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Shi Z, Hu C, Zheng X, Sun C, Li Q. Feedback loop between hypoxia and energy metabolic reprogramming aggravates the radioresistance of cancer cells. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:55. [PMID: 38778409 PMCID: PMC11110349 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00519-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is one of the mainstream approaches for cancer treatment, although the clinical outcomes are limited due to the radioresistance of tumor cells. Hypoxia and metabolic reprogramming are the hallmarks of tumor initiation and progression and are closely linked to radioresistance. Inside a tumor, the rate of angiogenesis lags behind cell proliferation, and the underdevelopment and abnormal functions of blood vessels in some loci result in oxygen deficiency in cancer cells, i.e., hypoxia. This prevents radiation from effectively eliminating the hypoxic cancer cells. Cancer cells switch to glycolysis as the main source of energy, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect, to sustain their rapid proliferation rates. Therefore, pathways involved in metabolic reprogramming and hypoxia-induced radioresistance are promising intervention targets for cancer treatment. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms and pathways underlying radioresistance due to hypoxia and metabolic reprogramming in detail, including DNA repair, role of cancer stem cells, oxidative stress relief, autophagy regulation, angiogenesis and immune escape. In addition, we proposed the existence of a feedback loop between energy metabolic reprogramming and hypoxia, which is associated with the development and exacerbation of radioresistance in tumors. Simultaneous blockade of this feedback loop and other tumor-specific targets can be an effective approach to overcome radioresistance of cancer cells. This comprehensive overview provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying tumor radiosensitivity and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Shi
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cuilan Hu
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaogang Zheng
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Qiang Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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2
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Barker CA, Dufault S, Arron ST, Ho AL, Algazi AP, Dunn LA, Humphries AA, Hultman C, Lian M, Knott PD, Yom SS. Phase II, Single-Arm Trial of Induction and Concurrent Vismodegib With Curative-Intent Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced, Unresectable Basal Cell Carcinoma. J Clin Oncol 2024:JCO2301708. [PMID: 38630954 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Locally advanced, unresectable basal cell carcinoma (LA BCC) can be treated with radiation therapy (RT), but locoregional control (LRC) rates are unsatisfactory. Vismodegib is a hedgehog pathway inhibitor (HPI) active in BCC that may radiosensitize BCC. We evaluated the combination of vismodegib and RT for patients with LA BCC. METHODS In this multicenter, single-arm, phase II study, patients with unresectable LA BCC received 12 weeks of induction vismodegib, followed by 7 weeks of concurrent vismodegib and RT. The primary end point was LRC rate at 1 year after the end of treatment. Secondary end points included objective response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), safety, and patient-reported quality of life (PRQOL). RESULTS Twenty-four patients received vismodegib; five were unable to complete 12 weeks of induction therapy. LRC was achieved in 91% (95% CI, 68 to 98) of patients at 1 year. The response rate was 63% (95% CI, 38 to 84) after induction vismodegib and 83% (95% CI, 59 to 96) after concurrent vismodegib and RT. With a median follow-up of 5.7 years, 1-year PFS and OS rates were 100% and 96%, and at 5 years PFS and OS rates were 78% and 83%, respectively. Distant metastasis or BCC-related death has not been observed. The most frequent treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were dysgeusia, fatigue, and myalgias occurring in 83%, 75%, and 75% of patients. No grade 4 to 5 treatment-related AEs occurred. PRQOL demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in all subscales, with emotions and functioning improvements persisting for a year after the end of treatment. CONCLUSION In patients with unresectable LA BCC, the combination of vismodegib and RT yielded high rates of LRC and PFS and durable improvements in PRQOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Barker
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Suzanne Dufault
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sarah T Arron
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Alan L Ho
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Alain P Algazi
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Lara A Dunn
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Audrey A Humphries
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Carter Hultman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Ming Lian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - P Daniel Knott
- Department of Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sue S Yom
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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3
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Mishra A, Pathak Y, Mishra SK, Prakash H, Tripathi V. Natural compounds as a potential modifier of stem cells renewal: Comparative analysis. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 938:175412. [PMID: 36427534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are indispensable for development, progression, drug resistance, and tumor metastasis. Current cancer-directed interventions target targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells and slow dividing CSCs, which are the root cause of cancer origin and recurrence. The most promising targets include several self-renewal pathways involved in the maintenance and renewal of CSCs, such as the Wnt/β-Catenin, Sonic Hedgehog, Notch, Hippo, Autophagy, and Ferroptosis. In view of safety, natural compounds are coming to the front line of treatment modalities for modifying various signaling pathways simultaneously involved in maintaining CSCs. Therefore, targeting CSCs with natural compounds is a promising approach to treating various types of cancers. In view of this, here we provide a comprehensive update on the current status of natural compounds that effectively tune key self-renewal pathways of CSCs. In addition, we highlighted surface expression markers in several types of cancer. We also emphasize how natural compounds target these self-renewal pathways to reduce therapy resistance and cancer recurrence properties of CSCs, hence providing valuable cancer therapeutic strategies. The inclusion of nutraceuticals is believed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of current cancer-directed interventions significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaresh Mishra
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, 201310, India
| | - Yamini Pathak
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, 201310, India
| | | | - Hridayesh Prakash
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vishwas Tripathi
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, 201310, India.
