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Wang D, Keyoumu K, Yu R, Wen D, Jiang H, Liu X, Di X, Zhang S. Extracellular matrix marker LAMC2 targets ZEB1 to promote TNBC malignancy via up-regulating CD44/STAT3 signaling pathway. Mol Med 2024; 30:61. [PMID: 38760717 PMCID: PMC11100204 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00827-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous and aggressive disease characterized by a high risk of mortality and poor prognosis. It has been reported that Laminin γ2 (LAMC2) is highly expressed in a variety of tumors, and its high expression is correlated with cancer development and progression. However, the function and mechanism by which LAMC2 influences TNBC remain unclear. METHODS Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were used to examine the expression level of LAMC2 in TNBC. Subsequently, cell viability assay, wound healing and transwell assay were performed to detect the function of LAMC2 in cell proliferation and migration. A xenograft mouse model was used to assess tumorigenic function of LAMC2 in vivo. Luciferase reporter assay and western blot were performed to unravel the underlying mechanism. RESULTS In this study, we found that higher expression of LAMC2 significantly correlated with poor survival in the TNBC cohort. Functional characterization showed that LAMC2 promoted cell proliferation and migration capacity of TNBC cell lines via up-regulating CD44. Moreover, LAMC2 exerted oncogenic roles in TNBC through modulating the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. Luciferase reporter assay verified that LAMC2 targeted ZEB1 to promote its transcription. Interestingly, LAMC2 regulated cell migration in TNBC via STAT3 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION LAMC2 targeted ZEB1 via activating CD44/STAT3 signaling pathway to promote TNBC proliferation and migration, suggesting that LAMC2 could be a potential therapeutic target in TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Kailibinuer Keyoumu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Rongji Yu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Doudou Wen
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Xinchun Liu
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.
| | - Xiaotang Di
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| | - Shubing Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
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Reid SE, Pantaleo J, Bolivar P, Bocci M, Sjölund J, Morsing M, Cordero E, Larsson S, Malmberg M, Seashore-Ludlow B, Pietras K. Cancer-associated fibroblasts rewire the estrogen receptor response in luminal breast cancer, enabling estrogen independence. Oncogene 2024; 43:1113-1126. [PMID: 38388711 PMCID: PMC10997519 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-02973-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Advanced breast cancers represent a major therapeutic challenge due to their refractoriness to treatment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant constituents of the tumor microenvironment and have been linked to most hallmarks of cancer. However, the influence of CAFs on therapeutic outcome remains largely unchartered. Here, we reveal that spatial coincidence of abundant CAF infiltration with malignant cells was associated with reduced estrogen receptor (ER)-α expression and activity in luminal breast tumors. Notably, CAFs mediated estrogen-independent tumor growth by selectively regulating ER-α signaling. Whereas most prototypical estrogen-responsive genes were suppressed, CAFs maintained gene expression related to therapeutic resistance, basal-like differentiation, and invasion. A functional drug screen in co-cultures identified effector pathways involved in the CAF-induced regulation of ER-α signaling. Among these, the Transforming Growth Factor-β and the Janus kinase signaling cascades were validated as actionable targets to counteract the CAF-induced modulation of ER-α activity. Finally, genes that were downregulated in cancer cells by CAFs were predictive of poor response to endocrine treatment. In conclusion, our work reveals that CAFs directly control the luminal breast cancer phenotype by selectively modulating ER-α expression and transcriptional function, and further proposes novel targets to disrupt the crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells to reinstate treatment response to endocrine therapy in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Reid
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jessica Pantaleo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Paulina Bolivar
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Matteo Bocci
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jonas Sjölund
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mikkel Morsing
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Eugenia Cordero
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sara Larsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria Malmberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Brinton Seashore-Ludlow
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden
- Chemical Biology Consortium Sweden (CBCS), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristian Pietras
