosensor to concurrently track the upregulation of N-cadherin expression and reduction of E-cadherin in breast cancer cells undergoing EMT. Small-sized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) tagged with redox probes (thionin or amino ferrocene) and bound to two types of antibodies were used as distinguishable signal tags. These tags specifically recognized E-cadherin and N-cadherin proteins on the tumor cell surface without cross-reactivity. The diphenylalanine dipeptide (FF)/chitosan (CS)/Au NPs (FF-CS@Au) composites with high surface area and good biocompatibility were used as the sensing platforms for efficiently fixing cells and recording the dynamic changes in electrochemical signals of surface proteins. The electrochemical immunosensor allowed for simultaneous monitoring of E- and N-cadherins on breast cancer cell surfaces in a single run, enabling tracking of the EMT dynamic process for up to 60 h. Furthermore, the electrochemical detection results are consistent with Western blot analysis, confirming the reliability of the methodology. This present work provides an effective, rapid, and low-cost approach for tracking the EMT process, as well as valuable insights into early tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Hanzhi Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Yunfan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Xu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
| | - Wensheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
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Zhang C, Zeng M, Xu Y, Huang B, Shi P, Zhu X, Cao Y. S100A6 mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition affects chemosensitivity of colorectal cancer to oxaliplatin. Gene 2024; 914:148406. [PMID: 38521111 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148406] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the mechanism by which S100 calcium-binding protein A6 (S100A6) affects colorectal cancer (CRC) cells to oxaliplatin (L-OHP) chemotherapy, and to explore new strategies for CRC treatment. METHODS S100A6 expression was assessed in both parental and L-OHP-resistant CRC cells using western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Lentiviral vectors were utilized to induce the knockdown of S100A6 expression, followed by comprehensive evaluations of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, RNA-seq analysis was conducted to identify genes associated with the knockdown of S100A6. RESULTS Elevated S100A6 expression in CRC tissues correlated with an adverse prognosis in patients with CRC. Higher expression of S100A6 was also observed in L-OHP-resistant CRC cells, which showed enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion, and antiapoptotic capabilities. Notably, the knockdown of S100A6 expression resulted in decreased proliferation, increased apoptosis, and suppression of EMT and tumorigenicity in L-OHP-resistant CRC cells. Transcriptome sequencing reveals a noteworthy association between S100A6 and vimentin expression. Application of the EMT agonist, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), induces EMT in CRC cells. S100A6 expression positively correlates with TGF-β expression. TGF-β facilitated the expression of EMT-related molecules and reduced the chemosensitivity of L-OHP in S100A6-knockdown cells. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the knockdown of S100A6 may overcome the L-OHP resistance of CRC cells by modulating EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunying Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Menglu Zeng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yihan Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bihan Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Pengchong Shi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xianjin Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Yingping Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
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Ventriglia S, Kalcheim C. From neural tube to spinal cord: The dynamic journey of the dorsal neuroepithelium. Dev Biol 2024; 511:26-38. [PMID: 38580174 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
In a developing embryo, formation of tissues and organs is remarkably precise in both time and space. Through cell-cell interactions, neighboring progenitors coordinate their activities, sequentially generating distinct types of cells. At present, we only have limited knowledge, rather than a systematic understanding, of the underlying logic and mechanisms responsible for cell fate transitions. The formation of the dorsal aspect of the spinal cord is an outstanding model to tackle these dynamics, as it first generates the peripheral nervous system and is later responsible for transmitting sensory information from the periphery to the brain and for coordinating local reflexes. This is reflected first by the ontogeny of neural crest cells, progenitors of the peripheral nervous system, followed by formation of the definitive roof plate of the central nervous system and specification of adjacent interneurons, then a transformation of roof plate into dorsal radial glia and ependyma lining the forming central canal. How do these peripheral and central neural branches segregate from common progenitors? How are dorsal radial glia established concomitant with transformation of the neural tube lumen into a central canal? How do the dorsal radial glia influence neighboring cells? This is only a partial list of questions whose clarification requires the implementation of experimental paradigms in which precise control of timing is crucial. Here, we outline some available answers and still open issues, while highlighting the contributions of avian models and their potential to address mechanisms of neural patterning and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Ventriglia
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC) and the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), Hebrew University of Jerusalem-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, 9112102, P.O.Box 12272, Israel.
| | - Chaya Kalcheim
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC) and the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), Hebrew University of Jerusalem-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, 9112102, P.O.Box 12272, Israel.
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Pan L, Zhu F, Yu A, Jia C, Tang H, Zhou M, Li M, Jiang S, Li J, Cui Y, Tang L. Effect of bromodomain PHD-finger transcription factor (BPTF) on trophoblast epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Gene 2024; 914:148405. [PMID: 38521110 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The trophoblast epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a procedure related to embryo implantation, spiral artery establishment and fetal-maternal communication, which is a key event for successful pregnancy. Inadequate EMT is one of the pathological mechanisms of recurrent miscarriage (RM). Whole-exome sequencing revealed that the mutation of bromodomain PHD-finger transcription factor (BPTF) was strongly associated with RM. In the present study, the effects of BPTF on EMT and the underlying mechanism were investigated. We found that the expression of BPTF in the villi of RM patients was significantly downregulated. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that BPTF participated in cell adhesion. The knockdown of BPTF prevented EMT and attenuated trophoblast invasion in vitro. BPTF activated Slug transcription by binding directly to the promoter region of the Slug gene. Interestingly, the protein levels of both Slug and BPTF were decreased in the villous cytotrophoblasts (VCTs) of RM villi. In conclusion, BPTF participates in the regulation of trophoblast EMT by activating Slug expression, suggesting that BPTF defects are an important factor in RM pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linqing Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Fuquan Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Aochen Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chao Jia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Huaiyun Tang
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Minglian Zhou
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Mingrui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Shiwen Jiang
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Juan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Yugui Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Lisha Tang
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China.
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Huang ZL, Liu ZG, Lin Q, Tao YL, Li X, Baxter P, Su JM, Adesina AM, Man C, Chintagumpala M, Teo WY, Du YC, Xia YF, Li XN. Fractionated radiation therapy alters energy metabolism and induces cellular quiescence exit in patient-derived orthotopic xenograft models of high-grade glioma. Transl Oncol 2024; 45:101988. [PMID: 38733642 PMCID: PMC11101904 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101988] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiation is one of the standard therapies for pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG), of which the prognosis remains poor. To gain an in-depth understanding of biological consequences beyond the classic DNA damage, we treated 9 patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) models, including one with DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency, with fractionated radiations (2 Gy/day x 5 days). Extension of survival time was noted in 5 PDOX models (P < 0.05) accompanied by γH2AX positivity in >95 % tumor cells in tumor core and >85 % in the invasive foci as well as ∼30 % apoptotic and mitotic catastrophic cell death. The model with DNA MMR (IC-1406HGG) was the most responsive to radiation with a reduction of Ki-67(+) cells. Altered metabolism, including mitochondria number elevation, COX IV activation and reactive oxygen species accumulation, were detected together with the enrichment of CD133+ tumor cells. The latter was caused by the entry of quiescent G0 cells into cell cycle and the activation of self-renewal (SOX2 and BMI1) and epithelial mesenchymal transition (fibronectin) genes. These novel insights about the cellular and molecular mechanisms of fractionated radiation in vivo should support the development of new radio-sensitizing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Lu Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; Department of Pediatrics, Program of Precision Medicine PDOX Modeling of Pediatric Tumors, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Zhi-Gang Liu
- Cancer Center, The 10th Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Southern Medical University, China; Dongguan Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Tumors, The 10th Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Southern Medical University, China; Texas Children's Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.
| | - Qi Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Program of Precision Medicine PDOX Modeling of Pediatric Tumors, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Ya-Lan Tao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Xinzhuoyun Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Program of Precision Medicine PDOX Modeling of Pediatric Tumors, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Patricia Baxter
- Texas Children's Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jack Mf Su
- Texas Children's Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Adekunle M Adesina
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Chris Man
- Texas Children's Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Murali Chintagumpala
- Texas Children's Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Wan Yee Teo
- Texas Children's Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; The Laboratory of Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Office, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Center, 169856, Singapore; Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore, A*STAR, KK Women's & Children's Hospital Singapore, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore
| | - Yu-Chen Du
- Department of Pediatrics, Program of Precision Medicine PDOX Modeling of Pediatric Tumors, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States; Texas Children's Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States.
| | - Yun-Fei Xia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China.
| | - Xiao-Nan Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Program of Precision Medicine PDOX Modeling of Pediatric Tumors, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States; Texas Children's Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States.
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Patra SK, Sahoo RK, Biswal S, Panda SS, Biswal BK. Enigmatic exosomal connection in lung cancer drug resistance. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102177. [PMID: 38617976 PMCID: PMC11015513 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer remains a significant global health concern with limited treatment options and poor prognosis, particularly in advanced stages. Small extracellular vesicles such as exosomes, secreted by cancer cells, play a pivotal role in mediating drug resistance in lung cancer. Exosomes have been found to facilitate intercellular communication by transferring various biomolecules between cancer cells and their microenvironment. Additionally, exosomes can transport signaling molecules promoting cancer cell survival and proliferation conferring resistance to chemotherapy. Moreover, exosomes can modulate the tumor microenvironment by inducing phenotypic changes hindering drug response. Understanding the role of exosomes in mediating drug resistance in lung cancer is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies and biomarkers to overcome treatment limitations. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on conventional and emerging drug resistance mechanisms and the involvement of exosomes as well as exosome-mediated factors mediating drug resistance in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sambit K. Patra
- Cancer Drug Resistance Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha 769008, India
| | - Rajeev K. Sahoo
- Cancer Drug Resistance Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha 769008, India
| | - Stuti Biswal
- Cancer Drug Resistance Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha 769008, India
| | - Shikshya S. Panda
- Cancer Drug Resistance Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha 769008, India
| | - Bijesh Kumar Biswal
- Cancer Drug Resistance Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha 769008, India
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Liu Z, Chen L, Zhang J, Yang J, Xiao X, Shan L, Mao W. Recent discovery and development of AXL inhibitors as antitumor agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116475. [PMID: 38714043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), plays a pivotal role in various cellular functions. It is primarily involved in processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells, angiogenesis, apoptosis, immune regulation, and chemotherapy resistance mechanisms. Therefore, targeting AXL is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer. AXL inhibitors that have entered clinical trials, such as BGB324(1), have shown promising efficacy in the treatment of melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, novel AXL-targeted drugs, such as AXL degraders, offer a potential solution to overcome the limitations of traditional small-molecule AXL inhibitors targeting single pathways. We provide an overview of the structure and biological functions of AXL, discusses its correlation with various cancers, and critically analyzes the structure-activity relationship of AXL small-molecule inhibitors in cellular contexts. Additionally, we summarize multiple research and development strategies, offering insights for the future development of innovative AXL inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihang Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Lianhai Shan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China.