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4
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Bister A, Ibach T, Haist C, Gerhorst G, Smorra D, Soldierer M, Roellecke K, Wagenmann M, Scheckenbach K, Gattermann N, Wiek C, Hanenberg H. Optimized NGFR-derived hinges for rapid and efficient enrichment and detection of CAR T cells in vitro and in vivo. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 26:120-134. [PMID: 35795096 PMCID: PMC9240717 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has demonstrated unprecedented success with high remission rates for heavily pretreated patients with hematological malignancies. The hinge connecting the extracellular antigen recognition unit to the transmembrane domain provides the length and flexibility of the CAR constructs and ensures that the CAR can reach the target antigen and mediate recognition and killing of target cells. The hinge can also include specific amino acid sequences to improve CAR expression, influence T cell proliferation, and facilitate CAR T cell detection, enrichment, and even elimination. Here, we report the generation of two novel hinge domains derived from the low-affinity p75 chain of the human nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR), termed N3 and N4, which, when incorporated into the CAR backbone, allow detection as well as high-grade enrichment of CAR T cells with GMP-compatible immunomagnetic reagents. After optimizing the MACS protocol for excellent CAR T cell purity and yield, we demonstrated that N3- and N4-hinged CAR T cells are as efficacious as their CD8-hinged counterparts in vitro against hematological blasts and also in vivo in the control of acute monocytic leukemia in an immunodeficient mouse xenograft model. Thus, both hinges could potentially be an integral part of future CAR designs and universally applicable in clinical applications.
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5
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Haist C, Poschinski Z, Bister A, Hoffmann MJ, Grunewald CM, Hamacher A, Kassack M, Wiek C, Scheckenbach K, Hanenberg H. Engineering a single-chain variable fragment of cetuximab for CAR T-cell therapy against head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Oral Oncol 2022; 129:105867. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.105867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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6
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Wu W, Yang H, Wang Z, Zhang Z, Lu X, Yang W, Xu X, Jiang Y, Li Y, Fan X, Shao Q. A Noncanonical Hedgehog Signaling Exerts a Tumor-Promoting Effect on Pancreatic Cancer Cells Via Induction of Osteopontin Expression. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2021. [PMID: 34978897 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2021.0317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Sonic Hedgehog (Shh)-Gli1 signaling and osteopontin (OPN) play vital roles in pancreatic cancer. However, the precise mechanisms of both signals have not been fully clarified, and whether there is a correlation between them in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is unknown. This study aims to confirm the effect of OPN on human PDAC and assess whether Hh signaling affects pancreatic cancer cells through upregulation of OPN. Materials and Methods: OPN expression in human PDAC tissues and cell lines was investigated. Proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of OPN-knockdown BxPC-3 cells were observed. We analyzed the correlation between Shh or Gli1 and OPN expression in human PDAC. Hh signaling inhibitors and shRNA against Gli1 were used to confirm if OPN expression in BxPC-3 cells was regulated by Hh canonical or noncanonical pathway. We also evaluated the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of Gli1-knockdown BxPC-3 cells. Results: OPN is highly expressed in human PDAC tissues and cell lines. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of BxPC-3 cell lines were decreased, whereas apoptosis was increased when OPN was knocked down. Correlation analysis showed that Gli1, but not Shh, was associated with OPN expression in human PDAC, and Gli1 regulated OPN production in BxPC-3 cells through a noncanonical pathway because Gli but not Smo inhibitor reduced OPN expression. Similar to above, the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BxPC-3 cells were decreased, whereas the apoptosis was increased when Gli1 was knocked down. Supplement of exogenous OPN protein could partially reverse the effect of both OPN knockdown and Gli1 knockdown on the bio-behavior of BxPC-3 cells. Conclusion: Hh signaling promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion but inhibits apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells through upregulation of OPN in a noncanonical pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijiang Wu
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanqing Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Wujin Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Changzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhutao Wang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijian Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Lu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjing Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiayue Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinuo Jiang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qixiang Shao
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu College of Nursing, School of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Huai'an, People's Republic of China
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7
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Bister A, Ibach T, Haist C, Smorra D, Roellecke K, Wagenmann M, Scheckenbach K, Gattermann N, Wiek C, Hanenberg H. A novel CD34-derived hinge for rapid and efficient detection and enrichment of CAR T cells. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2021; 23:534-546. [PMID: 34901395 PMCID: PMC8640169 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has revolutionized modern cancer therapy and has achieved remarkable remission and survival rates for several malignancies with historically dismal outcomes. The hinge of the CAR connects the antigen binding to the transmembrane domain and can be exploited to confer features to CAR T cells including additional stimulation, targeted elimination or detection and enrichment of the genetically modified cells. For establishing a novel hinge derived from human CD34, we systematically tested CD34 fragments of different lengths, all containing the binding site of the QBend-10 monoclonal antibody, in a FMC63-based CD19 CAR lentiviral construct. A final construct of 99 amino acids called C6 proved to be the best candidate for flow cytometry-based detection of CAR T cells and >95% enrichment of genetically modified T cells on MACS columns. The C6 hinge was functionally indistinguishable from the commonly used CD8α hinge in vitro as well as in in vivo experiments in NSG mice. We also showed that the C6 hinge can be used for a variety of different CARs and mediates high killing efficacy without unspecific activation by target antigen-negative cells, thus making C6 ideally suited as a universal hinge for CARs for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Bister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Tabea Ibach
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Corinna Haist
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Denise Smorra
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Katharina Roellecke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Martin Wagenmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kathrin Scheckenbach
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Norbert Gattermann
- Department of Hematology, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Constanze Wiek
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Helmut Hanenberg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
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8
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Suman SK, Subramanian S, Mukherjee A. Combination radionuclide therapy: A new paradigm. Nucl Med Biol 2021; 98-99:40-58. [PMID: 34029984 DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Targeted molecular radionuclide therapy (MRT) has shown its potential for the treatment of cancers of multiple origins. A combination therapy strategy employing two or more distinct therapeutic approaches in cancer management is aimed at circumventing tumor resistance by simultaneously targeting compensatory signaling pathways or bypassing survival selection mutations acquired in response to individual monotherapies. Combination radionuclide therapy (CRT) is a newer application of the concept, utilizing a combination of radiolabeled molecular targeting agents with chemotherapy and beam radiation therapy for enhanced therapeutic index. Encouraging results are reported with chemotherapeutic agents in combination with radiolabeled targeting molecules for cancer therapy. With increasing awareness of the various survival and stress response pathways activated after radionuclide therapy, different holistic combinations of MRT agents with radiosensitizers targeting such pathways have also been explored. MRT has also been studied in combination with beam radiotherapy modalities such as external beam radiation therapy and carbon ion radiation therapy to enhance the anti-tumor response. Nanotechnology aids in CRT by bringing together multiple monotherapies on a single nanostructure platform for treating cancers in a more precise or personalized way. CRT will be a key player in managing cancers if correctly tailored to the individual patient profile. The success of CRT lies in an in-depth understanding of the radiobiological principles and pathways activated in response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shishu Kant Suman
- Radiopharmaceuticals Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Suresh Subramanian
- Radiopharmaceuticals Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Archana Mukherjee
- Radiopharmaceuticals Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India.
