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Lilly AC, Astsaturov I, Golemis EA. Intrapancreatic fat, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:206. [PMID: 37452870 PMCID: PMC10349727 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04855-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is typically detected at an advanced stage, and is refractory to most forms of treatment, contributing to poor survival outcomes. The incidence of pancreatic cancer is gradually increasing, linked to an aging population and increasing rates of obesity and pancreatitis, which are risk factors for this cancer. Sources of risk include adipokine signaling from fat cells throughout the body, elevated levels of intrapancreatic intrapancreatic adipocytes (IPAs), inflammatory signals arising from pancreas-infiltrating immune cells and a fibrotic environment induced by recurring cycles of pancreatic obstruction and acinar cell lysis. Once cancers become established, reorganization of pancreatic tissue typically excludes IPAs from the tumor microenvironment, which instead consists of cancer cells embedded in a specialized microenvironment derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). While cancer cell interactions with CAFs and immune cells have been the topic of much investigation, mechanistic studies of the source and function of IPAs in the pre-cancerous niche are much less developed. Intriguingly, an extensive review of studies addressing the accumulation and activity of IPAs in the pancreas reveals that unexpectedly diverse group of factors cause replacement of acinar tissue with IPAs, particularly in the mouse models that are essential tools for research into pancreatic cancer. Genes implicated in regulation of IPA accumulation include KRAS, MYC, TGF-β, periostin, HNF1, and regulators of ductal ciliation and ER stress, among others. These findings emphasize the importance of studying pancreas-damaging factors in the pre-cancerous environment, and have significant implications for the interpretation of data from mouse models for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Lilly
- Program in Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
- Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics (MCBG) Program, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Igor Astsaturov
- Program in Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
- The Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Erica A Golemis
- Program in Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA.
- Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
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2
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Malinova A, Veghini L, Real FX, Corbo V. Cell Lineage Infidelity in PDAC Progression and Therapy Resistance. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:795251. [PMID: 34926472 PMCID: PMC8675127 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.795251] [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: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Infidelity to cell fate occurs when differentiated cells lose their original identity and either revert to a more multipotent state or transdifferentiate into a different cell type, either within the same embryonic lineage or in an entirely different one. Whilst in certain circumstances, such as in wound repair, this process is beneficial, it can be hijacked by cancer cells to drive disease initiation and progression. Cell phenotype switching has been shown to also serve as a mechanism of drug resistance in some epithelial cancers. In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the role of lineage infidelity and phenotype switching is still unclear. Two consensus molecular subtypes of PDAC have been proposed that mainly reflect the existence of cell lineages with different degrees of fidelity to pancreatic endodermal precursors. Indeed, the classical subtype of PDAC is characterised by the expression of endodermal lineage specifying transcription factors, while the more aggressive basal-like/squamous subtype is defined by epigenetic downregulation of endodermal genes and alterations in chromatin modifiers. Here, we summarise the current knowledge of mechanisms (genetic and epigenetic) of cell fate switching in PDAC and discuss how pancreatic organoids might help increase our understanding of both cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors governing lineage infidelity during the distinct phases of PDAC evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Malinova
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lisa Veghini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francisco X. Real
- Epithelial Carcinogenesis Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
- Department de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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3
