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Moldovan C, Onaciu A, Toma V, Munteanu RA, Gulei D, Moldovan AI, Stiufiuc GF, Feder RI, Cenariu D, Iuga CA, Stiufiuc RI. Current trends in luminescence-based assessment of apoptosis. RSC Adv 2023; 13:31641-31658. [PMID: 37908656 PMCID: PMC10613953 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra05809c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis, the most extensively studied type of cell death, is known to play a crucial role in numerous processes such as elimination of unwanted cells or cellular debris, growth, control of the immune system, and prevention of malignancies. Defective regulation of apoptosis can trigger various diseases and disorders including cancer, neurological conditions, autoimmune diseases and developmental disorders. Knowing the nuances of the cell death type induced by a compound can help decipher which therapy is more effective for specific diseases. The detection of apoptotic cells using classic methods has brought significant contribution over the years, but innovative methods are quickly emerging and allow more in-depth understanding of the mechanisms, aside from a simple quantification. Due to increased sensitivity, time efficiency, pathway specificity and negligible cytotoxicity, these innovative approaches have great potential for both in vitro and in vivo studies. This review aims to shed light on the importance of developing and using novel nanoscale methods as an alternative to the classic apoptosis detection techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Moldovan
- Medfuture-Research Center for Advanced Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Marinescu 23/Louis Pasteur Street No. 4-6 400337 Cluj-Napoca Romania +40-0726-34-02-78
- Department of Pharmaceutical Physics & Biophysics, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Louis Pasteur Street No. 4-6 400349 Cluj-Napoca Romania
| | - Anca Onaciu
- Medfuture-Research Center for Advanced Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Marinescu 23/Louis Pasteur Street No. 4-6 400337 Cluj-Napoca Romania +40-0726-34-02-78
| | - Valentin Toma
- Medfuture-Research Center for Advanced Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Marinescu 23/Louis Pasteur Street No. 4-6 400337 Cluj-Napoca Romania +40-0726-34-02-78
| | - Raluca A Munteanu
- Medfuture-Research Center for Advanced Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Marinescu 23/Louis Pasteur Street No. 4-6 400337 Cluj-Napoca Romania +40-0726-34-02-78
| | - Diana Gulei
- Medfuture-Research Center for Advanced Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Marinescu 23/Louis Pasteur Street No. 4-6 400337 Cluj-Napoca Romania +40-0726-34-02-78
| | - Alin I Moldovan
- Medfuture-Research Center for Advanced Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Marinescu 23/Louis Pasteur Street No. 4-6 400337 Cluj-Napoca Romania +40-0726-34-02-78
| | - Gabriela F Stiufiuc
- Faculty of Physics, "Babes Bolyai" University Mihail Kogalniceanu Street No. 1 400084 Cluj-Napoca Romania
| | - Richard I Feder
- Medfuture-Research Center for Advanced Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Marinescu 23/Louis Pasteur Street No. 4-6 400337 Cluj-Napoca Romania +40-0726-34-02-78
| | - Diana Cenariu
- Medfuture-Research Center for Advanced Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Marinescu 23/Louis Pasteur Street No. 4-6 400337 Cluj-Napoca Romania +40-0726-34-02-78
| | - Cristina A Iuga
- Medfuture-Research Center for Advanced Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Marinescu 23/Louis Pasteur Street No. 4-6 400337 Cluj-Napoca Romania +40-0726-34-02-78
- Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Louis Pasteur Street 6 Cluj-Napoca 400349 Romania
| | - Rares I Stiufiuc
- Medfuture-Research Center for Advanced Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Marinescu 23/Louis Pasteur Street No. 4-6 400337 Cluj-Napoca Romania +40-0726-34-02-78
- Department of Pharmaceutical Physics & Biophysics, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Louis Pasteur Street No. 4-6 400349 Cluj-Napoca Romania
- TRANSCEND Research Center, Regional Institute of Oncology 700483 Iasi Romania
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Espedal H, Fonnes T, Fasmer KE, Krakstad C, Haldorsen IS. Imaging of Preclinical Endometrial Cancer Models for Monitoring Tumor Progression and Response to Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121885. [PMID: 31783595 PMCID: PMC6966645 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in industrialized countries. Most patients are cured by surgery; however, about 15% of the patients develop recurrence with limited treatment options. Patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) mouse models represent useful tools for preclinical evaluation of new therapies and biomarker identification. Preclinical imaging by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and optical imaging during disease progression enables visualization and quantification of functional tumor characteristics, which may serve as imaging biomarkers guiding targeted therapies. A critical question, however, is whether the in vivo model systems mimic the disease setting in patients to such an extent that the imaging biomarkers may be translatable to the clinic. The primary objective of this review is to give an overview of current and novel preclinical imaging methods relevant for endometrial cancer animal models. Furthermore, we highlight how these advanced imaging methods depict pathogenic mechanisms important for tumor progression that represent potential targets for treatment in endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Espedal
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway;
- Mohn Medical Imaging and Visualization Centre, Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Correspondence: (H.E.); (I.S.H.)