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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Yang J, Li N, Zhao X, Guo W, Wu Y, Nie C, Yuan Z. WP1066, a small molecule inhibitor of STAT3, chemosensitizes paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer cells to paclitaxel by simultaneously inhibiting the activity of STAT3 and the interaction of STAT3 with Stathmin. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 221:116040. [PMID: 38311257 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Paclitaxel is widely used to treat cancer, however, drug resistance limits its clinical utility. STAT3 is constitutively activated in some cancers, and contributes to chemotherapy resistance. Currently, several STAT3 inhibitors including WP1066 are used in cancer clinical trials. However, whether WP1066 reverses paclitaxel resistance and the mechanismremains unknown. Here, we report that in contrast to paclitaxel-sensitive parental cells, the expressions of several pro-survival BCL2 family members such as BCL-2, BCL-XL and MCL-1 are higher in paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer cells. Meanwhile, STAT3 is constitutively activated while stathmin loses its activity in paclitaxel-resistant cells. Importantly, WP1066 amplifies the inhibition of cell proliferation, colony-forming ability and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells induced by paclitaxel. Mechanistically, WP1066, on the one hand, interferes the STAT3/Stathmin interaction, causing unleash of STAT3/Stathmin from microtubule, thus destroying microtubule stability. This process results in reduction of Ac-α-tubulin, further causing MCL-1 reduction. On the other hand, WP1066 inhibits phosphorylation of STAT3 by JAK2, and blocks its nuclear translocation, therefore repressing the transcription of pro-survival targets such as BCL-2, BCL-XL and MCL-1. Finally, the two pathways jointly promote cell death. Our findings reveal a new mechanism wherein WP1066 reverses paclitaxel-resistance of ovarian cancer cells by dually inhibiting STAT3 activity and STAT3/Stathmin interaction, which may layfoundation for WP1066 combined with paclitaxel in treating paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Nanjing Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wenhao Guo
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chunlai Nie
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhu Yuan
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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4
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Meyer C, Brockmueller A, Buhrmann C, Shakibaei M. Prevention and Co-Management of Breast Cancer-Related Osteoporosis Using Resveratrol. Nutrients 2024; 16:708. [PMID: 38474838 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is currently one of the most common cancers in women worldwide with a rising tendency. Epigenetics, generally inherited variations in gene expression that occur independently of changes in DNA sequence, and their disruption could be one of the main causes of BC due to inflammatory processes often associated with different lifestyle habits. In particular, hormone therapies are often indicated for hormone-positive BC, which accounts for more than 50-80% of all BC subtypes. Although the cure rate in the early stage is more than 70%, serious negative side effects such as secondary osteoporosis (OP) due to induced estrogen deficiency and chemotherapy are increasingly reported. Approaches to the management of secondary OP in BC patients comprise adjunctive therapy with bisphosphonates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and cortisone, which partially reduce bone resorption and musculoskeletal pain but which are not capable of stimulating the necessary intrinsic bone regeneration. Therefore, there is a great therapeutic need for novel multitarget treatment strategies for BC which hold back the risk of secondary OP. In this review, resveratrol, a multitargeting polyphenol that has been discussed as a phytoestrogen with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects at the epigenetic level, is presented as a potential adjunct to both support BC therapy and prevent osteoporotic risks by positively promoting intrinsic regeneration. In this context, resveratrol is also known for its unique role as an epigenetic modifier in the regulation of essential signaling processes-both due to its catabolic effect on BC and its anabolic effect on bone tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Meyer
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Aranka Brockmueller
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Constanze Buhrmann
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, 86159 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Mehdi Shakibaei
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336 Munich, Germany
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Banerjee S, Hatimuria M, Sarkar K, Das J, Pabbathi A, Sil PC. Recent Contributions of Mass Spectrometry-Based "Omics" in the Studies of Breast Cancer. Chem Res Toxicol 2024; 37:137-180. [PMID: 38011513 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.3c00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most heterogeneous groups of cancer. As every biotype of BC is unique and presents a particular "omic" signature, they are increasingly characterized nowadays with novel mass spectrometry (MS) strategies. BC therapeutic approaches are primarily based on the two features of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and estrogen receptor (ER) positivity. Various strategic MS implementations are reported in studies of BC also involving data independent acquisitions (DIAs) of MS which report novel differential proteomic, lipidomic, proteogenomic, phosphoproteomic, and metabolomic characterizations associated with the disease and its therapeutics. Recently many "omic" studies have aimed to identify distinct subsidiary biotypes for diagnosis, prognosis, and targets of treatment. Along with these, drug-induced-resistance phenotypes are characterized by "omic" changes. These identifying aspects of the disease may influence treatment outcomes in the near future. Drug quantifications and characterizations are also done regularly and have implications in therapeutic monitoring and in drug efficacy assessments. We report these studies, mentioning their implications toward the understanding of BC. We briefly provide the MS instrumentation principles that are adopted in such studies as an overview with a brief outlook on DIA-MS strategies. In all of these, we have chosen a model cancer for its revelations through MS-based "omics".