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Zhao R, Liu Y, Wu C, Li M, Wei Y, Niu W, Yang J, Fan S, Xie Y, Li H, Wang W, Zeng Z, Xiong W, Li X, Li G, Zhou M. BRD7 Promotes Cell Proliferation and Tumor Growth Through Stabilization of c-Myc in Colorectal Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:659392. [PMID: 34109174 PMCID: PMC8181413 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.659392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BRD7 functions as a crucial tumor suppressor in numerous malignancies. However, the effects of BRD7 on colorectal cancer (CRC) progression are still unknown. Here, based on the BRD7 knockout (BRD7-/-) and BRD7 flox/flox (BRD7+/+) mouse models constructed in our previous work, we established an azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS)-induced mouse model. BRD7+/+ mice were found to be highly susceptible to AOM/DSS-induced colitis-associated CRC, and BRD7 significantly promoted cell proliferation and cell cycle G1/S transition but showed no significant effect on cell apoptosis. Furthermore, BRD7 interacted with c-Myc and stabilized c-Myc by inhibiting its ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent degradation. Moreover, restoring the expression of c-Myc in BRD7-silenced CRC cells restored cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. In addition, BRD7 and c-Myc were both significantly upregulated in CRC patients, and high expression of these proteins was associated with clinical stage and poor prognosis in CRC patients. Collectively, BRD7 functions as an oncogene and promotes CRC progression by regulating the ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent stabilization of c-Myc protein. Targeting the BRD7/c-Myc axis could be a potential therapeutic strategy for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yukun Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Chunchun Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mengna Li
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanmei Wei
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weihong Niu
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Songqing Fan
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Xie
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Rodríguez Gil Y, Jiménez Sánchez P, Muñoz Velasco R, García García A, Sánchez-Arévalo Lobo VJ. Molecular Alterations in Pancreatic Cancer: Transfer to the Clinic. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2077. [PMID: 33669845 PMCID: PMC7923218 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is the most common cancer of the exocrine pancreas and probably the tumor that has benefited the least from clinical progress in the last three decades. A consensus has been reached regarding the histologic classification of the ductal preneoplastic lesions (pancreatic intra-epithelial neoplasia-PanIN) and the molecular alterations associated with them. Mutations in KRAS and inactivation of CDKN2A, SMAD4 and TP53 are among the most prevalent alterations. Next generation sequencing studies are providing a broad picture of the enormous heterogeneity in this tumor type, describing new mutations less prevalent. These studies have also allowed the characterization of different subtypes with prognostic value. However, all this knowledge has not been translated into a clinical progress. Effective preventive and early diagnostic strategies are essential to improve the survival rates. The main challenge is, indeed, to identify new effective drugs. Despite many years of research and its limited success, gemcitabine is still the first line treatment of PDA. New drug combinations and new concepts to improve drug delivery into the tumor, as well as the development of preclinical predictive assays, are being explored and provide optimism and prospects for better therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Rodríguez Gil
- Pathology Department, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, (Spain), Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Paula Jiménez Sánchez
- Molecular Oncology Group, Biosanitary Research Institute, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV), Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain; (P.J.S.); (R.M.V.); (A.G.G.)
| | - Raúl Muñoz Velasco
- Molecular Oncology Group, Biosanitary Research Institute, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV), Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain; (P.J.S.); (R.M.V.); (A.G.G.)
| | - Ana García García
- Molecular Oncology Group, Biosanitary Research Institute, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV), Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain; (P.J.S.); (R.M.V.); (A.G.G.)
| | - Víctor Javier Sánchez-Arévalo Lobo
- Pathology Department, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, (Spain), Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain;
- Molecular Oncology Group, Biosanitary Research Institute, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV), Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain; (P.J.S.); (R.M.V.); (A.G.G.)
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5
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Niu N, Lu P, Yang Y, He R, Zhang L, Shi J, Wu J, Yang M, Zhang ZG, Wang LW, Gao WQ, Habtezion A, Xiao GG, Sun Y, Li L, Xue J. Loss of Setd2 promotes Kras-induced acinar-to-ductal metaplasia and epithelia-mesenchymal transition during pancreatic carcinogenesis. Gut 2020; 69:715-726. [PMID: 31300513 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2019-318362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE SETD2, the sole histone H3K36 trimethyltransferase, is frequently mutated or deleted in human cancer, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, whether SETD2/H3K36me3 alteration results in PDAC remains largely unknown. DESIGN TCGA(PAAD) public database and PDAC tissue array with SETD2/H3K36me3 staining were used to investigate the clinical relevance of SETD2 in PDAC. Furthermore, to define the role of SETD2 in the carcinogenesis of PDAC, we crossed conditional Setd2 knockout mice (PdxcreSetd2flox/flox) together with KrasG12D mice. Moreover, to examine the role