1
|
Zhou W, Zeng T, Chen J, Tang X, Yuan Y, Hu D, Zhang Y, Li Y, Zou J. Aberrant angiogenic signaling pathways: Accomplices in ovarian cancer progression and treatment. Cell Signal 2024; 120:111240. [PMID: 38823664 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111240] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women, and treatment options are limited. Despite efforts to adjust cancer treatment models and develop new methods, including tumor microenvironment (TME) therapy, more theoretical support is needed. Increasing attention is being given to antiangiogenic measures for TME treatment. Another important concept in ovarian cancer TME is angiogenesis, where tumor cells obtain nutrients and oxygen from surrounding tissues through blood vessels to support further expansion and metastasis. Many neovascularization signaling pathways become imbalanced and hyperactive during this process. Inhibiting these abnormal pathways can yield ideal therapeutic effects in patients, even by reversing drug resistance. However, these deep TME signaling pathways often exhibit crosstalk and correlation. Understanding these interactions may be an important strategy for further treating ovarian cancer. This review summarizes the latest progress and therapeutic strategies for these angiogenic signaling pathways in ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Zhou
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Tian Zeng
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Junling Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xing Tang
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Centre, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Yuwei Yuan
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Daopu Hu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.
| | - Yukun Li
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Centre, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China.
| | - Juan Zou
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sun X, Zhang Y, Xin S, Jin L, Cao Q, Wang H, Wang K, Liu X, Tang C, Li W, Li Z, Wen X, Yang G, Guo C, Liu Z, Ye L. NOTCH3 promotes docetaxel resistance of prostate cancer cells through regulating TUBB3 and MAPK signaling pathway. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:412-426. [PMID: 38115797 PMCID: PMC10859609 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16040] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Docetaxel is the preferred chemotherapeutic agent in patients with castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, patients eventually develop docetaxel resistance and in the absence of effective treatment options. Consequently, it is essential to investigate the mechanisms generating docetaxel resistance and develop novel alternative therapeutic targets. RNA sequencing was undertaken on docetaxel-sensitive and docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Subsequently, chemoresistance, cancer stemness, and lipid metabolism were investigated. To obtain insight into the precise activities and action mechanisms of NOTCH3 in docetaxel-resistant PCa, immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, ChIP, luciferase reporter assay, cell metabolism, and animal experiments were performed. Through RNA sequencing analysis, we found that NOTCH3 expression was markedly higher in docetaxel-resistant cells relative to parental cells, and that this trend was continued in docetaxel-resistant PCa tissues. Experiments in vitro and in vivo revealed that NOTCH3 enhanced stemness, lipid metabolism, and docetaxel resistance in PCa. Mechanistically, NOTCH3 is bound to TUBB3 and activates the MAPK signaling pathway. Moreover, NOTCH3 was directly regulated by MEF2A in docetaxel-resistant cells. Notably, targeting NOTCH3 and the MEF2A/TUBB3 signaling axis was related to docetaxel chemoresistance in PCa. Overall, these results demonstrated that NOTCH3 fostered stemness, lipid metabolism, and docetaxel resistance in PCa via the TUBB3 and MAPK signaling pathways. Therefore, NOTCH3 may be employed as a prognostic biomarker in PCa patients. NOTCH3 could be a therapeutic target for PCa patients, particularly those who have developed docetaxel resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianchao Sun
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of UrologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of UrologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Shiyong Xin
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Liang Jin
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Qiong Cao
- Department of PathologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and TechnologyLuoyangChina
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Keyi Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Chaozhi Tang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Weiyi Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ziyao Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaofei Wen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Guosheng Yang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Changcheng Guo
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zhiyu Liu
- Department of UrologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Lin Ye
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Predicting Prognosis and Platinum Resistance in Ovarian Cancer: Role of Immunohistochemistry Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031973. [PMID: 36768291 PMCID: PMC9916805 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a lethal reproductive tumour affecting women worldwide. The advancement in presentation and occurrence of chemoresistance are the key factors for poor survival among ovarian cancer women. Surgical debulking was the mainstay of systemic treatment for ovarian cancer, which was followed by a successful start to platinum-based chemotherapy. However, most women develop platinum resistance and relapse within six months of receiving first-line treatment. Thus, there is a great need to identify biomarkers to predict platinum resistance before enrolment into chemotherapy, which would facilitate individualized targeted therapy for these subgroups of patients to ensure better survival and an improved quality of life and overall outcome. Harnessing the immune response through immunotherapy approaches has changed the treatment way for patients with cancer. The immune outline has emerged as a beneficial tool for recognizing predictive and prognostic biomarkers clinically. Studying the tumour microenvironment (TME) of ovarian cancer tissue may provide awareness of actionable targets for enhancing chemotherapy outcomes and quality of life. This review analyses the relevance of immunohistochemistry biomarkers as prognostic biomarkers in predicting chemotherapy resistance and improving the quality of life in ovarian cancer.