| | - Wuyu Mao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Ghiandai V, Grassi ES, Gazzano G, Fugazzola L, Persani L. Characterization of EpCAM in thyroid cancer biology by three-dimensional spheroids in vitro model. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:196. [PMID: 38835027 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03378-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy. Nowadays, undifferentiated thyroid cancers (UTCs) are still lethal, mostly due to the insurgence of therapy resistance and disease relapse. These events are believed to be caused by a subpopulation of cancer cells with stem-like phenotype and specific tumor-initiating abilities, known as tumor-initiating cells (TICs). A comprehensive understanding of how to isolate and target these cells is necessary. Here we provide insights into the role that the protein Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM), a known TICs marker for other solid tumors, may have in TC biology, thus considering EpCAM a potential marker of thyroid TICs in UTCs. METHODS The characterization of EpCAM was accomplished through Western Blot and Immunofluorescence on patient-derived tissue samples, adherent cell cultures, and 3D sphere cultures of poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC) and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) cell lines. The frequency of tumor cells with putative tumor-initiating ability within the 3D cultures was assessed through extreme limiting dilution analysis (ELDA). EpCAM proteolytic cleavages were studied through treatments with different cleavages' inhibitors. To evaluate the involvement of EpCAM in inducing drug resistance, Vemurafenib (PLX-4032) treatments were assessed through MTT assay. RESULTS Variable EpCAM expression pattern was observed in TC tissue samples, with increased cleavage in the more UTC. We demonstrated that EpCAM is subjected to an intense cleavage process in ATC-derived 3D tumor spheres and that the 3D model faithfully mimics what was observed in patient's samples. We also proved that the integrity of the protein appears to be crucial for the generation of 3D spheres, and its expression and cleavage in a 3D system could contribute to drug resistance in thyroid TICs. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide novel information on the role of EpCAM expression and cleavage in the biology of thyroid TICs, and our 3D model reflects the variability of EpCAM cleavage observed in tissue samples. EpCAM evaluation could play a role in clinical decisions regarding patient therapy since its expression and cleavage may have a fundamental role in the switch to a drug-resistant phenotype of UTC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Ghiandai
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Stellaria Grassi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Gazzano
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Fugazzola
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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Ma Y, Ma R, Zhang Z, Jiang H, Li Y, Jiang S, Li Y. Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy-Based Detection of EMT-Related Targets in Endometrial Cancer: Potential for Diagnosis and Prognostic Prediction. Anal Chem 2024; 96:8973-8980. [PMID: 38780221 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00042] [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: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is one of the important mechanisms of malignancy in endometrial cancer, and detection of EMT targets is a key challenge to explore the mechanism of endometrial carcinoma (EC) malignancy and discover novel therapeutic targets. This study attempts to use surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), a highly sensitive, ultrafast, and highly specific analytical technology, to rapidly detect microRNA-200a-3p and ZEB1 in endometrial cancer cell lines. The silver nanoparticles were decorated with iodine and calcium ions, can capture the SERS fingerprints of microRNA-200a-3p and ZEB1 protein, and effectively avoid the interference of impurity signals. At the same time, the method has high sensitivity for the detection of the above EMT targets, and the lowest detection limits for microRNA-200a-3p and ZEB1 are 4.5 pmol/mL and 10 ng/mL, respectively. At the lowest detection concentration, the method still has high stability. In addition, principal component analysis can not only identify microRNA-200a-3p and ZEB1 protein from a variety of EMT-associated microRNA and proteins but also identify them in the total RNA and total protein of endometrial cancer cell lines and normal endometrial epithelial cell lines. This study modified silver nanoparticles with iodine and calcium ions and for the first time captured the fingerprints of EMT-related targets microRNA-200a-3p and ZEB1 at the same time without label, and the method has high sensitivity and stability. This SERS-based method has immense potential for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of EMT-related EC, as well as identifying biomarkers for malignant degree and prognosis prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ma
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Ruiyao Ma
- Research Center for Innovative Technology of Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Baojian Road No. 157, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Research Center for Innovative Technology of Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Baojian Road No. 157, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Heng Jiang
- College of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Baojian Road No. 157, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Yuting Li
- Research Center for Innovative Technology of Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Baojian Road No. 157, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Shen Jiang
- Research Center for Innovative Technology of Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Baojian Road No. 157, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Baojian Road No. 157, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology (HST), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu 90014, Finland
- Research Center for Innovative Technology of Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Baojian Road No. 157, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
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11
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Faraldo MM, Romagnoli M, Wallon L, Dubus P, Deugnier MA, Fre S. Alpha-6 integrin deletion delays the formation of Brca1/p53-deficient basal-like breast tumors by restricting luminal progenitor cell expansion. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:91. [PMID: 38835038 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01851-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aberrant amplification of mammary luminal progenitors is at the origin of basal-like breast cancers associated with BRCA1 mutations. Integrins mediate cell-matrix adhesion and transmit mechanical and chemical signals that drive epithelial stem cell functions and regulate tumor progression, metastatic reactivation, and resistance to targeted therapies. Consistently, we have recently shown that laminin-binding integrins are essential for the expansion and differentiation of mammary luminal progenitors in physiological conditions. As over-expression of the laminin-binding α6 integrin (Itgα6) is associated with poor prognosis and reduced survival in breast cancer, we here investigate the role of Itgα6 in mammary tumorigenesis. METHODS We used Blg-Cre; Brca1F/F; Trp53F/F mice, a model that phenocopies human basal-like breast cancer with BRCA1 mutations. We generated mutant mice proficient or deficient in Itgα6 expression and followed tumor formation. Mammary tumors and pretumoral tissues were characterized by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, Western blotting and organoid cultures. Clonogenicity of luminal progenitors from preneoplastic glands was studied in 3D Matrigel cultures. RESULTS We show that Itga6 deletion favors activation of p16 cell cycle inhibitor in the preneoplastic tissue. Subsequently, the amplification of luminal progenitors, the cell of origin of Brca1-deficient tumors, is restrained in Itgα6-deficient gland. In addition, the partial EMT program operating in Brca1/p53-deficient epithelium is attenuated in the absence of Itgα6. As a consequence of these events, mammary tumor formation is delayed in Itgα6-deficient mice. After tumor formation, the lack of Itgα6 does not affect tumor growth but rather alters their differentiation, resulting in reduced expression of basal cell markers. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that Itgα6 has a pro-tumorigenic role in Blg-Cre; Brca1F/F; Trp53F/F mice developing basal-like mammary tumors. In particular, we reveal that Itgα6 is required for the luminal progenitor expansion and the aberrant partial EMT program that precedes the formation of BRCA1 deficient tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa M Faraldo
- Laboratory of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Institut Curie, INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, PSL Research University, 75248, Paris, France.
| | - Mathilde Romagnoli
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Cancer, CNRS UMR144, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75248, Paris, France
- Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, 91190, Gif Sur Yvette, France
| | - Loane Wallon
- Laboratory of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Institut Curie, INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, PSL Research University, 75248, Paris, France
- Alacris Theranostics GmbH, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pierre Dubus
- Department of Histology and Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- BRIC U1312, INSERM, Bordeaux Institute of Oncology, Université de Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marie-Ange Deugnier
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Cancer, CNRS UMR144, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75248, Paris, France
| | - Silvia Fre
- Laboratory of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Institut Curie, INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, PSL Research University, 75248, Paris, France.
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12
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Chen EX, Hu SC, Xu JQ, Liu KY, Tang J, Shen XP, Liang X, Xie YL, Ge LX, Luo X, Wang YX, Xiang YL, Ding YB. Suppression of GATA3 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and simultaneous cellular senescence in human extravillous trophoblasts. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024:119768. [PMID: 38838858 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The regulatory mechanism of the transcription factor GATA3 in the differentiation and maturation process of extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) in early pregnancy placenta, as well as its relevance to the occurrence of pregnancy disorders, remains poorly understood. This study leveraged single-cell RNA sequencing data from placental organoid models and placental tissue to explore the dynamic changes in GATA3 expression during EVT maturation. The expression pattern exhibited an initial upregulation followed by subsequent downregulation, with aberrant GATA3 localization observed in cases of recurrent miscarriage (RM). By identifying global targets regulated by GATA3 in primary placental EVT cells, JEG3, and HTR8/SVneo cell lines, this study offered insights into its regulatory mechanisms across different EVT cell models. Shared regulatory targets among these cell types and activation of trophoblast cell marker genes emphasized the importance of GATA3 in EVT differentiation and maturation. Knockdown of GATA3 in JEG3 cells led to repression of GATA3-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as evidenced by changes in marker gene expression levels and enhanced migration ability. Additionally, interference with GATA3 accelerated cellular senescence, as indicated by reduced proliferation rates and increased activity levels for senescence-associated β-galactosidase enzyme, along with elevated expression levels for senescence-associated genes. This study provides comprehensive insights into the dual role of GATA3 in regulating EMT and cellular senescence during EVT differentiation, shedding light on the dynamic changes in GATA3 expression in normal and pathological placental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- En-Xiang Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Toxicology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Hunan Provincial University Key Laboratory of the Fundamental and Clinical Research on Functional Nucleic Acid, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Changsha Medical University, Hunan 410219, China
| | - Si-Chen Hu
- Department of Toxicology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jia-Qi Xu
- Department of Toxicology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Kun-Yan Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jing Tang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Toxicology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xi-Peng Shen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - You-Long Xie
- Department of Toxicology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Lu-Xin Ge
- Department of Toxicology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Agricultural Biogenomics, Changsha Medical University. Hunan 410219, China
| | - Xin Luo
- Department of Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Department of Toxicology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Yun-Long Xiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China; Department of Toxicology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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13
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Ye Z, Chen W, Li G, Huang J, Lei J. Tissue-derived extracellular vesicles in cancer progression: mechanisms, roles, and potential applications. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:575-595. [PMID: 37851319 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10147-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small lipid bilayer-enclosed vesicles that mediate vital cellular communication by transferring cargo between cells. Among these, tissue-derived extracellular vesicles (Ti-EVs) stand out due to their origin from the tissue microenvironment, providing a more accurate reflection of changes in this setting. This unique advantage makes Ti-EVs valuable in investigating the intricate relationship between extracellular vesicles and cancer progression. Despite considerable research efforts exploring the association between Ti-EVs and cancers, a comprehensive clustering or grouping of these studies remains lacking. In this review, we aim to fill this gap by presenting a comprehensive synthesis of the mechanisms underlying Ti-EV generation, release, and transport within cancer tissues. Moreover, we delve into the pivotal roles that Ti-EVs play in cancer progression, shedding light on their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic tools. The review culminates in the construction of a comprehensive functional spectrum of Ti-EVs, providing a valuable reference for future research endeavors. By summarizing the current state of knowledge on Ti-EVs and their significance in tumor biology, this work contributes to a deeper understanding of cancer microenvironment dynamics and opens up avenues for harnessing Ti-EVs in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Ye
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wenjie Chen
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Genpeng Li
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jianyong Lei
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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14
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Chen Y, Zhu H, Luo Y, Tong S, Liu Y. EZH2: The roles in targeted therapy and mechanisms of resistance in breast cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116624. [PMID: 38670045 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116624] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance presents a formidable challenge in the realm of breast cancer therapy. Accumulating evidence suggests that enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a component of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), may serve as a key regulator in controlling drug resistance. EZH2 overexpression has been observed in breast cancer and many other malignancies, showing a strong correlation with poor outcomes. This review aims to summarize the mechanisms by which EZH2 regulates drug resistance, with a specific focus on breast cancer, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the underlying molecular processes. Additionally, we will discuss the current strategies and outcomes of targeting EZH2 using both single agents and combination therapies, with the goal of offering improved guidance for the clinical treatment of breast cancer patients who have developed drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Hongyan Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Yi Luo
- Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Biotheus Inc., Guangdong Province, Zhuhai 519080, PR China.
