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Urbano-Gámez JD, Guzzi C, Bernal M, Solivera J, Martínez-Zubiaurre I, Caro C, García-Martín ML. Tumor versus Tumor Cell Targeting in Metal-Based Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostics. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5213. [PMID: 38791253 PMCID: PMC11121233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105213] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The application of metal-based nanoparticles (mNPs) in cancer therapy and diagnostics (theranostics) has been a hot research topic since the early days of nanotechnology, becoming even more relevant in recent years. However, the clinical translation of this technology has been notably poor, with one of the main reasons being a lack of understanding of the disease and conceptual errors in the design of mNPs. Strikingly, throughout the reported studies to date on in vivo experiments, the concepts of "tumor targeting" and "tumor cell targeting" are often intertwined, particularly in the context of active targeting. These misconceptions may lead to design flaws, resulting in failed theranostic strategies. In the context of mNPs, tumor targeting can be described as the process by which mNPs reach the tumor mass (as a tissue), while tumor cell targeting refers to the specific interaction of mNPs with tumor cells once they have reached the tumor tissue. In this review, we conduct a critical analysis of key challenges that must be addressed for the successful targeting of either tumor tissue or cancer cells within the tumor tissue. Additionally, we explore essential features necessary for the smart design of theranostic mNPs, where 'smart design' refers to the process involving advanced consideration of the physicochemical features of the mNPs, targeting motifs, and physiological barriers that must be overcome for successful tumor targeting and/or tumor cell targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús David Urbano-Gámez
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Laboratory—BMRL, Andalusian Public Foundation Progress and Health—FPS, 41092 Seville, Spain; (J.D.U.-G.); (C.G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina–IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590 Malaga, Spain;
| | - Cinzia Guzzi
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Laboratory—BMRL, Andalusian Public Foundation Progress and Health—FPS, 41092 Seville, Spain; (J.D.U.-G.); (C.G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina–IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590 Malaga, Spain;
| | - Manuel Bernal
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina–IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590 Malaga, Spain;
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Juan Solivera
- Department of Neurosurgery, Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Cordoba, Spain;
| | - Iñigo Martínez-Zubiaurre
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, P.O. Box 6050, Langnes, 9037 Tromsö, Norway;
| | - Carlos Caro
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Laboratory—BMRL, Andalusian Public Foundation Progress and Health—FPS, 41092 Seville, Spain; (J.D.U.-G.); (C.G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina–IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590 Malaga, Spain;
| | - María Luisa García-Martín
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Laboratory—BMRL, Andalusian Public Foundation Progress and Health—FPS, 41092 Seville, Spain; (J.D.U.-G.); (C.G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina–IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590 Malaga, Spain;
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials & Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Bhartiya D, Raouf S, Pansare K, Tripathi A, Tripathi A. Initiation of Cancer: The Journey From Mutations in Somatic Cells to Epigenetic Changes in Tissue-resident VSELs. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:857-880. [PMID: 38457060 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10694-7] [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] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Multiple theories exist to explain cancer initiation, although a consensus on this is crucial for developing effective therapies. 'Somatic mutation theory' suggests that mutations in somatic cells during DNA repair initiates cancer but this concept has several attached paradoxes. Research efforts to identify quiescent cancer stem cells (CSCs) that survive therapy and result in metastasis and recurrence have remained futile. In solid cancers, CSCs are suggested to appear during epithelial-mesenchymal transition by the dedifferentiation and reprogramming of epithelial cells. Pluripotent and quiescent very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) exist in multiple tissues but remain elusive owing to their small size and scarce nature. VSELs are developmentally connected to primordial germ cells, undergo rare, asymmetrical cell divisions and are responsible for the regular turnover of cells to maintain tissue homeostasis throughout life. VSELs are directly vulnerable to extrinsic endocrine insults because they express gonadal and gonadotropin hormone receptors. VSELs undergo epigenetic changes due to endocrine insults and transform into CSCs. CSCs exhibit genomic instability and develop mutations due to errors during DNA replication while undergoing excessive proliferation and clonal expansion to form spheroids. Thus tissue-resident VSELs offer a connection between extrinsic insults and variations in cancer incidence reported in various body tissues. To conclude, cancer is indeed a stem cell disease with mutations occurring as a consequence. In addition to immunotherapy, targeting mutations, and Lgr5 + organoids for developing new therapeutics, targeting CSCs (epigenetically altered VSELs) by improving their niche and epigenetic status could serve as a promising strategy to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Todi Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, 400013, Mumbai, India.