| | - Tina Fonnes
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (T.F.); (C.K.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Kristine E. Fasmer
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway;
- Mohn Medical Imaging and Visualization Centre, Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Camilla Krakstad
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (T.F.); (C.K.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Ingfrid S. Haldorsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway;
- Mohn Medical Imaging and Visualization Centre, Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Correspondence: (H.E.); (I.S.H.)
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Knockdown of Yin Yang 1 enhances anticancer effects of cisplatin through protein phosphatase 2A-mediated T308 dephosphorylation of AKT. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:747. [PMID: 29970878 PMCID: PMC6030060 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0774-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cisplatin is still one of the first-line drugs for chemotherapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and shows a survival advantage for HNSCC. However, a substantial proportion of HNSCC eventually becomes resistance to cisplatin and the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully understood. Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a multifunctional protein regulating both gene transcription and protein modifications and also plays a role in chemotherapy resistance. Here, we reported that knockdown of YY1 by lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA or tetracycline-inducible short hairpin RNA enhanced cisplatin-induced apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and invasion in the HNSCC cell lines, and inhibition of the xenograft tumor growth. The underlying mechanisms were revealed that knockdown of YY1 downregulated both S473 and T308 phosphorylation of AKT (protein kinase B), which was mainly responsible for cisplatin resistance, whereas overexpression of YY1 upregulated both S473 and T308 phosphorylation. Cisplatin upregulated YY1 mRNA and protein expression and both S473 and T308 phosphorylation of AKT. In the presence of cisplatin, knockdown of YY1 not only blocked cisplatin-induced increase in S473 and T308 phosphorylation of AKT, but still downregulated T308 phosphorylation. Moreover, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) antagonist, okadaic acid, upregulated T308, but not S473, phosphorylation, and simultaneously abolished YY1 knockdown-mediated enhancement of cisplatin-induced inhibition of cell proliferation. In addition, knockdown of YY1 promoted PP2A activity through upregulating mRNA and protein expressions of PP2A catalytic subunit alpha (PPP2CA) through the binding of YY1 in the promoter of PPP2CA. Conversely, activating PP2A by forskolin also promoted YY1 degradation and subsequently inhibited T308 phosphorylation. These results suggested that knockdown of YY1 enhanced anticancer effects of cisplatin through PP2A mediating T308 dephosphorylation of AKT, and that targeting YY1 or PP2A would enhance the efficiency of cisplatin chemotherapy in treatment of HNSCC.