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9
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Wan J, Dai H, Zhang X, Liu S, Lin Y, Somani AK, Xie J, Han J. Distinct transcriptomic landscapes of cutaneous basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. Genes Dis 2021; 8:181-192. [PMID: 33997165 PMCID: PMC8099692 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2019.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which are also called keratinocyte carcinomas, as both of them originate from keratinocytes. The incidence of keratinocyte carcinomas is over 5 million per year in the US, three-fold higher than the total incidence of all other types of cancer combined. While there are several reports on gene expression profiling of BCC and SCC, there are significant variations in the reported gene expression changes in different studies. One reason is that tumor-adjacent normal skin specimens were not included in many studies as matched controls. Furthermore, while numerous studies of skin stem cells in mouse models have been reported, their relevance to human skin cancer remains unknown. In this report, we analyzed gene expression profiles of paired specimens of keratinocyte carcinomas with their matched normal skin tissues as the control. Among several novel findings, we discovered a significant number of zinc finger encoding genes up-regulated in human BCC. In BCC, a novel link was found between hedgehog signaling, Wnt signaling, and the cilium. While the SCC cancer-stem-cell gene signature is shared between human and mouse SCCs, the hair follicle stem-cell signature of mice was not highly represented in human SCC. Differential gene expression (DEG) in human BCC shares gene signature with both bulge and epidermal stem cells. We have also determined that human BCCs and SCCs have distinct gene expression patterns, and some of them are not fully reflected in current mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wan
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University – Purdue University at Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Hongji Dai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300000, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Sheng Liu
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Epidemiology, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Ally-Khan Somani
- Dermatologic Surgery & Cutaneous Oncology Division, Department of Dermatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Jingwu Xie
- Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Jiali Han
- Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
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10
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Wang K, Patel M, Prabhu AV, Lewis GD. First reported case of concurrent sonidegib and radiotherapy for recurrent, advanced basal cell carcinoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 26:149-152. [PMID: 34046226 DOI: 10.5603/rpor.a2021.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC ) is the most common human malignancy. Systemic therapy with a sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway inhibitor plays an important role in the treatment of advanced BCC . Literature on concurrent use of radiation therapy (RT ) with SHH inhibitors has been minimal and has solely been focused on vismodegib. We present a case report of a patient with recurrent basal cell carcinoma involving the high-risk area of the face, who was denied surgery due to comorbidities and difficulty in obtaining complete tumor removal without cosmetic or functional impairment. The patient received combined treatment of fractionated radiation with concurrent sonidegib and had complete clinical response with no significant toxicities. This is the first reported case on the use of concurrent RT with sonidegib for management of recurrent basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaidi Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
| | - Mausam Patel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
| | - Arpan V Prabhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
| | - Gary D Lewis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
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11
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He M, Henderson M, Muth S, Murphy A, Zheng L. Preclinical mouse models for immunotherapeutic and non-immunotherapeutic drug development for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 3. [PMID: 32832900 PMCID: PMC7440242 DOI: 10.21037/apc.2020.03.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is in urgent need of better diagnostic and therapeutic methods due to its late diagnosis, limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Finding the right animal models to recapitulate the tumor molecular pathogenesis and tumor microenvironment (TME) complexity is critical for preclinical immunotherapeutic and non-immunotherapeutic treatment developments. In this review, we summarize and evaluate popular preclinical animal models including patient-derived xenograft models, humanized mouse models, genetically engineered mouse models, and syngeneic mouse models. Through comparisons between these models in different research settings, we hope to provide guidance in finding the most relevant preclinical models to suit various research purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengni He
- Department of Cell Biology, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - MacKenzie Henderson
- Department of Oncology, Baltimore, MD, USA.,The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen Muth
- Department of Oncology, Baltimore, MD, USA.,The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Adrian Murphy
- Department of Oncology, Baltimore, MD, USA.,The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,The Precision Medicine Center of Excellence (PMCoE) Program for Pancreatic Cancer, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lei Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Baltimore, MD, USA.,The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,The Precision Medicine Center of Excellence (PMCoE) Program for Pancreatic Cancer, Baltimore, MD, USA
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12
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Itraconazole inhibits the Hedgehog signaling pathway thereby inducing autophagy-mediated apoptosis of colon cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:539. [PMID: 32681018 PMCID: PMC7367825 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02742-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Itraconazole is as an antifungal medication used to treat systemic fungal infections. Recently, it has been reported to be effective in suppressing tumor growth by inhibiting the Hedgehog signaling pathway and angiogenesis. In the present study, we investigated whether itraconazole induces autophagy-mediated cell death of colon cancer cells through the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution of the colon cancer cell lines SW-480 and HCT-116 were detected by flow cytometry and terminal TUNEL assay. Autophagy and signal proteins were detected by western blotting and cell proliferation-associated antigen Ki-67 was measured using immunohistochemistry. The images of autophagy flux and formation of autophagosomes were observed by laser scanning confocal and/or transmission electron microscopy. Colon cancer cell xenograft mouse models were also established. Itraconazole treatment inhibited cell proliferation via G1 cell cycle arrest as well as autophagy-mediated apoptosis of SW-480 and HCT-116 colon cancer cells. In addition, the Hedgehog pathway was found to be involved in activation of itraconazole-mediated autophagy. After using the Hedgehog agonist recombinant human Sonic Hedgehog (rhshh), itraconazole could counteract the activation of rhshh. Moreover, treatment with itraconazole produced significant cancer inhibition in HCT-116-bearing mice. Thus, itraconazole may be a potential and effective therapy for the treatment of colon cancer.