| | | | - Kshama Pansare
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Todi Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, 400013, Mumbai, India
| | - Anish Tripathi
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Todi Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, 400013, Mumbai, India
| | - Ashish Tripathi
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Todi Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, 400013, Mumbai, India
- 23Ikigai Pte Ltd, 30 Cecil Street, #21-08 Prudentsial Tower, Singapore, 049712, Singapore
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Ruszkowska-Ciastek B, Kwiatkowska K, Marques-da-Silva D, Lagoa R. Cancer Stem Cells from Definition to Detection and Targeted Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3903. [PMID: 38612718 PMCID: PMC11011379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073903] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancers remain the second leading cause of mortality in the world. Preclinical and clinical studies point an important role of cancer/leukaemia stem cells (CSCs/LSCs) in the colonisation at secondary organ sites upon metastatic spreading, although the precise mechanisms for specific actions are still not fully understood. Reviewing the present knowledge on the crucial role of CSCs/LSCs, their plasticity, and population heterogeneity in treatment failures in cancer patients is timely. Standard chemotherapy, which acts mainly on rapidly dividing cells, is unable to adequately affect CSCs with a low proliferation rate. One of the proposed mechanisms of CSC resistance to anticancer agents is the fact that these cells can easily shift between different phases of the cell cycle in response to typical cell stimuli induced by anticancer drugs. In this work, we reviewed the recent studies on CSC/LSC alterations associated with disease recurrence, and we systematised the functional assays, markers, and novel methods for CSCs screening. This review emphasises CSCs' involvement in cancer progression and metastasis, as well as CSC/LSC targeting by synthetic and natural compounds aiming at their elimination or modulation of stemness properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ruszkowska-Ciastek
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kwiatkowska
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Jan Biziel University Hospital No. 2, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Dorinda Marques-da-Silva
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal; (D.M.-d.-S.); (R.L.)
- Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering (ALiCE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Morro do Lena-Alto do Vieiro, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Lagoa
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal; (D.M.-d.-S.); (R.L.)
- Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering (ALiCE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Morro do Lena-Alto do Vieiro, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
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Chowdhury RR, Rose S, Ezan F, Sovadinová I, Babica P, Langouët S. Hepatotoxicity of cyanotoxin microcystin-LR in human: Insights into mechanisms of action in the 3D culture model Hepoid-HepaRG. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 342:123047. [PMID: 38036087 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123047] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a potent hepatotoxin produced by harmful cyanobacterial blooms (CyanoHABs). MC-LR targets highly differentiated hepatocytes expressing organic anion transporting polypeptides OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 that are responsible for hepatocellular uptake of the toxin. The present study utilized an advanced 3D in vitro human liver model Hepoid-HepaRG based on the cultivation of collagen-matrix embedded multicellular spheroids composed of highly differentiated and polarized hepatocyte-like cells. 