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Abigail BC, Suzanne DC. Glucocorticoid receptor-mediated oncogenic activity is dependent on breast cancer subtype. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024:106518. [PMID: 38734115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer incidence has been steadily rising and is the leading cause of cancer death in women due to its high metastatic potential. Individual breast cancer subtypes are classified by both cell type of origin and receptor expression, namely estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor receptors (ER, PR and HER2). Recently, the importance and context-dependent role of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression in the natural history and prognosis of breast cancer subtypes has been uncovered. In ER-positive breast cancer, GR expression is associated with a better prognosis as a result of ER-GR crosstalk. GR appears to modulate ER-mediated gene expression resulting in decreased tumor cell proliferation and a more indolent cancer phenotype. In ER-negative breast cancer, including GR-positive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), GR expression enhances migration, chemotherapy resistance and cell survival. In invasive lobular carcinoma, GR function is relatively understudied, and more work is required to determine whether lobular subtypes behave similarly to their invasive ductal carcinoma counterparts. Importantly, understanding GR signaling in individual breast cancer subtypes has potential clinical implications because of the recent development of highly selective GR non-steroidal ligands, which represent a therapeutic approach for modulating GR activity systemically.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Clark Abigail
- Depatment of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - D Conzen Suzanne
- Depatment of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
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2
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De Marchi T, Lai CF, Simmons GM, Goldsbrough I, Harrod A, Lam T, Buluwela L, Kjellström S, Brueffer C, Saal LH, Malmström J, Ali S, Niméus E. Proteomic profiling reveals that ESR1 mutations enhance cyclin-dependent kinase signaling. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6873. [PMID: 38519482 PMCID: PMC10959978 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56412-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Three quarters of all breast cancers express the estrogen receptor (ER, ESR1 gene), which promotes tumor growth and constitutes a direct target for endocrine therapies. ESR1 mutations have been implicated in therapy resistance in metastatic breast cancer, in particular to aromatase inhibitors. ESR1 mutations promote constitutive ER activity and affect other signaling pathways, allowing cancer cells to proliferate by employing mechanisms within and without direct regulation by the ER. Although subjected to extensive genetic and transcriptomic analyses, understanding of protein alterations remains poorly investigated. Towards this, we employed an integrated mass spectrometry based proteomic approach to profile the protein and phosphoprotein differences in breast cancer cell lines expressing the frequent Y537N and Y537S ER mutations. Global proteome analysis revealed enrichment of mitotic and immune signaling pathways in ER mutant cells, while phosphoprotein analysis evidenced enriched activity of proliferation associated kinases, in particular CDKs and mTOR. Integration of protein expression and phosphorylation data revealed pathway-dependent discrepancies (motility vs proliferation) that were observed at varying degrees across mutant and wt ER cells. Additionally, protein expression and phosphorylation patterns, while under different regulation, still recapitulated the estrogen-independent phenotype of ER mutant cells. Our study is the first proteome-centric characterization of ESR1 mutant models, out of which we confirm estrogen independence of ER mutants and reveal the enrichment of immune signaling pathways at the proteomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso De Marchi
- Division of Surgery, Oncology, and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Solvegatan 19, 22362, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Chun-Fui Lai
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Georgia M Simmons
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Isabella Goldsbrough
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Alison Harrod
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Thai Lam
- Division of Surgery, Oncology, and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Solvegatan 19, 22362, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lakjaya Buluwela
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Sven Kjellström
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Center for Molecular Protein Science, Lund University, Solvegatan 19, 22362, Lund, Sweden
- Swedish National Infrastructure for Biological Mass Spectrometry - BioMS, Lund, Sweden
| | - Christian Brueffer
- Division of Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Medicon Village, 22381, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lao H Saal
- Division of Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Medicon Village, 22381, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Malmström
- Division of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Klinikgatan 32, 22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Simak Ali
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
| | - Emma Niméus
- Division of Surgery, Oncology, and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Solvegatan 19, 22362, Lund, Sweden.
- Department of Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
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3
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Bakhshi P, Ho JQ, Zanganeh S. Sex-specific outcomes in cancer therapy: the central role of hormones. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2024; 6:1320690. [PMID: 38362126 PMCID: PMC10867131 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2024.1320690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones play a pivotal role in modulating various physiological processes, with emerging evidence underscoring their influence on cancer progression and treatment outcomes. This review delves into the intricate relationship between sex hormones and cancer, elucidating the underlying biological mechanisms and their clinical implications. We explore the multifaceted roles of estrogen, androgens, and progesterone, highlighting their respective influence on specific cancers such as breast, ovarian, endometrial, and prostate. Special attention is given to estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) tumors, androgen receptor signaling, and the dual role of progesterone in both promoting and inhibiting cancer progression. Clinical observations reveal varied treatment responses contingent upon hormonal levels, with certain therapies like tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, and anti-androgens demonstrating notable success. However, disparities in treatment outcomes between males and females in hormone-sensitive cancers necessitate further exploration. Therapeutically, the utilization of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during cancer treatments presents both potential risks and benefits. The promise of personalized therapies, tailored to an individual's hormonal profile, offers a novel approach to optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Concurrently, the burgeoning exploration of new drugs and interventions targeting hormonal pathways heralds a future of more effective and precise treatments for hormone-sensitive cancers. This review underscores the pressing need for a deeper understanding of sex hormones in cancer therapy and the ensuing implications for future therapeutic innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Bakhshi
- Research and Development, MetasFree Biopharmaceutical Company, Mansfield, MA, United States
| | - Jim Q. Ho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Steven Zanganeh
- Research and Development, MetasFree Biopharmaceutical Company, Mansfield, MA, United States
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4
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Wang Y, Mou Y, Lu S, Xia Y, Cheng B. Polymethoxylated flavonoids in citrus fruits: absorption, metabolism, and anticancer mechanisms against breast cancer. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16711. [PMID: 38188169 PMCID: PMC10771093 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Polymethoxylated flavonoids (PMFs) are a subclass of flavonoids found in citrus fruits that have shown multifunctional biological activities and potential anticancer effects against breast cancer. We studied the absorption, metabolism, species source, toxicity, anti-cancer mechanisms, and molecular targets of PMFs to better utilize their anticancer activity against breast cancer. We discuss the absorption and metabolism of PMFs in the body, including the methylation, demethylation, and hydroxylation processes. The anticancer mechanisms of PMFs against breast cancer were also reviewed, including the estrogen activity, cytochrome P-450 enzyme system, and arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) inhibition, along with various molecular targets and potential anticancer effects. Although PMFs may be advantageous in the prevention and treatment for breast cancer, there is a lack of clinical evidence and data to support their efficacy. Despite their promise, there is still a long way to go before PMFs can be applied clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyu Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China
| | - Yuan Mou
- Department of General Surgery, People’s Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Wanzhou District, Chongqing, China
| | - Senlin Lu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China
- Chong Qing Wan Zhou Health Center for Women and Children, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuhua Xia
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China
| | - Bo Cheng
- Xinjiang Institute of Materia Medica, Key Lab of Xinjiang Uighur Medicine, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
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5
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Zhang J, Wang Z, Zhu L, Wang C, Huang B, Zhong Y, Ying P, Wang H, Li Q, Feng L, Wang X, Jin H. Estrogen receptor α inhibits Caveolin 1 translation by promoting m6A-dependent miR199a-5p maturation to confer nab-paclitaxel resistance. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:6210-6225. [PMID: 38187046 PMCID: PMC10767350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer patients exhibit poorer responsiveness to nab-paclitaxel compared to ER negative (ER-) patients, with the underlying mechanisms remaining unknown. Caveolin 1 (CAV1) is a membrane invagination protein critical for the endocytosis of macromolecules including albumin-bound chemotherapeutic agents. Here, we demonstrate that ERα limits the efficacy of nab-paclitaxel in breast cancer cells while genetic or pharmacological inhibition of ERα increased the sensitivity of ER+ breast cancer cells to nab-paclitaxel. Notably, CAV1 expression inversely correlates with ERα and relates to improved clinical outcomes from nab-paclitaxel treatment. Importantly, ERα stimulates m6A dependent maturation of miR199a-5p, which is elevated in ER+ breast cancer, to inhibit CAV1 translation by antagonizing m6A modification of CAV1 mRNA. Together, our findings reveal a novel role of ERα in promoting m6A modification and subsequent maturation of miR199a-5p, which is upregulated in ER+ breast cancer, leading to the suppression of m6A modification of CAV1 and its mRNA translation, thereby contributing to nab-paclitaxel resistance. Thus, combining an ER antagonist with nab-paclitaxel could offer a promising strategy for treating ER+ breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Zhang
- Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liyuan Zhu
- Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chaoqun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityDongyang, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bifei Huang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityDongyang, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiming Zhong
- Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pingting Ying
- Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hanying Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qinglin Li
- The Cancer Hospital of The University of Chinese Academy of SciencesHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lifeng Feng
- Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xian Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongchuan Jin
- Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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6
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Liu L, Zhao WY, Zheng XY. ZNF746 promotes M2 macrophage polarisation and favours tumour progression in breast cancer via the Jagged1/Notch pathway. Cell Signal 2023; 112:110892. [PMID: 37730102 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110892] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a major threat to women's health. BC is a heterogeneous disease and treatment strategies and outcomes differ between subtypes. Investigating the molecular mechanisms of BC will help to identify potential therapeutic targets and develop new therapies. Here we report that zinc finger protein 746 (ZNF746), a Krüppel-associated box and zinc finger protein, exhibits tumour-promoting properties in BC. Functional experiments (cell growth, colony formation, cell cycle analysis, and transwell analysis) were used to evaluate the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacity of BC cells. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of ZNF746, CD163 (M2 macrophage marker), and HES1 (Notch target) in BC tissues. ZNF746 was highly expressed in BC tissues compared to adjacent paired non-tumour tissues. Patients with M1 BC had higher expression of ZNF746 compared to patients with non-metastatic (M0) BC, and higher expression of ZNF746 was associated with poorer overall survival. The immunohistochemical results showed a positive correlation between the expression of ZNF746 and the expression of CD163 or HES1. ZNF746 promoted BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and increased the expression of molecules essential for monocyte recruitment and differentiation (CCL2 and CSF1). Furthermore, THP-1 monocytes cultured in the conditioned medium derived from BC cells overexpressing ZNF746 exhibited enhanced M2 polarisation. In contrast, ZNF746 knockdown reduced BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and suppressed M2 polarisation. Mechanistically, ZNF746 promoted the activation of the Jagged1/Notch pathway, and the Jagged1 siRNA-mediated blockade of this pathway prevented the tumour-promoting functions of ZNF746. In conclusion, this study uncovers the role of ZNF746 in promoting M2 macrophage polarisation and suggests that ZNF746 may be a promising therapeutic target for limiting BC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Wen-Yue Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin-Yu Zheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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7