Collapse
|
4
|
Differential Regulation of Genes by the Glucogenic Hormone Asprosin in Ovarian Cancer. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11195942. [PMID: 36233808 PMCID: PMC9573256 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is one of the most lethal forms of gynaecological malignancy. Altered energy metabolism and increased aerobic glycolysis in OvCa are hallmarks that demand attention. The glucogenic hormone asprosin is often dysregulated in metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, diabetes (type 2 and gestational), and preeclampsia. Despite association with metabolic disorders, its role in energy metabolism within the tumour microenvironment is yet to be explored. Here, we study the role of asprosin in OvCa using transcriptomics and expand on functional studies with clinical samples. Methods: RNA sequencing, functional gene enrichment analysis, Western blotting and ImageStream. Results: Following treatment with 100 nM of asprosin, the serous OvCa cell line, SKOV-3, displayed 160 and 173 gene regulatory changes, at 4 and 12 h respectively, when compared with control samples (p < 0.05 and Log2FC > 1). In addition to energy metabolism and glucose-related pathways, asprosin was shown to alter pathways associated with cell communication, TGF-β signalling, and cell proliferation. Moreover, asprosin was shown to induce phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in the same in vitro model. Using liquid biopsies, we also report for novel expression of asprosin’s predicted receptors OR4M1 and TLR4 in cancer-associated circulating cells; with significant reduction seen between pre-chemotherapy and end of first line chemotherapy, in addition to patients under maintenance with bevacizumab +/− olaparib for OR4M1. Conclusions: In relation to OvCa, asprosin appears to regulate numerous signalling pathways in-vitro. The prognostic potential of OR4M1 in liquid biopsies should also be explored further.
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
The mammalian respiratory system or lung is a tree-like branching structure, and the main site of gas exchange with the external environment. Structurally, the lung is broadly classified into the proximal (or conducting) airways and the distal alveolar region, where the gas exchange occurs. In parallel with the respiratory tree, the pulmonary vasculature starts with large pulmonary arteries that subdivide rapidly ending in capillaries adjacent to alveolar structures to enable gas exchange. The NOTCH signalling pathway plays an important role in lung development, differentiation and regeneration post-injury. Signalling via the NOTCH pathway is mediated through activation of four NOTCH receptors (NOTCH1-4), with each receptor capable of regulating unique biological processes. Dysregulation of the NOTCH pathway has been associated with development and pathophysiology of multiple adult acute and chronic lung diseases. This includes accumulating evidence that alteration of NOTCH3 signalling plays an important role in the development and pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Herein, we provide a comprehensive summary of the role of NOTCH3 signalling in regulating repair/regeneration of the adult lung, its association with development of lung disease and potential therapeutic strategies to target its signalling activity.
Collapse
|
6
|
Giuli MV, Mancusi A, Giuliani E, Screpanti I, Checquolo S. Notch signaling in female cancers: a multifaceted node to overcome drug resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 4:805-836. [PMID: 35582386 PMCID: PMC8992449 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2021.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistance is one of the main challenges in cancer therapy, including in the treatment of female-specific malignancies, which account for more than 60% of cancer cases among women. Therefore, elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms is an urgent need in gynecological cancers to foster novel therapeutic approaches. Notably, Notch signaling, including either receptors or ligands, has emerged as a promising candidate given its multifaceted role in almost all of the hallmarks of cancer. Concerning the connection between Notch pathway and drug resistance in the afore-mentioned tumor contexts, several studies focused on the Notch-dependent regulation of the cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulation or the induction of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), both features implicated in either intrinsic or acquired resistance. Indeed, the present review provides an up-to-date overview of the published results on Notch signaling and EMT- or CSC-driven drug resistance. Moreover, other drug resistance-related mechanisms are examined such as the involvement of the Notch pathway in drug efflux and tumor microenvironment. Collectively, there is a long way to go before every facet will be fully understood; nevertheless, some small pieces are falling neatly into place. Overall, the main aim of this review is to provide strong evidence in support of Notch signaling inhibition as an effective strategy to evade or reverse resistance in female-specific cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Giuli
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Angelica Mancusi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Eugenia Giuliani