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Pancreatic Cancer UK Grand Challenge: Developments and challenges for effective CAR T cell therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Pancreatology 2020; 20:394-408. [PMID: 32173257 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Death from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is rising across the world and PDAC is predicted to be the second most common cause of cancer death in the USA by 2030. Development of effective biotherapies for PDAC are hampered by late presentation, a low number of differentially expressed molecular targets and a tumor-promoting microenvironment that forms both a physical, collagen-rich barrier and is also immunosuppressive. In 2017 Pancreatic Cancer UK awarded its first Grand Challenge Programme award to tackle this problem. The team plan to combine the use of novel CAR T cells with strategies to overcome the barriers presented by the tumor microenvironment. In advance of publication of those data this review seeks to highlight the key problems in effective CAR T cell therapy of PDAC and to describe pre-clinical and clinical progress in CAR T bio-therapeutics.
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14
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Yang L, Shi P, Zhao G, Xu J, Peng W, Zhang J, Zhang G, Wang X, Dong Z, Chen F, Cui H. Targeting cancer stem cell pathways for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:8. [PMID: 32296030 PMCID: PMC7005297 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0110-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 877] [Impact Index Per Article: 219.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since cancer stem cells (CSCs) were first identified in leukemia in 1994, they have been considered promising therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. These cells have self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential and contribute to multiple tumor malignancies, such as recurrence, metastasis, heterogeneity, multidrug resistance, and radiation resistance. The biological activities of CSCs are regulated by several pluripotent transcription factors, such as OCT4, Sox2, Nanog, KLF4, and MYC. In addition, many intracellular signaling pathways, such as Wnt, NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB), Notch, Hedgehog, JAK-STAT (Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription), PI3K/AKT/mTOR (phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin), TGF (transforming growth factor)/SMAD, and PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor), as well as extracellular factors, such as vascular niches, hypoxia, tumor-associated macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells, extracellular matrix, and exosomes, have been shown to be very important regulators of CSCs. Molecules, vaccines, antibodies, and CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T cell) cells have been developed to specifically target CSCs, and some of these factors are already undergoing clinical trials. This review summarizes the characterization and identification of CSCs, depicts major factors and pathways that regulate CSC development, and discusses potential targeted therapy for CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Pengfei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Gaichao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Guanghui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhen Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China.
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China.
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15
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Super-enhancers: novel target for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Oncotarget 2019; 10:1554-1571. [PMID: 30899425 PMCID: PMC6422180 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Super-enhancers (SEs) are unique areas of the genome which drive high-level of transcription and play a pivotal role in the cell physiology. Previous studies have established several important genes in cancer as SE-driven oncogenes. It is likely that oncogenes may hack the resident tissue regenerative program and interfere with SE-driven repair networks, leading to the specific pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) phenotype. Here, we used ChIP-Seq to identify the presence of SE in PDAC cell lines. Differential H3K27AC marks were identified at enhancer regions of genes including c-MYC, MED1, OCT-4, NANOG, and SOX2 that can act as SE in non-cancerous, cancerous and metastatic PDAC cell lines. GZ17-6.02 affects acetylation of the genes, reduces transcription of major transcription factors, sonic hedgehog pathway proteins, and stem cell markers. In accordance with the decrease in Oct-4 expression, ChIP-Seq revealed a significant decrease in the occupancy of OCT-4 in the entire genome after GZ17-6.02 treatment suggesting the possible inhibitory effect of GZ17-6.02 on PDAC. Hence, SE genes are associated with PDAC and targeting their regulation with GZ17-6.02 offers a novel approach for treatment.