of SETD2 after ductal metaplasia, Crisp/cas9 was used to deplete Setd2 in PDAC cells. RNA-seq and H3K36me3 ChIP-seq were performed to uncover the mechanism. RESULTS SETD2 mutant/low expression was correlated with poor prognosis in patients with PDAC. Next, we found that Setd2 acted as a putative tumour suppressor in Kras-driven pancreatic carcinogenesis. Mechanistically, Setd2 loss in acinar cells facilitated Kras-induced acinar-to-ductal reprogramming, mainly through epigenetic dysregulation of Fbxw7. Moreover, Setd2 ablation in pancreatic cancer cells enhanced epithelia-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through impaired epigenetic regulation of Ctnna1. In addition, Setd2 deficiency led to sustained Akt activation via inherent extracellular matrix (ECM) production, which would favour their metastasis. CONCLUSION Together, our findings highlight the function of SETD2 during pancreatic carcinogenesis, which would advance our understanding of epigenetic dysregulation in PDAC. Moreover, it may also pave the way for development of targeted, patients-tailored therapies for PDAC patients with SETD2 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanlin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruizhe He
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Juanjuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinghua Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Minwei Yang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Wei Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Qiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China.,School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aida Habtezion
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gary Guishan Xiao
- School of pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Yongwei Sun
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China.,School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Targeting acquired oncogenic burden in resilient pancreatic cancer: a novel benefit from marine polyphenols. Mol Cell Biochem 2019; 460:175-193. [PMID: 31367889 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-019-03579-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The upsurge of marine-derived therapeutics for cancer treatment is evident, with many drugs in clinical use and in clinical trials. Seaweeds harbor large amounts of polyphenols and their anti-cancer benefit is linear to their anti-oxidant activity. Our studies identified three superlative anti-cancer seaweed polyphenol drug candidates (SW-PD). We investigated the acquisition of oncogenic burden in radiation-resilient pancreatic cancer (PC) that could drive tumor relapse, and elucidated the efficacy of SW-PD candidates as adjuvants in genetically diverse in vitro systems and a mouse model of radiation-residual disease. QPCR profiling of 88 oncogenes in therapy-resilient PC cells identified a 'shared' activation of 40 oncogenes. SW-PD pretreatment inflicted a significant mitigation of acquired (shared) oncogenic burden, in addition to drug- and cell-line-specific repression signatures. Tissue microarray with IHC of radiation-residual tumors in mice signified acquired cellular localization of key oncoproteins and other critical architects. Conversely, SW-PD treatment inhibited the acquisition of these critical drivers of tumor genesis, dissemination, and evolution. Heightened death of resilient PC cells with SW-PD treatment validated the translation aspects. The results defined the acquisition of oncogenic burden in resilient PC and demonstrated that the marine polyphenols effectively target the acquired oncogenic burden and could serve as adjuvant(s) for PC treatment.
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7
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Kandimalla R, Gao F, Li Y, Huang H, Ke J, Deng X, Zhao L, Zhou S, Goel A, Wang X. RNAMethyPro: a biologically conserved signature of N6-methyladenosine regulators for predicting survival at pan-cancer level. NPJ Precis Oncol 2019; 3:13. [PMID: 31069256 PMCID: PMC6494854 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-019-0085-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulator-mediated RNA methylation in cancer progression and metastasis; yet its potential clinical significance, if any, remains unclear. In this first-of-its-kind study, we systematically evaluated the role of m6A regulators as potential disease biomarkers based on comprehensive analysis of gene expression profiles of 9770 cancer cell lines and clinical specimens from 25 publicly available datasets, encompassing 13 human cancers. We developed and established RNAMethyPro—a gene expression signature of seven m6A regulators, which robustly predicted patient survival in multiple human cancers. Pan-cancer analysis identified activated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), as a highly conserved pathway in high-risk patients predicted by RNAMethyPro in 10 of the 13 cancer types. A network-based analysis revealed an intimate functional interplay between m6A regulators and EMT-associated factors via druggable targets such as XPO1 and NTRK1. Finally, the clinical significance of RNAMethyPro was further exemplified in colorectal cancer, where high-risk patients demonstrated strong associations with a mesenchymal subtype, activated stromal infiltration, and poor therapeutic response to targeted anti-EGFR therapy. In summary, RNAMethyPro is a novel, EMT-associated prognostic gene-expression signature in multiple human cancers and may offer an important clinical decision-making tool in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Kandimalla