14-d-old Hepoid-HepaRG cultures showed increased expression of OATP1B1/1B3 and sensitivity to MC-LR cytotoxicity at concentrations >10 nM (48 h exposure, EC20 = 26 nM). MC-LR induced neither caspase 3/7 activity nor expression of the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker gene BiP/GRP78, but increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8, indicating a necrotic type of cell death. Subcytotoxic (10 nM) and cytotoxic (≥100 nM) MC-LR concentrations disrupted hepatocyte functions, such as xenobiotic metabolism phase-I enzyme activities (cytochrome P450 1A/1B) and albumin secretion, along with reduced expression of CYP1A2 and ALB genes. MC-LR also decreased expression of HNF4A gene, a critical regulator of hepatocyte differentiation and function. Genes encoding hepatobiliary membrane transporters (OATP1B1, BSEP, NTCP), hepatocyte gap junctional gene connexin 32 and the epithelial cell marker E-cadherin were also downregulated. Simultaneous upregulation of connexin 43 gene, primarily expressed by liver progenitor and non-parenchymal cells, indicated a disruption of tissue homeostasis. This was associated with a shift in the expression ratio of E-cadherin to N-cadherin towards the mesenchymal cell marker, a process linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hepatocarcinogenesis. The effects observed in the human liver cell in vitro model revealed mechanisms that can potentially contribute to the MC-LR-induced promotion and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepoid-HepaRG cultures provide a robust, accessible and versatile in vitro model, capable of sensitively detecting hepatotoxic effects at toxicologically relevant concentrations, allowing for assessing hepatotoxicity mechanisms, human health hazards and impacts of environmental hepatotoxins, such as MC-LR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riju R Chowdhury
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kotlářská 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sophie Rose
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Frédéric Ezan
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Iva Sovadinová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kotlářská 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Babica
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kotlářská 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sophie Langouët
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085, 35000, Rennes, France.
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Liu Y, Zheng Z, Han J, Lin C, Liu C, Ma Y, Zhao Y. Delivery of sPD1 gene by anti-CD133 antibody conjugated microbubbles combined with ultrasound for the treatment of cervical cancer in mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 474:116605. [PMID: 37355104 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
To explore new therapeutic options for cervical cancer, the inhibitory effect on cervical cancer of targeted CD133-loaded sPD1 gene microbubbles (MBs) combined with low-frequency ultrasound was studied and its mechanism was explored. We prepared microbubbles conjugated with anti-CD133 antibody to deliver the sPD1 gene and determined concentration, particle size, and potentials of MBs. In addition, we verified that CD133 targeted-MBs could specifically bind to U14 cervical cancer cells in vitro. A mouse model of subcutaneous xenograft cervical cancer was established and mice were divided into a control group, an non-targeted microbubble group, a CD133-MBs group, an sPD1-MBs group and a CD133/sPD1-MBs group. Compared with the control group, tumor growth was inhibited in each group, with the CD133/sPD1 group showing the strongest inhibitory effect after treatment. The tumor volume and weight inhibition rates in the CD133/sPD1-MBs group were 78.01% and 72.25% respectively, which were statistically different from the other groups (P < 0.05), and HE staining and TUNEL immunofluorescence showed necrosis and apoptosis in tumor tissue. Flow cytometry, lactate dehydrogenase, and indirect immunofluorescence experiments showed that T lymphocytes were activated and a large number of CD8-positive T cells infiltrated the tumor tissue after treatment, with the CD133/sPD1-MBs group showing the most prominent effects (P < 0.05). The combination of ultrasound with anti- CD133 antibody-conjugated microbubbles loaded with the sPD1 gene can inhibit the growth of cervical cancer, suggesting that the immunosuppressive microenvironment of the tumor is improved after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Liu
- Department of Ultrasound Imaging, The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang 443008, China
| | - Zhiwei Zheng
- Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China; Department of Ultrasound, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jiaxuan Han
- Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Chen Lin
- Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Chaoqi Liu
- Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy, Yichang 334002, China
| | - Yao Ma
- Department of Ultrasound Imaging, The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang 443008, China.
| | - Yun Zhao
- Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy, Yichang 334002, China.