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Nahmias-Blank D, Maimon O, Meirovitz A, Sheva K, Peretz-Yablonski T, Elkin M. Excess body weight and postmenopausal breast cancer: Emerging molecular mechanisms and perspectives. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 96:26-35. [PMID: 37739109 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Postmenopausal, obese women have a significantly higher risk of developing estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast tumors, that are resistant to therapies and are associated with higher recurrence and death rates. The global prevalence of overweight/obese women has reached alarming proportions and with postmenopausal ER+ breast carcinoma (BC) having the highest incidence among the three obesity-related cancers in females (i.e., breast, endometrial and ovarian), this is of significant concern. Elucidation of the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the pro-cancerous action of obesity in ER+BC is therefore critical for disease prevention and novel treatment initiatives. Interestingly, accumulating data has shown opposing relationships between obesity and cancer in either pre- or post-menopausal women. Excess body weight is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women and a decreased risk in pre-menopausal women. Moreover, excess adiposity during early life appears to be protective against postmenopausal breast cancer, including both ER+ and ER negative BC subtypes. Overall, estrogen-dependent mechanisms have been implicated as the main driving force in obesity-related breast tumorigenesis. In the present review we discuss the epidemiologic and mechanistic aspects of association between obesity and breast tumors after menopause, mainly in the context of hormone dependency. Molecular and cellular events underlying this association present as potential avenues for both therapeutic intervention as well as the prevention of BC-promoting processes linked to excess adiposity, which is proving to be vital in an increasingly obese global population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Nahmias-Blank
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ofra Maimon
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amichay Meirovitz
- Legacy Heritage Oncology Center and Dr. Larry Norton Institute, Soroka University Medical Center, Be'er Sheva 84101, Israel
| | - Kim Sheva
- Legacy Heritage Oncology Center and Dr. Larry Norton Institute, Soroka University Medical Center, Be'er Sheva 84101, Israel
| | - Tamar Peretz-Yablonski
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Michael Elkin
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
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Abstract
The human genome is organized into multiple structural layers, ranging from chromosome territories to progressively smaller substructures, such as topologically associating domains (TADs) and chromatin loops. These substructures, collectively referred to as long-range chromatin interactions (LRIs), have a significant role in regulating gene expression. TADs are regions of the genome that harbour groups of genes and regulatory elements that frequently interact with each other and are insulated from other regions, thereby preventing widespread uncontrolled DNA contacts. Chromatin loops formed within TADs through enhancer and promoter interactions are elastic, allowing transcriptional heterogeneity and stochasticity. Over the past decade, it has become evident that the 3D genome structure, also referred to as the chromatin architecture, is central to many transcriptional cellular decisions. In this Review, we delve into the intricate relationship between steroid receptors and LRIs, discussing how steroid receptors interact with and modulate these chromatin interactions. Genetic alterations in the many processes involved in organizing the nuclear architecture are often associated with the development of hormone-dependent cancers. A better understanding of the interplay between architectural proteins and hormone regulatory networks can ultimately be exploited to develop improved approaches for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theophilus T Tettey
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lorenzo Rinaldi
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gordon L Hager
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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9
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Yang S, Hui TL, Wang HQ, Zhang X, Mi YZ, Cheng M, Gao W, Geng CZ, Li SN. High expression of autophagy-related gene EIF4EBP1 could promote tamoxifen resistance and predict poor prognosis in breast cancer. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:4788-4799. [PMID: 37583983 PMCID: PMC10424051 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i20.4788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) remains a public health problem. Tamoxifen (TAM) resistance has caused great difficulties for treatment of BC patients. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (EIF4EBP1) plays critical roles in the tumorigenesis and progression of BC. However, the expression and mechanism of EIF4EBP1 in determining the efficacy of TAM therapy in BC patients are still unclear. AIM To investigate the expression and functions of EIF4EBP1 in determining the efficacy of TAM therapy in BC patients. METHODS High-throughput sequencing data of breast tumors were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differential gene expression analysis identified EIF4EBP1 to be significantly upregulated in cancer tissues. Its prognostic value was analyzed. The biological function and related pathways of EIF4EBP1 was analyzed. Subsequently, the expression of EIF4EBP1 was determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, colony formation assay and wound healing assay were used to understand the phenotypes of function of EIF4EBP1. RESULTS EIF4EBP1 was upregulated in the TAM-resistant cells, and EIF4EBP1 was related to the prognosis of BC patients. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis showed that EIF4EBP1 might be involved in Hedgehog signaling pathways. Decreasing the expression of EIF4EBP1 could reverse TAM resistance, whereas overexpression of EIF4EBP1 promoted TAM resistance. CONCLUSION This study indicated that EIF4EBP1 was overexpressed in the BC and TAM-resistant cell line, which increased cell proliferation, invasion, migration and TAM resistance in BC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Yang
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Tian-Li Hui
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Hao-Qi Wang
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yun-Zhe Mi
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Meng Cheng
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Cui-Zhi Geng
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Sai-Nan Li
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
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10
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O'Leary KA, Bates AM, Jin WJ, Burkel BM, Sriramaneni RN, Emma SE, Nystuen EJ, Sumiec EG, Ponik SM, Morris ZS, Schuler LA. Estrogen receptor blockade and radiation therapy cooperate to enhance the response of immunologically cold ER+ breast cancer to immunotherapy. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:68. [PMID: 37312163 PMCID: PMC10265911 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01671-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer do not respond to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI); the tumor microenvironment (TME) of these cancers is generally immunosuppressive and contains few tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Radiation therapy (RT) can increase tumor inflammation and infiltration by lymphocytes but does not improve responses to ICIs in these patients. This may result, in part, from additional effects of RT that suppress anti-tumor immunity, including increased tumor infiltration by myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells. We hypothesized that anti-estrogens, which are a standard of care for ER+ breast cancer, may ameliorate these detrimental effects of RT by reducing the recruitment/ activation of suppressive immune populations in the radiated TME, increasing anti-tumor immunity and responsiveness to ICIs. METHODS To interrogate the effect of the selective estrogen receptor downregulator, fulvestrant, on the irradiated TME in the absence of confounding growth inhibition by fulvestrant on tumor cells, we used the TC11 murine model of anti-estrogen resistant ER+ breast cancer. Tumors were orthotopically transplanted into immunocompetent syngeneic mice. Once tumors were established, we initiated treatment with fulvestrant or vehicle, followed by external beam RT one week later. We examined the number and activity of tumor infiltrating immune cells using flow cytometry, microscopy, transcript levels, and cytokine profiles. We tested whether fulvestrant improved tumor response and animal survival when added to the combination of RT and ICI. RESULTS Despite resistance of TC11 tumors to anti-estrogen therapy alone, fulvestrant slowed tumor regrowth following RT, and significantly altered multiple immune populations in the irradiated TME. Fulvestrant reduced the influx of Ly6C+Ly6G+ cells, increased markers of pro-inflammatory myeloid cells and activated T cells, and augmented the ratio of CD8+: FOXP3+ T cells. In contrast to the minimal effects of ICIs when co-treated with either fulvestrant or RT alone, combinatorial treatment with fulvestrant, RT and ICIs significantly reduced tumor growth and prolonged survival. CONCLUSIONS A combination of RT and fulvestrant can overcome the immunosuppressive TME in a preclinical model of ER+ breast cancer, enhancing the anti-tumor response and increasing the response to ICIs, even when growth of tumor cells is no longer estrogen sensitive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A O'Leary
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Amber M Bates
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Won Jong Jin
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Brian M Burkel
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Raghava N Sriramaneni
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sarah E Emma
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Erin J Nystuen
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Elizabeth G Sumiec
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Suzanne M Ponik
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Zachary S Morris
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Linda A Schuler
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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11
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Aalhate M, Mahajan S, Singh H, Guru SK, Singh PK. Nanomedicine in therapeutic warfront against estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:1621-1653. [PMID: 36795198 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01299-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in women worldwide. Almost 70-80% of cases of BC are curable at the early non-metastatic stage. BC is a heterogeneous disease with different molecular subtypes. Around 70% of breast tumors exhibit estrogen-receptor (ER) expression and endocrine therapy is used for the treatment of these patients. However, there are high chances of recurrence in the endocrine therapy regimen. Though chemotherapy and radiation therapy have substantially improved survival rates and treatment outcomes in BC patients, there is an increased possibility of the development of resistance and dose-limiting toxicities. Conventional treatment approaches often suffer from low bioavailability, adverse effects due to the non-specific action of chemotherapeutics, and low antitumor efficacy. Nanomedicine has emerged as a conspicuous strategy for delivering anticancer therapeutics in BC management. It has revolutionized the area of cancer therapy by increasing the bioavailability of the therapeutics and improving their anticancer efficacy with reduced toxicities on healthy tissues. In this article, we have highlighted various mechanisms and pathways involved in the progression of ER-positive BC. Further, different nanocarriers delivering drugs, genes, and natural therapeutic agents for surmounting BC are the spotlights of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur Aalhate
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Srushti Mahajan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Hoshiyar Singh
- Department of Biological Science, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, 500037, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Guru
- Department of Biological Science, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, 500037, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India.
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12
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Anbarasu S, Anbarasu A. Cancer-biomarkers associated with sex hormone receptors and recent therapeutic advancements: a comprehensive review. Med Oncol 2023; 40:171. [PMID: 37162589 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02044-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Hormones and its regulation plays vital role in causing breast, prostate, ovarian and endometrial cancers collectively known as hormone-sensitive cancers. This review discusses the various functions of the sex hormones and the biological pathways involved in causing hormone-associated cancer under differential regulation. We have also attempted to explore the biomarkers associated with the cancers and the current therapeutic availability to treat such cancers. Among various sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and androgen, estrogen the female sex hormone and its receptor had a major contribution in causing cancer and hence are considered a predominant target in treating the associated cancers. Other hormones and receptors such a androgen, progesterone, and their respective receptors were also reported to have a significant correlation in causing cancers. Apart from these receptors certain enzymes that act as precursors or as promoters are also targeted for treatment strategies. The drugs commonly used belong to the selective drug classes such as selective estrogen receptor modulators and selective progesterone receptor modulators. In the case of androgen regulation androgen deprivation therapies are practiced. It is also suggested that the use of natural substances to treat cancer could prevent resistance and reduce side effects. Identification of significant targets and the discovery of many efficient drugs shall be possible in the future with better understanding of hormone regulation and its influence on cancer causative mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvitha Anbarasu
- Medical and Biological Computing Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Anand Anbarasu
- Medical and Biological Computing Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
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13
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The marionette mechanism of domain-domain communication in the antagonist, agonist, and coactivator responses of the estrogen receptor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2216906120. [PMID: 36730193 PMCID: PMC9963092 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2216906120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The human estrogen receptor α (hERα) is involved in the regulation of growth, development, and tissue homeostasis. Agonists that bind to the receptor's ligand-binding domain (LBD) lead to recruitment of coactivators and the enhancement of gene expression. In contrast, antagonists bind to the LBD and block the binding of coactivators thus decreasing gene expressions. In this work, we carry out simulations using the AWSEM (Associative memory, Water mediated, Structure and Energy Model)-Suite force field along with the 3SPN.2C force field for DNA to predict the structure of hERα and study its dynamics when binding to DNA and coactivators. Using simulations of antagonist-bound hERα and agonist-bound hERα by themselves and also along with bound DNA and coactivators, principal component analyses and free energy landscape analyses capture the pathway of domain-domain communication for agonist-bound hERα. This communication is mediated through the hinge domains that are ordinarily intrinsically disordered. These disordered segments manipulate the hinge domains much like the strings of a marionette as they twist in different ways when antagonists or agonists are bound to the ligand-binding domain.