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Hedgehog Signaling in Cancer: A Prospective Therapeutic Target for Eradicating Cancer Stem Cells. Cells 2018; 7:cells7110208. [PMID: 30423843 PMCID: PMC6262325 DOI: 10.3390/cells7110208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a signaling cascade that plays a crucial role in many fundamental processes, including embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Moreover, emerging evidence has suggested that aberrant activation of Hh is associated with neoplastic transformations, malignant tumors, and drug resistance of a multitude of cancers. At the molecular level, it has been shown that Hh signaling drives the progression of cancers by regulating cancer cell proliferation, malignancy, metastasis, and the expansion of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Thus, a comprehensive understanding of Hh signaling during tumorigenesis and development of chemoresistance is necessary in order to identify potential therapeutic strategies to target various human cancers and their relapse. In this review, we discuss the molecular basis of the Hh signaling pathway and its abnormal activation in several types of human cancers. We also highlight the clinical development of Hh signaling inhibitors for cancer therapy as well as CSC-targeted therapy.
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The role of GLI-SOX2 signaling axis for gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer. Oncogene 2018; 38:1764-1777. [PMID: 30382189 PMCID: PMC6408295 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0553-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, mostly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC), is one of the most lethal cancers, with a dismal median survival around 8 months. PDAC is notoriously resistant to chemotherapy. Thus far, numerous attempts using novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies yielded limited clinical benefits for pancreatic cancer patients. It is hoped that delineating the molecular mechanisms underlying drug resistance in pancreatic cancer may provide novel therapeutic options. Using acquired gemcitabine resistant pancreatic cell lines, we revealed an important role of the GLI-SOX2 signaling axis for regulation of gemcitabine sensitivity in vitro and in animal models. Down-regulation of GLI transcriptional factors (GLI1 or GLI2), but not SMO signaling inhibition, reduces tumor sphere formation, a characteristics of tumor initiating cell (TIC). Down-regulation of GLI transcription factors also decreased expression of TIC marker CD24. Similarly, high SOX2 expression is associated with gemcitabine resistance whereas down-regulation of SOX2 sensitizes pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine treatment. We further revealed that elevated SOX2 expression is associated with an increase in GLI1 or GLI2 expression. Our ChIP assay revealed that GLI proteins are associated with a putative Gli binding site within the SOX2 promoter, suggesting a more direct regulation of SOX2 by GLI transcription factors. The relevance of our findings to human disease was revealed in human cancer specimens. We found that high SOX2 protein expression is associated with frequent tumor relapse and poor survival in stage II PDAC patients (all of them underwent gemcitabine treatment), indicating that reduced SOX2 expression or down-regulation of GLI transcription factors may be effective in sensitizing pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine treatment.
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18
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Gu D, Lin H, Zhang X, Fan Q, Chen S, Shahda S, Liu Y, Sun J, Xie J. Simultaneous Inhibition of MEK and Hh Signaling Reduces Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10110403. [PMID: 30373214 PMCID: PMC6266431 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10110403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, mostly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is one of the most lethal cancer types, with an estimated 44,330 death in 2018 in the US alone. While targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors have significantly improved treatment options for patients with lung cancer and renal cell carcinomas, little progress has been made in pancreatic cancer, with a dismal 5-year survival rate currently at ~8%. Upon diagnosis, the majority of pancreatic cancer cases (~80%) are already metastatic. Thus, identifying ways to reduce pancreatic cancer metastasis is an unmet medical need. Furthermore, pancreatic cancer is notorious resistant to chemotherapy. While Kirsten RAt Sarcoma virus oncogene (K-RAS) mutation is the major driver for pancreatic cancer, specific inhibition of RAS signaling has been very challenging, and combination therapy is thought to be promising. In this study, we report that combination of hedgehog (Hh) and Mitogen-activated Protein/Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase Kinase (MEK) signaling inhibitors reduces pancreatic cancer metastasis in mouse models. In mouse models of pancreatic cancer metastasis using human pancreatic cancer cells, we found that Hh target gene Gli1 is up-regulated during pancreatic cancer metastasis. Specific inhibition of smoothened signaling significantly altered the gene expression profile of the tumor microenvironment but had no significant effects on cancer metastasis. By combining Hh signaling inhibitor BMS833923 with RAS downstream MEK signaling inhibitor AZD6244, we observed reduced number of metastatic nodules in several mouse models for pancreatic cancer metastasis. These two inhibitors also decreased cell proliferation significantly and reduced CD45+ cells (particularly Ly6G+CD11b+ cells). We demonstrated that depleting Ly6G+ CD11b+ cells is sufficient to reduce cancer cell proliferation and the number of metastatic nodules. In vitro, Ly6G+ CD11b+ cells can stimulate cancer cell proliferation, and this effect is sensitive to MEK and Hh inhibition. Our studies may help design novel therapeutic strategies to mitigate pancreatic cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Gu
- Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
- Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Hai Lin
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
- Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Qipeng Fan
- Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
- Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Shaoxiong Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Safi Shahda
- Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Yunlong Liu
- Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Jie Sun
- Departments of Medicine and Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Jingwu Xie
- Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
- Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Yu B, Gu D, Zhang X, Li J, Liu B, Xie J. GLI1-mediated regulation of side population is responsible for drug resistance in gastric cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 8:27412-27427. [PMID: 28404967 PMCID: PMC5432345 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Chemotherapy is frequently used for gastric cancer treatment. Most patients with advanced gastric cancer eventually succumb to the disease despite some patients responded initially to chemotherapy. Thus, identifying molecular mechanisms responsible for cancer relapse following chemotherapy will help design new ways to treat gastric cancer. In this study, we revealed that the residual cancer cells following treatment with chemotherapeutic reagent cisplatin have elevated expression of hedgehog target genes GLI1, GLI2 and PTCH1, suggestive of hedgehog signaling activation. We showed that GLI1 knockdown sensitized gastric cancer cells to CDDP whereas ectopic GLI1 expression decreased the sensitivity. Further analyses indicate elevated GLI1 expression is associated with an increase in tumor sphere formation, side population and cell surface markers for putative cancer stem cells. We have evidence to support that GLI1 is critical for maintenance of putative cancer stem cells through direct regulation of ABCG2. In fact, GLI1 protein was shown to be associated with the promoter fragment of ABCG2 through a Gli-binding consensus site in gastric cancer cells. Disruption of ABCG2 function, through ectopic expression of an ABCG2 dominant negative construct or a specific ABCG2 inhibitor, increased drug sensitivity of cancer cells both in culture and in mice. The relevance of our studies to gastric cancer patient care is reflected by our discovery that high ABCG2 expression was associated with poor survival in the gastric cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy. Taken together, we have identified a molecular mechanism by which gastric cancer cells gain chemotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beiqin Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The Wells Center for Pediatrics Research and IU Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Dongsheng Gu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Wells Center for Pediatrics Research and IU Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Wells Center for Pediatrics Research and IU Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Jianfang Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Bingya Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jingwu Xie
