1
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Kaya HE, Naidoo KJ. CytoCopasi: a chemical systems biology target and drug discovery visual data analytics platform. Bioinformatics 2023; 39:btad745. [PMID: 38070155 PMCID: PMC10963058 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btad745] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Target discovery and drug evaluation for diseases with complex mechanisms call for a streamlined chemical systems analysis platform. Currently available tools lack the emphasis on reaction kinetics, access to relevant databases, and algorithms to visualize perturbations on a chemical scale providing quantitative details as well streamlined visual data analytics functionality. RESULTS CytoCopasi, a Maven-based application for Cytoscape that combines the chemical systems analysis features of COPASI with the visualization and database access tools of Cytoscape and its plugin applications has been developed. The diverse functionality of CytoCopasi through ab initio model construction, model construction via pathway and parameter databases KEGG and BRENDA is presented. The comparative systems biology visualization analysis toolset is illustrated through a drug competence study on the cancerous RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The COPASI files, simulation data, native libraries, and the manual are available on https://github.com/scientificomputing/CytoCopasi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikmet Emre Kaya
- Department of Chemistry, Scientific Computing Research Unit, PD Hahn Building, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Kevin J Naidoo
- Department of Chemistry, Scientific Computing Research Unit, PD Hahn Building, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
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2
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Gianì F, Allia F, Trovato MA, Masto R, Pellegriti G, Vigneri R. Antioxidant Defense Capacity Is Reduced in Thyroid Stem/Precursor Cells Compared to Differentiated Thyrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11509. [PMID: 37511265 PMCID: PMC10380350 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
There is much evidence linking oxidative stress to thyroid cancer, and stem cells are thought to play a key role in the tumor-initiating mechanism. Their vulnerability to oxidative stress is unexplored. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the antioxidant capacity of stem/precursor thyroid cells and mature thyrocytes. Human stem/precursor cells and mature thyrocytes were exposed to increasing concentrations of menadione, an oxidative-stress-producing agent, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell viability were measured. The expression of antioxidant and detoxification genes was measured via qPCR as well as the total antioxidant capacity and the content of glutathione. Menadione elevated ROS generation in stem/precursor thyroid cells more than in mature thyrocytes. The ROS increase was inversely correlated (p = 0.005) with cell viability, an effect that was partially prevented by the antioxidant curcumin. Most thyroid antioxidant defense genes, notably those encoding for the glutathione-generating system and phase I detoxification enzymes, were significantly less expressed in stem/precursor thyroid cells. As a result, the glutathione level and the total antioxidant capacity in stem/precursor thyroid cells were significantly decreased. This reduced antioxidant defense may have clinical implications, making stem/precursor thyroid cells critical targets for environmental conditions that are not detrimental for differentiated thyrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorenza Gianì
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Fabio Allia
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Masto
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pellegriti
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, 95122 Catania, Italy
- Oncology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Riccardo Vigneri
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, 95122 Catania, Italy
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3
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Zhai B, Li X, Zhao Z, Cao Y, Liu X, Liu Z, Ma H, Lu W. Melatonin Protects the Apoptosis of Sheep Granulosa Cells by Suppressing Oxidative Stress via MAP3K8 and FOS Pathway. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051067. [PMID: 37239427 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is not only a highly effective active oxygen scavenger but also an important reproductive hormone. Melatonin has a regulatory effect on animal reproduction, especially on the ovaries. It can affect the proliferation and apoptosis of cells in follicles. However, the mechanisms of the dual antioxidation and anti-apoptosis effects of melatonin on granulosa cells are still not clear, especially in sheep. Therefore, we investigated the mechanisms of the protective effect of melatonin against oxidative damage in granulosa cells. At a concentration of 250 µmol/L, H2O2 promoted granulosa cell apoptosis; however, 10 ng/mL melatonin effectively alleviated the pro-apoptotic effect of H2O2. Furthermore, through the application of high-throughput sequencing technology, we identified 109 significantly differentially expressed genes (35 upregulated and 74 downregulated genes) involved in the protective effect of melatonin against apoptosis. The expression levels of nine related genes, i.e., ATF3, FIBIN, FOS, HSPA6, MAP3K8, FOSB, PET117, DLX2, and TRIB1, changed significantly. MAP3K8 and FOS gene overexpression impacted the protective effect of melatonin in granulosa cells; the two genes exhibited an upstream and downstream regulatory relationship. Our findings indicated that melatonin alleviated H2O2-induced apoptosis in sheep granulosa cells through the MAP3K8-FOS pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhai
- Institute of Animal Science, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun 136100, China
| | - Xu Li
- Institute of Animal Science, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun 136100, China
| | - Zhongli Zhao
- Institute of Animal Science, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun 136100, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Institute of Animal Science, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun 136100, China
| | - Xinxin Liu
- Institute of Animal Science, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun 136100, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Institute of Animal Science, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun 136100, China
| | - Huihai Ma
- Institute of Animal Science, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun 136100, China
| | - Wenfa Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
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4
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Schubert L, Mariko ML, Clerc J, Huillard O, Groussin L. MAPK Pathway Inhibitors in Thyroid Cancer: Preclinical and Clinical Data. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030710. [PMID: 36765665 PMCID: PMC9913385 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer, with a good prognosis in most cases. However, some cancers of follicular origin are metastatic or recurrent and eventually become radioiodine refractory thyroid cancers (RAIR-TC). These more aggressive cancers are a clinical concern for which the therapeutic arsenal remains limited. Molecular biology of these tumors has highlighted a hyper-activation of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK) pathway (RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK), mostly secondary to the BRAFV600E hotspot mutation occurring in about 60% of papillary cancers and 45% of anaplastic cancers. Therapies targeting the different protagonists of this signaling pathway have been tested in preclinical and clinical models: first and second generation RAF inhibitors and MEK inhibitors. In clinical practice, dual therapies with a BRAF inhibitor and a MEK inhibitor are being recommended in anaplastic cancers with the BRAFV600E mutation. Concerning RAIR-TC, these inhibitors can be used as anti-proliferative drugs, but their efficacy is inconsistent due to primary or secondary resistance. A specific therapeutic approach in thyroid cancers consists of performing a short-term treatment with these MAPK pathway inhibitors to evaluate their capacity to redifferentiate a refractory tumor, with the aim of retreating the patients by radioactive iodine therapy in case of re-expression of the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS). In this work, we report data from recent preclinical and clinical studies on the efficacy of MAPK pathway inhibitors and their resistance mechanisms. We will also report the different preclinical and clinical studies that have investigated the redifferentiation with these therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Schubert
- Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75014 Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Mohamed Lamine Mariko
- Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75014 Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Clerc
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Olivier Huillard
- Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, Department of Medical Oncology, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Lionel Groussin
- Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75014 Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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5
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Epigenetic Regulation of MAP3K8 in EBV-Associated Gastric Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031964. [PMID: 36768307 PMCID: PMC9916342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Super-enhancers (SEs) regulate gene expressions, which are critical for cell type-identity and tumorigenesis. Although genome wide H3K27ac profiling have revealed the presence of SE-associated genes in gastric cancer (GC), their roles remain unclear. In this study, ChIP-seq and HiChIP-seq experiments revealed mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (MAP3K8) to be an SE-associated gene with chromosome interactions in Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) cells. CRISPRi mediated repression of the MAP3K8 SEs attenuated MAP3K8 expression and EBVaGC cell proliferation. The results were validated by treating EBVaGC cells with bromodomain and the extra-terminal motif (BET) inhibitor, OTX015. Further, functional analysis of MAP3K8 in EBVaGC revealed that silencing MAP3K8 could inhibit the cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration of EBVaGC cells. RNA-seq and pathway analysis indicated that knocking down MAP3K8 obstructed the notch signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in EBVaGC cells. Further, analysis of the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and GSE51575 databases exhibited augmented MAP3K8 expression in gastric cancer and it was found to be inversely correlated with the disease-free progression of GC. Moreover, Spearman's correlation revealed that MAP3K8 expression was positively correlated with the expressions of notch pathway and EMT related genes, such as, Notch1, Notch2, C-terminal binding protein 2 (CTBP2), alpha smooth muscle actin isotype 2 (ACTA2), transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFβR1), and snail family transcriptional repressors 1/2 (SNAI1/SNAI2) in GC. Taken together, we are the first to functionally interrogate the mechanism of SE-mediated regulation of MAP3K8 in EBVaGC cell lines.