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14
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Muñoz JP, Araya-Osorio R, Mera-Adasme R, Calaf GM. Glyphosate mimics 17β-estradiol effects promoting estrogen receptor alpha activity in breast cancer cells. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137201. [PMID: 36379430 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137201] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in several broad-spectrum herbicide formulations, has been validated and widely used throughout the world. Recent reports have questioned its safety, showing that glyphosate may act as an endocrine disruptor by promoting estrogenic activity. However, the molecular mechanism involved in this phenomenon remains unclear. Therefore, here we aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which glyphosate induces estrogenic activity using estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cell line models. Our results show that glyphosate mimics the cell effects of 17β-estradiol (E2), promoting estrogen receptor α (ERα) phosphorylation, its degradation, and transcriptional activity at high concentrations. The molecular mechanism seems involved in the ERα ligand-binding domain (LBD). Molecular simulations suggest a plausible interaction between glyphosate and the LBD through a coordinated complex involving divalent cations such as Zn (II). In addition, glyphosate exposure alters the level of Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 that contribute to ERα phosphorylation. Finally, glyphosate increases cell proliferation rate and levels of cell cycle regulators, accompanied by an increase in anchorage-independent growth capacity. These findings suggest that glyphosate at high concentrations, induces estrogen-like effects through an ERα ligand binding site-dependent mechanism, leading to cellular responses resulting from a complex interplay of genomic and non-genomic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P Muñoz
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, 1000000, Chile.
| | - Rocío Araya-Osorio
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Chile.
| | - Raúl Mera-Adasme
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Chile.
| | - Gloria M Calaf
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, 1000000, Chile.
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15
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Nakadai T, Yang L, Kumegawa K, Maruyama R. Estrogen receptor α K303R mutation reorganizes its binding to forkhead box protein A1 regions and induces chromatin opening. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:1209-1220. [PMID: 36436079 PMCID: PMC9889408 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-08089-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is a frequently mutated gene in breast cancer (BC). While many studies have investigated molecular dysregulation by hotspot mutations at Y537 and D538, which exhibit an estrogen-independent constitutively active phenotype, the functional abnormalities of other mutations remain obscure. The K303R mutation in primary invasive BC has been implicated with endocrine resistance, tumor size, and lymph node positivity. However, the impact of the K303R mutation on the cell epigenome is yet unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS We introduced the K303R ERα mutant in ERα-negative MDA-MB-453 cells to monitor ERα-dependent transactivation and to perform epigenomic analyses. ATAC-seq and ChIP-Seq analyses indicated that both wild-type (WT) and the K303R mutant associated with Forkhead box (Fox) protein family motif regions at similar rates, even without an ERα-binding sequence, but only the K303R mutant induced chromatin opening at those regions. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that the WT and the K303R mutant can be tethered on DNA by FoxA1 indirectly, but only the K303R/FoxA1/DNA complex can induce associations with the nuclear receptor cofactor 2 (NCOA2). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the K303R mutant induces chromatin opening at the Fox binding region through the FoxA1-dependent associations of the K303R mutant to NCOA2 and then probably disrupts the regulation of Fox-target genes, resulting in K303R-related BC events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyoshi Nakadai
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto-Ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan.
| | - Liying Yang
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto-Ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Kohei Kumegawa
- Cancer Cell Diversity Project, NEXT-Ganken Program, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Reo Maruyama
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto-Ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
- Cancer Cell Diversity Project, NEXT-Ganken Program, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
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16
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Wani AK, Akhtar N, Sharma A, El-Zahaby SA. Fighting Carcinogenesis with Plant Metabolites by Weakening Proliferative Signaling and Disabling Replicative Immortality Networks of Rapidly Dividing and Invading Cancerous Cells. Curr Drug Deliv 2023; 20:371-386. [PMID: 35422214 DOI: 10.2174/1567201819666220414085606] [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: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer, an uncontrolled multistage disease causing swift division of cells, is a leading disease with the highest mortality rate. Cellular heterogeneity, evading growth suppressors, resisting cell death, and replicative immortality drive the tumor progression by resisting the therapeutic action of existing anticancer drugs through a series of intrinsic and extrinsic cellular interactions. The innate cellular mechanisms also regulate the replication process as a fence against proliferative signaling, enabling replicative immortality through telomere dysfunction. AREA COVERED The conventional genotoxic drugs have several off-target and collateral side effects associated with them. Thus, the need for the therapies targeting cyclin-dependent kinases or P13K signaling pathway to expose cancer cells to immune destruction, deactivation of invasion and metastasis, and maintaining cellular energetics is imperative. Compounds with anticancer attributes isolated from plants and rich in alkaloids, terpenes, and polyphenols have proven to be less toxic and highly targetspecific, making them biologically significant. This has opened a gateway for the exploration of more novel plant molecules by signifying their role as anticancer agents in synergy and alone, making them more effective than the existing cytotoxic regimens. EXPERT OPINION In this context, the current review presented recent data on cancer cases around the globe, along with discussing the fundamentals of proliferative signaling and replicative immortality of cancer cells. Recent findings were also highlighted, including antiproliferative and antireplicative action of plant-derived compounds, besides explaining the need for improving drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Khurshid Wani
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab (144411), India
| | - Nahid Akhtar
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab (144411), India
| | - Arun Sharma
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab (144411), India
| | - Sally A El-Zahaby
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
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17
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Lu C, Yang Y, Lingmei L, Qiujuan H, Qianru G, Lisha Q, Wenfeng C, Yun N, Peisen Z. Identification of hub genes in AR-induced tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2023; 197:71-82. [PMID: 36334189 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-022-06788-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 30% of patients with oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer (BC) exhibit intrinsic or recurrent resistance to tamoxifen (TAM) adjuvant endocrine therapy. The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in about 90% of ER-positive patients. Our previous studies found that BC patients with an AR:ER expression ratio ≥ 2.0 are more susceptible to TAM resistance. However, the specific mechanism by which a high AR:ER ratio promotes TAM resistance remains unknown. METHODS RNA sequencing was performed on 10 cases of BC tissues with AR:ER ratios ≥ 2.0 and 3 cases with AR:ER ratios < 2.0. We then compared our data with the screened TAM-resistant and TAM-sensitive cases from the TCGA BC database. Bioinformatics methods were used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and to perform gene enrichment analysis. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was used to screen hub genes in the AR-induced TAM resistance process. RESULTS PAM50 analysis showed that the molecular phenotype of BC patients with AR:ER ratios ≥ 2.0 was similar to that of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), whereas the BC samples with AR:ER ratios < 2.0 were classified as the luminal subtype. Among the AR:ER ratio ≥ 2.0 and AR:ER < 2.0 BC tumours, 1855 DEGs were identified. Gene enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were enriched mainly in proliferation-related molecular pathways, such as the cell cycle, necroptosis, metabolic pathways and DNA replication. WGCNA analysis showed that SEC14L2, RIIAD1, STC2 and MAGEA6 served as hub genes in AR-induced TAM resistance and were associated with BC survival prognosis in the TCGA cohort. CONCLUSIONS A high AR:ER expression ratio is a biomarker for patients who might develop TAM resistance, and AR expression seems to be a possible mechanism of resistance to endocrine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cao Lu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Breast Cancer Pathology and Research Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Li Lingmei
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Huang Qiujuan
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Guo Qianru
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Qi Lisha
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Cao Wenfeng
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Niu Yun
- Department of Breast Cancer Pathology and Research Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Zhang Peisen
- Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300222, China.
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18
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Grinshpun A, Chen V, Sandusky ZM, Fanning SW, Jeselsohn R. ESR1 activating mutations: From structure to clinical application. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188830. [PMID: 36336145 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer is the most common type of both early and advanced breast cancer. Estrogen receptor alpha (ER) is a nuclear hormone receptor and a key driver of tumorigenesis and tumor progression in these breast cancers. As such, it is a key treatment target and a biomarker predictive of response to endocrine therapy. Activating ESR1 ligand binding domain mutations engender constitutive/ligand independent transcriptional activities and emerge following prolonged first-line hormone therapy regimens, mainly from aromatase inhibitors. The full scale of the biological and clinical significance of these mutations continue to evolve and additional studies are required to further discern the multimodal effects of these mutations on ER transcription, metastatic propensity, and the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, recent and ongoing studies highlight the potential clinical utility of these mutations as therapeutic targets and dynamic biomarkers. Herein, we review the structure, functional consequences, and clinical implications of the activating ESR1 mutations in advanced estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Grinshpun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States of America; Breast Oncology Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Vincent Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States of America; Breast Oncology Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Zachary M Sandusky
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States of America; Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana Farber-Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Sean W Fanning
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Rinath Jeselsohn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States of America; Breast Oncology Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Center, Boston, MA, United States of America; Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana Farber-Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States of America.
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19
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Orguc S, Açar ÇR. Correlation of Shear-Wave Elastography and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values in Breast Cancer and Their Relationship with the Prognostic Factors. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12123021. [PMID: 36553027 PMCID: PMC9776617 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12123021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Diffusion-weighted imaging and elastography are widely accepted methods in the evaluation of breast masses, however, there is very limited data comparing the two methods. The apparent diffusion coefficient is a measure of the diffusion of water molecules obtained by diffusion-weighted imaging as a part of breast MRI. Breast elastography is an adjunct to conventional ultrasonography, which provides a noninvasive evaluation of the stiffness of the lesion. Theoretically, increased tissue density and stiffness are related to each other. The purpose of this study is to compare MRI ADC values of the breast masses with quantitative elastography based on ultrasound shear wave measurements and to investigate their possible relation with the prognostic factors and molecular subtypes. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated histopathologically proven 147 breast lesions. The molecular classification of malignant lesions was made according to the prognostic factors. Shear wave elastography was measured in kiloPascal (kPa) units which is a quantitative measure of tissue stiffness. DWI was obtained using a 1.5-T MRI system. Results: ADC values were strongly inversely correlated with elasticity (r = −0.662, p < 0.01) according to Pearson Correlation. In our study, the cut-off value of ADC was 1.00 × 10−3 cm2/s to achieve a sensitivity of 84.6% and specificity of 75.4%, and the cut-off value of elasticity was 105.5 kPa to achieve the sensitivity of 96.3% and specificity 76.9% to discriminate between the malignant and benign breast lesions. The status of prognostic factors was not correlated with the ADC values and elasticity. Conclusions: Elasticity and ADC values are correlated. Both cannot predict the status of prognostic factors and differentiate between molecular subtypes.