- Scientific Direction, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnology, Sapienza University, Latina 04100, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu Y, Zhu K, Guan X, Xie S, Wang Y, Tong Y, Guo L, Zheng H, Lu R. TTK is a potential therapeutic target for cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer. J Ovarian Res 2021; 14:128. [PMID: 34598710 PMCID: PMC8487155 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00884-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Drug resistance and recurrence are main contributors to the poor prognosis of ovarian cancer. Cisplatin is a platinum compound which is widely used in the treatment of various solid tumors including ovarian cancer. Up to now, the mechanism of cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer is unclear. Threonine and tyrosine kinase (TTK), an integral part of the spindle assembly checkpoint, may be a potential new target associated with chemotherapy sensitivity. Results TTK was up-regulated in the cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell line. Down-regulation of TTK could recover the sensitivity of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin treatment. Mechanistically, the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was activated in cisplatin-resistant cells, and this pathway would be affected by TTK expression. Furthermore, TTK was highly expressed in the tissues of ovarian cancer patients, especially those acquired resistance to cisplatin. Conclusions Our study revealed that TTK may be a promising therapeutic target for cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13048-021-00884-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Keyu Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolin Guan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suhong Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yanchun Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ying Tong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lin Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Renquan Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Leung SOA, Konstantinopoulos PA. Advances in the treatment of platinum resistant epithelial ovarian cancer: an update on standard and experimental therapies. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:695-707. [PMID: 34082614 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1939305] [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: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) is broadly defined as disease recurrence within 6 months of completing platinum-based chemotherapy, either in the primary or recurrent setting. Although there is significant heterogeneity, PROC is generally associated with poor outcomes and low response rates to standard chemotherapy. There have been novel developments in therapeutics for PROC based on biomarkers and a more nuanced understanding of DNA repair and immunologic pathways.Areas covered: This review provides a summary of standard of care and experimental therapies for patients with PROC. Recent advances in our understanding of the DNA damage response and immunobiology of ovarian cancer have paved the way for single agent and combinatorial strategies involving PARP inhibitors, cell cycle checkpoint inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors to overcome PARP resistance, capitalize on high replication stress, and promote effective anti-tumor immunity, respectively. Furthermore, novel agents including antibody drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and recombinant fusion proteins show promise as experimental treatment options.Expert opinion: Standard and experimental treatment options available to patients with PROC have expanded. Testing for BRCA status, tumor mutational burden, and mismatch repair deficiency is recommended to guide therapy. Clinical trial participation is strongly encouraged with a focus on biomarker-driven trials targeting specific patient populations. Novel approaches such as ADCs, bispecific antibodies, targeting the GAS6/AXL and Notch pathways, and oncolytic virotherapy show considerable promise as emerging therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuk On Annie Leung
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, US
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Anastasiadou E, Messina E, Sanavia T, Mundo L, Farinella F, Lazzi S, Megiorni F, Ceccarelli S, Pontecorvi P, Marampon F, Di Gioia CRT, Perniola G, Panici PB, Leoncini L, Trivedi P, Lenzi A, Marchese C. MiR-200c-3p Contrasts PD-L1 Induction by Combinatorial Therapies and Slows Proliferation of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer through Downregulation of β-Catenin and c-Myc. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030519. [PMID: 33804458 PMCID: PMC7998372 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional/targeted chemotherapies and ionizing radiation (IR) are being used both as monotherapies and in combination for the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Several studies show that these therapies might favor oncogenic signaling and impede anti-tumor responses. MiR-200c is considered a master regulator of EOC-related oncogenes. In this study, we sought to investigate if chemotherapy and IR could influence the expression of miR-200c-3p and its target genes, like the immune checkpoint PD-L1 and other oncogenes in a cohort of EOC patients’ biopsies. Indeed, PD-L1 expression was induced, while miR-200c-3p was significantly reduced in these biopsies post-therapy. The effect of miR-200c-3p target genes was assessed in miR-200c transfected SKOV3 cells untreated and treated with olaparib and IR alone. Under all experimental conditions, miR-200c-3p concomitantly reduced PD-L1, c-Myc and β-catenin expression and sensitized ovarian cancer cells to olaparib and irradiation. In silico analyses further confirmed the anti-correlation between miR-200c-3p with c-Myc and β-catenin in 46 OC cell lines and showed that a higher miR-200c-3p expression associates with a less tumorigenic microenvironment. These findings provide new insights into how miR-200c-3p could be used to hold in check the adverse effects of conventional chemotherapy, targeted therapy and radiation therapy, and offer a novel therapeutic strategy for EOC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Anastasiadou
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (F.F.); (F.M.); (S.C.); (P.P.); (P.T.); (A.L.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Elena Messina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (F.F.); (F.M.); (S.C.); (P.P.); (P.T.); (A.L.); (C.M.)
| | - Tiziana Sanavia
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy;
| | - Lucia Mundo
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Section of Pathology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.M.); (S.L.); (L.L.)