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Wu R, Li X, Chen Z, Shao Q, Zhang X, Tang W, Hu B. Development and validation of a nomogram based on common biochemical indicators for survival prediction of children with high-risk neuroblastoma: A valuable tool for resource-limited hospitals. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:426. [PMID: 37633889 PMCID: PMC10463855 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04228-2] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite multiple attempts have been made to develop risk stratification within high-risk neuroblastoma (NB) patients (age of diagnosis ≥ 18 month-old with metastatic NB), the definition of "ultra high-risk NB" is still lack of consensus, and indicators for identifying this subgroup are still unclear. This study aimed to develop a nomogram based on easy-to-obtain blood-derived biofactors for identifying ultra high-risk NB patients with highest risk of death within 3 or 5 years. METHODS One hundred sixty-seven NB patients who treated at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between 2015 and 2023 were recruited and clustered randomly into training and validation cohorts (116 and 51 cases, respectively). Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis were performed in training set to screen independent prognostic indicators for constructing nomogram model of predicting 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS). The discrimination power of the nomogram in training and validation sets were assessed by concordance index (C-index) and calibration plot. Based on the risk score obtained from nomogram model, the prognostic accuracy of 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates in training and validation cohorts were further evaluated using the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC). RESULTS Through univariate and multivariate Cox analysis, independent prognostic indicators, including serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and albumin (ALB), were identified in training set, and used to establish a nomogram model. The model showed good discrimination power with C-index in training cohort being 0.706 (95%CI: 0.633-0.788). According to the cut-point calculated based on the established nomogram, patients with a nomogram score > 34 points could be stratified to ultra high-risk NB subgroup, and this subgroup had poorer OS than those in non-ultra one (p < 0.001). AUC values of ROC curves for 3- and 5-year OS rates in the training set were 0.758 and 0.756, respectively. Moreover, based on the cut-point score (34 points) developed in training set, The model also showed good discrimination power with C-index of 0.773 (95%CI: 0.664-0.897) and powerful prognostic accuracy of AUC for 3- and 5-year OS rates being 0.825 and 0.826, respectively, in validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS We developed a simple-to-use nomogram based on common laboratory indicators to identify the subgroup of ultra high-risk NB before treatment, providing these children even from developing countries or regions access to intensified multimodal treatments earlier and thus improving their long-term outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruohao Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhishan Chen
- Department of Pathology, Panyu District Central Hospital, Guangzhou, 511400, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiong Shao
- Department of Research and Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Research and Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenting Tang
- Department of Research and Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China.
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.
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Lin S, Li K, Qi L. Cancer stem cells in brain tumors: From origin to clinical implications. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e341. [PMID: 37576862 PMCID: PMC10412776 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant brain tumors are highly heterogeneous tumors with a poor prognosis and a high morbidity and mortality rate in both children and adults. The cancer stem cell (CSC, also named tumor-initiating cell) model states that tumor growth is driven by a subset of CSCs. This model explains some of the clinical observations of brain tumors, including the almost unavoidable tumor recurrence after initial successful chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and treatment resistance. Over the past two decades, strategies for the identification and characterization of brain CSCs have improved significantly, supporting the design of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for brain tumors. Relevant studies have unveiled novel characteristics of CSCs in the brain, including their heterogeneity and distinctive immunobiology, which have provided opportunities for new research directions and potential therapeutic approaches. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of CSCs markers and stemness regulators in brain tumors. We also comprehensively describe the influence of the CSCs niche and tumor microenvironment on brain tumor stemness, including interactions between CSCs and the immune system, and discuss the potential application of CSCs in brain-based therapies for the treatment of brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyun Lin
- Institute of Digestive DiseaseThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityQingyuan People's HospitalQingyuanGuangdongChina
| | - Kaishu Li
- Institute of Digestive DiseaseThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityQingyuan People's HospitalQingyuanGuangdongChina
| | - Ling Qi
- Institute of Digestive DiseaseThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityQingyuan People's HospitalQingyuanGuangdongChina