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20
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Lee JS, Tocheny CE, Shaw LM. The Insulin-like Growth Factor Signaling Pathway in Breast Cancer: An Elusive Therapeutic Target. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12121992. [PMID: 36556357 PMCID: PMC9782138 DOI: 10.3390/life12121992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we provide an overview of the role of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway in breast cancer and discuss its potential as a therapeutic target. The IGF pathway ligands, IGF-1 and IGF-2, and their receptors, primarily IGF-1R, are important for normal mammary gland biology, and dysregulation of their expression and function drives breast cancer risk and progression through activation of downstream signaling effectors, often in a subtype-dependent manner. The IGF signaling pathway has also been implicated in resistance to current therapeutic strategies, including ER and HER2 targeting drugs. Unfortunately, efforts to target IGF signaling for the treatment of breast cancer have been unsuccessful, due to a number of factors, most significantly the adverse effects of disrupting IGF signaling on normal glucose metabolism. We highlight here the recent discoveries that provide enthusiasm for continuing efforts to target IGF signaling for the treatment of breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leslie M. Shaw
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-508-856-8675; Fax: +1-508-856-1310
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21
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Zhang X, Zhang Z, Xue X, Fan T, Tan C, Liu F, Tan Y, Jiang Y. PROTAC Degrader of Estrogen Receptor α Targeting DNA-Binding Domain in Breast Cancer. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:1109-1118. [PMID: 36407946 PMCID: PMC9667539 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are a powerful class of drugs that selectively degrade the proteins of interest (POIs) through cellular ubiquitination mechanisms. Estrogen receptor α (ERα) plays a vital role in the pathogenesis and treatment of breast cancer. In this work, the DNA-binding domain (DBD) of ERα was selected as the target to avoid drug resistance caused by the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of ERα. The estrogen response element (ERE), a natural DNA sequence binding with DBD of ERα, was chosen as a recognized unit of PROTAC. Therefore, we designed a nucleic acid-conjugated PROTAC, ERE-PROTAC, via a click reaction, in which the ERE sequence recruits ERα and the typical small molecule VH032 recruits the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ligase. The proposed ERE-PROTAC showed to efficiently and reversibly degrade ERα in different breast cancer cells by targeting the DBD, indicating its potential to overcome the current resistance caused by LBD mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiaoqi Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical
Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Tingting Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical
Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chunyan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical
Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical
Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ying Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical
Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuyang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical
Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
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22
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Methylation-Mediated Silencing of RBP7 Promotes Breast Cancer Progression through PPAR and PI3K/AKT Pathway. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:9039110. [PMID: 36276273 PMCID: PMC9584705 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9039110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Retinoid-binding protein7 (RBP7) is a member of the cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP) family, which is involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. The study aims to illustrate the prognostic value and the potential regulatory mechanisms of RBP7 expression in breast cancer. Bioinformatics analysis with the TCGA and CPTAC databases revealed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of RBP7 in normal were higher compared to breast cancer tissues. Survival analysis displayed that the lower expression of RBP7, the worse the prognosis in ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer patients. Genomic analysis showed that low expression of RBP7 correlates with its promoter hypermethylation in breast cancer. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that downregulation of RBP7 expression may exert its biological influence on breast cancer through the PPAR pathway and the PI3K/AKT pathway. In summary, we identified RBP7 as a novel biomarker that is helpful for the prognosis of ER+ breast cancer patients. Promoter methylation of RBP7 is involved in its gene silencing in breast cancer, thus regulating the occurrence and development of ER+ breast cancer through the PPAR and PI3K/AKT pathways.
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23
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Saleh AB, Hassan NH, Ismail MA, El-Sayed WM. New fluorobenzamidine exerts antitumor activity against breast cancer in mice via pro-apoptotic activity. Discov Oncol 2022; 13:88. [PMID: 36107265 PMCID: PMC9478011 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00554-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidities. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of bithiophene-fluorobenzamidine (BFB) against breast cancer induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) in female Swiss mice and reveal the underlining mechanisms. METHODS The mice were randomly divided into five groups; control, BFB-treated group, DMBA-treated group, and the last two groups received DMBA then tamoxifen or BFB. RESULTS BFB reduced the tumor incidence by ~ 88% versus 30% after TAM. DMBA significantly increased the expression of CDK1 and HER2 and reduced the expression of p53, p21 (CDKN1A), ESR-α, and CAS3. BFB caused significant down-regulation of CDK1 and HER2 and upregulation of p53, p21, ESR-α, and CAS3. In the DMBA-treated mice, cancerous cells metastasized to several organs. This was prevented by the administration of BFB. The antimetastatic and proapoptotic activities were confirmed in MCF7 cells in vitro by the wound healing and annexin V assays, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the BFB increased survival. In the DMBA group, tumors showed invasive carcinoma of grade III with central necrosis, polymorphism, mitotic activity, and numerous newly formed ductules, and colloidal mucinous secretions within adenoid cysts. BFB administration restored the normal structure of the mammary glands. CONCLUSION Taken together, BFB has antitumor, pro-apoptotic, and anti-metastatic activities against breast cancer in mice and therefore, it merits further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- AbdelRahman B Saleh
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Nagwa H Hassan
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Ismail
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Wael M El-Sayed
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt.
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24
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Macrophages Upregulate Estrogen Receptor Expression in the Model of Obesity-Associated Breast Carcinoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182844. [PMID: 36139419 PMCID: PMC9496942 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) and obesity are two heterogeneous conditions with a tremendous impact on health. BC is the most commonly diagnosed neoplasm and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women, and the prevalence of obesity in women worldwide reaches pandemic proportions. Obesity is a significant risk factor for both incidence and worse prognosis in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) BC. Yet, the mechanisms underlying the association between excess adiposity and increased risk/therapy resistance/poorer outcome of ER+, but not ER−negative (ER−), BC are not fully understood. Tumor-promoting action of obesity, predominantly in ER + BC patients, is often attributed to the augmented production of estrogen in ‘obese’ adipose tissue. However, in addition to the estrogen production, expression levels of ER represent a key determinant in hormone-driven breast tumorigenesis and therapy response. Here, utilizing in vitro and in vivo models of BC, we show that macrophages, whose adverse activation by obesogenic substances is fueled by heparanase (extracellular matrix-degrading enzyme), are capable of upregulating ER expression in tumor cells, in the setting of obesity-associated BC. These findings underscore a previously unknown mechanism through which interplay between cellular/extracellular elements of obesity-associated BC microenvironment influences estrogen sensitivity—a critical component in hormone-related cancer progression and resistance to therapy.
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25
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An SY, Kim KS, Cho JH, Kim HD, Kim CH, Lee YC. Curcumin-mediated transcriptional regulation of human N-acetylgalactosamine-α2,6-sialyltransferase which synthesizes sialyl-Tn antigen in HCT116 human colon cancer cells. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:985648. [PMID: 36172045 PMCID: PMC9510914 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.985648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human N-acetylgalactosamine-α2,6-sialyltransferase (hST6GalNAc I) is the major enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of sialyl-Tn antigen (sTn), which is known to be expressed in more than 80% of human carcinomas and correlated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Athough high expression of hST6GalNAc I is associated with augmented proliferation, migration and invasion in various cancer cells, transcriptional mechanism regulating hST6GalNAc I gene expression remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that hST6GalNAc I gene expression was markedly augmented by curcumin in HCT116 human colon carcinoma cells. To understand the molecular mechanism for the upregulation of hST6GalNAc I gene expression by curcumin in HCT116 cells, we first determined the transcriptional start site of hST6GalNAc I gene by 5′-RACE and cloned the proximal hST6GalNAc I 5′-flanking region spanning about 2 kb by PCR. Functional analysis of the hST6GalNAc I 5′ flanking region of hST6GalNAc I by sequential 5′-deletion, transient transfection of reporter gene constructs and luciferase reporter assays showed that -378/-136 region is essential for maximal activation of transcription in response to curcumin in HCT 116 cells. This region includes putative binding sites for transcription factors c-Ets-1, NF-1, GATA-1, ER-α, YY1, and GR-α. ChIP analysis and site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that estrogen receptor α (ER-α) binding site (nucleotides -248/-238) in this region is crucial for hST6GalNAc I gene transcription in response to curcumin stimulation in HCT116 cells. The transcription activity of hST6GalNAc I gene induced by curcumin in HCT116 cells was strongly inhibited by PKC inhibitor (Gö6983) and ERK inhibitor (U0126). These results suggest that curcumin-induced hST6GalNAc I gene expression in HCT116 cells is modulated through PKC/ERKs signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Young An
- Department of Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Health Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Kyoung-Sook Kim
- Department of Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Health Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Jong-Hyun Cho
- Department of Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Health Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Hee-Do Kim
- Molecular and Cellular Glycobiology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, SungKyunKwan University, Kyunggi-Do, South Korea
| | - Cheorl-Ho Kim
- Molecular and Cellular Glycobiology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, SungKyunKwan University, Kyunggi-Do, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Cheorl-Ho Kim, ; Young-Choon Lee,
| | - Young-Choon Lee
- Department of Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Health Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Cheorl-Ho Kim, ; Young-Choon Lee,
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26
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Staaf J, Aine M. Tumor purity adjusted beta values improve biological interpretability of high-dimensional DNA methylation data. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265557. [PMID: 36084090 PMCID: PMC9462735 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A common issue affecting DNA methylation analysis in tumor tissue is the presence of a substantial amount of non-tumor methylation signal derived from the surrounding microenvironment. Although approaches for quantifying and correcting for the infiltration component have been proposed previously, we believe these have not fully addressed the issue in a comprehensive and universally applicable way. We present a multi-population framework for adjusting DNA methylation beta values on the Illumina 450/850K platform using generic purity estimates to account for non-tumor signal. Our approach also provides an indirect estimate of the aggregate methylation state of the surrounding normal tissue. Using whole exome sequencing derived purity estimates and Illumina 450K methylation array data generated by The Cancer Genome Atlas project (TCGA), we provide a demonstration of this framework in breast cancer illustrating the effect of beta correction on the aggregate methylation beta value distribution, clustering accuracy, and global methylation profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Staaf
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Division of Oncology, Lund University, Medicon Village, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mattias Aine
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Division of Oncology, Lund University, Medicon Village, Lund, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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27
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Vulin M, Jehanno C, Sethi A, Correia AL, Obradović MMS, Couto JP, Coissieux MM, Diepenbruck M, Preca BT, Volkmann K, der Maur PA, Schmidt A, Münst S, Sauteur L, Kloc M, Palafox M, Britschgi A, Unterreiner V, Galuba O, Claerr I, Lopez-Romero S, Galli GG, Baeschlin D, Okamoto R, Soysal SD, Mechera R, Weber WP, Radimerski T, Bentires-Alj M. A high-throughput drug screen reveals means to differentiate triple-negative breast cancer. Oncogene 2022; 41:4459-4473. [PMID: 36008466 PMCID: PMC9507968 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02429-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Plasticity delineates cancer subtypes with more or less favourable outcomes. In breast cancer, the subtype triple-negative lacks expression of major differentiation markers, e.g., estrogen receptor α (ERα), and its high cellular plasticity results in greater aggressiveness and poorer prognosis than other subtypes. Whether plasticity itself represents a potential vulnerability of cancer cells is not clear. However, we show here that cancer cell plasticity can be exploited to differentiate triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Using a high-throughput imaging-based reporter drug screen with 9 501 compounds, we have identified three polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibitors as major inducers of ERα protein expression and downstream activity in TNBC cells. PLK1 inhibition upregulates a cell differentiation program characterized by increased DNA damage, mitotic arrest, and ultimately cell death. Furthermore, cells surviving PLK1 inhibition have decreased tumorigenic potential, and targeting PLK1 in already established tumours reduces tumour growth both in cell line- and patient-derived xenograft models. In addition, the upregulation of genes upon PLK1 inhibition correlates with their expression in normal breast tissue and with better overall survival in breast cancer patients. Our results indicate that differentiation therapy based on PLK1 inhibition is a potential alternative strategy to treat TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Vulin
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charly Jehanno
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Atul Sethi
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ana Luísa Correia
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Milan M S Obradović
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joana Pinto Couto
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marie-May Coissieux
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maren Diepenbruck
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bogdan-Tiberius Preca
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Volkmann
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Priska Auf der Maur
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Schmidt
- Proteomics Core Facility, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Simone Münst
- Institute of Pathology and Medical Genetics, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Loïc Sauteur
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michal Kloc
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marta Palafox
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Britschgi
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Olaf Galuba
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Claerr
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Giorgio G Galli
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Ryoko Okamoto
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Savas D Soysal
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Breast Cancer Center, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert Mechera
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Breast Cancer Center, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Walter P Weber
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Breast Cancer Center, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Mohamed Bentires-Alj
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.