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Federica Farinella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (F.F.); (F.M.); (S.C.); (P.P.); (P.T.); (A.L.); (C.M.)
| | - Stefano Lazzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Section of Pathology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.M.); (S.L.); (L.L.)
| | - Francesca Megiorni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (F.F.); (F.M.); (S.C.); (P.P.); (P.T.); (A.L.); (C.M.)
| | - Simona Ceccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (F.F.); (F.M.); (S.C.); (P.P.); (P.T.); (A.L.); (C.M.)
| | - Paola Pontecorvi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (F.F.); (F.M.); (S.C.); (P.P.); (P.T.); (A.L.); (C.M.)
| | - Francesco Marampon
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Giorgia Perniola
- Department of Gynecological-Obstetric Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (P.B.P.)
| | - Pierluigi Benedetti Panici
- Department of Gynecological-Obstetric Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (P.B.P.)
| | - Lorenzo Leoncini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Section of Pathology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.M.); (S.L.); (L.L.)
| | - Pankaj Trivedi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (F.F.); (F.M.); (S.C.); (P.P.); (P.T.); (A.L.); (C.M.)
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (F.F.); (F.M.); (S.C.); (P.P.); (P.T.); (A.L.); (C.M.)
| | - Cinzia Marchese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (F.F.); (F.M.); (S.C.); (P.P.); (P.T.); (A.L.); (C.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zema S, Pelullo M, Nardozza F, Felli MP, Screpanti I, Bellavia D. A Dynamic Role of Mastermind-Like 1: A Journey Through the Main (Path)ways Between Development and Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:613557. [PMID: 33425921 PMCID: PMC7787167 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.613557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Major signaling pathways, such as Notch, Hedgehog (Hh), Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo, are targeted by a plethora of physiological and pathological stimuli, ultimately resulting in the modulation of genes that act coordinately to establish specific biological processes. Many biological programs are strictly controlled by the assembly of multiprotein complexes into the nucleus, where a regulated recruitment of specific transcription factors and coactivators on gene promoter region leads to different transcriptional outcomes. MAML1 results to be a versatile coactivator, able to set up synergistic interlinking with pivotal signaling cascades and able to coordinate the network of cross-talking pathways. Accordingly, despite its original identification as a component of the Notch signaling pathway, several recent reports suggest a more articulated role for MAML1 protein, showing that it is able to sustain/empower Wnt/β-catenin, Hh and Hippo pathways, in a Notch-independent manner. For this reason, MAML1 may be associated to a molecular “switch”, with the function to control the activation of major signaling pathways, triggering in this way critical biological processes during embryonic and post-natal life. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the pleiotropic role played by MAML proteins, in particular MAML1, and we recapitulate how it takes part actively in physiological and pathological signaling networks. On this point, we also discuss the contribution of MAML proteins to malignant transformation. Accordingly, genetic alterations or impaired expression of MAML proteins may lead to a deregulated crosstalk among the pathways, culminating in a series of pathological disorders, including cancer development. Given their central role, a better knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that regulate the interplay of MAML proteins with several signaling pathways involved in tumorigenesis may open up novel opportunities for an attractive molecular targeted anticancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Zema
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnology, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
| | - Maria Pelullo
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Diana Bellavia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
ZIP4 Is a Novel Cancer Stem Cell Marker in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123692. [PMID: 33316986 PMCID: PMC7764492 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is one of the most deadly and heterogenic cancers. We have recently shown that ZIP4 (gene name SLC39A4), a zinc transporter, is functionally involved in cancer stem cell (CSC)-related cellular activities in HGSOC. Here, we identified ZIP4 as a novel CSC marker in HGSOC. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS)-sorted ZIP4+, but not ZIP4- cells, formed spheroids and displayed self-renewing and differentiation abilities. Over-expression of ZIP4 conferred drug resistance properties in vitro. ZIP4+, but not ZIP4- cells, formed tumors/ascites in vivo. We conducted limiting dilution experiments and showed that 100-200 ZIP4+ cells from both PE04 and PEA2 cells formed larger tumors than those from 100-200 ALDH+ cells in mice. Mechanistically, we found that ZIP4 was an upstream regulator of another CSC-marker, NOTCH3, in HGSOC cells. NOTCH3 was functionally involved in spheroid formation in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo in HGSOC. Genetic compensation studies showed that NOTCH3, but not NOTCH1, was a critical downstream mediator of ZIP4. Furthermore, NOTCH3, but not NOTCH1, physically bound to ZIP4. Collectively, our data suggest that ZIP4 is a novel CSC marker and the new ZIP4-NOTCH3 axis represents important therapeutic targets in HGSOC.