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Suman S, Das TP, Moselhy J, Pal D, Kolluru V, Alatassi H, Ankem MK, Damodaran C. Oral administration of withaferin A inhibits carcinogenesis of prostate in TRAMP model. Oncotarget 2018; 7:53751-53761. [PMID: 27447565 PMCID: PMC5288218 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that withaferin A (WA), a natural compound, deters prostate cancer by inhibiting AKT while inducing apoptosis. In the current study, we examined its chemopreventive efficacy against carcinogenesis in the prostate using the transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. Two distinct sets of experiments were conducted. To determine whether WA delays tumor progression, it was given before cancer onset, at week 6, and until week 44. To determine its effect after the onset of prostate cancer, it was given from weeks 12 to 35. In both strategies, oral administration of WA effectively suppressed tumor burden when compared to vehicle-treated animals. No toxicity was seen in treated animals at gross pathological examination. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry of tumor sections revealed that in TRAMP controls, AKT and pAKT were highly expressed while nuclear FOXO3a and Par-4 were downregulated. On the contrary, treated mice showed inhibition of AKT signaling and activation of FOX03a-Par-4-induced cell death. They also displayed inhibition of mesenchymal markers such as β-catenin, vimentin, and snail as well as upregulation of E-cadherin. Because expressions of the angiogenic markers factor VIII and retic were downregulated, an anti-angiogenic role of WA is suggested. Overall, our results suggest that WA could be a promising anti-cancer agent that effectively inhibits carcinogenesis of the prostate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Suman
- Department of Urology, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Trinath P Das
- Department of Urology, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jim Moselhy
- Department of Urology, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Deeksha Pal
- Department of Urology, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | | | - Houda Alatassi
- Department of Pathology, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Murali K Ankem
- Department of Urology, University of Louisville, KY, USA
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Cal S, Obaya AJ. Imaging Proteolytic Activities in Mouse Models of Cancer. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1731:247-260. [PMID: 29318559 PMCID: PMC6435259 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7595-2_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Proteases are "protein-cleaving" enzymes, which, in addition to their non-specific degrading function, also catalyze the highly specific and regulated process of proteolytic processing, thus regulating multiple biological functions. Alterations in proteolytic activity occur during pathological conditions such as cancer. One of the major deregulated classes of proteases in cancer is caspases, the proteolytic initiators and mediators of the apoptotic machinery. The ability to image apoptosis noninvasively in living cells and animal models of cancer can not only provide new insight into the biological basis of the disease but can also be used as a quantitative tool to screen and evaluate novel therapeutic strategies. Optical molecular imaging such as bioluminescence-based genetically engineered biosensors has been developed in our laboratory and exploited to study protease activity in animal models with a high signal to noise. Using the circularly permuted form of firefly luciferase, we have developed a reporter for Caspase 3/7, referred to as Caspase 3/7 GloSensor. Here, we discuss the use of the Caspase 3/7 GloSensor for imaging apoptotic activity in mouse xenografts and genetically engineered mouse models of cancer and present the potential of this powerful platform technology to image the proteolytic activity of numerous other proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Cal
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Asturias Spain
| | - Alvaro J. Obaya
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Asturias Spain
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Schöning JP, Monteiro M, Gu W. Drug resistance and cancer stem cells: the shared but distinct roles of hypoxia-inducible factors HIF1α and HIF2α. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2017; 44:153-161. [PMID: 27809360 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy resistance is a major contributor to poor treatment responses and tumour relapse, the development of which has been strongly linked to the action of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Mounting evidence suggests that CSCs are reliant on low oxygen conditions and hypoxia-inducible factors 1α and 2α (HIF1α and HIF2α) to maintain their stem cell features. Research in the last decade has begun to clarify the functional differences between the two HIFα subtypes (HIFαs). Here, we review and discuss these differences in relation to CSC-associated drug resistance. Both HIFαs contribute to CSC survival but play different roles -HIF1α being more responsible for survival functions and HIF2α for stemness traits such as self-renewal - and are sensitive to different degrees of hypoxia. Failure to account for physiologically relevant oxygen concentrations in many studies may influence the current understanding of the roles of HIFαs. We also discuss how hypoxia and HIFαs contribute to CSC drug resistance via promotion of ABC drug transporters Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), MDR1, and MRP1 and through maintenance of quiescence. Additionally, we explore the PI3K/AKT cell survival pathway that may support refractory cancer by promoting CSCs and activating both HIF1α and HIF2α. Accordingly, HIF1α and HIF2α inhibition, potentially via PI3K/AKT inhibitors, could reduce chemotherapy resistance and prevent cancer relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Petra Schöning