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28
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Strillacci A, Sansone P, Rajasekhar VK, Turkekul M, Boyko V, Meng F, Houck-Loomis B, Brown D, Berger MF, Hendrickson RC, Chang Q, de Stanchina E, Pareja F, Reis-Filho JS, Rajappachetty RS, Del Priore I, Liu B, Cai Y, Penson A, Mastroleo C, Berishaj M, Borsetti F, Spisni E, Lyden D, Chandarlapaty S, Bromberg J. ERα-LBD, an isoform of estrogen receptor alpha, promotes breast cancer proliferation and endocrine resistance. NPJ Breast Cancer 2022; 8:96. [PMID: 35999225 PMCID: PMC9399095 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-022-00470-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) drives mammary gland development and breast cancer (BC) growth through an evolutionarily conserved linkage of DNA binding and hormone activation functions. Therapeutic targeting of the hormone binding pocket is a widely utilized and successful strategy for breast cancer prevention and treatment. However, resistance to this endocrine therapy is frequently encountered and may occur through bypass or reactivation of ER-regulated transcriptional programs. We now identify the induction of an ERα isoform, ERα-LBD, that is encoded by an alternative ESR1 transcript and lacks the activation function and DNA binding domains. Despite lacking the transcriptional activity, ERα-LBD is found to promote breast cancer growth and resistance to the ERα antagonist fulvestrant. ERα-LBD is predominantly localized to the cytoplasm and mitochondria of BC cells and leads to enhanced glycolysis, respiration and stem-like features. Intriguingly, ERα-LBD expression and function does not appear to be restricted to cancers that express full length ERα but also promotes growth of triple-negative breast cancers and ERα-LBD transcript (ESR1-LBD) is also present in BC samples from both ERα(+) and ERα(-) human tumors. These findings point to ERα-LBD as a potential mediator of breast cancer progression and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Strillacci
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pasquale Sansone
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Mesruh Turkekul
- Molecular Cytology Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vitaly Boyko
- Molecular Cytology Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fanli Meng
- Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian Houck-Loomis
- Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Brown
- Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael F Berger
- Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ronald C Hendrickson
- Microchemistry and Proteomics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Qing Chang
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fresia Pareja
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jorge S Reis-Filho
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ramya Segu Rajappachetty
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Isabella Del Priore
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yanyan Cai
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alex Penson
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chiara Mastroleo
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marjan Berishaj
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Francesca Borsetti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Enzo Spisni
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - David Lyden
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarat Chandarlapaty
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jacqueline Bromberg
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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29
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Bartoloni S, Leone S, Pescatori S, Cipolletti M, Acconcia F. The antiviral drug telaprevir induces cell death by reducing
FOXA1
expression in estrogen receptor α (
ERα
)‐positive breast cancer cells. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3568-3584. [PMID: 36056637 PMCID: PMC9533686 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we found that telaprevir (Tel), the inhibitor of hepatitis C virus NS3/4A serine protease, reduces estrogen receptor α (ERα) content at the transcriptional level without binding to the receptor, prevents ERα transcriptional activity, and inhibits basal and 17β‐estradiol (E2)‐dependent cell proliferation in different breast cancer (BC) cell lines. Here, we further characterize the Tel action mechanisms on ERα levels and function, identify a possible molecular target of Tel in BC cells, and evaluate Tel as an antiproliferative agent for BC treatment. Tel‐dependent reduction in ERα levels and function depends on a Tel‐dependent decrease in FOXA1 levels and activity. The effect of Tel is transduced by the IGF1‐R/AKT/FOXA1 pathway, with the antiviral compound interacting with IGF1‐R. Tel prevents the proliferation of several BC cell lines, while it does not affect the proliferation of normal nontransformed cell lines, and its antiproliferative effect is correlated with the ratio of FOXA1/IGF1‐R expression. In conclusion, Tel interferes with the IGF1‐R/AKT/FOXA1 pathway and induces cell death in ERα‐expressing BC cells. Thus, we propose that this antiviral could be repurposed for the treatment of ERα‐expressing BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Bartoloni
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology University Roma TRE, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446 I‐00146 Rome Italy
| | - Stefano Leone
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology University Roma TRE, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446 I‐00146 Rome Italy
| | - Sara Pescatori
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology University Roma TRE, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446 I‐00146 Rome Italy
| | - Manuela Cipolletti
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology University Roma TRE, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446 I‐00146 Rome Italy
| | - Filippo Acconcia
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology University Roma TRE, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446 I‐00146 Rome Italy
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30
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Lee MY. Embryonic Programs in Cancer and Metastasis—Insights From the Mammary Gland. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:938625. [PMID: 35846378 PMCID: PMC9277484 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.938625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is characterized as a reversion of a differentiated cell to a primitive cell state that recapitulates, in many aspects, features of embryonic cells. This review explores the current knowledge of developmental mechanisms that are essential for embryonic mouse mammary gland development, with a particular focus on genes and signaling pathway components that are essential for the induction, morphogenesis, and lineage specification of the mammary gland. The roles of these same genes and signaling pathways in mammary gland or breast tumorigenesis and metastasis are then summarized. Strikingly, key embryonic developmental pathways are often reactivated or dysregulated during tumorigenesis and metastasis in processes such as aberrant proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and stem cell potency which affects cellular lineage hierarchy. These observations are in line with findings from recent studies using lineage tracing as well as bulk- and single-cell transcriptomics that have uncovered features of embryonic cells in cancer and metastasis through the identification of cell types, cell states and characterisation of their dynamic changes. Given the many overlapping features and similarities of the molecular signatures of normal development and cancer, embryonic molecular signatures could be useful prognostic markers for cancer. In this way, the study of embryonic development will continue to complement the understanding of the mechanisms of cancer and aid in the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and strategies.
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31
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YAP inhibits ERα and ER + breast cancer growth by disrupting a TEAD-ERα signaling axis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3075. [PMID: 35654829 PMCID: PMC9163075 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30831-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hippo signaling restricts tissue growth by inhibiting the transcriptional effector YAP. Here we uncover a role of Hippo signaling and a tumor suppressor function of YAP in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. We find that inhibition of Hippo/MST1/2 or activation of YAP blocks the ERα transcriptional program and ER+ breast cancer growth. Mechanistically, the Hippo pathway transcription factor TEAD physically interacts with ERα to increase its promoter/enhancer occupancy whereas YAP inhibits ERα/TEAD interaction, decreases ERα occupancy on its target promoters/enhancers, and promotes ERα degradation by the proteasome. Furthermore, YAP inhibits hormone-independent transcription of ERα gene (ESR1). Consistently, high levels of YAP correlate with good prognosis of ER+ breast cancer patients. Finally, we find that pharmacological inhibition of Hippo/MST1/2 impeded tumor growth driven by hormone therapy resistant ERα mutants, suggesting that targeting the Hippo-YAP-TEAD signaling axis could be a potential therapeutical strategy to overcome endocrine therapy resistance conferred by ERα mutants.
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32
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Hayakawa A, Kurokawa T, Kanemoto Y, Sawada T, Mori J, Kato S. Skeletal and gene-regulatory functions of nuclear sex steroid hormone receptors. J Bone Miner Metab 2022; 40:361-374. [PMID: 35076781 DOI: 10.1007/s00774-021-01306-2] [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: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The wide variety of sex hormone actions underlie bone growth and health, and their actions mediate gene regulation by the cognate nuclear receptors. Nuclear androgen and estrogen receptors (AR, and ERα/ERβ) are hormone-dependent and DNA binding- transcription regulatory factors, and gene regulation by sex hormones often accompany with chromatin remodeling under aid of a number of co-regulators. As sex hormone biosynthesis is under highly regulated systemic and local regulations, the skeletal actions of sex hormones could be inferred from only the phenotypic abnormalities in skeleton in mouse genetic models deficient of nuclear receptors selectively in specific types of bone cells as well as at specific cell differentiation stages. Anabolic androgen actions and anti-bone resorptive estrogen actions are discussed here from the phenotypic abnormalities in such model mice. Though rapid gene regulation by sex hormones may not require chromatin reorganization, dynamic chromatin reconfiguration looks to facilitate profound and long-term hormonal actions. In this review, we focus the recent findings in gene regulation at a chromatin level, particularly of the function of enhancer RNAs transcribed from strong enhancers, and in the role of liquid-liquid phase separation state in transcription initiation through chromatin reconfiguration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Hayakawa
- Graduate School of Life Science and Engineering, Iryo Sosei University, 5-5-1, Iino, Chuo-dai, Iwaki, Fukushima, 9708551, Japan
- Research Institute of Innovative Medicine, Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kurokawa
- Graduate School of Life Science and Engineering, Iryo Sosei University, 5-5-1, Iino, Chuo-dai, Iwaki, Fukushima, 9708551, Japan
- Research Institute of Innovative Medicine, Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan
- School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kanemoto
- Graduate School of Life Science and Engineering, Iryo Sosei University, 5-5-1, Iino, Chuo-dai, Iwaki, Fukushima, 9708551, Japan
- Research Institute of Innovative Medicine, Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Takahiro Sawada
- Graduate School of Life Science and Engineering, Iryo Sosei University, 5-5-1, Iino, Chuo-dai, Iwaki, Fukushima, 9708551, Japan
- Research Institute of Innovative Medicine, Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Jinichi Mori
- Graduate School of Life Science and Engineering, Iryo Sosei University, 5-5-1, Iino, Chuo-dai, Iwaki, Fukushima, 9708551, Japan
- Research Institute of Innovative Medicine, Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Hematology, Jyoban Hospital, Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan
- School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Shigeaki Kato
- Graduate School of Life Science and Engineering, Iryo Sosei University, 5-5-1, Iino, Chuo-dai, Iwaki, Fukushima, 9708551, Japan.