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6
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Zhang Y, Xing Z, Liu T, Tang M, Mi L, Zhu J, Wu W, Wei T. Targeted therapy and drug resistance in thyroid cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 238:114500. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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7
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Catanuto G, Rocco N, Maglia A, Barry P, Karakatsanis A, Heil J, Karakatsanis A, Weber WP, Gonzalez E, Chatterjee A, Urban C, Sund M, Paulinelli RR, Markopoulos C, Rubio IT, Masannat YA, Meani F, Koppiker CB, Holcombe C, Benson JR, Dietz JR, Walker M, Mátrai Z, Shaukat A, Gulluoglu B, Brenelli F, Fitzal F, Mele M, Sgroi G, Russo G, Pappalardo F, Nava M. Text mining and word embedding for classification of decision making variables in breast cancer surgery. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2022; 48:1503-1509. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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8
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Göktuna SI. IKBKE-driven TPL2 and MEK1 phosphorylations sustain constitutive ERK1/2 activation in tumor cells. EXCLI JOURNAL 2022; 21:436-453. [PMID: 35391917 PMCID: PMC8983855 DOI: 10.17179/excli2021-4578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
IKBKE have been associated with numerous cancers. As a result, IKBKE have emerged as potential target for cancer therapy. Accumulating evidence support that IKBKE orchestrate tumor cell survival in cancers. Here we evaluated the possible link between IKBKE and ERK phosphorylation. The effects of IKBKE silencing on MAPK activation in tumor vs. normal cells were evaluated via WB and RT-PCR. Ectopically expressed IKBKE, TPL2 or MEK1 constructs were used to examine the possible interactions among them via co-IP. In vitro kinase assays were performed to understand nature of the observed interactions. In tumors, IKBKE regulates MEK/ERK constitutive activations in vitro and in vivo. IKBKE and TPL2 physically interact and this interaction leads to TPL2 phosphorylation. We describe here a novel regulatory link between IKBKE and constitutive ERK1/2 activation in tumor cells. This new circuitry may be relevant for tumor cell survival in various malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serkan Ismail Göktuna
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey,National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey,Laboratory of Medical Chemistry, Interdisciplinary Genomics and Genoproteomics Research Center (GIGA), University of Liege, Liege, Belgium,*To whom correspondence should be addressed: Serkan Ismail Göktuna, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, 06800 Bilkent, Ankara, Turkey, E-mail:
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9
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Ren J, Xu Y, Liu J, Wu S, Zhang R, Cao H, Sun J. MAP3K8 Is a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlated With Immune Response in Glioma. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:779290. [PMID: 35004849 PMCID: PMC8733582 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.779290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MAP3K8 is a serine/threonine kinase that is widely expressed in immune cells, non-immune cells, and many tumor types. The expression, clinical significance, biological role, and the underlying molecular mechanisms of MAP3K8 in glioma have not been investigated yet. Here, we discovered that MAP3K8 was aberrantly overexpressed in glioma and correlated with poor clinicopathological features of glioma by analysis on different datasets and immunohistochemistry staining. MAP3K8 is an independent prognostic indicator and significantly correlates with the progression of glioma. We also performed the function and pathway enrichment analysis of MAP3K8 in glioma to explore its biological functions and underlying molecular mechanisms in glioma. MAP3K8 co-expressed genes were mainly enriched in immune-related biological processes such as neutrophil activation, leukocyte migration, neutrophil-mediated immunity, lymphocyte-mediated immunity, T-cell activation, leukocyte cell–cell adhesion, regulation of leukocyte cell–cell adhesion, B-cell-mediated immunity, myeloid cell differentiation, and regulation of cell–cell adhesion. Single-cell RNA sequencing data and immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated that MAP3K8 is expressed in malignant and immune cells and mainly enriched in the microglia/macrophage cells of glioma. The expression of MAP3K8 was positively correlated with immune infiltration, including effector memory CD4+ T cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, neutrophils, myeloid dendritic cells, mast cells, and macrophage in glioma. Further correlation analysis demonstrated that a series of inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules, chemokines, and chemokine receptors was positively correlated with the expression of MAP3K8. MAP3K8 might play an essential role in tumor immunity, and inhibition of MPA3K8 is a plausible strategy for glioma immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ren
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Bioinformation, Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yixin Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Sicheng Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Bioinformation, Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ruihan Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Bioinformation, Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Haowei Cao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Bioinformation, Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jinmin Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Bioinformation, Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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10