- Department of Pediatrics, The Wells Center for Pediatrics Research and IU Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Spetz J, Langen B, Rudqvist N, Parris TZ, Helou K, Nilsson O, Forssell-Aronsson E. Hedgehog inhibitor sonidegib potentiates 177Lu-octreotate therapy of GOT1 human small intestine neuroendocrine tumors in nude mice. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:528. [PMID: 28789624 PMCID: PMC5549301 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3524-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background 177Lu-octreotate can be used to treat somatostatin receptor expressing neuroendocrine tumors. It is highly effective in animal models, but clinical studies have so far only demonstrated low cure rates. Hedgehog inhibitors have shown therapeutic effect as monotherapy in neuroendocrine tumor model systems and might be one option to enhance the efficacy of 177Lu-octreotate therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic effect of combination therapy using 177Lu-octreotate and the Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor sonidegib. Methods GOT1-bearing BALB/c nude mice were treated with either sonidegib (80 mg/kg twice a week via oral gavage), a single injection of 30 MBq 177Lu-octreotate i.v., or a combination of both. Untreated animals served as controls. Tumor size was measured twice-weekly using calipers. The animals were killed 41 d after injection followed by excision of the tumors. Total RNA was extracted from each tumor sample and then subjected to gene expression analysis. Gene expression patterns were compared with those of untreated controls using Nexus Expression 3.0, IPA and Gene Ontology terms. Western blot was carried out on total protein extracted from the tumor samples to analyze activation-states of the Hh and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. Results Sonidegib monotherapy resulted in inhibition of tumor growth, while a significant reduction in mean tumor volume was observed after 177Lu-octreotate monotherapy and combination therapy. Time to progression was prolonged in the combination therapy group compared with 177Lu-octreotate monotherapy. Gene expression analysis revealed a more pronounced response following combination therapy compared with both monotherapies, regarding the number of regulated genes and biological processes. Several cancer-related signaling pathways (i.e. Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, G-protein coupled receptor, and Notch) were affected by the combination therapy, but not by either monotherapy. Protein expression analysis revealed an activation of the Hh- and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways in tumors exposed to 177Lu-octreotate monotherapy and combination therapy. Conclusions A comparative analysis of the different treatment groups showed that combination therapy using sonidegib and 177Lu-octreotate could be beneficial to patients with neuroendocrine tumors. Gene expression analysis revealed a functional interaction between sonidegib and 177Lu-octreotate, i.e. several cancer-related signaling pathways were modulated that were not affected by either monotherapy. Protein expression analysis indicated a possible PI3K/AKT/mTOR-dependent activation of the Hh pathway, independent of SMO. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-017-3524-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Spetz
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45, Gothenburg, SE, Sweden.
| | - Britta Langen
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45, Gothenburg, SE, Sweden
| | - Nils Rudqvist
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45, Gothenburg, SE, Sweden
| | - Toshima Z Parris
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45, Gothenburg, SE, Sweden
| | - Khalil Helou
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45, Gothenburg, SE, Sweden
| | - Ola Nilsson
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45, Gothenburg, SE, Sweden
| | - Eva Forssell-Aronsson
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45, Gothenburg, SE, Sweden
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Seshacharyulu P, Baine MJ, Souchek JJ, Menning M, Kaur S, Yan Y, Ouellette MM, Jain M, Lin C, Batra SK. Biological determinants of radioresistance and their remediation in pancreatic cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2017; 1868:69-92. [PMID: 28249796 PMCID: PMC5548591 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in radiotherapy, a majority of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (PC) do not achieve objective responses due to the existence of intrinsic and acquired radioresistance. Identification of molecular mechanisms that compromise the efficacy of radiation therapy and targeting these pathways is paramount for improving radiation response in PC patients. In this review, we have summarized molecular mechanisms associated with the radio-resistant phenotype of PC. Briefly, we discuss the reversible and irreversible biological consequences of radiotherapy, such as DNA damage and DNA repair, mechanisms of cancer cell survival and radiation-induced apoptosis following radiotherapy. We further describe various small molecule inhibitors and molecular targeting agents currently being tested in preclinical and clinical studies as potential radiosensitizers for PC. Notably, we draw attention towards the confounding effects of cancer stem cells, immune system, and the tumor microenvironment in the context of PC radioresistance and radiosensitization. Finally, we discuss the need for examining selective radioprotectors in light of the emerging evidence on radiation toxicity to non-target tissue associated with PC radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parthasarathy Seshacharyulu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Michael J Baine
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Joshua J Souchek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Melanie Menning
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Sukhwinder Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Ying Yan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Michel M. Ouellette
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Chi Lin
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Surinder K. Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
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Jain S, Song R, Xie J. Sonidegib: mechanism of action, pharmacology, and clinical utility for advanced basal cell carcinomas. Onco Targets Ther 2017; 10:1645-1653. [PMID: 28352196 PMCID: PMC5360396 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s130910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is critical for cell differentiation, tissue polarity, and stem cell maintenance during embryonic development, but is silent in adult tissues under normal conditions. However, aberrant Hh signaling activation has been implicated in the development and promotion of certain types of cancer, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), medulloblastoma, and gastrointestinal cancers. In 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved sonidegib, a smoothened (SMO) antagonist, for treatment of advanced BCC (aBCC) after a successful Phase II clinical trial. Sonidegib, also named Odomzo, is the second Hh signaling inhibitor approved by the FDA to treat BCCs following approval of the first SMO antagonist vismodegib in 2012. What are the major features of sonidegib (mechanism of action; metabolic profiles, clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability profiles)? Will the sonidegib experience help other clinical trials using Hh signaling inhibitors in the future? In this review, we will summarize current understanding of BCCs and Hh signaling. We will focus on sonidegib and its use in the clinic, and we will discuss ways to improve its clinical application in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruolan Song