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhrajit Banerjee
- Department of Physiology, Surendranath College, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700009, India
- Department of Microbiology, St. Xavier's College, Kolkata 700016, India
| | - Madushmita Hatimuria
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796004, Mizoram India
| | - Kasturi Sarkar
- Department of Microbiology, St. Xavier's College, Kolkata 700016, India
| | - Joydeep Das
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796004, Mizoram, India
| | - Ashok Pabbathi
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796004, Mizoram India
| | - Parames C Sil
- Department of Molecular Medicine Bose Institute, Kolkata 700054, India
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6
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Iwase T, Wang X, Thi Hanh Phi L, Sridhar N, Ueno NT, Lee J. Advances in targets in inflammatory breast cancer. Int Rev Cell Mol Biol 2024; 384:125-152. [PMID: 38637096 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Iwase
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, United States.
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lan Thi Hanh Phi
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nithya Sridhar
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Naoto T Ueno
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Jangsoon Lee
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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7
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van Golen KL. Inflammatory breast cancer biomarkers and biology. Int Rev Cell Mol Biol 2024; 384:63-76. [PMID: 38637100 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a unique breast cancer with a highly virulent course and low 5- and 10-year survival rates. Even though it only accounts for 1-5% of breast cancers it is estimated to account for 10% of breast cancer deaths annually in the United States. The accuracy of diagnosis and classification of this unique cancer is a major concern within the medical community. Early molecular and biological studies incidentally included IBC samples with other conventional breast cancers and were not informative as to the unique nature of the disease. Subsequent molecular studies that focused specifically on IBC demonstrated that IBC has a unique biology different from other forms of breast cancer. Additionally, a handful of unique signature genes that are hallmarks of IBC have also been suggested. Further understanding of IBC biology can help with diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The current article reviews the history and highlights of IBC studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth L van Golen
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States; The Center for Translational Cancer Research, Newark, DE, United States.
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8
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Li L, Zhang Y, Yang K, Liu W, Zhou Z, Xu Y. miRNA-449c-5p regulates the JAK-STAT pathway in inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion in human breast cancer cells by targeting ERBB2. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e1974. [PMID: 38351535 PMCID: PMC10864726 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a highly prevalent disease worldwide, and early diagnosis and treatment could reduce the mortality rate of breast cancer patients. microRNAs (miRNA) have been shown to regulate the occurrences and progression of many types of cancers. Thus, it is crucial to find novel biomarkers in breast cancer. miR-449c-5p acted as a biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer, gastric carcinoma, and so forth. ERBB2 is an ideal target for breast cancer therapy. However, the molecular mechanisms between miR-449c-5p and ERBB2 in breast cancer remain poorly understood. Our study focused on the regulatory role of miR-449c-5p in breast cancer and its targeting relationship with ERBB2. METHODS The miR-449c-5p expression in breast cancer tissue and normal tissue was searched from the online database (Starbase). The clinical prognosis of miR-449c-5p and ERBB2 was predicted by using the Kaplan-Meier analysis method. The expression of miR-449c-5p mimics and inhibitors was measured by qRT-PCR. T47D cells were transfected with miR-449c-5p mimics and miR-449c-5p inhibitors. After that, CCK-8, colony formation assays and Transwell assays were used to evaluate the cell proliferation ability, migration and invasion. Whether ERBB2 was the target gene of the miR-449c-5p was predicted by Starbase and verified by dual-luciferase activity assay. In addition, protein levels and the relationship between signalling pathways were measured and validated using western blotting analysis. RESULTS We confirmed that miR-449c-5p was highly expressed in breast cancer tissue, and its downregulation was linked with poor prognosis. Overexpression of miR-449c-5p inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. ERBB2 was a target of miR-449c-5p. The invasion, migration, and proliferation of breast cancer cells were inhibited by miR-449c-5p/ERBB2 through JAK-STAT. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that miR-449c-5p inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting ERBB2 via JAK/STAT, which means miR-449c-5p, is a potential biomarker for breast cancer and provides a novel insight for diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid SurgeryThe First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Kunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina
| | - Yangqiurong Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid SurgeryThe First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Kunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina
| | - Kunxian Yang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid SurgeryThe First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Kunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid SurgeryThe First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Kunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina
| | - Ziting Zhou
- Department of Breast and Thyroid SurgeryThe First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Kunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid SurgeryThe First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Kunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina
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9