Collapse
|
12
|
Perez-Fidalgo JA, Ortega B, Simon S, Samartzis EP, Boussios S. NOTCH signalling in ovarian cancer angiogenesis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1705. [PMID: 33490217 PMCID: PMC7812236 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Notch signalling pathway is involved in the new vessel formation process by regulating tip and stalk cells, which are key cells in the sprout formation. This process is essential in both normal ovary and cancer angiogenesis and is regulated by Notch-VEGF crosstalk. Furthermore, Notch has been linked in ovary with stem cell maintenance and epithelial mesenchymal transition processes. Dysregulation of the Notch pathway is frequent in ovarian cancer (OC) and it has been associated with impaired survival and advanced stages or lymph node involvement. Notch also plays a role in chemoresistance to platinum. In this context, this pathway has emerged as an attractive target for precision medicine in OC. Two main targets of this pathway concentrate the clinical development of compounds blocking Notch: gamma secretase and Delta-like ligand 4. Most of the clinical trials including OC patients have been developed in phase I or phase Ib. Despite being in an early phase, both of these compounds, navicixizumab or demcizumab, two monoclonal antibodies targeting Dll4, showed promising efficacy data in platinum-resistant OC patients in recent studies. This review will focus on the mechanisms of the Notch pathway with special interest in angiogenesis regulation and the implication of Notch as a potential therapeutic target in OC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Alejandro Perez-Fidalgo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinico Universitario of Valencia, Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, CIBERONC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Belen Ortega
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinico Universitario of Valencia, Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, CIBERONC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Soraya Simon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinico Universitario of Valencia, Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, CIBERONC, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Stergios Boussios
- King's College London, School of Medicine, Guy's Campus, London, UK.,Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Gillingham, Kent, UK.,AELIA Organization, 9th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a heterogeneous group of diseases with distinct biological and clinical behaviour. Despite the differences between them, the capability of tumour cells to continuously proliferate and avoid death is maintained among histotypes. This ability is the result of alterations at different levels, causing the deregulation of cell cycle and proliferative-related pathways. Even if the leading role is played by RB and TP53, changes in other molecular pathways are involved in the development of EOC. This ability can be exploited to generate in vitro and in vivo models resembling the conditions of tumour development in a patient. In vivo models, such as patient-derived xenografts (PDX) or genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM), represent a fundamental tool in the study of the molecular mechanisms implicated in each EOC biotype for testing new therapeutic approaches. Herein we describe the major proliferation-related pathways and its disruption found in EOC and how these features can be used to establish in vivo models for translational research. Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) molecular biotypes are defined by distinct biology and clinical behaviour. Sustained proliferation and resistance to cell death mechanisms characterised tumour cells. RB and TP53 tumour-suppressor genes are highly implicated in EOC pathogenesis. In vitro and in vivo models have a key role in the study of molecular mechanisms involved in EOC pathogenesis. Development of animal models that mimic disease features constitute essential tools for new drugs testing.
Collapse
|
14
|
Giuli MV, Diluvio G, Giuliani E, Franciosa G, Di Magno L, Pignataro MG, Tottone L, Nicoletti C, Besharat ZM, Peruzzi G, Pelullo M, Palermo R, Canettieri G, Talora C, d'Amati G, Bellavia D, Screpanti I, Checquolo S. Notch3 contributes to T-cell leukemia growth via regulation of the unfolded protein response. Oncogenesis 2020; 9:93. [PMID: 33071287 PMCID: PMC7569087 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-020-00279-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Unfolded protein response (UPR) is a conserved adaptive response that tries to restore protein homeostasis after endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Recent studies highlighted the role of UPR in acute leukemias and UPR targeting has been suggested as a therapeutic approach. Aberrant Notch signaling is a common feature of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), as downregulation of Notch activity negatively affects T-ALL cell survival, leading to the employment of Notch inhibitors in T-ALL therapy. Here we demonstrate that Notch3 is able to sustain UPR in T-ALL cells, as Notch3 silencing favored a Bip-dependent IRE1α inactivation under ER stress conditions, leading to increased apoptosis via upregulation of the ER stress cell death mediator CHOP. By using Juglone, a naturally occurring naphthoquinone acting as an anticancer agent, to decrease Notch3 expression and induce ER stress, we observed an increased ER stress-associated apoptosis. Altogether our results suggest that Notch3 inhibition may prevent leukemia cells from engaging a functional UPR needed to compensate the Juglone-mediated ER proteotoxic stress. Notably, in vivo administration of Juglone to human T-ALL xenotransplant models significantly reduced tumor growth, finally fostering the exploitation of Juglone-dependent Notch3 inhibition to perturb the ER stress/UPR signaling in Notch3-dependent T-ALL subsets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Valeria Giuli
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Diluvio
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Eugenia Giuliani
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Franciosa
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenaghen, Copenaghen, Denmark
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gemma Pignataro
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Tottone
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Carmine Nicoletti
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Zein Mersini Besharat
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Peruzzi
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pelullo
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Talora
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia d'Amati
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Diana Bellavia
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnology, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Targeting Notch signaling pathway as an effective strategy in overcoming drug resistance in ovarian cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2020; 216:153158. [PMID: 32829107 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.153158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, as one of the most common types of gynecological malignancies, has an increasing rate of incidence worldwide. Despite huge amounts of recent efforts in designing novel therapeutic strategies for complete removal of tumors and increasing overall survival of patients, chemotherapy is still the preferred therapy for ovarian cancer. However, chemotherapy is also challenged by development of drug resistance. Therefore, elucidating the underlying mechanisms of drug reissuance is an urgent need in ovarian cancer. Numerous studies have shown the implication of the Notch signaling pathway in the development of various human malignancies. Therefore, this study will provide a brief overview of the published evidence in support of Notch targeting in reverting multidrug resistance as a safer and novel approach for the improvement of ovarian cancer treatment.