| | - Shuangmei Tong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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15
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Tan H, Miao MX, Luo RX, So J, Peng L, Zhu X, Leung EHW, Zhu L, Chan KM, Cheung M, Chan SY. TSPYL1 as a Critical Regulator of TGFβ Signaling through Repression of TGFBR1 and TSPYL2. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306486. [PMID: 38588050 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Nucleosome assembly proteins (NAPs) have been identified as histone chaperons. Testis-Specific Protein, Y-Encoded-Like (TSPYL) is a newly arisen NAP family in mammals. TSPYL2 can be transcriptionally induced by DNA damage and TGFβ causing proliferation arrest. TSPYL1, another TSPYL family member, has been poorly characterized and is the only TSPYL family member known to be causal of a lethal recessive disease in humans. This study shows that TSPYL1 and TSPYL2 play an opposite role in TGFβ signaling. TSPYL1 partners with the transcription factor FOXA1 and histone methyltransferase EZH2, and at the same time represses TGFBR1 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Depletion of TSPYL1 increases TGFBR1 expression, upregulates TGFβ signaling, and elevates the protein stability of TSPYL2. Intriguingly, TSPYL2 forms part of the SMAD2/3/4 signal transduction complex upon stimulation by TGFβ to execute the transcriptional responses. Depletion of TSPYL2 rescues the EMT phenotype of TSPYL1 knockdown in A549 lung carcinoma cells. The data demonstrates the prime role of TSPYL2 in causing the dramatic defects in TSPYL1 deficiency. An intricate counter-balancing role of TSPYL1 and TSPYL2 in regulating TGFβ signaling is also unraveled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqi Tan
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mia Xinfang Miao
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rylee Xu Luo
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Joan So
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lei Peng
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, The City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eva Hin Wa Leung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lina Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, The City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kui Ming Chan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, The City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Martin Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Siu Yuen Chan
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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16
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Hui San S, Ching Ngai S. E-cadherin re-expression: Its potential in combating TRAIL resistance and reversing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Gene 2024; 909:148293. [PMID: 38373660 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148293] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The major limitation of conventional chemotherapy drugs is their lack of specificity for cancer cells. As a selective apoptosis-inducing agent, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has emerged as an attractive alternative. However, most of the cancer cells are found to be either intrinsically resistant to the TRAIL protein or may develop resistance after multiple treatments, and TRAIL resistance can induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) at a later stage, promoting cancer invasion and migration. Interestingly, E-cadherin loss has been linked to TRAIL resistance and initiation of EMT, making E-cadherin re-expression a potential target to overcome these obstacles. Recent research suggests that re-expressing E-cadherin may reduce TRAIL resistance by enhancing TRAIL-induced apoptosis and preventing EMT by modulating EMT signalling factors. This reversal of EMT, can also aid in improving TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Therefore, this review provides remarkable insights into the mechanisms underlying E-cadherin re-expression, clinical implications, and potentiation, as well as the research gaps of E-cadherin re-expression in the current cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ser Hui San
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siew Ching Ngai
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
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17
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Kim E, Cai L, Choi H, Kim M, Hyun SH. Distinct properties of putative trophoblast stem cells established from somatic cell nuclear-transferred pig blastocysts. Biol Res 2024; 57:35. [PMID: 38812008 PMCID: PMC11137969 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00516-y] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetically modified pigs are considered ideal models for studying human diseases and potential sources for xenotransplantation research. However, the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technique utilized to generate these cloned pig models has low efficiency, and fetal development is limited due to placental abnormalities. RESULTS In this study, we unprecedentedly established putative porcine trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) using SCNT and in vitro-fertilized (IVF) blastocysts through the activation of Wing-less/Integrated (Wnt) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) pathways, inhibition of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) and Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) pathways, and supplementation with ascorbic acid. We also compared the transcripts of putative TSCs originating from SCNT and IVF embryos and their differentiated lineages. A total of 19 porcine TSCs exhibiting typical characteristics were established from SCNT and IVF blastocysts (TSCsNT and TSCsIVF). Compared with the TSCsIVF, TSCsNT showed distinct expression patterns suggesting unique TSCsNT characteristics, including decreased mRNA expression of genes related to apposition, steroid hormone biosynthesis, angiopoiesis, and RNA stability. CONCLUSION This study provides valuable information and a powerful model for studying the abnormal development and dysfunction of trophoblasts and placentas in cloned pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhye Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Cell Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Lian Cai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Veterinary Biosecurity and Protection, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyerin Choi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Mirae Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hwan Hyun
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
- Graduate School of Veterinary Biosecurity and Protection, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Lab. of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Perelmuter VM, Grigoryeva ES, Savelieva OE, Alifanov VV, Andruhova ES, Zavyalova MV, Bragina OD, Garbukov EY, Menyailo ME, Khozyainova AA, Denisov EV, Cherdyntseva NV, Tashireva LA. EpCAM-CD24+ circulating cells associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12245. [PMID: 38806508 PMCID: PMC11133449 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61516-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Following the discovery of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood of cancer patients, CTCs were initially postulated to hold promise as a valuable prognostic tool through liquid biopsy. However, a decade and a half of accumulated data have revealed significant complexities in the investigation of CTCs. A challenging aspect lies in the reduced expression or complete loss of key epithelial markers during the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This likely hampers the identification of a pathogenetically significant subset of CTCs. Nevertheless, there is a growing body of evidence regarding the prognostic value of such molecules as CD24 expressing in the primary breast tumor. Herewith, the exact relevance of CD24 expression on CTCs remains unclear. We used two epithelial markers (EpCAM and cytokeratin 7/8) to assess the count of CTCs in 57 breast cancer patients, both with (M0mts) and without metastasis (M0) during the follow-up period, as well as in M1 breast cancer patients. However, the investigation of these epithelial markers proved ineffective in identifying cell population expressing different combinations of EpCAM and cytokeratin 7/8 with prognostic significance for breast cancer metastases. Surprisingly, we found CD24+ circulating cells (CCs) in peripheral blood of breast cancer patients which have no epithelial markers (EpCAM and cytokeratin 7/8) but was strongly associated with distant metastasis. Namely, the count of CD45-EpCAM-CK7/8-CD24+ N-cadherin-CCs was elevated in both groups of patients, those with existing metastasis and those who developed metastases during the follow-up period. Simultaneously, an elevation in these cell counts beyond the established threshold of 218.3 cells per 1 mL of blood in patients prior to any treatment predicted a 12-fold risk of metastases, along with a threefold decrease in distant metastasis-free survival over a 90-month follow-up period. The origin of CD45-EpCAM-CK7/8-CD24+ N-cadherin-CCs remains unclear. In our opinion their existence can be explained by two most probable hypotheses. These cells could exhibit a terminal EMT phenotype, or it might be immature cells originating from the bone marrow. Nonetheless, if this hypothesis holds true, it's worth noting that the mentioned CCs do not align with any of the recognized stages of monocyte or neutrophil maturation, primarily due to the presence of CD45 expression in the myeloid cells. The results suggest the presence in the peripheral blood of patients with metastasis (both during the follow-up period and prior to inclusion in the study) of a cell population with a currently unspecified origin, possibly arising from both myeloid and tumor sources, as confirmed by the presence of aneuploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Perelmuter
- The Department of General and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - E S Grigoryeva
- The Laboratory of Molecular Therapy of Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia.
- The Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia.
| | - O E Savelieva
- The Department of General and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - V V Alifanov
- The Department of General and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - E S Andruhova
- The Department of General and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - M V Zavyalova
- The Department of General and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - O D Bragina
- The Department of General Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - E Yu Garbukov
- The Department of General Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - M E Menyailo
- The Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - A A Khozyainova
- The Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - E V Denisov
- The Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - N V Cherdyntseva
- The Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - L A Tashireva
- The Department of General and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
- The Laboratory of Molecular Therapy of Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
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19
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Rafelski SM, Theriot JA. Establishing a conceptual framework for holistic cell states and state transitions. Cell 2024; 187:2633-2651. [PMID: 38788687 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Cell states were traditionally defined by how they looked, where they were located, and what functions they performed. In this post-genomic era, the field is largely focused on a molecular view of cell state. Moving forward, we anticipate that the observables used to define cell states will evolve again as single-cell imaging and analytics are advancing at a breakneck pace via the collection of large-scale, systematic cell image datasets and the application of quantitative image-based data science methods. This is, therefore, a key moment in the arc of cell biological research to develop approaches that integrate the spatiotemporal observables of the physical structure and organization of the cell with molecular observables toward the concept of a holistic cell state. In this perspective, we propose a conceptual framework for holistic cell states and state transitions that is data-driven, practical, and useful to enable integrative analyses and modeling across many data types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne M Rafelski
- Allen Institute for Cell Science, 615 Westlake Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98125, USA.