- Research Institute of Innovative Medicine, Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan.
- School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
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Willman M, Willman J, Lucke-Wold B. Endocrine resistant breast cancer: brain metastasis. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2022; 3:240-251. [PMID: 35505937 PMCID: PMC9060566 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2022.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine resistant breast cancer metastasis continues to serve as a significant clinical challenge with high morbidity and mortality for patients. As the number of breast cancer cases continues to rise, the rate of brain metastasis has also increased. For single lesions or a large symptomatic lesion with other smaller lesions, surgical resection is a viable option in non-eloquent regions. Stereotactic radiosurgery is a great option for post-operative therapy or for 10 or fewer small lesions (< 3 cm in size). Whole-brain radiation can be used sparingly for large tumor burdens but should encompass hippocampus sparing techniques. Chemotherapy options have remained relatively limited due to decreased permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Emerging monoclonal antibody treatments have offered initial promise, especially for endocrine resistant breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Willman
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0265, USA
| | - Jonathan Willman
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0265, USA
| | - Brandon Lucke-Wold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0265, USA
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Mohammadi Ghahhari N, Sznurkowska MK, Hulo N, Bernasconi L, Aceto N, Picard D. Cooperative interaction between ERα and the EMT-inducer ZEB1 reprograms breast cancer cells for bone metastasis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2104. [PMID: 35440541 PMCID: PMC9018728 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29723-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been proposed to contribute to the metastatic spread of breast cancer cells. EMT-promoting transcription factors determine a continuum of different EMT states. In contrast, estrogen receptor α (ERα) helps to maintain the epithelial phenotype of breast cancer cells and its expression is crucial for effective endocrine therapies. Determining whether and how EMT-associated transcription factors such as ZEB1 modulate ERα signaling during early stages of EMT could promote the discovery of therapeutic approaches to suppress metastasis. Here we show that, shortly after induction of EMT and while cells are still epithelial, ZEB1 modulates ERα-mediated transcription induced by estrogen or cAMP signaling in breast cancer cells. Based on these findings and our ex vivo and xenograft results, we suggest that the functional interaction between ZEB1 and ERα may alter the tissue tropism of metastatic breast cancer cells towards bone. The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is important in the metastatic spread of cancer cells. Here, the authors show that the EMT transcription factor, ZEB1, can modify estrogen receptor α during EMT and facilitate the migration of breast cancer cells to the bone
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magdalena K Sznurkowska
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Hulo
- Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, Université de Genève, 1211, Genève 4, Switzerland
| | - Lilia Bernasconi
- Département de Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Genève, Sciences III, 1211, Genève 4, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Aceto
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Didier Picard
- Département de Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Genève, Sciences III, 1211, Genève 4, Switzerland.
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Tsoi H, You CP, Leung MH, Man EPS, Khoo US. Targeting Ribosome Biogenesis to Combat Tamoxifen Resistance in ER+ve Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051251. [PMID: 35267559 PMCID: PMC8909264 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Resistance to tamoxifen treatment is an obstacle for ER+ve breast cancer therapy. The overexpression of c-MYC is a known driver of cancer progression and is associated with tamoxifen resistance. Through mediating the up-regulation of ribosome biogenesis and alteration of the transcriptome, c-MYC modulates the translation profile to facilitate the development of tamoxifen resistance. c-MYC is, however, undruggable. Thus, targeting downstream mechanisms mediated by c-MYC might be a more feasible approach. Studies have demonstrated that inhibition of ribosome biogenesis can achieve tumour suppression. Targeting ribosome biogenesis may thus be a feasible strategy to reverse tamoxifen resistance. This article reviews the current evidence to support the feasibility of suppressing ribosome biogenesis to reverse tamoxifen resistance in ER+ve breast cancer. Abstract Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease. Around 70% of breast cancers are estrogen receptor-positive (ER+ve), with tamoxifen being most commonly used as an adjuvant treatment to prevent recurrence and metastasis. However, half of the patients will eventually develop tamoxifen resistance. The overexpression of c-MYC can drive the development of ER+ve breast cancer and confer tamoxifen resistance through multiple pathways. One key mechanism is to enhance ribosome biogenesis, synthesising mature ribosomes. The over-production of ribosomes sustains the demand for proteins necessary to maintain a high cell proliferation rate and combat apoptosis induced by therapeutic agents. c-MYC overexpression can induce the expression of eIF4E that favours the translation of structured mRNA to produce oncogenic factors that promote cell proliferation and confer tamoxifen resistance. Either non-phosphorylated or phosphorylated eIF4E can mediate such an effect. Since ribosomes play an essential role in c-MYC-mediated cancer development, suppressing ribosome biogenesis may help reduce aggressiveness and reverse tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer. CX-5461, CX-3543 and haemanthamine have been shown to repress ribosome biogenesis. Using these chemicals might help reverse tamoxifen resistance in ER+ve breast cancer, provided that c-MYC-mediated ribosome biogenesis is the crucial factor for tamoxifen resistance. To employ these ribosome biogenesis inhibitors to combat tamoxifen resistance in the future, identification of predictive markers will be necessary.
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Wright EB, Lannigan DA. ERK1/2‐RSK regulation of oestrogen homeostasis. FEBS J 2022; 290:1943-1953. [PMID: 35176205 PMCID: PMC9381647 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms regulating oestrogen homeostasis have been primarily studied in the mammary gland, which is the focus of this review. In the non-pregnant adult, the mammary gland undergoes repeated cycles of proliferation and apoptosis in response to the fluctuating levels of oestrogen that occur during the reproductive stage. Oestrogen actions are mediated through the steroid hormone receptors, oestrogen receptor α and β and through a G-protein coupled receptor. In the mammary gland, ERα is of particular importance and thus will be highlighted. Mechanisms regulating oestrogen-induced responses through ERα are necessary to maintain homeostasis given that the signalling pathways that are activated in response to ERα-mediated transcription can also induce transformation. ERK1/2 and its downstream effector, p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK), control homeostasis in the mammary gland by limiting oestrogen-mediated ERα responsiveness. ERK1/2 drives degradation coupled ERα-mediated transcription, whereas RSK2 acts as a negative regulator of ERK1/2 activity to limit oestrogen responsiveness. Moreover, RSK2 acts as a positive regulator of translation. Thus, RSK2 provides both positive and negative signals to maintain oestrogen responsiveness. In addition to transmitting signals through tyrosine kinase receptors, ERK1/2-RSK engages with hedgehog signalling to maintain oestrogen levels and with the HIPPO pathway to regulate ERα-mediated transcription. Additionally, ERK1/2-RSK controls the progenitor populations within the mammary gland to maintain the ERα-positive population. RSK2 is involved in increased breast cancer risk in individuals taking oral contraceptives and in parity-induced protection against breast cancer. RSK2 and ERα may also co-operate in diseases in tissues outside of the mammary gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric B. Wright
- Biomedical Engineering Vanderbilt University Nashville TN USA
| | - Deborah A. Lannigan
- Biomedical Engineering Vanderbilt University Nashville TN USA
- Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville TN USA
- Cell and Developmental Biology Vanderbilt University Nashville TN USA
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Vafeiadou V, Hany D, Picard D. Hyperactivation of MAPK Induces Tamoxifen Resistance in SPRED2-Deficient ERα-Positive Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040954. [PMID: 35205702 PMCID: PMC8870665 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tamoxifen has been used for more than 40 years to treat breast tumors that are dependent on the hormone estrogen for their growth. However, resistance and recurrence of the tumors during the course of the treatment are common. Understanding the mechanisms that drive tamoxifen resistance and discovering new biomarkers for early detection are keys for designing appropriate personalized therapies. Here, we show that low levels of SPRED2 may be useful as a novel biomarker of tamoxifen resistance. We found that SPRED2 deficiency causes a hyperactivation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) ERK1/ERK2, which in turn enhances estrogen signaling and diminishes the toxic effects of tamoxifen on breast cancer cells. Treatment with the ERK1/2 inhibitor, ulixertinib, could restore their sensitivity to tamoxifen. Therefore, we propose that patients with estrogen-dependent breast cancer characterized by low expression levels of SPRED2 may be candidates for a combination therapy with tamoxifen and ulixertinib. Abstract Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Most breast tumors depend on the expression of the estrogen receptor α (ERα) for their growth. For this reason, targeting ERα with antagonists such as tamoxifen is the therapy of choice for most patients. Although initially responsive to tamoxifen, about 40% of the patients will develop resistance and ultimately a recurrence of the disease. Thus, finding new biomarkers and therapeutic approaches to treatment-resistant tumors is of high significance. SPRED2, an inhibitor of the MAPK signal transduction pathway, has been found to be downregulated in various cancers. In the present study, we found that SPRED2 is downregulated in a large proportion of breast-cancer patients. Moreover, the knockdown of SPRED2 significantly increases cell proliferation and leads to tamoxifen resistance of breast-cancer cells that are initially tamoxifen-sensitive. We found that resistance occurs through increased activation of the MAPKs ERK1/ERK2, which enhances the transcriptional activity of ERα. Treatment of SPRED2-deficient breast cancer cells with a combination of the ERK 1/2 inhibitor ulixertinib and 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) can inhibit cell growth and proliferation and overcome the induced tamoxifen resistance. Taken together, these results indicate that SPRED2 may also be a tumor suppressor for breast cancer and that it is a key regulator of cellular sensitivity to 4-OHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Vafeiadou
- Département de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Genève, Sciences III, 1211 Genève 4, Switzerland; (V.V.); (D.H.)
| | - Dina Hany
- Département de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Genève, Sciences III, 1211 Genève 4, Switzerland; (V.V.); (D.H.)