Collapse
|
16
|
Ghahremani H, Nabati S, Tahmori H, Peirouvi T, Sirati-Sabet M, Salami S. Long-Term Glucose Restriction with or without β-Hydroxybutyrate Enrichment Distinctively Alters Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Related Signalings in Ovarian Cancer Cells. Nutr Cancer 2020; 73:1708-1726. [PMID: 32799692 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2020.1804947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The beneficial impacts of the ketogenic diet and metabolic reprograming were recently reported for ovarian cancer patients. In this study, the effects of glucose restriction with or without beta-hydroxybutyrate (bHB) enrichment were studied in drug-resistant CD133high A2780CP and CD133low SK-OV-3 ovarian cancer cells to scrutinize the impact of experimental ketosis on ATP production, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and related signaling pathways including Wnt, Hippo, and Hedgehog. Cells were adapted and maintained for a month with restricted levels of glucose (250 mg/l) with or without the therapeutic concentration of bHB (5 mM). Quantitative PCR, Western blot analysis, flow cytometry, chemiluminescence, and wound healing assay were used in this study. Glucose restriction and bHB enrichment reduced the stemness marker and diminished In Vitro migration in both cell lines. Glucose restriction significantly reduced ATP levels in both cells, but bHB enrichment was partially compensated for the ATP levels solely in SK-OV-3 cells. Glucose restriction mainly inhibited the Wnt pathway in the CD133high A2780CP cells, but the Hedgehog pathway was the main target in CD133low SK-OV-3 cells. In Conclusion, Prior targeted evaluations of key genes' expression would help to predict the distinctive impacts of metabolic fuels and to optimize the efficacy of ketogenic diets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Ghahremani
- Cell Death and Differentiation Signaling Research Lab, Clinical Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Nabati
- Cell Death and Differentiation Signaling Research Lab, Clinical Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hanieh Tahmori
- Cell Death and Differentiation Signaling Research Lab, Clinical Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahmineh Peirouvi
- Departments of Histology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Majid Sirati-Sabet
- Cell Death and Differentiation Signaling Research Lab, Clinical Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Siamak Salami
- Cell Death and Differentiation Signaling Research Lab, Clinical Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Age, sex, and specific gene mutations affect the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors in colorectal cancer. Pharmacol Res 2020; 159:105028. [PMID: 32569820 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The effect of age and sex on the predictive value of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been controversial, and the effect of specific gene mutations on the predictive value of CRC patients treated with ICIs remains to be explored. Our study analyzed the influence of the above factors on the overall survival (OS) of CRC patients receiving ICIs and explored the influencing mechanism of various predictive biomakers. We performed survival prognostic correlation analysis and bioinformatics analysis on the clinical CRC cohort receiving ICIs in from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and the clinical and genetic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-CRC dataset, including immunogenicity analysis, tumor immune microenvironment analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis and so on. We found that mutation count >11 mutation/Mb (tumor mutation burden, TMB-high) (HR = 0.22, 95 %CI: 0.09-0.53; P < 0.001), male (HR = 0.51, 95 %CI: 0.28-0.93; P = 0.029), RNF43-mutant (MT) (HR = 0.12, 95 %CI: 0.03-0.49; P = 0.003), CREBBP-MT (HR = 0.23, 95 %CI: 0.07-0.76; P = 0.016), NOTCH3-MT (HR = 0.17, 95 %CI: 0.04-0.74; P = 0018), PTCH1-MT (HR = 0.27, 95 %CI: 0.08-0.9; P = 0.033), CIC-MT (HR = 0.23, 95 %CI: 0.05-0.93; P = 0.040), DNMT1-MT (HR = 0.12, 95 %CI: 0.02-0.93; P = 0.043) and SPEN-MT (HR = 0.31, 95 %CI: 0.09-0.99; P < 0.049) are all related to longer OS, but age≤65 years (HR = 3.01, 95 %CI: 1.18-7.65; P = 0.021), APC-MT (HR = 2.51, 95 %CI: 1.12-5.63; P = 0.026) and TP53-MT (HR = 1.94, 95 %CI: 1.03-3.65; P = 0.041) are associated with shorter OS. The reason why positive predictive markers provide survival benefits to CRC may be related to higher immunogenicity such as TMB, highly expression of mRNA related to immune response, highly infiltrating immune-active cells such as CD8 + T cells, active immune-active pathways, and DNA damage repair pathways with an increased number of mutations.