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Lafuente-Gracia L, Borgiani E, Nasello G, Geris L. Towards in silico Models of the Inflammatory Response in Bone Fracture Healing. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:703725. [PMID: 34660547 PMCID: PMC8514728 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.703725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In silico modeling is a powerful strategy to investigate the biological events occurring at tissue, cellular and subcellular level during bone fracture healing. However, most current models do not consider the impact of the inflammatory response on the later stages of bone repair. Indeed, as initiator of the healing process, this early phase can alter the regenerative outcome: if the inflammatory response is too strongly down- or upregulated, the fracture can result in a non-union. This review covers the fundamental information on fracture healing, in silico modeling and experimental validation. It starts with a description of the biology of fracture healing, paying particular attention to the inflammatory phase and its cellular and subcellular components. We then discuss the current state-of-the-art regarding in silico models of the immune response in different tissues as well as the bone regeneration process at the later stages of fracture healing. Combining the aforementioned biological and computational state-of-the-art, continuous, discrete and hybrid modeling technologies are discussed in light of their suitability to capture adequately the multiscale course of the inflammatory phase and its overall role in the healing outcome. Both in the establishment of models as in their validation step, experimental data is required. Hence, this review provides an overview of the different in vitro and in vivo set-ups that can be used to quantify cell- and tissue-scale properties and provide necessary input for model credibility assessment. In conclusion, this review aims to provide hands-on guidance for scientists interested in building in silico models as an additional tool to investigate the critical role of the inflammatory phase in bone regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lafuente-Gracia
- Biomechanics Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Prometheus: Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Edoardo Borgiani
- Biomechanics Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Prometheus: Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Biomechanics Research Unit, GIGA in silico Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gabriele Nasello
- Biomechanics Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Prometheus: Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Liesbet Geris
- Biomechanics Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Prometheus: Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Biomechanics Research Unit, GIGA in silico Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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11
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Musuamba FT, Skottheim Rusten I, Lesage R, Russo G, Bursi R, Emili L, Wangorsch G, Manolis E, Karlsson KE, Kulesza A, Courcelles E, Boissel JP, Rousseau CF, Voisin EM, Alessandrello R, Curado N, Dall'ara E, Rodriguez B, Pappalardo F, Geris L. Scientific and regulatory evaluation of mechanistic in silico drug and disease models in drug development: Building model credibility. CPT-PHARMACOMETRICS & SYSTEMS PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 10:804-825. [PMID: 34102034 PMCID: PMC8376137 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The value of in silico methods in drug development and evaluation has been demonstrated repeatedly and convincingly. While their benefits are now unanimously recognized, international standards for their evaluation, accepted by all stakeholders involved, are still to be established. In this white paper, we propose a risk‐informed evaluation framework for mechanistic model credibility evaluation. To properly frame the proposed verification and validation activities, concepts such as context of use, regulatory impact and risk‐based analysis are discussed. To ensure common understanding between all stakeholders, an overview is provided of relevant in silico terminology used throughout this paper. To illustrate the feasibility of the proposed approach, we have applied it to three real case examples in the context of drug development, using a credibility matrix currently being tested as a quick‐start tool by regulators. Altogether, this white paper provides a practical approach to model evaluation, applicable in both scientific and regulatory evaluation contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora T Musuamba
- EMA Modelling and Simulation Working Party, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products, Brussels, Belgium.,Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université de Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Congo
| | - Ine Skottheim Rusten
- EMA Modelling and Simulation Working Party, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Norvegian Medicines Agency, Oslo, Norway
| | - Raphaëlle Lesage
- Biomechanics Section, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Virtual Physiological Human Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giulia Russo
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Luca Emili
- InSilicoTrials Technologies, Milano, Italy
| | - Gaby Wangorsch
- EMA Modelling and Simulation Working Party, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines), Langen, Germany
| | - Efthymios Manolis
- EMA Modelling and Simulation Working Party, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kristin E Karlsson
- EMA Modelling and Simulation Working Party, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Swedish Medical Products Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Blanca Rodriguez
- Department of Computer Science, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Liesbet Geris
- Biomechanics Section, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Virtual Physiological Human Institute, Leuven, Belgium.,GIGA In silico Medicine, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
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12