- On leave from: Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria 21311, Egypt
| | - Didier Picard
- Département de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Genève, Sciences III, 1211 Genève 4, Switzerland; (V.V.); (D.H.)
- Correspondence:
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Hühn D, Martí‐Rodrigo P, Mouron S, Hansel C, Tschapalda K, Porebski B, Häggblad M, Lidemalm L, Quintela‐Fandino M, Carreras‐Puigvert J, Fernandez‐Capetillo O. Prolonged estrogen deprivation triggers a broad immunosuppressive phenotype in breast cancer cells. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:148-165. [PMID: 34392603 PMCID: PMC8732350 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Among others, expression levels of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) have been explored as biomarkers of the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer therapy. Here, we present the results of a chemical screen that interrogated how medically approved drugs influence PD-L1 expression. As expected, corticosteroids and inhibitors of Janus kinases were among the top PD-L1 downregulators. In addition, we identified that PD-L1 expression is induced by antiestrogenic compounds. Transcriptomic analyses indicate that chronic estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) inhibition triggers a broad immunosuppressive program in ER-positive breast cancer cells, which is subsequent to their growth arrest and involves the activation of multiple immune checkpoints together with the silencing of the antigen-presenting machinery. Accordingly, estrogen-deprived MCF7 cells are resistant to T-cell-mediated cell killing, in a manner that is independent of PD-L1, but which is reverted by estradiol. Our study reveals that while antiestrogen therapies efficiently limit the growth of ER-positive breast cancer cells, they concomitantly trigger a transcriptional program that favors their immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Hühn
- Science for Life LaboratoryDivision of Genome BiologyDepartment of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
| | - Pablo Martí‐Rodrigo
- Science for Life LaboratoryDivision of Genome BiologyDepartment of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
| | - Silvana Mouron
- Breast Cancer Clinical Research UnitSpanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO)MadridSpain
| | - Catherine Hansel
- Science for Life LaboratoryDivision of Genome BiologyDepartment of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
| | - Kirsten Tschapalda
- Science for Life LaboratoryDivision of Genome BiologyDepartment of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
| | - Bartlomiej Porebski
- Science for Life LaboratoryDivision of Genome BiologyDepartment of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
| | - Maria Häggblad
- Science for Life LaboratoryDivision of Genome BiologyDepartment of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
| | - Louise Lidemalm
- Science for Life LaboratoryDivision of Genome BiologyDepartment of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
| | - Miguel Quintela‐Fandino
- Breast Cancer Clinical Research UnitSpanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO)MadridSpain
| | - Jordi Carreras‐Puigvert
- Science for Life LaboratoryDivision of Genome BiologyDepartment of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
| | - Oscar Fernandez‐Capetillo
- Science for Life LaboratoryDivision of Genome BiologyDepartment of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
- Genomic Instability GroupSpanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO)MadridSpain
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Patel JM, Jeselsohn RM. Estrogen Receptor Alpha and ESR1 Mutations in Breast Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1390:171-194. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-11836-4_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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40
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Jafari SH, Jahanmir A, Bahramvand Y, Tahmasebi S, Dallaki M, Nasrollahi E. Association of Estrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor, and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Expression with Breast Cancer Metastasis in Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 47:40-47. [PMID: 35017776 PMCID: PMC8743368 DOI: 10.30476/ijms.2021.88366.1906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis is an important factor in the survival estimate of patients with breast cancer. The present study aimed to examine the frequency of epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) expression in relation to the metastatic site, pattern, and tumor size in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). METHODS In this retrospective study, the medical records of patients diagnosed with MBC at Motahari Clinic (Shiraz, Iran) during 2017-2019 were examined. Metastasis was confirmed using computed tomography, and a total of 276 patients were included in the study. Based on the expression of receptors, the patients were categorized into luminal A, luminal B, HER2, and TNBC groups. The frequency and percentage of receptors in relation to the metastatic site, size, and pattern were compared using the Chi square test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The frequency of receptor positivity in the 276 selected medical records were of the subtype HER2-enriched (n=48), luminal A (n=43), luminal B (n=146), and TNBC (n=39). The most common metastatic sites were the bones (47.1%), lungs (34.4%), liver (27.9%), brain (20.3%), and other organs (12.7%). The first site of metastasis occurred in the bones (36.6%), lungs (17.4%), liver (15.6%), brain (10.5%), and other organs (7.6%). The frequency of receptor expression was different in relation to the first metastatic site (P=0.024). There was a statistically significant difference between the frequency of receptor expression in patients with bone (P=0.036), brain (P=0.031), and lung (P=0.020) metastases. The frequency of receptor expression was also significantly different in relation to the size of liver metastasis (P=0.009). Luminal A and B subtypes showed higher rates of bone metastasis as the first metastatic site. CONCLUSION The difference in the frequency of receptor expression in relation to the metastatic site and tumor size can be used as predictive and prognostic factors in patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Hamed Jafari
- Medical Imaging Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,
Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Armaghan Jahanmir
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Yaser Bahramvand
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Tahmasebi
- Breast Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Manoochehr Dallaki
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elham Nasrollahi
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Vincristine-doxorubicin co-loaded artificial low-density lipoproteins towards solid tumours. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113802. [PMID: 34543934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
To construct an artificial low-density lipoprotein (aLDL) that highly mimics low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in vivo, and deliver vincristine (VCR) - doxorubicin (DOX) simultaneously, the 100 nm and 35 nm DOX-VCR-aLDLs (DV-aLDLs) were constructed, then the physicochemical characteristics were evaluated. Through in vitro inverse gravity diffusion experiment, the tumour cake and sphere model experiment, draw a conclusion that the diffusion of 35 nm DV-aLDLs was stronger than 100 nm DV-aLDLs, and the tumour retention of 35 nm DV-aLDLs was better than the DV-solution. In addition, the three-dimension (3D) in vivo distribution imaging of aLDLs was performed on HepG-2 tumour-bearing nude mice, followed by the biodistribution and therapeutic efficacy on these xenograft models. Taking advantage of better diffusion capacity in tumour tissue, as well as the synergistic effect of VCR and DOX, the 35 nm DV-aLDL had the strongest efficacy and the lowest toxicity. High entrapment efficiency and stability, both active and passive targeting, making aLDL a potential carrier for tumour-targeted therapy at the same time.
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Tang S, Zhang Z, Oakley RH, Li W, He W, Xu X, Ji M, Xu Q, Chen L, Wellman AS, Li Q, Li L, Li JL, Li X, Cidlowski JA, Li X. Intestinal epithelial glucocorticoid receptor promotes chronic inflammation-associated colorectal cancer. JCI Insight 2021; 6:151815. [PMID: 34784298 PMCID: PMC8783679 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.151815] [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: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic immunosuppressive glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used to control inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the impact of GC signaling on intestinal tumorigenesis remains controversial. Here, we report that intestinal epithelial GC receptor (GR), but not whole intestinal tissue GR, promoted chronic intestinal inflammation-associated colorectal cancer in both humans and mice. In patients with colorectal cancer, GR was enriched in intestinal epithelial cells and high epithelial cell GR levels were associated with poor prognosis. Consistently, intestinal epithelium–specific deletion of GR (GR iKO) in mice increased macrophage infiltration, improved tissue recovery, and enhanced antitumor response in a chronic inflammation–associated colorectal cancer model. Consequently, GR iKO mice developed fewer and less advanced tumors than control mice. Furthermore, oral GC administration in the early phase of tissue injury delayed recovery and accelerated the formation of aggressive colorectal cancers. Our study reveals that intestinal epithelial GR signaling repressed acute colitis but promoted chronic inflammation–associated colorectal cancer. Our study suggests that colorectal epithelial GR could serve as a predictive marker for colorectal cancer risk and prognosis. Our findings further suggest that, although synthetic GC treatment for IBD should be used with caution, there is a therapeutic window for GC therapy during colorectal cancer development in immunocompetent patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Tang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhan Zhang
- Central for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Wenling Li
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, United States of America
| | - Weijing He
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojiang Xu
- Integrated Bioinformatics, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, United States of America
| | - Ming Ji
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, United States of America
| | - Qing Xu
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, United States of America
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Alicia S Wellman
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, United States of America
| | - Qingguo Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Leping Li
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, United States of America
| | - Jian-Liang Li
- NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, United States of America
| | - Xinxiang Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - John A Cidlowski
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, United States of America
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, United States of America
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Longo UG, Mazzola A, Carotti S, Francesconi M, Catapano S, Magrì F, Perrone G, Morini S, De Salvatore S, Denaro V. The role of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the rotator cuff disease: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:891. [PMID: 34670550 PMCID: PMC8529750 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04778-5] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rotator cuff (RC) tears represent a common cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in adults. The disease affects primarily women and occurs mainly in the postmenopausal period. This study aimed to investigate immunohistochemically the presence of estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-⍺), estrogen receptor-beta (ER-β) and progesterone receptor (PR) in the supraspinatus tendon of patients with RC tendinopathy, searching for gender differences of expression. A secondary aim was to evaluate potential links between their expression and the typical histopathological findings of the ailment. Methods Biopsies of the supraspinatus tendon were collected intraoperatively from 15 postmenopausal women and 9 men undergoing RC surgery. Specimens were stained with Haematoxylin/Eosin, Masson-Goldner Trichrome, Alcian Blu and immunohistochemical stainings for ER-⍺, ER-β and PR were performed. Tendon alterations were evaluated with the Bonar histopathological scale. Statistical tests used in this study were the Spearman correlation coefficient and the Mann-Whitney U test. Results In the supraspinatus tendon, cells expressed ER-⍺ (p = 0.043), ER-β (p = 0.048) and PR (p = 0.004) with statistically significant differences related to age and sex of patients. Immunoreactivity was seen in the nuclei of tenocytes and vascular cells. Postmenopausal women’s samples showed a markedly higher expression of these receptors compared to their male counterpart. There was a positive correlation between the expression of ER-⍺ and ER-β (r = 0.59; p = 0.02) and between ER-β and PR (r = 0.72; p = 0.002) in women’s samples. Furthermore, in postmenopausal women the PR expression decreased with age (r = − 0.56; p = 0.027). Only in women, the ER-β expression positively correlated with the total Bonar histopathological score (p = 0.019) and the ER-β vascular expression positively correlated with ground substance alterations (p = 0.029). Conclusions These results reveal that ERs and PR are present in the supraspinatus tendon of patients with RC tears, suggesting a role of sex hormones in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umile Giuseppe Longo
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, Trigoria, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Mazzola
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, Trigoria, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Carotti
- Unit of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Francesconi
- Unit of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Catapano
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, Trigoria, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Magrì
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, Trigoria, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Perrone
- Department of Human Pathology, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Morini
- Unit of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio De Salvatore
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, Trigoria, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Denaro
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, Trigoria, 00128, Rome, Italy
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Kumar S, Freelander A, Lim E. Type 1 Nuclear Receptor Activity in Breast Cancer: Translating Preclinical Insights to the Clinic. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4972. [PMID: 34638457 PMCID: PMC8507977 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear receptor (NR) family of transcription factors is intimately associated with the development, progression and treatment of breast cancer. They are used diagnostically and prognostically, and crosstalk between nuclear receptor pathways and growth factor signalling has been demonstrated in all major subtypes of breast cancer. The majority of breast cancers are driven by estrogen receptor α (ER), and anti-estrogenic therapies remain the backbone of treatment, leading to clinically impactful improvements in patient outcomes. This serves as a blueprint for the development of therapies targeting other nuclear receptors. More recently, pivotal findings into modulating the progesterone (PR) and androgen receptors (AR), with accompanying mechanistic insights into NR crosstalk and interactions with other proliferative pathways, have led to clinical trials in all of the major breast cancer subtypes. A growing body of evidence now supports targeting other Type 1 nuclear receptors such as the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), as well as Type 2 NRs such as the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Here, we reviewed the existing preclinical insights into nuclear receptor activity in breast cancer, with a focus on Type 1 NRs. We also discussed the potential to translate these findings into improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev Kumar
- Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia; (A.F.); (E.L.)