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Lynce F, Stevens LE, Li Z, Brock JE, Gulvady A, Huang Y, Nakhlis F, Patel A, Force JM, Haddad TC, Ueno N, Stearns V, Wolff AC, Clark AS, Bellon JR, Richardson ET, Balko JM, Krop IE, Winer EP, Lange P, Hwang ES, King TA, Tolaney SM, Thompson A, Gupta GP, Mittendorf EA, Regan MM, Overmoyer B, Polyak K. TBCRC 039: a phase II study of preoperative ruxolitinib with or without paclitaxel for triple-negative inflammatory breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:20. [PMID: 38297352 PMCID: PMC10829369 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01774-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) have overall poor clinical outcomes, with triple-negative IBC (TN-IBC) being associated with the worst survival, warranting the investigation of novel therapies. Preclinical studies implied that ruxolitinib (RUX), a JAK1/2 inhibitor, may be an effective therapy for TN-IBC. METHODS We conducted a randomized phase II study with nested window-of-opportunity in TN-IBC. Treatment-naïve patients received a 7-day run-in of RUX alone or RUX plus paclitaxel (PAC). After the run-in, those who received RUX alone proceeded to neoadjuvant therapy with either RUX + PAC or PAC alone for 12 weeks; those who had received RUX + PAC continued treatment for 12 weeks. All patients subsequently received 4 cycles of doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide prior to surgery. Research tumor biopsies were performed at baseline (pre-run-in) and after run-in therapy. Tumors were evaluated for phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) by immunostaining, and a subset was also analyzed by RNA-seq. The primary endpoint was the percent of pSTAT3-positive pre-run-in tumors that became pSTAT3-negative. Secondary endpoints included pathologic complete response (pCR). RESULTS Overall, 23 patients were enrolled, of whom 21 completed preoperative therapy. Two patients achieved pCR (8.7%). pSTAT3 and IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling decreased in post-run-in biopsies of RUX-treated samples, while sustained treatment with RUX + PAC upregulated IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling compared to RUX alone. Both treatments decreased GZMB+ T cells implying immune suppression. RUX alone effectively inhibited JAK/STAT3 signaling but its combination with PAC led to incomplete inhibition. The immune suppressive effects of RUX alone and in combination may negate its growth inhibitory effects on cancer cells. CONCLUSION In summary, the use of RUX in TN-IBC was associated with a decrease in pSTAT3 levels despite lack of clinical benefit. Cancer cell-specific-targeting of JAK2/STAT3 or combinations with immunotherapy may be required for further evaluation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling as a cancer therapeutic target. TRIAL REGISTRATION www. CLINICALTRIALS gov , NCT02876302. Registered 23 August 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Lynce
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Laura E Stevens
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zheqi Li
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jane E Brock
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anushree Gulvady
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ying Huang
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Faina Nakhlis
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ashka Patel
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Naoto Ueno
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Amy S Clark
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Bellon
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward T Richardson
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justin M Balko
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ian E Krop
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Eric P Winer
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Paulina Lange
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | | | - Tari A King
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara M Tolaney
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Elizabeth A Mittendorf
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meredith M Regan
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Beth Overmoyer
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kornelia Polyak
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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10
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Zhang H, Liu Y, Liu J, Chen J, Wang J, Hua H, Jiang Y. cAMP-PKA/EPAC signaling and cancer: the interplay in tumor microenvironment. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:5. [PMID: 38233872 PMCID: PMC10792844 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01524-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease resulting from abnormal cell growth that is induced by a number of genetic and environmental factors. The tumor microenvironment (TME), which involves extracellular matrix, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), tumor-infiltrating immune cells and angiogenesis, plays a critical role in tumor progression. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a second messenger that has pleiotropic effects on the TME. The downstream effectors of cAMP include cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), exchange protein activated by cAMP (EPAC) and ion channels. While cAMP can activate PKA or EPAC and promote cancer cell growth, it can also inhibit cell proliferation and survival in context- and cancer type-dependent manner. Tumor-associated stromal cells, such as CAF and immune cells, can release cytokines and growth factors that either stimulate or inhibit cAMP production within the TME. Recent studies have shown that targeting cAMP signaling in the TME has therapeutic benefits in cancer. Small-molecule agents that inhibit adenylate cyclase and PKA have been shown to inhibit tumor growth. In addition, cAMP-elevating agents, such as forskolin, can not only induce cancer cell death, but also directly inhibit cell proliferation in some cancer types. In this review, we summarize current understanding of cAMP signaling in cancer biology and immunology and discuss the basis for its context-dependent dual role in oncogenesis. Understanding the precise mechanisms by which cAMP and the TME interact in cancer will be critical for the development of effective therapies. Future studies aimed at investigating the cAMP-cancer axis and its regulation in the TME may provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms of tumorigenesis and lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongying Zhang