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Michael Monteiro
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Wenyi Gu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Burgos-Ojeda D, Wu R, McLean K, Chen YC, Talpaz M, Yoon E, Cho KR, Buckanovich RJ. CD24+ Ovarian Cancer Cells Are Enriched for Cancer-Initiating Cells and Dependent on JAK2 Signaling for Growth and Metastasis. Mol Cancer Ther 2015; 14:1717-27. [PMID: 25969154 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-14-0607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is known to be composed of distinct populations of cancer cells, some of which demonstrate increased capacity for cancer initiation and/or metastasis. The study of human cancer cell populations is difficult due to long requirements for tumor growth, interpatient variability, and the need for tumor growth in immune-deficient mice. We therefore characterized the cancer initiation capacity of distinct cancer cell populations in a transgenic murine model of ovarian cancer. In this model, conditional deletion of Apc, Pten, and Trp53 in the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) results in the generation of high-grade metastatic ovarian carcinomas. Cell lines derived from these murine tumors express numerous putative stem cell markers, including CD24, CD44, CD90, CD117, CD133, and ALDH. We show that CD24(+) and CD133(+) cells have increased tumor sphere-forming capacity. CD133(+) cells demonstrated a trend for increased tumor initiation while CD24(+) cells versus CD24(-) cells had significantly greater tumor initiation and tumor growth capacity. No preferential tumor-initiating or growth capacity was observed for CD44(+), CD90(+), CD117(+), or ALDH(+) versus their negative counterparts. We have found that CD24(+) cells, compared with CD24(-) cells, have increased phosphorylation of STAT3 and increased expression of STAT3 target Nanog and c-myc. JAK2 inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation preferentially induced cytotoxicity in CD24(+) cells. In vivo JAK2 inhibitor therapy dramatically reduced tumor metastases, and prolonged overall survival. These findings indicate that CD24(+) cells play a role in tumor migration and metastasis and support JAK2 as a therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Burgos-Ojeda
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Department of Internal Medicine Division Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Rong Wu
- Department of Pathology, Division of Gynecological Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Karen McLean
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Yu-Chih Chen
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Moshe Talpaz
- Department of Internal Medicine Division Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Euisik Yoon
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kathleen R Cho
- Department of Pathology, Division of Gynecological Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Ronald J Buckanovich
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Department of Internal Medicine Division Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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9
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Despierre E, Moisse M, Yesilyurt B, Sehouli J, Braicu I, Mahner S, Castillo-Tong DC, Zeillinger R, Lambrechts S, Leunen K, Amant F, Moerman P, Lambrechts D, Vergote I. Somatic copy number alterations predict response to platinum therapy in epithelial ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2014; 135:415-22. [PMID: 25281495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2014.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Platinum resistance remains an obstacle in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The goal of this study was to profile EOCs for somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) as predictive markers of platinum response. METHODS SCNAs were assessed in a discovery (n=86) and validation cohort (n=115) of high risk stage I or stage II-IV EOCs using high-resolution SNP arrays. ASCAT and GISTIC identified all significantly overrepresented amplified or deleted chromosomal regions. Cox regression and univariate analysis assessed which SCNAs correlated with overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), platinum-free interval (PFI) and platinum response. Relevant SCNAs were also assessed in a pooled analysis involving both cohorts and published SCNA data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA; n=227). RESULTS We identified 53 regions to be significantly overrepresented in EOC. Of these, 6 were associated with OS, PFS or PFI in the discovery cohort at P<0.05. In the validation cohort, amplifications of chromosomal region 14q32.33, which contains AKT1 as a potential driver gene, also correlated with OS (OR=1.670; P=0.018). In a pooled analysis of 428 tumors, involving the discovery, validation and TCGA cohorts, 14q32.33 amplifications significantly reduced OS, PFS and PFI (HR=2.69, P=1.7×10(-4); HR=1.82, P=1.9×10(-2) and HR=1.80, P=2.2×10(-2) respectively). Moreover, AKT1 mRNA expression correlated with the number of chromosomal copies of the 14q32.33 region (P=2.8×10(-11);R(2)=0.26). CONCLUSIONS We established that amplifications in 14q32.33 were associated with reduced OS, PFS, PFI and platinum resistance in three independent cohorts, suggesting that AKT1 amplifications act as a potentially predictive marker for EOC treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Despierre
- Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Matthieu Moisse
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Betül Yesilyurt
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jalid Sehouli
- Department of Gynecology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité University Hospital, European Competence Center for Ovarian Cancer Berlin, Germany
| | - Ioana Braicu
- Department of Gynecology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité University Hospital, European Competence Center for Ovarian Cancer Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Gynecology, Hamburg-Eppendorf University Medical Center, University Cancer Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UCCH), Germany
| | - Dan Cacsire Castillo-Tong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Molecular Oncology Group, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Gynecologic Cancer Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Zeillinger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Molecular Oncology Group, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Gynecologic Cancer Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandrina Lambrechts
- Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin Leunen
- Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Amant
- Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philippe Moerman
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Ignace Vergote
- Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Vandamme TF. Use of rodents as models of human diseases. J Pharm Bioallied Sci 2014; 6:2-9. [PMID: 24459397 PMCID: PMC3895289 DOI: 10.4103/0975-7406.124301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Revised: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in molecular biology have significantly increased the understanding of the biology of different diseases. However, these discoveries have not yet been fully translated into improved treatments for patients with diseases such as cancers. One of the factors limiting the translation of knowledge from preclinical studies to the clinic has been the limitations of in vivo diseases models. In this brief review, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of rodent models that have been developed to simulate human pathologies, focusing in models that employ xenografts and genetic modification. Within the framework of genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models, we will review some of the current genetic strategies for modeling diseases in the mouse and the preclinical studies that have already been undertaken. We will also discuss how recent improvements in imaging technologies may increase the information derived from using these GEMs during early assessments of potential therapeutic pathways. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that one of the values of using a mouse model is the very rapid turnover rate of the animal, going through the process of birth to death in a very short timeframe relative to that of larger mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry F Vandamme
- University of Strasbourg, Faculty of Pharmacy, UMR 7199 CNRS, Laboratory of Concept and Application of Bioactive Molecules, Biogalenic Team, 74 Route du Rhin, 67400 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
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Qian Z, Li M, Wang R, Xiao Q, Wang J, Li M, He D, Xiao X. Knockdown of CABYR-a/b increases chemosensitivity of human non-small cell lung cancer cells through inactivation of Akt. Mol Cancer Res 2013; 12:335-47. [PMID: 24362251 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-13-0391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED CABYR is a calcium-binding tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated protein that was identified as a novel cancer testis antigen in lung cancer in our previous study. However, the role of CABYR as a driver of disease progression or as a chemosensitizer is poorly understood. This study sought to investigate the relationship between the expression levels of CABYR-a/b, which are the two predominant isoforms of the five isoform proteins encoded by CABYR, and chemosensitivity in non-small cell lung cancer cells. We found that the short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of CABYR-a/b significantly inhibited the proliferation of NCI-H460 and A549 cells and resulted in the attenuation of Akt phosphorylation, which is constitutively active in lung cancer cells. The silencing of CABYR-a/b expression notably impacted the downstream components of the Akt pathways: decreasing the phospho-GSK-3β (Ser9) levels and increasing the expression of the p53 and p27 proteins. Furthermore, CABYR-a/b knockdown led to a significant increase in chemosensitivity in response to chemotherapeutic drugs and drug-induced apoptosis, both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, the transient transfection of CABYR-a/b-depleted cells with constitutively active Akt partially restored the resistance to cisplatin and paclitaxel and significantly decreased the activation of GSK-3β and cleaved PARP. Taken together, our results suggest that the inhibition of CABYR-a/b is a novel method to improve the apoptotic response and chemosensitivity in lung cancer and that this cancer testis antigen is an attractive target for lung cancer drug development. IMPLICATIONS Suppression of CABYR-a/b expression increases chemosensitivity of lung cancer cells by inhibiting Akt activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zunlei Qian
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, 19th Xinjiekouwai St. 100875, Beijing, China.