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Wang Y, Hu Z, Ma W, Niu Y, Su J, Zhang L, Zhao P. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 inhibition alleviates resistance to BRAF inhibition in anaplastic thyroid cancer. Invest New Drugs 2021; 39:764-774. [PMID: 33245464 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-020-01024-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a rare type of thyroid cancer (TC) with no effective therapeutic strategy. Although surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are all available for ATC treatment, the median survival for ATC patients is less than 6 months. In this study, we aimed to study on resistant mechanisms to B-Raf proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) inhibitor and identify effective combinational therapy for ATC patients. TC cells were treated with Vemurafenib and cell apoptosis and viability were analyzed by flow cytometry and MTT assay. Monolayer and sphere cells were isolated from ATC cells to detect the mRNA level of stem cell markers and differentiation markers by RT-PCR. Phosphor-STAT3 level in sphere and monolayer cells was tested by Western blotting. The xenotransplantation animal model has established to analyze the anti-tumor effect of Vemurafenib and Stattic combinational therapy. Undifferentiated TC cells were resistant to Vemurafenib treatment. Sphere cells isolated from ATC showed no significant change in cell viability and apoptosis upon Vemurafenib treatment, and expressed a high level of stem cell marker and phosphor-STAT3. STAT3 inhibition enhanced the tumorigenic capacity and increased Vemurafenib sensitivity in ATC cell lines. Stattic significantly enhanced anti-tumor effect of Vemurafenib in mouse model. Our findings demonstrate that the combinational therapy of Vemurafenib and Stattic is an effective therapeutic treatment for ATC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215 Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Zhigang Hu
- The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215 Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Weiyuan Ma
- The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215 Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Yong Niu
- Quyang People's Hospital, Taihang Road, Quyang County, Baoding, 071000, Hebei, China
| | - Jingwei Su
- Quyang People's Hospital, Taihang Road, Quyang County, Baoding, 071000, Hebei, China
| | - Lingxiang Zhang
- Xingtai Ninth Hospital, No.163 Jiankang East Road, Julu County, Xingtai, 054000, Hebei, China
| | - Pengxin Zhao
- The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215 Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China.
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13
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Xu Y, Xu G, Dang H, Qu W, Chang D, He X, Li M, Wang Q. Carboxy terminus of HSP70-interacting protein (CHIP) attenuates the stemness of thyroid cancer cells through decreasing OCT4 protein stability. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2021; 36:686-693. [PMID: 33270330 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cell stemness results in the occurrence and progression of tumors and Oct4 (octamer-binding transcription factor) has been confirmed to be a critical contributor and marker of cancer cell stemness. Here, we aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms contributing to Oct4 protein stability, which is necessary for thyroid cancer (TC) cell stemness. We indicated that carboxy terminus of HSP70-interacting protein (CHIP) protein was lowly expressed in TC tissues and cells, and positively correlated with the overall survival of TC patients. By analyzing the co-expression network in TC tissues, we found that CHIP and Oct4 expression exhibited a negative correlation. Functional experiments showed that CHIP knockdown promoted the stemness of TC cells, while CHIP overexpression reduced the stemness of TC spheroids formed by TC cells, in which CHIP expression was significantly decreased. Furthermore, CHIP had no effect on TC cell viability. Mechanistic studies revealed that CHIP directly interacted with Oct4 protein and induced Oct4 ubiquitination, whereas a catalytic CHIP mutant (H260Q) did not. And CHIP regulated the stemness of TC cells in an Oct4-dependent manner. Overall, this work indicates that the CHIP/Oct4 axis is essential for TC cell stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- Department of the Health Management, Neurosurgery, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasonic Examination Room, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of the Health Management, Neurosurgery, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasonic Examination Room, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huimin Dang
- Department of the Health Management, Neurosurgery, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasonic Examination Room, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Qu
- Department of the Health Management, Neurosurgery, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasonic Examination Room, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dan Chang
- Department of the Health Management, Neurosurgery, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasonic Examination Room, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin He
- Department of the Health Management, Neurosurgery, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasonic Examination Room, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Minmin Li
- Department of the Health Management, Neurosurgery, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasonic Examination Room, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of the Health Management, Neurosurgery, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasonic Examination Room, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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14
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Gianì F, Masto R, Trovato MA, Franco A, Pandini G, Vigneri R. Thyroid Stem Cells But Not Differentiated Thyrocytes Are Sensitive to Slightly Increased Concentrations of Heavy Metals. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:652675. [PMID: 33953698 PMCID: PMC8092438 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.652675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer incidence is markedly increased in volcanic areas where residents are biocontaminated by chronic lifelong exposure to slightly increased metals in the environment. Metals can influence the biology of living cells by a variety of mechanisms, depending not only on the dose and length of exposure but also on the type and stage of differentiation of target cells. We explored the effect of five heavy metals (Cu, Hg, Pd, W and Zn) at nanomolar concentrations (the biocontamination level in residents of the volcanic area in Sicily where thyroid cancer is increased) on stimulating the proliferation of undifferentiated (thyrospheres) and differentiated human thyroid cells. Thyrosphere proliferation was significantly increased after exposure to each individual metal and a greater stimulating effect was observed when a mixture of the examined metals was used. No effect was seen in differentiated thyrocytes. For all metals, the dose-response curve followed a biphasic pattern that is typical of hormesis. Thyrosphere growth concerned the size rather than number, except with the metal mixture. An altered morphology was also observed in metal-treated thyrospheres. Metal-induced proliferation was due to activation of the ERK1/2 pathway, as confirmed by growth inhibition when ERK1/2 signaling was blocked. These studies show that stem/precursor thyroid cells are sensitive to small increases in environmental metal concentrations that are harmless for differentiated thyrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorenza Gianì