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yongliang Liu
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jieya Liu
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jinzhu Chen
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yangfu Jiang
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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11
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Wang S, Li L, Wang W. Knockdown of Slfn5 alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced pneumonia by regulating Janus kinase/signal transduction and activator of transcription pathway. J Thorac Dis 2023; 15:6708-6720. [PMID: 38249884 PMCID: PMC10797344 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-23-889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Background In recent years, the incidence of pneumonia has been increasing, which is the main cause of death and morbidity of children and the elderly in the world. Slfn5 is implicated in multiple cancers, and Slfn5 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis in lung cancer. However, the influences of Slfn5 in pneumonia have not yet been completely cleared. Herein, we aimed to explore the underlying effects and regulatory mechanisms of Slfn5 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pneumonia in mice and A549 cells. Methods Mice were intratracheally administered 5 mg/kg LPS to construct pneumonia model. In vitro, A549 cells were treated with 10 µg/mL LPS to construct cellular pneumonia model. Slfn5 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Haematoxylin and eosin staining, TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferasemediated deoxyuridine triphosphate‑biotin nick end‑labelling), and western blotting were performed to assess pathological injury and inflammation. MTT [3(4,5‑dimethyl‑2‑thiazolyl)‑2,5‑diphenyl‑2‑H‑tetrazolium bromide], flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis were performed to analyze cell viability, apoptosis, and inflammation. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed to explore the mechanism of Slfn5 in pneumonia. Results Slfn5 expression was upregulated in LPS-induced pneumonia in mice and A549 cells. In mice, knockdown of Slfn5 weakened LPS-induced lung injury and inflammation and decreased the expression of p-JAK2, p-JAK3, and p-STAT3. In LPS-stimulated A549 cells, downregulation of Slfn5 expression increased and Slfn5 overexpression decreased cell viability. Downregulation of Slfn5 expression decreased and Slfn5 overexpression increased cell apoptosis, inflammation and the expression of p-JAK2, p-JAK3, and p-STAT3. AG490, an inhibitor of the JAK/STAT pathway, reversed the damaging effects of Slfn5 overexpression. Conclusions In the LPS-induced pneumonia model, Slfn5 knockdown alleviated LPS-induced lung injury by regulating the JAK/STAT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunying Wang
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Jinan City People’s Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Nephrology, Jinan City People’s Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Wenming Wang
- Department of Cadre Health Section, Jinan City People’s Hospital, Jinan, China
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12
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Cordani N, Mologni L, Piazza R, Tettamanti P, Cogliati V, Mauri M, Villa M, Malighetti F, Di Bella C, Jaconi M, Cerrito MG, Cavaletti G, Lavitrano M, Cazzaniga ME. TWIST1 Upregulation Is a Potential Target for Reversing Resistance to the CDK4/6 Inhibitor in Metastatic Luminal Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16294. [PMID: 38003483 PMCID: PMC10671583 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors have significantly improved progression-free survival in hormone-receptor-positive (HR+), human-epidermal-growth-factor-receptor-type-2-negative (HER2-) metastatic luminal breast cancer (mLBC). Several studies have shown that in patients with endocrine-sensitive or endocrine-resistant LBC, the addition of CDK4/6 inhibitors to endocrine therapy significantly prolongs progression-free survival. However, the percentage of patients who are unresponsive or refractory to these therapies is as high as 40%, and no reliable and reproducible biomarkers have been validated to select a priori responders or refractory patients. The selection of mutant clones in the target oncoprotein is the main cause of resistance. Other mechanisms such as oncogene amplification/overexpression or mutations in other pathways have been described in several models. In this study, we focused on palbociclib, a selective CDK4/6 inhibitor. We generated a human MCF-7 luminal breast cancer cell line that was able to survive and proliferate at different concentrations of palbociclib and also showed cross-resistance to abemaciclib. The resistant cell line was characterized via RNA sequencing and was found to strongly activate the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Among the top deregulated genes, we found a dramatic downregulation of the CDK4 inhibitor CDKN2B and an upregulation of the TWIST1 transcription factor. TWIST1 was further validated as a target for the reversal of palbociclib resistance. This study provides new relevant information about the mechanisms of resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors and suggests potential new markers for patients' follow-up care during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Cordani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.M.); (R.P.); (P.T.); (M.M.); (M.V.); (F.M.); (M.G.C.); (G.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Luca Mologni
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.M.); (R.P.); (P.T.); (M.M.); (M.V.); (F.M.); (M.G.C.); (G.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Rocco Piazza
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.M.); (R.P.); (P.T.); (M.M.); (M.V.); (F.M.); (M.G.C.); (G.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Pietro Tettamanti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.M.); (R.P.); (P.T.); (M.M.); (M.V.); (F.M.); (M.G.C.); (G.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Viola Cogliati
- Phase 1 Research Centre, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy (C.D.B.); (M.J.)