| | - Julie A Theriot
- Department of Biology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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20
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Zhang C, Shan Y, Lin H, Zhang Y, Xing Q, Zhu J, Zhou T, Lin A, Chen Q, Wang J, Pan G. HBO1 determines SMAD action in pluripotency and mesendoderm specification. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:4935-4949. [PMID: 38421638 PMCID: PMC11109972 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
TGF-β signaling family plays an essential role to regulate fate decisions in pluripotency and lineage specification. How the action of TGF-β family signaling is intrinsically executed remains not fully elucidated. Here, we show that HBO1, a MYST histone acetyltransferase (HAT) is an essential cell intrinsic determinant for TGF-β signaling in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). HBO1-/- hESCs fail to response to TGF-β signaling to maintain pluripotency and spontaneously differentiate into neuroectoderm. Moreover, HBO1 deficient hESCs show complete defect in mesendoderm specification in BMP4-triggered gastruloids or teratomas. Molecularly, HBO1 interacts with SMAD4 and co-binds the open chromatin labeled by H3K14ac and H3K4me3 in undifferentiated hESCs. Upon differentiation, HBO1/SMAD4 co-bind and maintain the mesoderm genes in BMP4-triggered mesoderm cells while lose chromatin occupancy in neural cells induced by dual-SMAD inhibition. Our data reveal an essential role of HBO1, a chromatin factor to determine the action of SMAD in both human pluripotency and mesendoderm specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530,China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Cell Therapy, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
- GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
| | - Yongli Shan
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530,China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Cell Therapy, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
- GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
| | - Huaisong Lin
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530,China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Cell Therapy, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
- GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
| | - Yanqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530,China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Cell Therapy, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
- GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
| | - Qi Xing
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530,China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Cell Therapy, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
- GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
| | - Jinmin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530,China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Cell Therapy, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
- GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
| | - Tiancheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530,China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Cell Therapy, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
- GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
| | - Aiping Lin
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530,China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Cell Therapy, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
- GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
| | - Qianyu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530,China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Cell Therapy, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
- GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
| | - Junwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530,China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Cell Therapy, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
- GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
| | - Guangjin Pan
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530,China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Cell Therapy, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
- GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, China
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21
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Zhang J, Miao G, Ta MH, Zhao B, Wang W, Xing Y, Qian H, Huang D, Chen W, Zhong Y. Photothermal-controlled NO-releasing Nanogels reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transition and restore immune surveillance against cancer metastasis. J Control Release 2024; 371:16-28. [PMID: 38763388 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.05.028] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis leads to high mortality among cancer patients. It is a complex, multi-step biological process that involves the dissemination of cancer cells from the primary tumor and their systemic spread throughout the body, primarily through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program and immune evasion mechanisms. It presents a challenge in how to comprehensively treat metastatic cancer cells throughout the entire stage of the metastatic cascade using a simple system. Here, we fabricate a nanogel (HNO-NG) by covalently crosslinking a macromolecular nitric oxide (NO) donor with a photothermal IR780 iodide-containing hyaluronic acid derivative via a click reaction. This enables stable storage and tumor-targeted, photothermia-triggered release of NO to combat tumor metastasis throughout all stages. Upon laser irradiation (HNO-NG+L), the surge in NO production within tumor cells impairs the NF-κB/Snail/RKIP signaling loop that promotes the EMT program through S-nitrosylation, thus inhibiting cell dissemination from the primary tumor. On the other hand, it induces immunogenic cell death (ICD) and thereby augments anti-tumor immunity, which is crucial for killing both the primary tumor and systemically distributed tumor cells. Therefore, HNO-NG+L, by fully leveraging EMT reversal, ICD induction, and the lethal effect of NO, achieved impressive eradication of the primary tumor and significant prevention of lung metastasis in a mouse model of orthotropic 4T1 breast tumor that spontaneously metastasizes to the lungs, extending the NO-based therapeutic approach against tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junmei Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Guizhi Miao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - My Hanh Ta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Bingbing Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yanran Xing
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hongliang Qian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dechun Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Engineering Research Center for Smart Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Engineering Research Center for Smart Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Yinan Zhong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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22
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Nagai T, Sato M, Nishita M. miR-200c-141 induces a hybrid E/M state and promotes collective cell migration in MDA-MB-231 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 709:149829. [PMID: 38552553 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The microRNA-200 (miR-200) family is a potent suppressor of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). While its role as a tumor suppressor has been well documented, recent studies suggested that it can promote cancer progression in several stages. In this study, we investigated whether the miR-200 family members play a role in the acquisition of a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) state, which is reported to be associated with cancer malignancy, in mesenchymal MDA-MB-231 cells. Our results demonstrated that the induction of miR-200c-141, a cluster of the miR-200 family member, can induce the expression of epithelial gene and cell-cell junction while mesenchymal markers are retained. Moreover, induction of miR-200c-141 promoted collective migration accompanied by the formation of F-actin cables anchored by adherens junction. These results suggest that the miR-200 family can induce a hybrid E/M state and endows with the ability of collective cell migration in mesenchymal cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Nagai
- Department of Biochemistry, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Misa Sato
- Department of Biochemistry, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Michiru Nishita
- Department of Biochemistry, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
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23
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Lee DK, Oh J, Park HW, Gee HY. Anchorage Dependence and Cancer Metastasis. J Korean Med Sci 2024; 39:e156. [PMID: 38769921 PMCID: PMC11106561 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The process of cancer metastasis is dependent on the cancer cells' capacity to detach from the primary tumor, endure in a suspended state, and establish colonies in other locations. Anchorage dependence, which refers to the cells' reliance on attachment to the extracellular matrix (ECM), is a critical determinant of cellular shape, dynamics, behavior, and, ultimately, cell fate in nonmalignant and cancer cells. Anchorage-independent growth is a characteristic feature of cells resistant to anoikis, a programmed cell death process triggered by detachment from the ECM. This ability to grow and survive without attachment to a substrate is a crucial stage in the progression of metastasis. The recently discovered phenomenon named "adherent-to-suspension transition (AST)" alters the requirement for anchoring and enhances survival in a suspended state. AST is controlled by four transcription factors (IKAROS family zinc finger 1, nuclear factor erythroid 2, BTG anti-proliferation factor 2, and interferon regulatory factor 8) and can detach cells without undergoing the typical epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Notably, AST factors are highly expressed in circulating tumor cells compared to their attached counterparts, indicating their crucial role in the spread of cancer. Crucially, the suppression of AST substantially reduces metastasis while sparing primary tumors. These findings open up possibilities for developing targeted therapies that inhibit metastasis and emphasize the importance of AST, leading to a fundamental change in our comprehension of how cancer spreads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Ki Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Woo Choo Lee Institute for Precision Drug Development, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jongwook Oh
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Woo Choo Lee Institute for Precision Drug Development, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Heon Yung Gee
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Woo Choo Lee Institute for Precision Drug Development, Seoul, Korea
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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24
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Waseem M, Wang BD. Combination of miR-99b-5p and Enzalutamide or Abiraterone Synergizes the Suppression of EMT-Mediated Metastasis in Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1933. [PMID: 38792011 PMCID: PMC11119738 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101933] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer deaths among American men. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been systemically applied as a first-line therapy for PCa patients. Despite the initial responses, the majority of patients under ADT eventually experienced tumor progression to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), further leading to tumor metastasis to distant organs. Therefore, identifying the key molecular mechanisms underlying PCa progression remains crucial for the development of novel therapies for metastatic PCa. Previously, we identified that tumor-suppressive miR-99b-5p is frequently downregulated in aggressive African American (AA) PCa and European American (EA) CRPC, leading to upregulation of mTOR, androgen receptor (AR), and HIF-1α signaling. Given the fact that mTOR and HIF-1α signaling are critical upstream pathways that trigger the activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), we hypothesized that miR-99b-5p may play a critical functional role in regulating EMT-mediated PCa metastasis. To test this hypothesis, a series of cell biology, biochemical, and in vitro functional assays (wound healing, transwell migration, cell/ECM adhesion, and capillary-like tube formation assays) were performed to examine the effects of miR-99b-5p mimic on regulating EMT-mediated PCa metastasis processes. Our results have demonstrated that miR-99b-5p simultaneously targets MTOR and AR signaling, leading to upregulation of E-cadherin, downregulation of Snail/N-cadherin/Vimentin, and suppression of EMT-mediated PCa metastasis. MiR-99b-5p alone and in combination with enzalutamide or abiraterone significantly inhibits the EMT-mediated metastasis of AA PCa and EA CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Waseem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD 21853, USA;
| | - Bi-Dar Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD 21853, USA;
- Hormone Related Cancers Program, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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25
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Zhao P, Xu M, Gong K, Lu K, Ruan C, Yu X, Zhu J, Guan H, Zhu Q. Testing of Anti-EMT, Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Activities of 2',4'-Dimethoxychalcone. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:653. [PMID: 38794223 PMCID: PMC11124480 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050653] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Chalcone (1,3-diaryl-2-propen-1-one) is an α, β-unsaturated ketone that serves as an active constituent or precursor of numerous natural substances, exhibiting a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects. In this study, the classical Claisen-Schmidt condensation method was used to synthesize the chalcone derivative 2',4'-dimethoxychalcone (DTC) and evaluate its pharmacological activity. By upregulating the expression of the epithelial cell marker E-cadherin and downregulating the expression of the mesenchymal cell marker vimentin, DTC was found to inhibit transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in A549 cells, maintaining the cells' epithelial-like morphology and reducing the ability of the cells to migrate. Additionally, DTC demonstrated the ability to decrease the expression levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in RAW264.7 cells, suggesting a possible anti-inflammatory effect. Furthermore, DTC was found to exhibit bacteriostatic activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Proteus vulgaris (P. vulgaris), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Candida albicans (C. albicans), indicating that this chemical may possess broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiling Zhao
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; (P.Z.); (M.X.); (K.G.); (K.L.); (X.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Mengzhen Xu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; (P.Z.); (M.X.); (K.G.); (K.L.); (X.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Kai Gong
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; (P.Z.); (M.X.); (K.G.); (K.L.); (X.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Kaihui Lu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; (P.Z.); (M.X.); (K.G.); (K.L.); (X.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Chen Ruan
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China;
| | - Xin Yu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; (P.Z.); (M.X.); (K.G.); (K.L.); (X.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jiang Zhu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; (P.Z.); (M.X.); (K.G.); (K.L.); (X.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Haixing Guan
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Qingjun Zhu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; (P.Z.); (M.X.); (K.G.); (K.L.); (X.Y.); (J.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
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26
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Gerber TS, Ridder DA, Goeppert B, Brobeil A, Stenzel P, Zimmer S, Jäkel J, Metzig MO, Schwab R, Martin SZ, Kiss A, Bergmann F, Schirmacher P, Galle PR, Lang H, Roth W, Straub BK. N-cadherin: A diagnostic marker to help discriminate primary liver carcinomas from extrahepatic carcinomas. Int J Cancer 2024; 154:1857-1868. [PMID: 38212892 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34836] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Distinguishing primary liver cancer (PLC), namely hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), from liver metastases is of crucial clinical importance. Histopathology remains the gold standard, but differential diagnosis may be challenging. While absent in most epithelial, the expression of the adherens junction glycoprotein N-cadherin is commonly restricted to neural and mesenchymal cells, or carcinoma cells that undergo the phenomenon of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, we recently established N- and E-cadherin expression as hallmarks of normal hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, which are also preserved in HCC and iCCA. Therefore, we hypothesized that E- and/or N-cadherin may distinguish between carcinoma derived from the liver vs carcinoma of other origins. We comprehensively evaluated E- and N-cadherin in 3359 different tumors in a multicenter study using immunohistochemistry and compared our results with previously published 882 cases of PLC, including 570 HCC and 312 iCCA. Most carcinomas showed strong positivity for E-cadherin. Strong N-cadherin positivity was present in HCC and iCCA. However, except for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (23.6% of cases) and thyroid cancer (29.2%), N-cadherin was only in some instances faintly expressed in adenocarcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract (0%-0.5%), lung (7.1%), pancreas (3.9%), gynecological organs (0%-7.4%), breast (2.2%) as well as in urothelial (9.4%) and squamous cell carcinoma (0%-5.6%). As expected, N-cadherin was detected in neuroendocrine tumors (25%-75%), malignant melanoma (46.2%) and malignant mesothelioma (41%). In conclusion, N-cadherin is a useful marker for the distinction of PLC vs liver metastases of extrahepatic carcinomas (P < .01).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiemo S Gerber
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dirk A Ridder
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Benjamin Goeppert
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, RKH Klinikum Ludwigsburg, Ludwigsburg, Germany
- Institute of Tissue Medicine and Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Brobeil
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Stenzel
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefanie Zimmer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jörg Jäkel
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marie Oliver Metzig
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Roxana Schwab
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Steve Z Martin
- Institute of Pathology, Charité-University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - András Kiss
- 2nd Institute of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Frank Bergmann
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter R Galle
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hauke Lang
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Wilfried Roth
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Beate K Straub
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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27
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Qin J, Chen Y, Zhao X, Yu J. circCUL3 drives malignant progression of cervical cancer by activating autophagy through sponge miR-223-3p upregulation of ATG7. Gene 2024; 925:148572. [PMID: 38759738 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148572] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) has emerged as a pivotal regulatory factor in cancer biology, yet its exact role in cervical cancer remains incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the functional role of circCUL3 in cervical cancer and explored its potential as a therapeutic target. Functional gain and loss experiments were conducted in Hela and Siha cell lines to elucidate the biological functions of circCUL3 in cervical cancer. The results revealed that circCUL3 overexpression significantly enhanced cell viability, migration, and invasion while suppressing apoptosis, while circCUL3 knockout displayed the opposite effects. Mechanistically, we identified hsa-miR-223-3p as a target of circCUL3, with its expression being negatively regulated by circCUL3. Furthermore, we discovered that circCUL3 could sequester miR-223-3p, leading to the upregulation of ATG7 expression, and this was linked to the regulation of autophagy in cervical cancer cells. In vivo validation using a xenograft mouse model further supported our in vitro findings. Notably, we found that chloroquine (CQ), an autophagy inhibitor, restored miR-223-3p expression and counteracted the oncogenic effect of circCUL3 overexpression. In conclusion, circCUL3 potentially contributes to the malignant progression of cervical cancer by acting as a sponge for miR-223-3p, resulting in the upregulation of ATG7 and the activation of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Qin
- Department of Gynecology, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingmin Yu
- Department of Gynecology, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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28
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Tátrai E, Ranđelović I, Surguta SE, Tóvári J. Role of Hypoxia and Rac1 Inhibition in the Metastatic Cascade. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1872. [PMID: 38791951 PMCID: PMC11120288 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101872] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The hypoxic condition has a pivotal role in solid tumors and was shown to correlate with the poor outcome of anticancer treatments. Hypoxia contributes to tumor progression and leads to therapy resistance. Two forms of a hypoxic environment might have relevance in tumor mass formation: chronic and cyclic hypoxia. The main regulators of hypoxia are hypoxia-inducible factors, which regulate the cell survival, proliferation, motility, metabolism, pH, extracellular matrix function, inflammatory cells recruitment and angiogenesis. The metastatic process consists of different steps in which hypoxia-inducible factors can play an important role. Rac1, belonging to small G-proteins, is involved in the metastasis process as one of the key molecules of migration, especially in a hypoxic environment. The effect of hypoxia on the tumor phenotype and the signaling pathways which may interfere with tumor progression are already quite well known. Although the role of Rac1, one of the small G-proteins, in hypoxia remains unclear, predominantly, in vitro studies performed so far confirm that Rac1 inhibition may represent a viable direction for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enikő Tátrai
- The National Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (I.R.); (S.E.S.); (J.T.)