- 1Center for Gastrointestinal Research; Center for Translational Genomics and Oncology, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute and Charles A Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
| | - Feng Gao
- 2Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,3The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Li
- 2Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hao Huang
- 2Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jia Ke
- 3The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Deng
- 2Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Linjie Zhao
- 4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengtao Zhou
- 4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Ajay Goel
- 1Center for Gastrointestinal Research; Center for Translational Genomics and Oncology, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute and Charles A Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
| | - Xin Wang
- 2Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,5Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Xin X, Lin F, Wang Q, Yin L, Mahato RI. ROS-Responsive Polymeric Micelles for Triggered Simultaneous Delivery of PLK1 Inhibitor/miR-34a and Effective Synergistic Therapy in Pancreatic Cancer. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:14647-14659. [PMID: 30933478 PMCID: PMC6712559 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b02756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Ineffective drug delivery and poor prognosis are two major challenges in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). While there is significant downregulation of tumor suppressor microRNA-34a (miR-34a), which targets many oncogenes related to proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion, high expression level of Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is closely associated with short survival rates of pancreatic cancer patients. Therefore, the objective is to codeliver miR-34a mimic and small molecule PLK1 inhibitor volasertib (BI6727) using poly(ethylene glycol)-poly[aspartamidoethyl( p-boronobenzyl)diethylammonium bromide] (PEG-B-PAEBEA). This polymer could self-assemble into micelles of ∼100 nm with 10% drug loading of volasertib and form a complex with miR-34a at the N/P ratio of 18 and higher. Combination treatment of volasertib and miR-34a displayed the synergistic effect and superior antiproliferative activity along with an enhanced G2/M phase arrest and suppression of colony formation, leading to cell death due to potential c-myc targeting therapeutics. Orthotopic pancreatic tumor bearing NSG mice were scanned for fluorescence by IVIS after systemic administration of micelles encapsulating volasertib and miR-34a at doses of 5 and 1 mg/kg, respectively. Cy5.5 concentration in plasma and major organs was determined by measuring fluorescence intensity. There was significant reduction in tumor volume, and histological examination of major organs suggested negligible systemic toxicity. In conclusion, PEG-B-PAEBEA micelles carrying volasertib and miR-34a mimic have the potential to treat pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Xin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Feng Lin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Qiyue Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Lifang Yin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Ram I. Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
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9
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Adult human pancreatic acinar cells dedifferentiate into an embryonic progenitor-like state in 3D suspension culture. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4040. [PMID: 30858455 PMCID: PMC6411888 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40481-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pancreatic exocrine cells were cultured in 3D suspension and formed pancreatospheres composed of acinar-derived and duct-like cells. We investigated, up to 6 days, the fate of human pancreatic acinar cells using fluorescein-conjugated Ulex Europaeus Agglutinin 1 lectin, a previously published acinar-specific non-genetic lineage tracing strategy. At day 4, fluorescence-activated cell sort for the intracellularly incorporated FITC-conjugated UEA1 lectin and the duct-specific CA19.9 surface marker, distinguished acinar-derived cells (UEA1+CA19.9-) from duct-like cells (UEA1-CA19.9+) and acinar-to-duct-like transdifferentiated cells (UEA1+CA19.9+). mRNA expression analysis of the acinar-derived (UEA1+CA19.9-) and duct-like (UEA1-CA19.9+) cell fractions with concomitant immunocytochemical analysis of the pancreatospheres revealed acquisition of an embryonic signature in the UEA1+CA19.9- acinar-derived cells characterized by de novo expression of SOX9 and CD142, robust expression of PDX1 and surface expression of GP2. The colocalisation of CD142, a multipotent pancreatic progenitor surface marker, PDX1, SOX9 and GP2 is reminiscent of a cellular state present during human embryonic development. Addition of TGF-beta signalling inhibitor Alk5iII, induced a 28-fold increased KI67-labeling in pancreatospheres, more pronounced in the CD142+GP2+ acinar-derived cells. These findings with human cells underscore the remarkable plasticity of pancreatic exocrine acinar cells, previously described in rodents, and could find applications in the field of regenerative medicine.