| | - Mario Mauri
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.M.); (R.P.); (P.T.); (M.M.); (M.V.); (F.M.); (M.G.C.); (G.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Matteo Villa
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.M.); (R.P.); (P.T.); (M.M.); (M.V.); (F.M.); (M.G.C.); (G.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Federica Malighetti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.M.); (R.P.); (P.T.); (M.M.); (M.V.); (F.M.); (M.G.C.); (G.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Camillo Di Bella
- Phase 1 Research Centre, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy (C.D.B.); (M.J.)
| | - Marta Jaconi
- Phase 1 Research Centre, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy (C.D.B.); (M.J.)
| | - Maria Grazia Cerrito
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.M.); (R.P.); (P.T.); (M.M.); (M.V.); (F.M.); (M.G.C.); (G.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Guido Cavaletti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.M.); (R.P.); (P.T.); (M.M.); (M.V.); (F.M.); (M.G.C.); (G.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Marialuisa Lavitrano
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.M.); (R.P.); (P.T.); (M.M.); (M.V.); (F.M.); (M.G.C.); (G.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Marina Elena Cazzaniga
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.M.); (R.P.); (P.T.); (M.M.); (M.V.); (F.M.); (M.G.C.); (G.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
- Phase 1 Research Centre, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy (C.D.B.); (M.J.)
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13
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López-Mejía JA, Mantilla-Ollarves JC, Rocha-Zavaleta L. Modulation of JAK-STAT Signaling by LNK: A Forgotten Oncogenic Pathway in Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14777. [PMID: 37834225 PMCID: PMC10573125 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Tumors that express hormone receptors account for 75% of all cases. Understanding alternative signaling cascades is important for finding new therapeutic targets for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients. JAK-STAT signaling is commonly activated in hormone receptor-positive breast tumors, inducing inflammation, proliferation, migration, and treatment resistance in cancer cells. In hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, the JAK-STAT cascade is stimulated by hormones and cytokines, such as prolactin and IL-6. In normal cells, JAK-STAT is inhibited by the action of the adaptor protein, LNK. However, the role of LNK in breast tumors is not fully understood. This review compiles published reports on the expression and activation of the JAK-STAT pathway by IL-6 and prolactin and potential inhibition of the cascade by LNK in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Additionally, it includes analyses of available datasets to determine the level of expression of LNK and various members of the JAK-STAT family for the purpose of establishing associations between expression and clinical outcomes. Together, experimental evidence and in silico studies provide a better understanding of the potential implications of the JAK-STAT-LNK loop in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A. López-Mejía
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 03100, Mexico; (J.A.L.-M.); (J.C.M.-O.)
| | - Jessica C. Mantilla-Ollarves
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 03100, Mexico; (J.A.L.-M.); (J.C.M.-O.)
| | - Leticia Rocha-Zavaleta
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 03100, Mexico; (J.A.L.-M.); (J.C.M.-O.)
- Programa Institucional de Cáncer de Mama, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 03100, Mexico
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14
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Ashouri A, Zhang C, Gaiti F. Decoding Cancer Evolution: Integrating Genetic and Non-Genetic Insights. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1856. [PMID: 37895205 PMCID: PMC10606072 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of cancer begins with cells transitioning from their multicellular nature to a state akin to unicellular organisms. This shift leads to a breakdown in the crucial regulators inherent to multicellularity, resulting in the emergence of diverse cancer cell subpopulations that have enhanced adaptability. The presence of different cell subpopulations within a tumour, known as intratumoural heterogeneity (ITH), poses challenges for cancer treatment. In this review, we delve into the dynamics of the shift from multicellularity to unicellularity during cancer onset and progression. We highlight the role of genetic and non-genetic factors, as well as tumour microenvironment, in promoting ITH and cancer evolution. Additionally, we shed light on the latest advancements in omics technologies that allow for in-depth analysis of tumours at the single-cell level and their spatial organization within the tissue. Obtaining such detailed information is crucial for deepening our understanding of the diverse evolutionary paths of cancer, allowing for the development of effective therapies targeting the key drivers of cancer evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arghavan Ashouri
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Chufan Zhang
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Federico Gaiti
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
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15
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Barreno L, Sevane N, Valdivia G, Alonso-Miguel D, Suarez-Redondo M, Alonso-Diez A, Fiering S, Beiss V, Steinmetz NF, Perez-Alenza MD, Peña L. Transcriptomics of Canine Inflammatory Mammary Cancer Treated with Empty Cowpea Mosaic Virus Implicates Neutrophils in Anti-Tumor Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14034. [PMID: 37762335 PMCID: PMC10531449 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine inflammatory mammary cancer (IMC) is a highly aggressive and lethal cancer in dogs serving as a valuable animal model for its human counterpart, inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), both lacking effective therapies. Intratumoral immunotherapy (IT-IT) with empty cowpea mosaic virus (eCPMV) nanoparticles has shown promising results, demonstrating a reduction in tumor size, longer survival rates, and improved quality of life. This study compares the transcriptomic profiles of tumor samples from female dogs with IMC receiving eCPMV IT-IT and medical therapy (MT) versus MT alone. Transcriptomic analyses, gene expression profiles, signaling pathways, and cell type profiling of immune cell populations in samples from four eCPMV-treated dogs with IMC and four dogs with IMC treated with MT were evaluated using NanoString Technologies using a canine immune-oncology panel. Comparative analyses revealed 34 differentially expressed genes between treated and untreated samples. Five genes (CXCL8, S100A9, CCL20, IL6, and PTGS2) involved in neutrophil recruitment and activation were upregulated in the treated samples, linked to the IL17-signaling pathway. Cell type profiling showed a significant increase in neutrophil populations in the tumor microenvironment after eCPMV treatment. These findings highlight the role of neutrophils in the anti-tumor response mediated by eCPMV IT-IT and suggest eCPMV as a novel therapeutic approach for IBC/IMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Barreno
- Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Pathology, Mammary Oncology Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.B.); (G.V.); (D.A.-M.); (M.S.-R.); (A.A.-D.); (M.D.P.-A.); (L.P.)