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Laurier D, Billarand Y, Klokov D, Leuraud K. The scientific basis for the use of the linear no-threshold (LNT) model at low doses and dose rates in radiological protection. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2023; 43:024003. [PMID: 37339605 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/acdfd7] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
The linear no-threshold (LNT) model was introduced into the radiological protection system about 60 years ago, but this model and its use in radiation protection are still debated today. This article presents an overview of results on effects of exposure to low linear-energy-transfer radiation in radiobiology and epidemiology accumulated over the last decade and discusses their impact on the use of the LNT model in the assessment of radiation-related cancer risks at low doses. The knowledge acquired over the past 10 years, both in radiobiology and epidemiology, has reinforced scientific knowledge about cancer risks at low doses. In radiobiology, although certain mechanisms do not support linearity, the early stages of carcinogenesis comprised of mutational events, which are assumed to play a key role in carcinogenesis, show linear responses to doses from as low as 10 mGy. The impact of non-mutational mechanisms on the risk of radiation-related cancer at low doses is currently difficult to assess. In epidemiology, the results show excess cancer risks at dose levels of 100 mGy or less. While some recent results indicate non-linear dose relationships for some cancers, overall, the LNT model does not substantially overestimate the risks at low doses. Recent results, in radiobiology or in epidemiology, suggest that a dose threshold, if any, could not be greater than a few tens of mGy. The scientific knowledge currently available does not contradict the use of the LNT model for the assessment of radiation-related cancer risks within the radiological protection system, and no other dose-risk relationship seems more appropriate for radiological protection purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Laurier
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Yann Billarand
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Dmitry Klokov
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Klervi Leuraud
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
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Li RZ, Guan XX, Wang XR, Bao WQ, Lian LR, Choi SW, Zhang FY, Yan PY, Leung ELH, Pan HD, Liu L. Sinomenine hydrochloride bidirectionally inhibits progression of tumor and autoimmune diseases by regulating AMPK pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 114:154751. [PMID: 37004400 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic diseases such as tumors and autoimmune disorders are closely linked to metabolism and immunity and require conflicting treatment methods. AMPK can regulate cell growth and inflammation through energy metabolism. Sinomenine is a compound extracted from the traditional Chinese herb sinomenium acutum (Thunb.) Rehd. et Wils. It has been used to treat NSCLC (non-small-cell lung cancer) and RA (rheumatoid arthritis) in some studies, but with limited understanding of its mechanisms. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the inhibitory effect of sinomenine hydrochloride (SH) on NSCLC and RA and to understand the underlying joint mechanisms. RESULTS The results indicate that SH has a cytotoxic effect specifically on tumor cells, but not on normal cells. SH was found to induce cell apoptosis by activating the AMPK-mTOR pathway. Additionally, in autoimmune disease cell models, SH was shown to reduce the growth of RA-FLS cells by inhibiting the phosphorylation of AMPK, while having no effect on normal macrophages. Moreover, in vivo studies also showed that SH could reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and slow the development of adjuvant arthritis in rats. Furthermore, SH was found to significantly suppress tumor growth in a tumor xenograft experiment in mice. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insights into the treatment of tumors and autoimmune diseases by demonstrating that SH can selectively inhibit the growth of NSCLC cells and the progression of RA through activation of the AMPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run Ze Li
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Xiang Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/ Macau Institute of Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Xuan Run Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/ Macau Institute of Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Wei-Qian Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Li-Rong Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Seong Wang Choi
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/ Macau Institute of Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Fang Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/ Macau Institute of Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Pei-Yu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/ Macau Institute of Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Elaine Lai Han Leung
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Macau (SAR), China, MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Hu-Dan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Liang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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10