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberta Masto
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Annarita Franco
- Surgical Oncology, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pandini
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, Catania, Italy
| | - Riccardo Vigneri
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, Catania, Italy
- Crystallography Institute, National Research Council, CNR Catania Section, Catania, Italy
- *Correspondence: Riccardo Vigneri, ;
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15
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Sgroi G, Russo G, Pappalardo F. PETAL: a python tool for deep analysis of biological pathways. Bioinformatics 2020; 36:5553-5555. [PMID: 33325491 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btaa1032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Although several bioinformatics tools have been developed to examine signaling pathways, little attention has been given to ever long-distance crosstalk mechanisms. Here, we developed PETAL, a Python tool that automatically explores and detects the most relevant nodes within a KEGG pathway, scanning and performing an in-depth search. PETAL can contribute to discovering novel therapeutic targets or biomarkers that are potentially hidden and not considered in the network under study. AVAILABILITY PETAL is a freely available open-source software. It runs on all platforms that support Python3. The user manual and source code are accessible from https://github.com/Pex2892/PETAL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Sgroi
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Russo
- Depatment of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Pappalardo
- Depatment of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
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16
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Hermawan A, Putri H. Integrative Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals Potential Target Genes and TNFα Signaling Inhibition by Brazilin in Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2020; 21:2751-2762. [PMID: 32986377 PMCID: PMC7779440 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.9.2751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Metastasis is the most significant cause of morbidity and mortality in breast cancer patients. Previously, a combination of brazilin and doxorubicin has been shown to inhibit metastasis in HER2-positive breast cancer cells. This present study used an integrative bioinformatics approach to identify new targets and the molecular mechanism of brazilin in inhibiting metastasis in breast cancer. METHODS Cytotoxicity and mRNA arrays data were retreived from the DTP website, whereas genes that regulate metastatic breast cancer cells were retreived from PubMed with keywords "breast cancer metastasis". Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, and Drug association analysis were carried out by using WEB-based GEne SeT AnaLysis Toolkit (WebGestalt). Construction of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was performed by STRING-DB v11.0 and Cytoscape, respectively. The genetic alterations of the potential therapeutic target genes of brazilin (PB) were analyzed using cBioPortal. RESULTS Analysis of cytotoxicity with the public database of COMPARE showed that brazilin exerts almost the same cytotoxicity in the NCI-60 cells panel showing by similar GI50 value, in which the lowest GI50 value was observed in MDA-MB 231, a metastatic breast cancer cells. KEGG enrichment indicated several pathways regulated by brazilin such as TNF signaling pathway, cellular senescence, and pathways in cancer. We found ten drugs that are associated with PB, including protein kinase inhibitors, TNFα inhibitors, enzyme inhibitors, and anti-inflammatory agents. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study identified eight PB, including MMP14, PTGS2, ADAM17, PTEN, CCL2, PIK3CB, MAP3K8, and CXCL3. In addition, brazilin possibly inhibits metastatic breast cancer through inhibition of TNFα signaling. The study results study need to be validated with in vitro and in vivo studies to strengthen scientific evidence of the use of brazilin in breast cancer metastasis inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Hermawan
- Laboratory of Macromolecular Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada Sekip Utara II, 55281 Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Herwandhani Putri
- Cancer Chemoprevention Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada Sekip Utara II, 55281 Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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The Possible Role of Cancer Stem Cells in the Resistance to Kinase Inhibitors of Advanced Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082249. [PMID: 32796774 PMCID: PMC7465706 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Target therapy with various kinase inhibitors (KIs) has been extended to patients with advanced thyroid cancer, but only a subset of these compounds has displayed efficacy in clinical use. However, after an initial response to KIs, dramatic disease progression occurs in most cases. With the discovery of cancer stem cells (CSCs), it is possible to postulate that thyroid cancer resistance to KI therapies, both intrinsic and acquired, may be sustained by this cell subtype. Indeed, CSCs have been considered as the main drivers of metastatic activity and therapeutic resistance, because of their ability to generate heterogeneous secondary cell populations and survive treatment by remaining in a quiescent state. Hence, despite the impressive progress in understanding of the molecular basis of thyroid tumorigenesis, drug resistance is still the major challenge in advanced thyroid cancer management. In this view, definition of the role of CSCs in thyroid cancer resistance may be crucial to identifying new therapeutic targets and preventing resistance to anti-cancer treatments and tumor relapse. The aim of this review is to elucidate the possible role of CSCs in the development of resistance of advanced thyroid cancer to current anti-cancer therapies and their potential implications in the management of these patients.