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Riva G, Pea A, Pilati C, Fiadone G, Lawlor RT, Scarpa A, Luchini C. Histo-molecular oncogenesis of pancreatic cancer: From precancerous lesions to invasive ductal adenocarcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2018; 10:317-327. [PMID: 30364837 PMCID: PMC6198304 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v10.i10.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a lethal malignancy, whose precursor lesions are pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasm, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm, and mucinous cystic neoplasm. To better understand the biology of pancreatic cancer, it is fundamental to know its precursors and to study the mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Each of these precursors displays peculiar histological features, as well as specific molecular alterations. Starting from such pre-invasive lesions, this review aims at summarizing the most important aspects of carcinogenesis of pancreatic cancer, with a specific focus on the recent advances and the future perspectives of the research on this lethal tumor type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Riva
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Antonio Pea
- Department of Surgery, University and Hospital trust of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Camilla Pilati
- Personalized Medicine, Pharmacogenomics, Therapeutic Optimization, Paris-Descartes University, Paris 75006, France
| | - Giulia Fiadone
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Rita Teresa Lawlor
- ARC-Net Research Center, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Claudio Luchini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
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EI24 Suppresses Tumorigenesis in Pancreatic Cancer via Regulating c-Myc. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2018; 2018:2626545. [PMID: 30369947 PMCID: PMC6189671 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2626545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The EI24 autophagy-associated transmembrane protein is frequently associated with tumor growth and patient survival. In the present study, we found that EI24 was downregulated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues and was associated with cancer cell differentiation. Overexpression of EI24 suppressed cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo and induced cell cycle S phase arrest, with no impact on caspase-dependent apoptosis. EI24 overexpression also resulted in reduced c-Myc expression, an oncogene in PDAC, accompanied with increased LC3B-II formation, increased Beclin-1, and diminished p62. Together, we propose that EI24 suppresses cell proliferation and prompts cell cycle arrest in pancreatic cancer cells by activating the autophagic lysosomal degradation of c-Myc. Our results suggest a potential mechanism underlying the antitumor effects of EI24 in PDAC and provide insight into the crosstalk between autophagy and cell proliferation involving a possible EI24/Beclin-1/p62/c-Myc signaling pathway.
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12
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Burclaff J, Mills JC. Plasticity of differentiated cells in wound repair and tumorigenesis, part I: stomach and pancreas. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:dmm033373. [PMID: 30037967 PMCID: PMC6078397 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.033373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For the last century or so, the mature, differentiated cells throughout the body have been regarded as largely inert with respect to their regenerative potential, yet recent research shows that they can become progenitor-like and re-enter the cell cycle. Indeed, we recently proposed that mature cells can become regenerative via a conserved set of molecular mechanisms ('paligenosis'), suggesting that a program for regeneration exists alongside programs for death (apoptosis) and division (mitosis). In two Reviews describing how emerging concepts of cellular plasticity are changing how the field views regeneration and tumorigenesis, we present the commonalities in the molecular and cellular features of plasticity at homeostasis and in response to injury in multiple organs. Here, in part 1, we discuss these advances in the stomach and pancreas. Understanding the extent of cell plasticity and uncovering its underlying mechanisms may help us refine important theories about the origin and progression of cancer, such as the cancer stem cell model, as well as the multi-hit model of tumorigenesis. Ultimately, we hope that the new concepts and perspectives on inherent cellular programs for regeneration and plasticity may open novel avenues for treating or preventing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Burclaff
- Division of Gastroenterology, Departments of Medicine, Pathology and Immunology, and Developmental Biology, Washington University, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jason C Mills
- Division of Gastroenterology, Departments of Medicine, Pathology and Immunology, and Developmental Biology, Washington University, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