| | - Natalia Sevane
- Department of Animal Production, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Guillermo Valdivia
- Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Pathology, Mammary Oncology Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.B.); (G.V.); (D.A.-M.); (M.S.-R.); (A.A.-D.); (M.D.P.-A.); (L.P.)
| | - Daniel Alonso-Miguel
- Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Pathology, Mammary Oncology Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.B.); (G.V.); (D.A.-M.); (M.S.-R.); (A.A.-D.); (M.D.P.-A.); (L.P.)
| | - María Suarez-Redondo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Pathology, Mammary Oncology Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.B.); (G.V.); (D.A.-M.); (M.S.-R.); (A.A.-D.); (M.D.P.-A.); (L.P.)
| | - Angela Alonso-Diez
- Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Pathology, Mammary Oncology Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.B.); (G.V.); (D.A.-M.); (M.S.-R.); (A.A.-D.); (M.D.P.-A.); (L.P.)
| | - Steven Fiering
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Veronique Beiss
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (V.B.); (N.F.S.)
| | - Nicole F. Steinmetz
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (V.B.); (N.F.S.)
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Center for Nano-ImmunoEngineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Institute for Materials Discovery and Design, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Center for Engineering in Cancer, Institute for Engineering in Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Maria Dolores Perez-Alenza
- Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Pathology, Mammary Oncology Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.B.); (G.V.); (D.A.-M.); (M.S.-R.); (A.A.-D.); (M.D.P.-A.); (L.P.)
| | - Laura Peña
- Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Pathology, Mammary Oncology Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.B.); (G.V.); (D.A.-M.); (M.S.-R.); (A.A.-D.); (M.D.P.-A.); (L.P.)
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16
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Davies A, Zoubeidi A, Beltran H, Selth LA. The Transcriptional and Epigenetic Landscape of Cancer Cell Lineage Plasticity. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:1771-1788. [PMID: 37470668 PMCID: PMC10527883 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Lineage plasticity, a process whereby cells change their phenotype to take on a different molecular and/or histologic identity, is a key driver of cancer progression and therapy resistance. Although underlying genetic changes within the tumor can enhance lineage plasticity, it is predominantly a dynamic process controlled by transcriptional and epigenetic dysregulation. This review explores the transcriptional and epigenetic regulators of lineage plasticity and their interplay with other features of malignancy, such as dysregulated metabolism, the tumor microenvironment, and immune evasion. We also discuss strategies for the detection and treatment of highly plastic tumors. SIGNIFICANCE Lineage plasticity is a hallmark of cancer and a critical facilitator of other oncogenic features such as metastasis, therapy resistance, dysregulated metabolism, and immune evasion. It is essential that the molecular mechanisms of lineage plasticity are elucidated to enable the development of strategies to effectively target this phenomenon. In this review, we describe key transcriptional and epigenetic regulators of cancer cell plasticity, in the process highlighting therapeutic approaches that may be harnessed for patient benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair Davies
- Oncology Research Discovery, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Amina Zoubeidi
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Himisha Beltran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Luke A. Selth
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute and Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042 Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005 Australia
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17
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Distefano R, Ilieva M, Madsen JH, Rennie S, Uchida S. DoxoDB: A Database for the Expression Analysis of Doxorubicin-Induced lncRNA Genes. Noncoding RNA 2023; 9:39. [PMID: 37489459 PMCID: PMC10366827 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna9040039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer and cardiovascular disease are the leading causes of death worldwide. Recent evidence suggests that these two life-threatening diseases share several features in disease progression, such as angiogenesis, fibrosis, and immune responses. This has led to the emergence of a new field called cardio-oncology. Doxorubicin is a chemotherapy drug widely used to treat cancer, such as bladder and breast cancer. However, this drug causes serious side effects, including acute ventricular dysfunction, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. Based on this evidence, we hypothesize that comparing the expression profiles of cells and tissues treated with doxorubicin may yield new insights into the adverse effects of the drug on cellular activities. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed published RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data from doxorubicin-treated cells to identify commonly differentially expressed genes, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as they are known to be dysregulated in diseased tissues and cells. From our systematic analysis, we identified several doxorubicin-induced genes. To confirm these findings, we treated human cardiac fibroblasts with doxorubicin to record expression changes in the selected doxorubicin-induced genes and performed a loss-of-function experiment of the lncRNA MAP3K4-AS1. To further disseminate the analyzed data, we built the web database DoxoDB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Distefano