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18
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Chew D, Green V, Riley A, England RJ, Greenman J. The Changing Face of in vitro Culture Models for Thyroid Cancer Research: A Systematic Literature Review. Front Surg 2020; 7:43. [PMID: 32766274 PMCID: PMC7378741 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2020.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy worldwide. Primary treatment with surgery and radioactive iodine is usually successful, however, there remains a small proportion of thyroid cancers that are resistant to these treatments, and often represent aggressive forms of the disease. Since the 1950s, in vitro thyroid culture systems have been used in thyroid cancer research. In vitro culture models have evolved from 2-dimensional thyrocyte monolayers into physiologically functional 3-dimensional organoids. Recently, research groups have utilized in vitro thyroid cancer models to identify numerous genetic and epigenetic factors that are involved with tumorigenesis as well as test the efficacy of cytotoxic drugs on thyroid cancer cells and identify cancer stem cells within thyroid tumors. Objective of Review: The objective of this literature review is to summarize how thyroid in vitro culture models have evolved and highlight how in vitro models have been fundamental to thyroid cancer research. Type of Review: Systematic literature review. Search Strategy: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Healthcare and Databases Advanced Search (HDAS) tool was used to search EMBASE, Medline and PubMed databases. The following terms were included in the search: “in vitro” AND “thyroid cancer”. The search period was confined from January 2008 until June 2019. A manual search of the references of review articles and other key articles was also performed using Google Scholar. Evaluation Method: All experimental studies and review articles that explicitly mentioned the use of in vitro models for thyroid cancer research in the title and/or abstract were considered. Full-text versions of all selected articles were evaluated. Experimental studies were reviewed and grouped according to topic: genetics/epigenetics, drug testing/cancer treatment, and side populations (SP)/tumor microenvironment (TME). Results: Three thousand three hundred and seventy three articles were identified through database and manual searches. One thousand two hundred and sixteen articles remained after duplicates were removed. Five hundred and eighty nine articles were excluded based on title and/or abstract. Of the remaining 627 full-text articles: 24 were review articles, 332 related to genetic/epigenetics, 240 related to drug testing/treatments, and 31 related to SP/TME. Conclusion:In vitro cell culture models have been fundamental in thyroid cancer research. There have been many advances in culture techniques- developing complex cellular architecture that more closely resemble tumors in vivo. Genetic and epigenetic factors that have been identified using in vitro culture models can be used as targets for novel drug therapies. In the future, in vitro systems will facilitate personalized medicine, offering bespoke treatments to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Chew
- Department of ENT, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Castle Hill Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Green
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Riley
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Richard James England
- Department of ENT, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Castle Hill Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - John Greenman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
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19
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Kazmierczak D, Jopek K, Sterzynska K, Ginter-Matuszewska B, Nowicki M, Rucinski M, Januchowski R. The Significance of MicroRNAs Expression in Regulation of Extracellular Matrix and Other Drug Resistant Genes in Drug Resistant Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072619. [PMID: 32283808 PMCID: PMC7177408 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer rates the highest mortality among all gynecological malignancies. The main reason for high mortality is the development of drug resistance. It can be related to increased expression of drug transporters and increased expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Our foremost aim was to exhibit alterations in the miRNA expression levels in cisplatin (CIS), paclitaxel (PAC), doxorubicin (DOX), and topotecan (TOP)-resistant variants of the W1 sensitive ovarian cancer cell line-using miRNA microarray. The second goal was to identify miRNAs responsible for the regulation of drug-resistant genes. According to our observation, alterations in the expression of 40 miRNAs were present. We could observe that, in at least one drug-resistant cell line, the expression of 21 miRNAs was upregulated and that of 19 miRNAs was downregulated. We identified target genes for 22 miRNAs. Target analysis showed that miRNA regulates key genes responsible for drug resistance. Among others, we observed regulation of the ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 gene (ABCB1) in the paclitaxel-resistant cell line by miR-363 and regulation of the collagen type III alpha 1 chain gene (COL3A1) in the topotekan-resistant cell line by miR-29a.