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La Rosa S, Bernasconi B, Vanoli A, Sciarra A, Notohara K, Albarello L, Casnedi S, Billo P, Zhang L, Tibiletti MG, Sessa F. c-MYC amplification and c-myc protein expression in pancreatic acinar cell carcinomas. New insights into the molecular signature of these rare cancers. Virchows Arch 2018; 473:435-441. [PMID: 29721608 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-018-2366-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The molecular alterations of pancreatic acinar cell carcinomas (ACCs) and mixed acinar-neuroendocrine carcinomas (MANECs) are not completely understood, and the possible role of c-MYC amplification in tumor development, progression, and prognosis is not known. We have investigated c-MYC gene amplification in a series of 35 ACCs and 4 MANECs to evaluate its frequency and a possible prognostic role. Gene amplification was investigated using interphasic fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis simultaneously hybridizing c-MYC and the centromere of chromosome 8 probes. Protein expression was immunohistochemically investigated using a specific monoclonal anti-c-myc antibody. Twenty cases had clones with different polysomies of chromosome 8 in absence of c-MYC amplification, and 5 cases had one amplified clone and other clones with chromosome 8 polysomy, while the remaining 14 cases were diploid for chromosome 8 and lacked c-MYC amplification. All MANECs showed c-MYC amplification and/or polysomy which were observed in 54% pure ACCs. Six cases (15.3%) showed nuclear immunoreactivity for c-myc, but only 4/39 cases showed simultaneous c-MYC amplification/polysomy and nuclear protein expression. c-myc immunoreactivity as well as c-MYC amplification and/or chromosome 8 polysomy was not statistically associated with prognosis. Our study demonstrates that a subset of ACCs shows c-MYC alterations including gene amplification and chromosome 8 polysomy. Although they are not associated with a different prognostic signature, the fact that these alterations are present in all MANECs suggests a role in the acinar-neuroendocrine differentiation possibly involved in the pathogenesis of MANECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano La Rosa
- Service of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital, 25 rue du Bugnon, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Barbara Bernasconi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | | | - Amedeo Sciarra
- Service of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital, 25 rue du Bugnon, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kenji Notohara
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Luca Albarello
- Pathology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Paola Billo
- Unit of Pathology, Ospedale Civile, Legnano, Italy
| | - Lizhi Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Fausto Sessa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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14
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Liu XJ, Li L, Liu XJ, Li Y, Zhao CY, Wang RQ, Zhen YS. Mithramycin-loaded mPEG-PLGA nanoparticles exert potent antitumor efficacy against pancreatic carcinoma. Int J Nanomedicine 2017; 12:5255-5269. [PMID: 28769562 PMCID: PMC5533565 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s139507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that mithramycin A (MIT) is a promising candidate for the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma through inhibiting transcription factor Sp1. However, systemic toxicities may limit its clinical application. Here, we report a rationally designed formulation of MIT-loaded nanoparticles (MIT-NPs) with a small size and sustained release for improved passive targeting and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Nearly spherical MIT-NPs with a mean particle size of 25.0±4.6 nm were prepared by encapsulating MIT into methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (mPEG-PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) with drug loading of 2.11%±0.51%. The in vitro release of the MIT-NPs lasted for >48 h with a sustained-release pattern. The cytotoxicity of MIT-NPs to human pancreatic cancer BxPC-3 and MIA Paca-2 cells was comparable to that of free MIT. Determined by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, the NPs internalized into the cells quickly and efficiently, reaching the peak level at 1-2 h. In vivo fluorescence imaging showed that the prepared NPs were gradually accumulated in BxPC-3 and MIA Paca-2 xenografts and retained for 168 h. The fluorescence intensity in both BxPC-3 and MIA Paca-2 tumors was much stronger than that of various tested organs. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated with the poorly permeable BxPC-3 pancreatic carcinoma xenograft model. At a well-tolerated dose of 2 mg/kg, MIT-NPs suppressed BxPC-3 tumor growth by 96%. Compared at an equivalent dose, MIT-NPs exerted significantly higher therapeutic effect than free MIT (86% versus 51%, P<0.01). Moreover, the treatment of MIT and MIT-NPs reduced the expression level of oncogene c-Myc regulated by Sp1, and notably, both of them decreased the protein level of CD47. In summary, the novel formulation of MIT-NPs shows highly therapeutic efficacy against pancreatic carcinoma xenograft. In addition, MIT-NPs can downregulate CD47 expression, implying that it might play a positive role in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Jie Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liang Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiu-Jun Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-Yan Zhao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui-Qi Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong-Su Zhen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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