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Martins-Neves SR, Sampaio-Ribeiro G, Gomes CMF. Self-Renewal and Pluripotency in Osteosarcoma Stem Cells' Chemoresistance: Notch, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-Catenin Interplay with Embryonic Markers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098401. [PMID: 37176108 PMCID: PMC10179672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098401] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant bone tumor derived from mesenchymal cells that contains self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for tumor progression and chemotherapy resistance. Understanding the signaling pathways that regulate CSC self-renewal and survival is crucial for developing effective therapies. The Notch, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-Catenin developmental pathways, which are essential for self-renewal and differentiation of normal stem cells, have been identified as important regulators of osteosarcoma CSCs and also in the resistance to anticancer therapies. Targeting these pathways and their interactions with embryonic markers and the tumor microenvironment may be a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome chemoresistance and improve the prognosis for osteosarcoma patients. This review focuses on the role of Notch, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling in regulating CSC self-renewal, pluripotency, and chemoresistance, and their potential as targets for anti-cancer therapies. We also discuss the relevance of embryonic markers, including SOX-2, Oct-4, NANOG, and KLF4, in osteosarcoma CSCs and their association with the aforementioned signaling pathways in overcoming drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Martins-Neves
- iCBR-Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Sampaio-Ribeiro
- iCBR-Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CACC-Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Célia M F Gomes
- iCBR-Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CACC-Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
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11
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The Multifaceted Role of Connexins in Tumor Microenvironment Initiation and Maintenance. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020204. [PMID: 36829482 PMCID: PMC9953436 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Today's research on the processes of carcinogenesis and the vital activity of tumor tissues implies more attention be paid to constituents of the tumor microenvironment and their interactions. These interactions between cells in the tumor microenvironment can be mediated via different types of protein junctions. Connexins are one of the major contributors to intercellular communication. They form the gap junctions responsible for the transfer of ions, metabolites, peptides, miRNA, etc., between neighboring tumor cells as well as between tumor and stromal cells. Connexin hemichannels mediate purinergic signaling and bidirectional molecular transport with the extracellular environment. Additionally, connexins have been reported to localize in tumor-derived exosomes and facilitate the release of their cargo. A large body of evidence implies that the role of connexins in cancer is multifaceted. The pro- or anti-tumorigenic properties of connexins are determined by their abundance, localization, and functionality as well as their channel assembly and non-channel functions. In this review, we have summarized the data on the contribution of connexins to the formation of the tumor microenvironment and to cancer initiation and progression.
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12
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Jones JC, Bodenstine TM. Connexins and Glucose Metabolism in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710172. [PMID: 36077565 PMCID: PMC9455984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are a family of transmembrane proteins that regulate diverse cellular functions. Originally characterized for their ability to mediate direct intercellular communication through the formation of highly regulated membrane channels, their functions have been extended to the exchange of molecules with the extracellular environment, and the ability to modulate numerous channel-independent effects on processes such as motility and survival. Notably, connexins have been implicated in cancer biology for their context-dependent roles that can both promote or suppress cancer cell function. Moreover, connexins are able to mediate many aspects of cellular metabolism including the intercellular coupling of nutrients and signaling molecules. During cancer progression, changes to substrate utilization occur to support energy production and biomass accumulation. This results in metabolic plasticity that promotes cell survival and proliferation, and can impact therapeutic resistance. Significant progress has been made in our understanding of connexin and cancer biology, however, delineating the roles these multi-faceted proteins play in metabolic adaptation of cancer cells is just beginning. Glucose represents a major carbon substrate for energy production, nucleotide synthesis, carbohydrate modifications and generation of biosynthetic intermediates. While cancer cells often exhibit a dependence on glycolytic metabolism for survival, cellular reprogramming of metabolic pathways is common when blood perfusion is limited in growing tumors. These metabolic changes drive aggressive phenotypes through the acquisition of functional traits. Connections between glucose metabolism and connexin function in cancer cells and the surrounding stroma are now apparent, however much remains to be discovered regarding these relationships. This review discusses the existing evidence in this area and highlights directions for continued investigation.