Collapse
|
18
|
Fang CH, Lin YT, Liang CM, Liang SM. A novel c-Kit/phospho-prohibitin axis enhances ovarian cancer stemness and chemoresistance via Notch3-PBX1 and β-catenin-ABCG2 signaling. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:42. [PMID: 32169072 PMCID: PMC7071647 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-00638-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The underlying mechanism involved in ovarian cancer stemness and chemoresistance remains largely unknown. Here, we explored whether the regulation of c-Kit and plasma membrane prohibitin (PHB) affects ovarian cancer stemness and chemotherapy resistance. Methods Mass spectrum analysis and an in vitro kinase assay were conducted to examine the phosphorylation of PHB at tyrosine 259 by c-Kit. The in vitro effects of c-Kit on membrane raft-PHB in ovarian cancer were determined using tissue microarray (TMA)-based immunofluorescence, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, colony and spheroid formation, cell migration and cell viability assays. In vivo tumor initiation and carboplatin treatment were conducted in nude mice. Results We found that c-Kit and PHB colocalized in the raft domain and were positively correlated in human ovarian serous carcinoma. c-Kit interacted with PHB and facilitated the phosphorylation of PHB at tyrosine 259 (phospho-PHBY259) in the membrane raft to enhance ovarian cancer cell motility. The generation of SKOV3GL-G4, a metastatic phenotype of SKOV3 green fluorescent protein and luciferase (GL) ovarian cancer cells, in xenograft murine ascites showed a correlation between metastatic potential and stem cell characteristics, as indicated by the expression of c-Kit, Notch3, Oct4, Nanog and SOX2. Further study revealed that after activation by c-Kit, raft-phospho-PHBY259 interacted with Notch3 to stabilize Notch3 and increase the downstream target PBX1. Downregulation of raft-phospho-PHBY259 increased the protein degradation of Notch3 through a lysosomal pathway and inhibited the β-catenin—ABCG2 signaling pathway. Moreover, raft-phospho-PHBY259 played an important role in ovarian cancer stemness and tumorigenicity as well as resistance to platinum drug treatment in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions These findings thus reveal a hitherto unreported interrelationship between c-Kit and PHB as well as the effects of raft-phospho-PHBY259 on ovarian cancer stemness and tumorigenicity mediated by the Notch3 and β-catenin signaling pathways. Targeting the c-Kit/raft-phospho-PHBY259 axis may provide a new therapeutic strategy for treating patients with ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hsun Fang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Rd, Sec. 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.,Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, 4F, No. 81, Chang-Xing St, Taipei, 10672, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Te Lin
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Rd, Sec. 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ming Liang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Rd, Sec. 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Mei Liang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Rd, Sec. 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan. .,Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, 4F, No. 81, Chang-Xing St, Taipei, 10672, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ding XY, Hu HY, Huang KN, Wei RQ, Min J, Qi C, Tang H, Qin X. Ubiquitination of NOTCH2 by DTX3 suppresses the proliferation and migration of human esophageal carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:489-501. [PMID: 31854042 PMCID: PMC7004520 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The NOTCH2 gene plays a role in the development of many tumors. Deltex E3 ubiquitin ligase 3 (DTX3) was identified as a novel E3 ligase for NOTCH2 and as a potential therapeutic target for esophageal cancer. However, whether DTX3 could regulate NOTCH2 to suppress the progression of esophageal carcinoma remains unknown. In our study, NOTCH2 had higher expression in human esophageal carcinoma cell lines compared to normal human esophageal epithelial cell line, and ablation of NOTCH2 suppressed the proliferation and migration of esophageal carcinoma cells. A novel E3 ligase for NOTCH2 was identified by yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screening, and DTX3 promoted the ubiquitination and degradation of NOTCH2. Further study showed that DTX3 overexpression suppressed the proliferation and tumorigenicity of human oesophageal carcinoma cells. The analysis of tissue samples from patients revealed that the expression of NOTCH2 was high while the expression of DTX3 was low in esophageal cancer. Furthermore, the expression of DTX3 and NOTCH2 showed a significant negative correlation in human oesophageal cancer samples. Our study suggested that the DTX3-NOTCH2 axis plays an important role in the progression of esophageal cancer, and DTX3 acts as an anti-oncogene in esophageal carcinoma, potentially offering a therapeutic target for esophageal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Ding
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai-Yang Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke-Nan Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong-Qiang Wei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Min