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Mirolyuba Ilieva
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-2450 Copenhagen SV, Denmark
| | - Jens Hedelund Madsen
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-2450 Copenhagen SV, Denmark
| | - Sarah Rennie
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Shizuka Uchida
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-2450 Copenhagen SV, Denmark
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18
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Chuang KT, Chiou SS, Hsu SH. Recent Advances in Transcription Factors Biomarkers and Targeted Therapies Focusing on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3338. [PMID: 37444447 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors involve many proteins in the process of transactivating or transcribing (none-) encoded DNA to initiate and regulate downstream signals, such as RNA polymerase. Their unique characteristic is that they possess specific domains that bind to specific DNA element sequences called enhancer or promoter sequences. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in cancer progression. Many dysregulated transcription factors-such as Myc, SNAIs, Twists, and ZEBs-are key drivers of tumor metastasis through EMT regulation. This review summarizes currently available evidence related to the oncogenic role of classified transcription factors in EMT editing and epigenetic regulation, clarifying the roles of the classified conserved transcription factor family involved in the EMT and how these factors could be used as therapeutic targets in future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Ting Chuang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Shin Chiou
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center of Applied Genomics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsien Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Center of Applied Genomics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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Ortiz-Soto G, Babilonia-Díaz NS, Lacourt-Ventura MY, Rivera-Rodríguez DM, Quiñones-Rodríguez JI, Colón-Vargas M, Almodóvar-Rivera I, Ferrer-Torres LE, Suárez-Arroyo IJ, Martínez-Montemayor MM. Metadherin Regulates Inflammatory Breast Cancer Invasion and Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:4694. [PMID: 36902125 PMCID: PMC10002532 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is one of the most lethal subtypes of breast cancer (BC), accounting for approximately 1-5% of all cases of BC. Challenges in IBC include accurate and early diagnosis and the development of effective targeted therapies. Our previous studies identified the overexpression of metadherin (MTDH) in the plasma membrane of IBC cells, further confirmed in patient tissues. MTDH has been found to play a role in signaling pathways related to cancer. However, its mechanism of action in the progression of IBC remains unknown. To evaluate the function of MTDH, SUM-149 and SUM-190 IBC cells were edited with CRISPR/Cas9 vectors for in vitro characterization studies and used in mouse IBC xenografts. Our results demonstrate that the absence of MTDH significantly reduces IBC cell migration, proliferation, tumor spheroid formation, and the expression of NF-κB and STAT3 signaling molecules, which are crucial oncogenic pathways in IBC. Furthermore, IBC xenografts showed significant differences in tumor growth patterns, and lung tissue revealed epithelial-like cells in 43% of wild-type (WT) compared to 29% of CRISPR xenografts. Our study emphasizes the role of MTDH as a potential therapeutic target for the progression of IBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Ortiz-Soto
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe-School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR 00960, USA
| | - Natalia S. Babilonia-Díaz
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe-School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR 00960, USA
| | | | | | - Jailenne I. Quiñones-Rodríguez
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Sam Houston State University, Conroe, TX 77304, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR 00960, USA
| | - Mónica Colón-Vargas
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Mayagüez, PR 00681, USA
| | - Israel Almodóvar-Rivera
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Mayagüez, PR 00681, USA
| | - Luis E. Ferrer-Torres
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital Interamericano de Medicina Avanzada (H.I.M.A.)—San Pablo Caguas, Caguas, PR 00725, USA
- Department of Immunopathology, Hato Rey Pathology Associates Inc. (HRPLABS), San Juan, PR 00936, USA
| | - Ivette J. Suárez-Arroyo
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe-School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR 00960, USA
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