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13
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Inhibition of Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication Upregulates Pluripotency Gene Expression in Endogenous Pluripotent Muse Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172701. [PMID: 36078111 PMCID: PMC9455024 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJ) are suggested to support stem cell differentiation. The Muse cells that are applied in clinical trials are non-tumorigenic pluripotent-like endogenous stem cells, can be collected as stage-specific embryonic antigen 3 (SSEA-3+) positive cells from multiple tissues, and show triploblastic differentiation and self-renewability at a single cell level. They were reported to up-regulate pluripotency gene expression in suspension. We examined how GJ inhibition affected pluripotency gene expression in adherent cultured-Muse cells. Muse cells, mainly expressing gap junction alpha-1 protein (GJA1), reduced GJ intercellular communication from ~85% to 5–8% after 24 h incubation with 120 μM 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid, 400 nM 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, and 90 μM dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, as confirmed by a dye-transfer assay. Following inhibition, NANOG, OCT3/4, and SOX2 were up-regulated 2–4.5 times more; other pluripotency-related genes, such as KLF4, CBX7, and SPRY2 were elevated; lineage-specific differentiation-related genes were down-regulated in quantitative-PCR and RNA-sequencing. Connexin43-siRNA introduction also confirmed the up-regulation of NANOG, OCT3/4, and SOX2. YAP, a co-transcriptional factor in the Hippo signaling pathway that regulates pluripotency gene expression, co-localized with GJA1 (also known as Cx43) in the cell membrane and was translocated to the nucleus after GJ inhibition. Adherent culture is usually more suitable for the stable expansion of cells than is a suspension culture. GJ inhibition is suggested to be a simple method to up-regulate pluripotency in an adherent culture that involves a Cx43-YAP axis in pluripotent stem cells, such as Muse cells.
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14
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Martín-Rubio P, Espiau-Romera P, Royo-García A, Caja L, Sancho P. Metabolic determinants of stemness in medulloblastoma. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:587-598. [PMID: 36157911 PMCID: PMC9453267 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i8.587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastomas (MBs) are the most prevalent brain tumours in children. They are classified as grade IV, the highest in malignancy, with about 30% metastatic tumours at the time of diagnosis. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of tumour cells that can initiate and support tumour growth. In MB, CSCs contribute to tumour initiation, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Metabolic differences among the different MB groups have started to emerge. Sonic hedgehog tumours show enriched lipid and nucleic acid metabolism pathways, whereas Group 3 MBs upregulate glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glutamine anabolism, and glutathione-mediated anti-oxidant pathways. Such differences impact the clinical behaviour of MB tumours and can be exploited therapeutically. In this review, we summarise the existing knowledge about metabolic rewiring in MB, with a particular focus on MB-CSCs. Finally, we highlight some of the emerging metabolism-based therapeutic strategies for MB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alba Royo-García
- Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Laia Caja
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751, Sweden
| | - Patricia Sancho
- Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
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15
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Huang M, Liu C, Shao Y, Zhou S, Hu G, Yin S, Pu W, Yu H. Anti-tumor pharmacology of natural products targeting mitosis. Cancer Biol Med 2022; 19:j.issn.2095-3941.2022.0006. [PMID: 35699421 PMCID: PMC9257311 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2022.0006] [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] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has been an insurmountable problem in the history of medical science. The uncontrollable proliferation of cancer cells is one of cancer’s main characteristics, which is closely associated with abnormal mitosis. Targeting mitosis is an effective method for cancer treatment. This review summarizes several natural products with anti-tumor effects related to mitosis, focusing on targeting microtubulin, inducing DNA damage, and modulating mitosis-associated kinases. Furthermore, the main disadvantages of several typical compounds, including drug resistance, toxicity to non-tumor tissues, and poor aqueous solubility and pharmacokinetic properties, are also discussed, together with strategies to address them. Improved understanding of cancer cell mitosis and natural products may pave the way to drug development for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manru Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Caiyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yingying Shao
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Shiyue Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Gaoyong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Shuangshuang Yin
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Weiling Pu
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
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16
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Yang T, Liang N, Li J, Hu P, Huang Q, Zhao Z, Wang Q, Zhang H. MDSCs might be "Achilles heel" for eradicating CSCs. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 65:39-50. [PMID: 35595600 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
During tumor initiation and progression, the complicated role of immune cells in the tumor immune microenvironment remains a concern. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a group of immune cells that originate from the bone marrow and have immunosuppressive potency in various diseases, including cancer. In recent years, the key role of cancer stemness has received increasing attention in cancer development and therapy. Several studies have demonstrated the important regulatory relationship between MDSCs and cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, there is still no clear understanding regarding the complex interacting regulation of tumor malignancy, and current research progress is limited. In this review, we summarize the complicated role of MDSCs in the modulation of cancer stemness, evaluate the mechanism of the relationship between CSCs and MDSCs, and discuss potential strategies for eradicating CSCs with respect to MDSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ning Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali 671000, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Stomatology, Shaanxi Provincial Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Pan Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the 920 Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese PLA, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali 671000, China
| | - Zifeng Zhao
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - Hongxin Zhang
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Department of Intervention Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China.