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Qi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiong Qin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Montero-Melendez T, Nagano A, Chelala C, Filer A, Buckley CD, Perretti M. Therapeutic senescence via GPCR activation in synovial fibroblasts facilitates resolution of arthritis. Nat Commun 2020; 11:745. [PMID: 32029712 PMCID: PMC7005314 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14421-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis affects individuals commonly during the most productive years of adulthood. Poor response rates and high costs associated with treatment mandate the search for new therapies. Here we show that targeting a specific G-protein coupled receptor promotes senescence in synovial fibroblasts, enabling amelioration of joint inflammation. Following activation of the melanocortin type 1 receptor (MC1), synovial fibroblasts acquire a senescence phenotype characterized by arrested proliferation, metabolic re-programming and marked gene alteration resembling the remodeling phase of wound healing, with increased matrix metalloproteinase expression and reduced collagen production. This biological response is attained by selective agonism of MC1, not shared by non-selective ligands, and dependent on downstream ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In vivo, activation of MC1 leads to anti-arthritic effects associated with induction of senescence in the synovial tissue and cartilage protection. Altogether, selective activation of MC1 is a viable strategy to induce cellular senescence, affording a distinct way to control joint inflammation and arthritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trinidad Montero-Melendez
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK. .,Centre for Inflammation and Therapeutic Innovation, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Ai Nagano
- Barts Cancer Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Claude Chelala
- Barts Cancer Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.,Life Sciences Initiative, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Filer
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Birmingham, UK
| | - Christopher D Buckley
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Birmingham, UK.,Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mauro Perretti
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK. .,Centre for Inflammation and Therapeutic Innovation, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Pelullo M, Zema S, Nardozza F, Checquolo S, Screpanti I, Bellavia D. Wnt, Notch, and TGF-β Pathways Impinge on Hedgehog Signaling Complexity: An Open Window on Cancer. Front Genet 2019; 10:711. [PMID: 31552081 PMCID: PMC6736567 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Constitutive activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is associated with increased risk of developing several malignancies. The biological and pathogenic importance of Hh signaling emphasizes the need to control its action tightly, both physiologically and therapeutically. Evidence of crosstalk between Hh and other signaling pathways is reported in many tumor types. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about the communication between Hh and major signaling pathways, such as Notch, Wnt, and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), which play critical roles in both embryonic and adult life. When these pathways are unbalanced, impaired crosstalk contributes to disease development. It is reported that more than one of these pathways are active in different type of tumors, at the same time. Therefore, starting from a plethora of stimuli that activate multiple signaling pathways, we describe the signals that preferentially converge on the Hh signaling cascade that influence its activity. Moreover, we highlight several connection points between Hh and Notch, Wnt, or TGF-β pathways, showing a reciprocal synergism that contributes to tumorigenesis, supporting a more malignant behavior by tumor cells, such as in leukemia and brain tumors. Understanding the importance of these molecular interlinking networks will provide a rational basis for combined anticancer drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pelullo
- Center of Life Nano Science Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Zema
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
| | | | - Diana Bellavia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ovarian Cancer Stemness: Biological and Clinical Implications for Metastasis and Chemotherapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11070907. [PMID: 31261739 PMCID: PMC6678827 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer is a highly lethal gynecological malignancy that is characterized by the early development of disseminated metastasis. Though ovarian cancer has been generally considered to preferentially metastasize via direct transcoelomic dissemination instead of the hematogenous route, emerging evidence has indicated that the hematogenous spread of cancer cells plays a larger role in ovarian cancer metastasis than previously thought. Considering the distinctive biology of ovarian cancer, an in-depth understanding of the biological and molecular mechanisms that drive metastasis is critical for developing effective therapeutic strategies against this fatal disease. The recent “cancer stem cell theory” postulates that cancer stem cells are principally responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. Even though the hallmarks of ovarian cancer stem cells have not yet been completely elucidated, metastasized ovarian cancer cells, which have a high degree of chemoresistance, seem to manifest cancer stem cell properties and play a key role during relapse at metastatic sites. Herein, we review our current understanding of the cell-biological mechanisms that regulate ovarian cancer metastasis and chemotherapy resistance, with a pivotal focus on ovarian cancer stem cells, and discuss the potential clinical implications of evolving cancer stem cell research and resultant novel therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
|