| | - Ivan Ranđelović
- The National Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (I.R.); (S.E.S.); (J.T.)
| | - Sára Eszter Surguta
- The National Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (I.R.); (S.E.S.); (J.T.)
- School of Ph. D. Studies, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - József Tóvári
- The National Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (I.R.); (S.E.S.); (J.T.)
- School of Ph. D. Studies, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary
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29
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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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30
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Ferrero R, Rainer PY, Rumpler M, Russeil J, Zachara M, Pezoldt J, van Mierlo G, Gardeux V, Saelens W, Alpern D, Favre L, Vionnet N, Mantziari S, Zingg T, Pitteloud N, Suter M, Matter M, Schlaudraff KU, Canto C, Deplancke B. A human omentum-specific mesothelial-like stromal population inhibits adipogenesis through IGFBP2 secretion. Cell Metab 2024:S1550-4131(24)00137-2. [PMID: 38729152 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Adipose tissue plasticity is orchestrated by molecularly and functionally diverse cells within the stromal vascular fraction (SVF). Although several mouse and human adipose SVF cellular subpopulations have by now been identified, we still lack an understanding of the cellular and functional variability of adipose stem and progenitor cell (ASPC) populations across human fat depots. To address this, we performed single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses of >30 SVF/Lin- samples across four human adipose depots, revealing two ubiquitous human ASPC (hASPC) subpopulations with distinct proliferative and adipogenic properties but also depot- and BMI-dependent proportions. Furthermore, we identified an omental-specific, high IGFBP2-expressing stromal population that transitions between mesothelial and mesenchymal cell states and inhibits hASPC adipogenesis through IGFBP2 secretion. Our analyses highlight the molecular and cellular uniqueness of different adipose niches, while our discovery of an anti-adipogenic IGFBP2+ omental-specific population provides a new rationale for the biomedically relevant, limited adipogenic capacity of omental hASPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radiana Ferrero
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Genetics, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pernille Yde Rainer
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Genetics, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marie Rumpler
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Genetics, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julie Russeil
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Genetics, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Magda Zachara
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Genetics, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joern Pezoldt
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Genetics, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Guido van Mierlo
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Genetics, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Gardeux
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Genetics, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Wouter Saelens
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Genetics, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Alpern
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Genetics, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lucie Favre
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Vionnet
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Styliani Mantziari
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Zingg
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Nelly Pitteloud
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Michel Suter
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Maurice Matter
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | | | - Carles Canto
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Genetics, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bart Deplancke
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Genetics, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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31
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Saleh RO, Al-Hawary SIS, Hammoud A, Hjazi A, Ayad Abdulrazzaq S, Rajput P, Alawsi T, Alnajar MJ, Alawadi A. The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer cells: molecular mechanisms and involvement miRNAs. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:615. [PMID: 38704760 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09546-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
A complex sequence of occurrences, including host genetic vulnerability, Helicobacter pylori infection, and other environmental variables, culminate in gastric cancer (GC). The development of several genetic and epigenetic changes in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes causes dysregulation of several signaling pathways, which upsets the cell cycle and the equilibrium between cell division and apoptosis, leading to GC. Developments in computational biology and RNA-seq technology enable quick detection and characterization of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have multiple roles in the development of gastric cancer. These lncRNAs interact with molecules of protein, RNA, DNA, and/or combinations. This review article explores several gastric cancer-associated lncRNAs, such as ADAMTS9-AS2, UCA1, XBP-1, and LINC00152. These various lncRNAs could change GC cell apoptosis, migration, and invasion features in the tumor microenvironment. This review provides an overview of the most recent research on lncRNAs and GC cell apoptosis, migration, invasion, and drug resistance, focusing on studies conducted in cancer cells and healthy cells during differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raed Obaid Saleh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Al-Maarif University College, Al-Anbar, Iraq
| | | | - Ahmad Hammoud
- Department of Medical and Technical Information Technology, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Russia.
- Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Gulf University for Science and Technology, Mishref Campus, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
| | - Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences , Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Pranchal Rajput
- School of Applied and Life Sciences, Divison of Research and Innovation, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | - Taif Alawsi
- Scientific Research Center, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Iraq
- Department of Laser and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq
| | | | - Ahmed Alawadi
- College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al-Qadisiyyah, Iraq
- College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
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32
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Noll B, Beckman M, Bahrani Mougeot F, Mougeot JL. Exploring Salivary Epithelial Dysfunction in Sjögren's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4973. [PMID: 38732189 PMCID: PMC11084897 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Sjögren's Disease (SjD) is an autoimmune disease of the exocrine tissues. Etiological events result in the loss of epithelial homeostasis alongside extracellular matrix (ECM) destruction within the salivary and lacrimal glands, followed by immune cell infiltration. In this review, we have assessed the current understanding of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated changes within the salivary epithelium potentially involved in salivary dysfunction and SjD pathogenesis. We performed a PubMed literature review pertaining to the determination of pathogenic events that lead to EMT-related epithelial dysfunction and signaling in SjD. Molecular patterns of epithelial dysfunction in SjD salivary glands share commonalities with EMT mediating wound healing. Pathological changes altering salivary gland integrity and function may precede direct immune involvement while perpetuating MMP9-mediated ECM destruction, inflammatory mediator expression, and eventual immune cell infiltration. Dysregulation of EMT-associated factors is present in the salivary epithelium of SjD and may be significant in initiating and perpetuating the disease. In this review, we further highlight the gap regarding mechanisms that drive epithelial dysfunction in salivary glands in the early or subclinical pre-lymphocytic infiltration stages of SjD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Braxton Noll
- Translational Research Laboratories, Cannon Research Center and Department of Oral Medicine, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, 1542 Garden Terrace, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA
| | - Micaela Beckman
- Translational Research Laboratories, Cannon Research Center and Department of Oral Medicine, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, 1542 Garden Terrace, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA
| | - Farah Bahrani Mougeot
- Translational Research Laboratories, Cannon Research Center and Department of Oral Medicine, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, 1542 Garden Terrace, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 475 Vine Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Jean-Luc Mougeot
- Translational Research Laboratories, Cannon Research Center and Department of Oral Medicine, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, 1542 Garden Terrace, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 475 Vine Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
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33
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Wu J, Gao F, Meng R, Li H, Mao Z, Xiao Y, Pu Q, Du M, Zhang Z, Shao Q, Zheng R, Wang M. Single-cell and multi-omics analyses highlight cancer-associated fibroblasts-induced immune evasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition for smoking bladder cancer. Toxicology 2024; 504:153782. [PMID: 38493947 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Tobacco carcinogens are recognized as critical hazard factors for bladder tumorigenesis, affecting the prognosis of patients through aromatic amines components. However, the specific function of tobacco carcinogens and systematic assessment models in the prognosis of bladder cancer remains poorly elucidated. We retrieved bladder cancer specific tobacco carcinogens-related genes from Comparative Toxicogenomic Database, our Nanjing Bladder Cancer cohort and TCGA database. Gene×Gene interaction method was utilized to establish a prognostic signature. Integrative assessment of immunogenomics, tumor microenvironments and single-cell RNA-sequencing were performed to illustrate the internal relations of key events from different levels. Finally, we comprehensively identified 33 essential tobacco carcinogens-related genes to construct a novel prognostic signature, and found that high-risk patients were characterized by significantly worse overall survival (HR=2.25; Plog-rank < 0.01). Single-cell RNA-sequencing and multi-omics analysis demonstrated that cancer-associated fibroblasts mediated the crosstalk between epithelial-mesenchymal transition progression and immune evasion. Moreover, an adverse outcome pathway framework was established to facilitate our understanding to the tobacco carcinogens-triggered bladder tumorigenesis. Our study systematically provided immune microenvironmental alternations for smoking-induced adverse survival outcomes in bladder cancer. These findings facilitated the integrative multi-omics insights into risk assessment and toxic mechanisms of tobacco carcinogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Meng
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Huiqin Li
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenguang Mao
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanping Xiao
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuyi Pu
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mulong Du
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengdong Zhang
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Shao
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Rui Zheng
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Meilin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Urology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China.