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17
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Harris CC. Editor-In-Chief's Editorial 2022 January Issue 43:1. Carcinogenesis 2022; 43:1. [PMID: 35037690 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgab127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
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18
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Trosko JE. In Search of a Unifying Concept in Human Diseases. Diseases 2021; 9:68. [PMID: 34698126 PMCID: PMC8544458 DOI: 10.3390/diseases9040068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Throughout the history of biological/medicine sciences, there has been opposing strategies to find solutions to complex human disease problems. Both empirical and deductive approaches have led to major insights and concepts that have led to practical preventive and therapeutic benefits for the human population. The classic definitions of "science" (to know) has been paired with the classic definition of technology (to do). One knew more as the technology developed, and that development was often based on science. In other words, one could do more if science could improve the technology. In turn, this made possible to know more science with improved technology. However, with the development of new technologies of today in biology and medicine, major advances have been made, such as the information from the Human Genome Project, genetic engineering techniques and the use of bioinformatic uses of sophisticated computer analyses. This has led to the renewed idea that Precision Medicine, while raising some serious ethical concerns, also raises the expectation of improved potential of risk predictions for prevention and treatment of various genetically and environmentally influenced human diseases. This new field Artificial Intelligence, as a major handmaiden to Precision Medicine, is significantly altering the fundamental means of biological discovery. However, can today's fundamental premise of "Artificial Intelligence", based on identifying DNA, as the primary nexus of human health and disease, provide the practical solutions to complex human diseases that involve the interaction of those genes with the broad spectrum of "environmental factors"? Will it be "precise" enough to provide practical solutions for prevention and treatments of diseases? In this "Commentary", with the example of human carcinogenesis, it will be challenged that, without the integration of mechanistic and hypothesis-driven approaches with the "unbiased" empirical analyses of large numbers of data, the Artificial Intelligence approach with fall short.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Edward Trosko
- Department of Pediatrics/Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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19
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Applicability of Scrape Loading-Dye Transfer Assay for Non-Genotoxic Carcinogen Testing. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168977. [PMID: 34445682 PMCID: PMC8396440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is recognized as one of the key hallmarks for identifying non-genotoxic carcinogens (NGTxC). Currently, there is a demand for in vitro assays addressing the gap junction hallmark, which would have the potential to eventually become an integral part of an integrated approach to the testing and assessment (IATA) of NGTxC. The scrape loading-dye transfer (SL-DT) technique is a simple assay for the functional evaluation of GJIC in various in vitro cultured mammalian cells and represents an interesting candidate assay. Out of the various techniques for evaluating GJIC, the SL-DT assay has been used frequently to assess the effects of various chemicals on GJIC in toxicological and tumor promotion research. In this review, we systematically searched the existing literature to gather papers assessing GJIC using the SL-DT assay in a rat liver epithelial cell line, WB-F344, after treating with chemicals, especially environmental and food toxicants, drugs, reproductive-, cardio- and neuro-toxicants and chemical tumor promoters. We discuss findings derived from the SL-DT assay with the known knowledge about the tumor-promoting activity and carcinogenicity of the assessed chemicals to evaluate the predictive capacity of the SL-DT assay in terms of its sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for identifying carcinogens. These data represent important information with respect to the applicability of the SL-DT assay for the testing of NGTxC within the IATA framework.
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