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jingwu Xie
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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23
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Cui Y, Cui CA, Yang ZT, Ni WD, Jin Y, Xuan YH. Gli1 expression in cancer stem-like cells predicts poor prognosis in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma. Exp Mol Pathol 2017; 102:347-353. [PMID: 28286162 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1) is involved in cancer stem cell (CSC) maintenance in various tumors; however, its expression and clinical significance in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) has not been reported. In this study, we aimed to reveal the clinical significance of Gli1 in LSCC and investigate the potential of Gli1 as a CSC marker by comparing its expression with that of other stemness-related genes in LSCC. METHODS We assessed the expressions of Gli1, LSD1, CD44, Sox9 and Sox2 by immunohistochemistry in the tissue specimens obtained from 101 patients with LSCC. The relationship of Gli1 expression with clinicopathological parameters and cell-cycle regulating genes was investigated. RESULTS Gli1 expression was significantly correlated with T stage (P<0.001), lymph node metastasis (P=0.002), and clinical stage (P=0.005) of LSCC. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the expression of Gli1 in LSCC was all significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS: P=0.005). Cox regression analysis further confirmed that Gli1 is a prognostic marker of unfavorable clinical outcome of LSCC. Gli1 expression was significantly correlated with the expression of stemness-related genes such as LSD1 (P=0.009) and CD44 (P<0.001), but not with those of Sox2 and Sox9. However, Gli1 expression was associated with the expression of hypoxia-inducible factors1α (HIF1α; P<0.001) and Cyclin D1 (P=0.002), respectively. In additionally, microvessel density (MVD) was significantly higher in Gli1-positive LSCC than in the negative LSCC (P=0.026). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that Gli1 may be a potential LSCC stem cell marker and an independent indicator of poor prognosis for patients with LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cui
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Chun-Ai Cui
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of the Changbai Mountain and Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Yanbian University College of Medicine, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Zhao-Ting Yang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of the Changbai Mountain and Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Yanbian University College of Medicine, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Wei-Dong Ni
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of the Changbai Mountain and Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Yanbian University College of Medicine, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Yu Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of the Changbai Mountain and Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Yanbian University College of Medicine, Yanji 133002, China.
| | - Yan-Hua Xuan
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of the Changbai Mountain and Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Yanbian University College of Medicine, Yanji 133002, China.
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24
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Han L, Ma J, Duan W, Zhang L, Yu S, Xu Q, Lei J, Li X, Wang Z, Wu Z, Huang JH, Wu E, Ma Q, Ma Z. Pancreatic stellate cells contribute pancreatic cancer pain via activation of sHH signaling pathway. Oncotarget 2017; 7:18146-58. [PMID: 26934446 PMCID: PMC4951278 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal pain is a critical clinical symptom in pancreatic cancer (PC) that affects the quality of life for PC patients. However, the pathogenesis of PC pain is largely unknown. In this study, we show that PC pain is initiated by the sonic hedgehog (sHH) signaling pathway in pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which is activated by sHH secreted from PC cells, and then, neurotrophic factors derived from PSCs mediate the pain. The different culture systems were established in vitro, and the expression of sHH pathway molecules, neurotrophic factors, TRPV1, and pain factors were examined. Capsaicin-evoked TRPV1 currents in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were examined by the patch-clamp technique. Pain-related behavior was observed in an orthotopic tumor model. sHH and PSCs increased the expression and secretion of TRPV1, SP, and CGRP by inducing NGF and BDNF in a co-culture system, also increasing TRPV1 current. But, suppressing sHH pathway or NGF reduced the expression of TRPV1, SP, and CGRP. In vivo, PSCs and PC cells that expressed high levels of sHH could enhance pain behavior. Furthermore, the blockade of NGF or TRPV1 significantly attenuated the pain response to mechanical stimulation compared with the control. Our results demonstrate that sHH signaling pathway is involved in PC pain, and PSCs play an essential role in the process greatly by inducing NGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jiguang Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Wanxing Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Lun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Shuo Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Qinhong Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jianjun Lei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xuqi Li
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Zheng Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jason H Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott and White Health Care, Temple, TX, 76508, USA.,Department of Surgery, Texas A & M College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
| | - Erxi Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott and White Health Care, Temple, TX, 76508, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas A & M Health Science Center, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Qingyong Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Zhenhua Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
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25
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Du Z, Zhou F, Jia Z, Zheng B, Han S, Cheng J, Zhu G, Huang P. The hedgehog/Gli-1 signaling pathways is involved in the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2016; 19:1171-1176. [PMID: 27917272 PMCID: PMC5126217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study aimed to investigate the effects of resveratrol on colorectal cancer HCT116 cells, including cell viability, apoptosis, and migration, and the partial mechanisms focused on hedgehog/gli-1 signaling pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS We chose the appropriate time and concentration of recombinant human Sonic hedgehog (Shh) stimulation by cell viability. The proportion of cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry; HCT116 cell migration was measured by scratch test; the expression of Ptch, Smo, and Gli-1 was measured by Western blot analysis. RESULTS Shh signaling increased HCT116 cell viability and migration, inhibited cell apoptosis, and upregulated the expression of Ptch, Smo, and Gli-1. Resveratrol obviously inhibited HCT116 cell viability and migration, promoted cell apoptosis, and suppressed the protein of Ptch, Smo, and Gli-1. Furthermore, the effects of resveratrol and Shh on human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells were in a dose- and time-dependent manner. CONCLUSION The inhibitory effect of resveratrol on HCT116 cells may be mediated by hedgehog/gli-1 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Du
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zengrong Jia
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Beishi Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shaoliang Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jun Cheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Guanbao Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Office of Development and Planning, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China,Corresponding author: Ping Huang. Office of Development and Planning, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China.