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34
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Mitra S, Biswas P, Bandyopadhyay A, Gadekar VS, Gopalakrishnan AV, Kumar M, Radha, Nandy S. Piperlongumine: the amazing amide alkaloid from Piper in the treatment of breast cancer. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:2637-2650. [PMID: 37955690 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02673-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Piperlongumine (PL), an alkaloid found primarily in the fruits and roots of the plant Piper longum L. (Piperaceae), is a natural compound that exhibits potent activity against various cancer cell proliferation. The most frequently caused malignancy in women globally, breast cancer (BC), has been demonstrated to be significantly inhibited by PL. Apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, increased ROS generation, and changes in the signalling protein's expression are all caused by the numerous signalling pathways that PL impacts. Since BC cells resist conventional chemotherapeutic drugs (doxorubicin, docetaxel etc.), researchers have shown that the drugs in combination with PL can exhibit a synergistic effect, greater than the effects of the drug or PL alone. Recently, techniques for drug packaging based on nanotechnology have been employed to improve PL release. The review has presented an outline of the chemistry of PL, its molecular basis in BC, its bioavailability, toxicity, and nanotechnological applications. An attempt to understand the future prospects and direction of research about the compound has also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shatakshi Mitra
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, 700073, India
| | - Protha Biswas
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, 700073, India
| | - Anupriya Bandyopadhyay
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, 700073, India
| | | | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Chemical and Biochemical Processing Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research On Cotton Technology, Mumbai, 400019, India
| | - Radha
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, 173229, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Samapika Nandy
- Department of Botany, Vedanta College, 33A, Shiv Krishna Daw Lane, Phool Bagan, Kolkata, 700054, West Bengal, India.
- School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Bell Road, Clement Town, Dehradun, 248002, Uttarakhand, India.
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Oshi M, Roy AM, Yan L, Kinoshita S, Tamura Y, Kosaka T, Akiyama H, Kunisaki C, Takabe K, Endo I. Enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition signatures are linked with adverse tumor microenvironment, angiogenesis and worse survival in gastric cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:746-754. [PMID: 38532115 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00756-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial mechanism that facilitates cancer cell metastasis. Despite its importance, the clinical significance of EMT in gastric cancer (GC) patients has yet to be clearly demonstrated. For gauging the extent of EMT in GC, we employed gene set variation analysis to score 807 patient samples from two large cohorts: TCGA and GSE84437. In both cohorts, EMT high GC showed a significant association with worse overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.74, p = 0.011 and HR = 2.01, p < 0.001, respectively). This association was stronger when considering the EMT signature score compared to the individual expressions of EMT-related genes (CDH1, CDH2, VIM, and FN1). While the EMT signature level did not differ among various cancers, high EMT signature specifically correlated with survival in GC alone. Mucinous and diffuse histological types exhibited higher EMT levels compared to others (p < 0.001), and the EMT signature level was correlated with tumor depth and AJCC stage (all p < 0.001). Interestingly, the EMT score was an independent factor for overall and disease-specific survival (multivariate; p = 0.006 and 0.032, respectively). EMT high GC displayed a lower fraction of Th1 cells and a higher fraction of dendritic cells, M1 macrophages and several stromal cells. EMT high GC exhibited an inverse correlation with cell proliferation-related gene sets. While they significantly enriched multiple pro-cancerous gene sets, such as TGF-β signaling, hypoxia, and angiogenesis. The presence of EMT signature in a bulk tumor was linked to TGF-β signaling, hypoxia, and angiogenesis, and was also associated with poorer survival outcomes in GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Oshi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan.
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
| | - Arya Mariam Roy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Li Yan
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Sachika Kinoshita
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Yuko Tamura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Takashi Kosaka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hirotoshi Akiyama
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Chikara Kunisaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Takabe
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
- Department of Surgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-8402, Japan
| | - Itaru Endo
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
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Shome R, Sen P, Sarkar S, Ghosh SS. Single-cell transcriptomics reveals the intra-tumoral heterogeneity and SQSTM1/P62 and Wnt/β-catenin mediated epithelial to mesenchymal transition and stemness of triple-negative breast cancer. Exp Cell Res 2024; 438:114032. [PMID: 38583856 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the complex tumor microenvironment (TME) consisting of an abundance of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which is known to facilitate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The development of single-cell genomics is a powerful method for defining the intricate genetic landscapes of malignancies. In this study, we have employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to dissect the intra-tumoral heterogeneity and analyze the single-cell transcriptomic landscape to detect rare consequential cell subpopulations of significance. The scRNA-seq analysis of TNBC and Normal patient derived samples revealed that EMT markers and transcription factors were most upregulated in MSC population. Further, exploration of gene expression analysis among TNBC and Normal patient-derived MSCs ascertained the role of SQSTM1/P62 and Wnt/β-catenin in TNBC progression. Wnt/β-catenin and Wnt/PCP signaling pathways are prominent contributors of EMT, stemness, and cancer stem cell (CSC) properties of TNBC. SQSTM1/P62 cooperates with the components of the Wnt/PCP signaling pathway and is critically involved at the interface of autophagy and EMT. Moreover, siRNA targeting SQSTM1/P62 and inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin (FH535) in conjunction was used to explore molecular modification of EMT and stemness markers. Although SQSTM1/P62 is not crucial for cell survival, cytotoxicity assay revealed synergistic interaction between the siRNA/inhibitor. Modulation of these important pathways helped in reduction of expression of genes and proteins contributing to CSC properties. Gene and protein expression analysis revealed the induction of EMT to MET. Moreover, co-treatment resulted in inactivation of non-canonical Wnt VANGL2-JNK signaling axis. The synergistic impact of inhibition of SQSTM1/P62 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling facilitates the development of a potential therapeutic regimen for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajib Shome
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 39, Assam, India
| | - Plaboni Sen
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 39, Assam, India
| | - Shilpi Sarkar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 39, Assam, India
| | - Siddhartha Sankar Ghosh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 39, Assam, India; Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 39, Assam, India.
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Hagelaars MJ, Nikolic M, Vermeulen M, Dekker S, Bouten CVC, Loerakker S. A computational analysis of the role of integrins and Rho-GTPases in the emergence and disruption of apical-basal polarization in renal epithelial cells. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1012140. [PMID: 38768266 PMCID: PMC11142725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Apical-basal polarization in renal epithelial cells is crucial to renal function and an important trigger for tubule formation in kidney development. Loss of polarity can induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which can lead to kidney pathologies. Understanding the relative and combined roles of the involved proteins and their interactions that govern epithelial polarity may provide insights for controlling the process of polarization via chemical or mechanical manipulations in an in vitro or in vivo setting. Here, we developed a computational framework that integrates several known interactions between integrins, Rho-GTPases Rho, Rac and Cdc42, and polarity complexes Par and Scribble, to study their mutual roles in the emergence of polarization. The modeled protein interactions were shown to induce the emergence of polarized distributions of Rho-GTPases, which in turn led to the accumulation of apical and basal polarity complexes Par and Scribble at their respective poles, effectively recapitulating polarization. Our multiparametric sensitivity analysis suggested that polarization depends foremost on the mutual inhibition between Rac and Rho. Next, we used the computational framework to investigate the role of integrins and GTPases in the generation and disruption of polarization. We found that a minimum concentration of integrins is required to catalyze the process of polarization. Furthermore, loss of polarization was found to be only inducible via complete degradation of the Rho-GTPases Rho and Cdc42, suggesting that polarization is fairly stable once it is established. Comparison of our computational predictions against data from in vitro experiments in which we induced EMT in renal epithelial cells while quantifying the relative Rho-GTPase levels, displayed that EMT coincides with a large reduction in the Rho-GTPase Rho. Collectively, these results demonstrate the essential roles of integrins and Rho-GTPases in the establishment and disruption of apical-basal polarity and thereby provide handles for the in vitro or in vivo regulation of polarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J. Hagelaars
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Milica Nikolic
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Maud Vermeulen
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Sylvia Dekker
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V. C. Bouten
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Loerakker
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Yetkin-Arik B, Jansen SA, Varderidou-Minasian S, Westendorp B, Skarp KP, Altelaar M, Lindemans CA, Lorenowicz MJ. Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells promote intestinal epithelium regeneration after chemotherapy-induced damage. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:125. [PMID: 38679715 PMCID: PMC11057078 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03738-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative treatment for leukemia and a range of non-malignant disorders. The success of the therapy is hampered by occurrence of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD); an inflammatory response damaging recipient organs, with gut, liver, and skin being the most susceptible. Intestinal GvHD injury is often a life-threatening complication in patients unresponsive to steroid treatment. Allogeneic mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC) infusions are a promising potential treatment for steroid-resistant aGvHD. Data from our institution and others demonstrate rescue of approximately 40-50% of aGvHD patients with MSCs in Phase I, II studies and minor side effects. Although promising, better understanding of MSC mode of action and patient response to MSC-based therapy is essential to improve this lifesaving treatment. METHODS Single cell human small intestine organoids were embedded in Matrigel, grown for 5 days and treated with busulfan for 48 h. Organoids damaged by treatment with busulfan or control organoids were co-cultured with 5000, 10,000, and 50,000 MSCs for 24 h, 48 h or 7 days and the analyses such as surface area determination, proliferation and apoptosis assessment, RNA sequencing and proteomics were performed. RESULTS Here, we developed a 3D co-culture model of human small intestinal organoids and MSCs, which allows to study the regenerative effects of MSCs on intestinal epithelium in a more physiologically relevant setting than existing in vitro systems. Using this model we mimicked chemotherapy-mediated damage of the intestinal epithelium. The treatment with busulfan, the chemotherapeutic commonly used as conditioning regiment before the HSCT, affected pathways regulating epithelial to mesenchymal transition, proliferation, and apoptosis in small intestinal organoids, as shown by transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. The co-culture of busulfan-treated intestinal organoids with MSCs reversed the effects of busulfan on the transcriptome and proteome of intestinal epithelium, which we also confirmed by functional evaluation of proliferation and apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, we demonstrate that our in vitro co-culture system is a new valuable tool to facilitate the investigation of the molecular mechanisms behind the therapeutic effects of MSCs on damaged intestinal epithelium. This could benefit further optimization of the use of MSCs in HSCT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Yetkin-Arik
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Centre for Living Technologies, Alliance TU/E, WUR, UU, UMC Utrecht, Princetonlaan 6, 3584 CB, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S A Jansen
- Regenerative Medicine Center, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S Varderidou-Minasian
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - B Westendorp
- Regenerative Medicine Center, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division Cell Biology, Metabolism and Cancer, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - K-P Skarp
- Biomedical Primate Research Center, Lange Kleiweg 161, 2288 GJ, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - M Altelaar
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, and Utrecht Institute For Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - C A Lindemans
- Regenerative Medicine Center, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M J Lorenowicz
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Regenerative Medicine Center, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Biomedical Primate Research Center, Lange Kleiweg 161, 2288 GJ, Rijswijk, The Netherlands.