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20
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Campisi A, Bonfanti R, Raciti G, Bonaventura G, Legnani L, Magro G, Pennisi M, Russo G, Chiacchio MA, Pappalardo F, Parenti R. Gene Silencing of Transferrin-1 Receptor as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Human Follicular and Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2020; 16:197-206. [PMID: 32099899 PMCID: PMC7033459 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we assess the gene expression changes activated in thyroid tumors through a computational approach, using the MapReduce algorithm. Through this predictive analysis, we identified the TfR1 gene as a critical mediator of thyroid tumor progression. Then, we investigated the effect of TfR1 gene silencing through small interfering RNA (siRNA) in the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) pathway and c-Myc in human differentiated follicular and undifferentiated anaplastic thyroid cancer. The expression levels of cyclin D1, p53, and p27, proteins involved in cell cycle progression, were also evaluated. The effect of TfR1 gene silencing through siRNA on the apoptotic pathway activation was also tested. Computational prediction and in vitro studies demonstrate that TfR1 plays a key role in thyroid cancer and that its downregulation was able to inhibit the ERK pathway, reducing also c-Myc expression, which blocks the cell cycle and activates the apoptotic pathway. We demonstrate that TfR1 plays a crucial role for a rapid and transient activation of the ERK signaling pathway, which induces a deregulation of genes involved in the aberrant accumulation of intracellular free iron and in drug resistance. We also suggest that TfR1 might represent an important target for thyroid cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Campisi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Corresponding author: Agata Campisi, PhD, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Roberta Bonfanti
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Raciti
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriele Bonaventura
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council, Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Laura Legnani
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Gaetano Magro
- Department of Department of Medical, Surgical, and Technological Sciences “G.B. Ingrassia,” University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Marzio Pennisi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Russo
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Pappalardo
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
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21
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Wang H, Milberg O, Bartelink IH, Vicini P, Wang B, Narwal R, Roskos L, Santa-Maria CA, Popel AS. In silico simulation of a clinical trial with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-L1 immunotherapies in metastatic breast cancer using a systems pharmacology model. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:190366. [PMID: 31218069 PMCID: PMC6549962 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.190366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The low response rate of immune checkpoint blockade in breast cancer has highlighted the need for predictive biomarkers to identify responders. While a number of clinical trials are ongoing, testing all possible combinations is not feasible. In this study, a quantitative systems pharmacology model is built to integrate immune-cancer cell interactions in patients with breast cancer, including central, peripheral, tumour-draining lymph node (TDLN) and tumour compartments. The model can describe the immune suppression and evasion in both TDLN and the tumour microenvironment due to checkpoint expression, and mimic the tumour response to checkpoint blockade therapy. We investigate the relationship between the tumour response to checkpoint blockade therapy and composite tumour burden, PD-L1 expression and antigen intensity, including their individual and combined effects on the immune system, using model-based simulations. The proposed model demonstrates the potential to make predictions of tumour response of individual patients given sufficient clinical measurements, and provides a platform that can be further adapted to other types of immunotherapy and their combination with molecular-targeted therapies. The patient predictions demonstrate how this systems pharmacology model can be used to individualize immunotherapy treatments. When appropriately validated, these approaches may contribute to optimization of breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwen Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Oleg Milberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Imke H. Bartelink
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacometrics and DMPK (CPD), MedImmune, South San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paolo Vicini
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacometrics and DMPK, MedImmune, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bing Wang
- Amador Bioscience Inc, Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA
| | - Rajesh Narwal
- Clinical Pharmacology and DMPK (CPD), MedImmune, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Lorin Roskos
- Clinical Pharmacology and DMPK (CPD), MedImmune, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Cesar A. Santa-Maria
- Department of Oncology and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aleksander S. Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Oncology and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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