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia
| | - Allegra Freelander
- Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia; (A.F.); (E.L.)
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia
| | - Elgene Lim
- Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia; (A.F.); (E.L.)
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia
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Hussein S, Khanna P, Yunus N, Gatza ML. Nuclear Receptor-Mediated Metabolic Reprogramming and the Impact on HR+ Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194808. [PMID: 34638293 PMCID: PMC8508306 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed and second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women in the United States, with hormone receptor positive (HR+) tumors representing more than two-thirds of new cases. Recent evidence has indicated that dysregulation of multiple metabolic programs, which can be driven through nuclear receptor activity, is essential for tumor genesis, progression, therapeutic resistance and metastasis. This study will review the current advances in our understanding of the impact and implication of altered metabolic processes driven by nuclear receptors, including hormone-dependent signaling, on HR+ breast cancer. Abstract Metabolic reprogramming enables cancer cells to adapt to the changing microenvironment in order to maintain metabolic energy and to provide the necessary biological macromolecules required for cell growth and tumor progression. While changes in tumor metabolism have been long recognized as a hallmark of cancer, recent advances have begun to delineate the mechanisms that modulate metabolic pathways and the consequence of altered signaling on tumorigenesis. This is particularly evident in hormone receptor positive (HR+) breast cancers which account for approximately 70% of breast cancer cases. Emerging evidence indicates that HR+ breast tumors are dependent on multiple metabolic processes for tumor progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance and that changes in metabolic programs are driven, in part, by a number of key nuclear receptors including hormone-dependent signaling. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and impact of hormone receptor mediated metabolic reprogramming on HR+ breast cancer genesis and progression as well as the therapeutic implications of these metabolic processes in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa Hussein
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA; (S.H.); (P.K.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Pooja Khanna
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA; (S.H.); (P.K.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA;
| | - Neha Yunus
- School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA;
| | - Michael L. Gatza
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA; (S.H.); (P.K.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-732-235-8751
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Dimauro I, Grazioli E, Antinozzi C, Duranti G, Arminio A, Mancini A, Greco EA, Caporossi D, Parisi A, Di Luigi L. Estrogen-Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women: The Role of Body Composition and Physical Exercise. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9834. [PMID: 34574758 PMCID: PMC8467802 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide and the most common cause of cancer-related death. To date, it is still a challenge to estimate the magnitude of the clinical impact of physical activity (PA) on those parameters producing significative changes in future BC risk and disease progression. However, studies conducted in recent years highlight the role of PA not only as a protective factor for the development of ER+ breast cancer but, more generally, as a useful tool in the management of BC treatment as an adjuvant to traditional therapies. In this review, we focused our attention on data obtained from human studies analyzing, at each level of disease prevention (i.e., primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary), the positive impact of PA/exercise in ER+ BC, a subtype representing approximately 70% of all BC diagnoses. Moreover, given the importance of estrogen receptors and body composition (i.e., adipose tissue) in this subtype of BC, an overview of their role will also be made throughout this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Dimauro
- Unit of Biology and Genetics of Movement, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Piazza Lauro de Bosis 15, 00135 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elisa Grazioli
- Unit of Physical Exercise and Sport Sciences, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Piazza Lauro de Bosis 15, 00135 Rome, Italy; (E.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Cristina Antinozzi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Piazza Lauro de Bosis 15, 00135 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (A.A.); (E.A.G.); (L.D.L.)
| | - Guglielmo Duranti
- Unit of Biocheminstry and Molecular Biology, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Piazza Lauro de Bosis 15, 00135 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessia Arminio
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Piazza Lauro de Bosis 15, 00135 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (A.A.); (E.A.G.); (L.D.L.)
| | - Annamaria Mancini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere (DISMeB), Università Degli Studi di Napoli “Parthenope”, Via F. Acton, 38, 80133 Naples, Italy;
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.ar.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 482, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela A. Greco
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Piazza Lauro de Bosis 15, 00135 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (A.A.); (E.A.G.); (L.D.L.)
- Department of Health Science, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Daniela Caporossi
- Unit of Biology and Genetics of Movement, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Piazza Lauro de Bosis 15, 00135 Rome, Italy;
| | - Attilio Parisi
- Unit of Physical Exercise and Sport Sciences, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Piazza Lauro de Bosis 15, 00135 Rome, Italy; (E.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Luigi Di Luigi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Piazza Lauro de Bosis 15, 00135 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (A.A.); (E.A.G.); (L.D.L.)
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Altwegg KA, Vadlamudi RK. Role of estrogen receptor coregulators in endocrine resistant breast cancer. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2021; 2:385-400. [PMID: 34528025 PMCID: PMC8439438 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2021.00052] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most ubiquitous cancer in women. Approximately 70–80% of BC diagnoses are positive for estrogen receptor (ER) alpha (ERα). The steroid hormone estrogen [17β-estradiol (E2)] plays a vital role both in the initiation and progression of BC. The E2-ERα mediated actions involve genomic signaling and non-genomic signaling. The specificity and magnitude of ERα signaling are mediated by interactions between ERα and several coregulator proteins called coactivators or corepressors. Alterations in the levels of coregulators are common during BC progression and they enhance ligand-dependent and ligand-independent ERα signaling which drives BC growth, progression, and endocrine therapy resistance. Many ERα coregulator proteins function as scaffolding proteins and some have intrinsic or associated enzymatic activities, thus the targeting of coregulators for blocking BC progression is a challenging task. Emerging data from in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that targeting coregulators to inhibit BC progression to therapy resistance is feasible. This review explores the current state of ERα coregulator signaling and the utility of targeting the ERα coregulator axis in treating advanced BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin A Altwegg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Ratna K Vadlamudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Varty K, O’Brien C, Ignaszak A. Breast Cancer Aptamers: Current Sensing Targets, Available Aptamers, and Their Evaluation for Clinical Use in Diagnostics. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13163984. [PMID: 34439139 PMCID: PMC8391819 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13163984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women worldwide, and the rate of diagnosis continues to increase. Early detection and targeted treatment towards histological type is crucial to improving outcomes, but current screening methods leave some patients at risk of late diagnosis. The risk of late diagnosis and progressed disease is of particular concern for young women as current screening methods are not recommended early in life. Aptamers are oligonucleotides that can bind with high specificity to target molecules such as proteins, peptides, and other small molecules. They are relatively cheap to produce and are invariable from batch to batch, making them ideal for use in large-scale clinical or screening programs. The use of aptamers for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and therapeutics is promising, but comparison of these aptamers and their corresponding biomarkers for use in breast cancer is significantly lacking. Here, we compare the currently available aptamers for breast cancer biomarkers and their respective biomarkers, as well as highlight the electrochemical sensors that are in development.
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Schuler LA, Murdoch FE. Endogenous and Therapeutic Estrogens: Maestro Conductors of the Microenvironment of ER+ Breast Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153725. [PMID: 34359625 PMCID: PMC8345134 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) marks heterogeneous breast cancers which display a repertoire of somatic genomic mutations and an immune environment that differs from other breast cancer subtypes. These cancers also exhibit distinct biological behaviors; despite an overall better prognosis than HER2+ or triple negative breast cancers, disseminated dormant cells can lead to disease recurrence decades after the initial diagnosis and treatment. Estrogen is the best studied driver of these cancers, and antagonism or reduction of estrogen activity is the cornerstone of therapeutic approaches. In addition to reducing proliferation of ERα+ cancer cells, these treatments also alter signals to multiple other target cells in the environment, including immune cell subpopulations, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and endothelial cells via several distinct estrogen receptors. In this review, we update progress in our understanding of the stromal cells populating the microenvironments of primary and metastatic ER+ tumors, the effects of estrogen on tumor and stromal cells to modulate immune activity and the extracellular matrix, and net outcomes in experimental and clinical studies. We highlight new approaches that will illuminate the unique biology of these cancers, provide the foundation for developing new treatment and prevention strategies, and reduce mortality of this disease.
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Paakinaho V, Palvimo JJ. Genome-wide crosstalk between steroid receptors in breast and prostate cancers. Endocr Relat Cancer 2021; 28:R231-R250. [PMID: 34137734 PMCID: PMC8345902 DOI: 10.1530/erc-21-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Steroid receptors (SRs) constitute an important class of signal-dependent transcription factors (TFs). They regulate a variety of key biological processes and are crucial drug targets in many disease states. In particular, estrogen (ER) and androgen receptors (AR) drive the development and progression of breast and prostate cancer, respectively. Thus, they represent the main specific drug targets in these diseases. Recent evidence has suggested that the crosstalk between signal-dependent TFs is an important step in the reprogramming of chromatin sites; a signal-activated TF can expand or restrict the chromatin binding of another TF. This crosstalk can rewire gene programs and thus alter biological processes and influence the progression of disease. Lately, it has been postulated that there may be an important crosstalk between the AR and the ER with other SRs. Especially, progesterone (PR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) can reprogram chromatin binding of ER and gene programs in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, GR can take the place of AR in antiandrogen-resistant prostate cancer cells. Here, we review the current knowledge of the crosstalk between SRs in breast and prostate cancers. We emphasize how the activity of ER and AR on chromatin can be modulated by other SRs on a genome-wide scale. We also highlight the knowledge gaps in the interplay of SRs and their complex interactions with other signaling pathways and suggest how to experimentally fill in these gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ville Paakinaho
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jorma J Palvimo
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Correspondence should be addressed to J J Palvimo:
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