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Youssef KK, Nieto MA. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in tissue repair and degeneration. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41580-024-00733-z. [PMID: 38684869 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00733-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) are the epitome of cell plasticity in embryonic development and cancer; during EMT, epithelial cells undergo dramatic phenotypic changes and become able to migrate to form different tissues or give rise to metastases, respectively. The importance of EMTs in other contexts, such as tissue repair and fibrosis in the adult, has become increasingly recognized and studied. In this Review, we discuss the function of EMT in the adult after tissue damage and compare features of embryonic and adult EMT. Whereas sustained EMT leads to adult tissue degeneration, fibrosis and organ failure, its transient activation, which confers phenotypic and functional plasticity on somatic cells, promotes tissue repair after damage. Understanding the mechanisms and temporal regulation of different EMTs provides insight into how some tissues heal and has the potential to open new therapeutic avenues to promote repair or regeneration of tissue damage that is currently irreversible. We also discuss therapeutic strategies that modulate EMT that hold clinical promise in ameliorating fibrosis, and how precise EMT activation could be harnessed to enhance tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Angela Nieto
- Instituto de Neurociencias (CSIC-UMH), Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain.
- CIBERER, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
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40
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Smith SF, Brewer DS, Hurst R, Cooper CS. Applications of Urinary Extracellular Vesicles in the Diagnosis and Active Surveillance of Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1717. [PMID: 38730670 PMCID: PMC11083542 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091717] [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: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous cancer among men in the UK, causing significant health and economic burdens. Diagnosis and risk prognostication can be challenging due to the genetic and clinical heterogeneity of prostate cancer as well as uncertainties in our knowledge of the underlying biology and natural history of disease development. Urinary extracellular vesicles (EVs) are microscopic, lipid bilayer defined particles released by cells that carry a variety of molecular cargoes including nucleic acids, proteins and other molecules. Urine is a plentiful source of prostate-derived EVs. In this narrative review, we summarise the evidence on the function of urinary EVs and their applications in the evolving field of prostate cancer diagnostics and active surveillance. EVs are implicated in the development of all hallmarks of prostate cancer, and this knowledge has been applied to the development of multiple diagnostic tests, which are largely based on RNA and miRNA. Common gene probes included in multi-probe tests include PCA3 and ERG, and the miRNAs miR-21 and miR-141. The next decade will likely bring further improvements in the diagnostic accuracy of biomarkers as well as insights into molecular biological mechanisms of action that can be translated into opportunities in precision uro-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie F. Smith
- Metabolic Health Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK (C.S.C.)
- Department of Urology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, Norwich NR4 7UY, UK
| | - Daniel S. Brewer
- Metabolic Health Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK (C.S.C.)
| | - Rachel Hurst
- Metabolic Health Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK (C.S.C.)
| | - Colin S. Cooper
- Metabolic Health Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK (C.S.C.)
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Chen X, Yan Y, Liu Y, Yi Q, Xu Z. Tabersonine Enhances Olaparib Sensitivity through FHL1-Mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in an Ovarian Tumor. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 87:837-848. [PMID: 38417401 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c01056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OVC) is one of the most aggressive gynecological malignancies worldwide. Although olaparib treatment has shown favorable outcomes against the treatment of OVC, its effectiveness remains limited in some OVC patients. Investigating new strategies to improve the therapeutic efficacy of olaparib against OVC is imperative. Our study identified tabersonine, a natural indole alkaloid, for its potential to increase the chemosensitivity of olaparib in OVC. The combined treatment of olaparib and tabersonine synergistically inhibited cell proliferation in OVC cells and suppressed tumor growth in A2780 xenografts. The combined treatment effectively suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by altering the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin and induced DNA damage responses. Integrating quantitative proteomics, FHL1 was identified as a potential regulator to modulate EMT after tabersonine treatment. Increased expression of FHL1 was induced by tabersonine treatment, while downregulation of FHL1 reversed the inhibitory effects of tabersonine on OVC cells by mediating EMT. In vivo findings further reflected that the combined treatment of tabersonine and olaparib significantly inhibited tumor growth and OVC metastasis through upregulation of FHL1. Our findings reveal the role of tabersonine in improving the sensitivity of olaparib in OVC through FHL1-mediated EMT, suggesting that tabersonine holds promise for future application in OVC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yuanliang Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yuanhong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Qiaoli Yi
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Zhijie Xu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
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Elst L, Philips G, Vandermaesen K, Bassez A, Lodi F, Vreeburg MTA, Brouwer OR, Schepers R, Van Brussel T, Mohanty SK, Parwani AV, Spans L, Vanden Bempt I, Jacomen G, Baldewijns M, Lambrechts D, Albersen M. Single-cell Atlas of Penile Cancer Reveals TP53 Mutations as a Driver of an Aggressive Phenotype, Irrespective of Human Papillomavirus Status, and Provides Clues for Treatment Personalization. Eur Urol 2024:S0302-2838(24)02266-8. [PMID: 38670879 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2024.03.038] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE TP53 loss-of-function (TP53LOF) mutations might be a driver of poor prognosis and chemoresistance in both human papillomavirus (HPV)-independent (HPV-) and HPV-associated (HPV+) penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC). Here, we aim to describe transcriptomic differences in the PSCC microenvironment stratified by TP53LOF and HPV status. METHODS We used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and T-cell receptor sequencing to obtain a comprehensive atlas of the cellular architecture of PSCC. TP53LOF and HPV status were determined by targeted next-generation sequencing and sequencing HPV-DNA reads. Six HPV+ TP53 wild type (WT), six HPV- TP53WT, and four TP53LOF PSCC samples and six controls were included. Immunohistochemistry and hematoxylin-eosin confirmed the morphological context of the observed signatures. Prognostic differences between patient groups were validated in 541 PSCC patients using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS Patients with aberrant p53 staining fare much worse than patients with either HPV- or HPV+ tumors and WT p53 expression. Using scRNA-seq, we revealed 65 cell subtypes within 83 682 cells. TP53LOF tumors exhibit a partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, immune-excluded, angiogenic, and morphologically invasive environment, underlying their aggressive phenotype. HPV- TP53WT tumors show stemness and immune exhaustion. HPV+ TP53WT tumors mirror normal epithelial maturation with upregulation of antibody-drug-conjugate targets and activation of innate immunity. Inherent to the scRNA-seq analysis, low sample size is a limitation and validation of signatures in large PSCC cohorts is needed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS This first scRNA-seq atlas offers unprecedented in-depth insights into PSCC biology underlying prognostic differences based on TP53 and HPV status. Our findings provide clues for testing novel biomarker-driven therapies in PSCC. PATIENT SUMMARY Here, we analyzed tissues of penile cancer at the level of individual cells, which helps us understand why patients who harbor a deactivating mutation in the TP53 gene do much worse than patients lacking such a mutation. Such an analysis may help us tailor future therapies based on TP53 gene mutations and human papillomavirus status of these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Elst
- Center for Cancer Biology, Laboratory of Translational Genetics, VIB-KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gino Philips
- Center for Cancer Biology, Laboratory of Translational Genetics, VIB-KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Vandermaesen
- Center for Cancer Biology, Laboratory of Translational Genetics, VIB-KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ayse Bassez
- Center for Cancer Biology, Laboratory of Translational Genetics, VIB-KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Francesca Lodi
- Center for Cancer Biology, Laboratory of Translational Genetics, VIB-KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Manon T A Vreeburg
- Department of Urology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar R Brouwer
- Department of Urology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rogier Schepers
- Center for Cancer Biology, Laboratory of Translational Genetics, VIB-KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Van Brussel
- Center for Cancer Biology, Laboratory of Translational Genetics, VIB-KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sambit K Mohanty
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Bhubaneswar, India; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, CORE Diagnostics, Gurgaon, India
| | - Anil V Parwani
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lien Spans
- Department of Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Gerd Jacomen
- Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy, AZ Sint-Maarten, Mechelen, Belgium
| | | | - Diether Lambrechts
- Center for Cancer Biology, Laboratory of Translational Genetics, VIB-KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maarten Albersen
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Yamaguchi H, Miyazaki M. Heterocellular Adhesion in Cancer Invasion and Metastasis: Interactions between Cancer Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1636. [PMID: 38730588 PMCID: PMC11082996 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091636] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer invasion is a requisite for the most malignant progression of cancer, that is, metastasis. The mechanisms of cancer invasion were originally studied using in vitro cell culture systems, in which cancer cells were cultured using artificial extracellular matrices (ECMs). However, conventional culture systems do not precisely recapitulate in vivo cancer invasion because the phenotypes of cancer cells in tumor tissues are strongly affected by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant cell type in the TME and accelerate cancer progression through invasion, metastasis, therapy resistance, and immune suppression. Thus, the reciprocal interactions between CAFs and cancer cells have been extensively studied, leading to the identification of factors that mediate cellular interactions, such as growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles. In addition, the importance of direct heterocellular adhesion between cancer cells and CAFs in cancer progression has recently been elucidated. In particular, CAFs are directly associated with cancer cells, allowing them to invade the ECM and metastasize to distant organs. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the direct heterocellular interaction in CAF-led cancer invasion and metastasis, with an emphasis on gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Yamaguchi
- Department of Cancer Cell Research, Sasaki Institute, Sasaki Foundation, 2-2 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan;
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Wang D, Du G, Chen X, Wang J, Liu K, Zhao H, Cheng C, He Y, Jing N, Xu P, Bao W, Xi X, Zhang Y, Wang N, Liu Y, Sun Y, Zhang K, Zhang P, Gao WQ, Zhu HH. Zeb1-controlled metabolic plasticity enables remodeling of chromatin accessibility in the development of neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Cell Death Differ 2024:10.1038/s41418-024-01295-5. [PMID: 38654072 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01295-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell plasticity has been found to play a critical role in tumor progression and therapy resistance. However, our understanding of the characteristics and markers of plastic cellular states during cancer cell lineage transition remains limited. In this study, multi-omics analyses show that prostate cancer cells undergo an intermediate state marked by Zeb1 expression with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stemness, and neuroendocrine features during the development of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). Organoid-formation assays and in vivo lineage tracing experiments demonstrate that Zeb1+ epithelioid cells are putative cells of origin for NEPC. Mechanistically, Zeb1 transcriptionally regulates the expression of several key glycolytic enzymes, thereby predisposing tumor cells to utilize glycolysis for energy metabolism. During this process, lactate accumulation-mediated histone lactylation enhances chromatin accessibility and cellular plasticity including induction of neuro-gene expression, which promotes NEPC development. Collectively, Zeb1-driven metabolic rewiring enables the epigenetic reprogramming of prostate cancer cells to license the adeno-to-neuroendocrine lineage transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Genyu Du
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xinyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jinming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Kaiyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Huifang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Chaping Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yuman He
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Na Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Penghui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Wei Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xialian Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yingchao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Nan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yiyun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yujiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Wei-Qiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China.