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Hou H, Sun H, Lu P, Ge C, Zhang L, Li H, Zhao F, Tian H, Zhang L, Chen T, Yao M, Li J. Tunicamycin Potentiates Cisplatin Anticancer Efficacy through the DPAGT1/Akt/ABCG2 Pathway in Mouse Xenograft Models of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 12:2874-84. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Shukla S, Bhaskaran N, Babcook MA, Fu P, Maclennan GT, Gupta S. Apigenin inhibits prostate cancer progression in TRAMP mice via targeting PI3K/Akt/FoxO pathway. Carcinogenesis 2013; 35:452-60. [PMID: 24067903 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgt316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box O (FoxO) transcription factors play an important role as tumor suppressor in several human malignancies. Disruption of FoxO activity due to loss of phosphatase and tensin homolog and activation of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt are frequently observed in prostate cancer. Apigenin, a naturally occurring plant flavone, exhibits antiproliferative and anticarcinogenic activities through mechanisms, which are not fully defined. In the present study, we show that apigenin suppressed prostate tumorigenesis in transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice through the PI3K/Akt/FoxO-signaling pathway. Apigenin-treated TRAMP mice (20 and 50 μg/mouse/day, 6 days/week for 20 weeks) exhibited significant decrease in tumor volumes of the prostate as well as completely abolished distant organ metastasis. Apigenin treatment resulted in significant decrease in the weight of genitourinary apparatus (P < 0.0001), dorsolateral (P < 0.0001) and ventral prostate (P < 0.028), compared with the control group. Apigenin-treated mice showed reduced phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473) and FoxO3a (Ser253), which correlated with its increased nuclear retention and decreased binding of FoxO3a with 14-3-3. These events lead to reduced proliferation as assessed by Ki-67 and cyclin D1, along with upregulation of FoxO-responsive proteins BIM and p27/Kip1. Complementing in vivo results, similar observations were noted in human prostate cancer LNCaP and PC-3 cells after apigenin treatment. Furthermore, binding of FoxO3a with p27/Kip1 was markedly increased after 10 and 20 μM apigenin treatment resulting in G0/G1-phase cell cycle arrest, which was consistent with the effects elicited by PI3K/Akt inhibitor, LY294002. These results provide convincing evidence that apigenin effectively suppressed prostate cancer progression, at least in part, by targeting the PI3K/Akt/FoxO-signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev Shukla
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University and The Urology Institute, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Wu R, Baker SJ, Hu TC, Norman KM, Fearon ER, Cho KR. Type I to type II ovarian carcinoma progression: mutant Trp53 or Pik3ca confers a more aggressive tumor phenotype in a mouse model of ovarian cancer. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 182:1391-9. [PMID: 23499052 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Revised: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A dualistic pathway model of ovarian carcinoma (OvCA) pathogenesis has been proposed: type I OvCAs are low grade, genetically stable, and relatively more indolent than type II OvCAs, most of which are high-grade serous carcinomas. Endometrioid OvCA (EOC) is a prototypical type I tumor, often harboring mutations that affect the Wnt and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathways. Molecular and histopathologic analyses indicate type I and II OvCAs share overlapping features, and a subset of EOCs may undergo type I→type II progression accompanied by acquisition of somatic TP53 or PIK3CA mutations. We used a murine model of EOC initiated by conditional inactivation of the Apc and Pten tumor suppressor genes to investigate mutant Trp53 or Pik3ca alleles as key drivers of type I→type II OvCA progression. In the mouse EOC model, the presence of somatic Trp53 or Pik3ca mutations resulted in shortened survival and more widespread metastasis. Activation of mutant Pik3ca alone had no demonstrable effect on the ovarian surface epithelium but resulted in papillary hyperplasia when coupled with Pten inactivation. Our findings indicate that the adverse prognosis associated with TP53 and PIK3CA mutations in human cancers can be functionally replicated in mouse models of type I→type II OvCA progression. Moreover, the models should represent a robust platform for assessment of the contributions of Trp53 or Pik3ca defects in the response of EOCs to conventional and targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Wu
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200, USA
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