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Helen He Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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Chen R, Zhu S, Zhao R, Liu W, Jin L, Ren X, He H. Targeting ferroptosis as a potential strategy to overcome the resistance of cisplatin in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1402514. [PMID: 38711989 PMCID: PMC11071065 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1402514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a crucial public health problem, accounting for approximately 2% of all cancers globally and 90% of oral malignancies over the world. Unfortunately, despite the achievements in surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy techniques over the past decades, OSCC patients still low 5-year survival rate. Cisplatin, a platinum-containing drug, serves as one of the first-line chemotherapeutic agents of OSCC. However, the resistance to cisplatin significantly limits the clinical practice and is a crucial factor in tumor recurrence and metastasis after conventional treatments. Ferroptosis is an iron-based form of cell death, which is initiated by the intracellular accumulation of lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Interestingly, cisplatin-resistant OSCC cells exhibit lower level of ROS and lipid peroxidation compared to sensitive cells. The reduced ferroptosis in cisplatin resistance cells indicates the potential relationship between cisplatin resistance and ferroptosis, which is proved by recent studies showing that in colorectal cancer cells. However, the modulation pathway of ferroptosis reversing cisplatin resistance in OSCC cells still remains unclear. This article aims to concisely summarize the molecular mechanisms and evaluate the relationship between ferroptosis and cisplatin resistance OSCC cells, thereby providing novel strategies for overcoming cisplatin resistance and developing new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongkun Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Department of Periodontology, Kunming Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shuyu Zhu
- Department of Oral Implantology, Kunming Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Ruoyu Zhao
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Department of Periodontology, Kunming Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wang Liu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Department of Periodontology, Kunming Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Luxin Jin
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Department of Periodontology, Kunming Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaobin Ren
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Department of Periodontology, Kunming Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hongbing He
- Department of Periodontology, Kunming Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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Zhang X, Ma L, Wan L, Wang H, Wang Z. Circ_0003945: an emerging biomarker and therapeutic target for human diseases. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1275009. [PMID: 38711855 PMCID: PMC11070578 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1275009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to the rapid development of RNA sequencing techniques, a circular non-coding RNA (ncRNA) known as circular RNAs (circRNAs) has gradually come into focus. As a distinguished member of the circRNA family, circ_0003945 has garnered attention for its aberrant expression and biochemical functions in human diseases. Subsequent studies have revealed that circ_0003945 could regulate tumor cells proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis, drug resistance, and radio resistance through the molecular mechanism of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) during tumorigenesis. The expression of circ_0003945 is frequently associated with some clinical parameters and implies a poorer prognosis in the majority of cancers. In non-malignant conditions, circ_0003945 also holds considerable importance in diseases pathogenesis. This review aims to recapitulate molecular mechanism of circ_0003945 and elucidates its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in neoplasms and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Zhang
- Cancer Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Ma
- Cancer Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Wan
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Huai’an No.1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an, China
| | - Haoran Wang
- Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoxia Wang
- Cancer Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Gadal S, Boyer JA, Roy SF, Outmezguine NA, Sharma M, Li H, Fan N, Chan E, Romin Y, Barlas A, Chang Q, Pancholi P, Timaul NM, Overholtzer M, Yaeger R, Manova-Todorova K, de Stanchina E, Bosenberg M, Rosen N. Tumorigenesis driven by the BRAF V600E oncoprotein requires secondary mutations that overcome its feedback inhibition of migration and invasion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.21.568071. [PMID: 38659913 PMCID: PMC11042182 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.21.568071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BRAFV600E mutation occurs in 46% of melanomas and drives high levels of ERK activity and ERK-dependent proliferation. However, BRAFV600E is insufficient to drive melanoma in GEMM models, and 82% of human benign nevi harbor BRAFV600E mutations. We show here that BRAFV600E inhibits mesenchymal migration by causing feedback inhibition of RAC1 activity. ERK pathway inhibition induces RAC1 activation and restores migration and invasion. In cells with BRAFV600E, mutant RAC1, overexpression of PREX1, PREX2, or PTEN inactivation restore RAC1 activity and cell motility. Together, these lesions occur in 48% of BRAFV600E melanomas. Thus, although BRAFV600E activation of ERK deregulates cell proliferation, it prevents full malignant transformation by causing feedback inhibition of cell migration. Secondary mutations are, therefore, required for tumorigenesis. One mechanism underlying tumor evolution may be the selection of lesions that rescue the deleterious effects of oncogenic drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunyana Gadal
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jacob A. Boyer
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Simon F. Roy
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Noah A. Outmezguine
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Malvika Sharma
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Hongyan Li
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology Program, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ning Fan
- Molecular Cytology Core, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Eric Chan
- Molecular Cytology Core, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Afsar Barlas
- Molecular Cytology Core, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Qing Chang
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology Program, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Priya Pancholi
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Neilawattie. Merna Timaul
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Rona Yaeger
- Department of Medicine, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology Program, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Marcus Bosenberg
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Neal Rosen
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Medicine, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Lead Contact
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48
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Zhang Q, Dunbar KB, Odze RD, Agoston AT, Wang X, Su T, Nguyen AD, Zhang X, Spechler SJ, Souza RF. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α mediates reflux-induced epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in Barrett's oesophagus patients. Gut 2024:gutjnl-2023-331467. [PMID: 38641363 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-331467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), the process through which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal features, is needed for wound repair but also might contribute to cancer initiation. Earlier, in vitro studies showed that Barrett's cells exposed to acidic bile salt solutions (ABS) develop EMP. Now, we have (1) induced reflux oesophagitis in Barrett's oesophagus (BO) patients by stopping proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), (2) assessed their biopsies for EMP and (3) explored molecular pathways underlying reflux-induced EMP in BO cells and spheroids. METHODS 15 BO patients had endoscopy with biopsies of Barrett's metaplasia while on PPIs, and 1 and 2 weeks after stopping PPIs; RNA-seq data were assessed for enrichments in hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), angiogenesis and EMP pathways. In BO biopsies, cell lines and spheroids, EMP features (motility) and markers (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), ZEB1, miR-200a&b) were evaluated by morphology, migration assays, immunostaining and qPCR; HIF-1α was knocked down with siRNA or shRNA. RESULTS At 1 and/or 2 weeks off PPIs, BO biopsies exhibited EMP features and markers, with significant enrichment for HIF-1α, angiogenesis and EMP pathways. In BO cells, ABS induced HIF-1α activation, which decreased miR-200a&b while increasing VEGF, ZEB1 and motility; HIF-1α knockdown blocked these effects. After ABS treatment, BO spheroids exhibited migratory protrusions showing nuclear HIF-1α, increased VEGF and decreased miR-200a&b. CONCLUSIONS In BO patients, reflux oesophagitis induces EMP changes associated with increased HIF-1α signalling in Barrett's metaplasia. In Barrett's cells, ABS trigger EMP via HIF-1α signalling. Thus, HIF-1α appears to play a key role in mediating reflux-induced EMP that might contribute to cancer in BO. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02579460.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyang Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Kerry B Dunbar
- Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Internal Medicine, VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Robert D Odze
- Department of Pathology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Robert D Odze Pathology, LLC, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Agoston T Agoston
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xuan Wang
- Biostatistics Core, Baylor Scott & White Research Insitute, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Tianhong Su
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Anh D Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Stuart Jon Spechler
- Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Rhonda F Souza
- Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Papadakos SP, Chatzikalil E, Arvanitakis K, Vakadaris G, Stergiou IE, Koutsompina ML, Argyrou A, Lekakis V, Konstantinidis I, Germanidis G, Theocharis S. Understanding the Role of Connexins in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Molecular and Prognostic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1533. [PMID: 38672615 PMCID: PMC11048329 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Connexins, a family of tetraspan membrane proteins forming intercellular channels localized in gap junctions, play a pivotal role at the different stages of tumor progression presenting both pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects. Considering the potential role of connexins as tumor suppressors through multiple channel-independent mechanisms, their loss of expression may be associated with tumorigenic activity, while it is hypothesized that connexins favor the clonal expansion of tumor cells and promote cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, affecting metastasis and chemoresistance in some cases. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), characterized by unfavorable prognosis and limited responsiveness to current therapeutic strategies, has been linked to gap junction proteins as tumorigenic factors with prognostic value. Notably, several members of connexins have emerged as promising markers for assessing the progression and aggressiveness of HCC, as well as the chemosensitivity and radiosensitivity of hepatocellular tumor cells. Our review sheds light on the multifaceted role of connexins in HCC pathogenesis, offering valuable insights on recent advances in determining their prognostic and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros P. Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Elena Chatzikalil
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Konstantinos Arvanitakis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (G.V.)
- Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Vakadaris
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (G.V.)
| | - Ioanna E. Stergiou
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.E.S.); (M.-L.K.)
| | - Maria-Loukia Koutsompina
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.E.S.); (M.-L.K.)
| | - Alexandra Argyrou
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Laikon General Hospital, Athens University Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.A.); (V.L.)
| | - Vasileios Lekakis
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Laikon General Hospital, Athens University Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.A.); (V.L.)
| | | | - Georgios Germanidis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (G.V.)
- Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (E.C.)
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50
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Toriseva M, Björkgren I, Junnila A, Mehmood A, Mattsson J, Raimoranta I, Kim B, Laiho A, Nees M, Elo L, Poutanen M, Breton S, Sipilä P. RUNX transcription factors are essential in maintaining epididymal epithelial differentiation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:183. [PMID: 38630262 PMCID: PMC11023966 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05211-5] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Apart from the androgen receptor, transcription factors (TFs) that are required for the development and formation of the different segments of the epididymis have remained unknown. We identified TF families expressed in the developing epididymides, of which many showed segment specificity. From these TFs, down-regulation of runt related transcription factors (RUNXs) 1 and 2 expression coincides with epithelial regression in Dicer1 cKO mice. Concomitant deletion of both Runx1 and Runx2 in a mouse epididymal epithelial cell line affected cell morphology, adhesion and mobility in vitro. Furthermore, lack of functional RUNXs severely disturbed the formation of 3D epididymal organoid-like structures. Transcriptomic analysis of the epididymal cell organoid-like structures indicated that RUNX1 and RUNX2 are involved in the regulation of MAPK signaling, NOTCH pathway activity, and EMT-related gene expression. This suggests that RUNXs are master regulators of several essential signaling pathways, and necessary for the maintenance of proper differentiation of the epididymal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mervi Toriseva
- Institute of Biomedicine, Cancer Research Unit and FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Ida Björkgren
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Arttu Junnila
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Arfa Mehmood
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Jesse Mattsson
- Institute of Biomedicine, Cancer Research Unit and FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Inka Raimoranta
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Bongki Kim
- Program in Membrane Biology/Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Simches Research Center, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Chungcheongnam-do, Yesan, 32439, Republic of Korea
| | - Asta Laiho
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Matthias Nees
- Institute of Biomedicine, Cancer Research Unit and FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Elo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology/Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Simches Research Center, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center-CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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