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26
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Vallard A, Espenel S, Guy JB, Diao P, Xia Y, El Meddeb Hamrouni A, Ben Mrad M, Falk AT, Rodriguez-Lafrasse C, Rancoule C, Magné N. Targeting stem cells by radiation: From the biological angle to clinical aspects. World J Stem Cells 2016; 8:243-250. [PMID: 27621758 PMCID: PMC4999651 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v8.i8.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of anticancer treatment. However in spite of technical evolutions, important rates of failure and of toxicity are still reported. Although numerous pre-clinical data have been published, we address the subject of radiotherapy-stem cells interaction from the clinical efficacy and toxicity perspective. On one side, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been recently evidenced in most of solid tumor primary locations and are thought to drive radio-resistance phenomena. It is particularly suggested in glioblastoma, where CSCs were showed to be housed in the subventricular zone (SVZ). In recent retrospective studies, the radiation dose to SVZ was identified as an independent factor significantly influencing overall survival. On the other side, healthy tissue stem cells radio-destruction has been recently suggested to cause two of the most quality of life-impacting side effects of radiotherapy, namely memory disorders after brain radiotherapy, and xerostomia after head and neck radiotherapy. Recent publications studying the impact of a radiation dose decrease on healthy brain and salivary stem cells niches suggested significantly reduced long term toxicities. Stem cells comprehension should be a high priority for radiation oncologists, as this particular cell population seems able to widely modulate the efficacy/toxicity ratio of radiotherapy in real life patients.
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27
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Rangarajan P, Subramaniam D, Paul S, Kwatra D, Palaniyandi K, Islam S, Harihar S, Ramalingam S, Gutheil W, Putty S, Pradhan R, Padhye S, Welch DR, Anant S, Dhar A. Crocetinic acid inhibits hedgehog signaling to inhibit pancreatic cancer stem cells. Oncotarget 2016; 6:27661-73. [PMID: 26317547 PMCID: PMC4695016 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the US and no significant treatment is currently available. Here, we describe the effect of crocetinic acid, which we purified from commercial saffron compound crocetin using high performance liquid chromatography. Crocetinic acid inhibits proliferation of pancreatic cancer cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, it induced apoptosis. Moreover, the compound significantly inhibited epidermal growth factor receptor and Akt phosphorylation. Furthermore, crocetinic acid decreased the number and size of the pancospheres in a dose-dependent manner, and suppressed the expression of the marker protein DCLK-1 (Doublecortin Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Kinase-1) suggesting that crocetinic acid targets cancer stem cells (CSC). To understand the mechanism of CSC inhibition, the signaling pathways affected by purified crocetinic acid were dissected. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) upon binding to its cognate receptor patched, allows smoothened to accumulate and activate Gli transcription factor. Crocetinic acid inhibited the expression of both Shh and smoothened. Finally, these data were confirmed in vivo where the compound at a dose of 0.5 mg/Kg bw suppressed growth of tumor xenografts. Collectively, these data suggest that purified crocetinic acid inhibits pancreatic CSC, thereby inhibiting pancreatic tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parthasarathy Rangarajan
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Dharmalingam Subramaniam
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Santanu Paul
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Deep Kwatra
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Kanagaraj Palaniyandi
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Shamima Islam
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Sitaram Harihar
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Satish Ramalingam
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - William Gutheil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Sandeep Putty
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Rohan Pradhan
- Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Research Academy, Abeda Inamdar College, University of Pune, Pune, India
| | - Subhash Padhye
- Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Research Academy, Abeda Inamdar College, University of Pune, Pune, India
| | - Danny R Welch
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Shrikant Anant
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Animesh Dhar
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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28
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Abrogating cholesterol esterification suppresses growth and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Oncogene 2016; 35:6378-6388. [PMID: 27132508 PMCID: PMC5093084 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells are known to execute reprogramed metabolism of glucose, amino acids and lipids. Here, we report a significant role of cholesterol metabolism in cancer metastasis. By using label-free Raman spectromicroscopy, we found an aberrant accumulation of cholesteryl ester in human pancreatic cancer specimens and cell lines, mediated by acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT-1) enzyme. Expression of ACAT-1 showed a correlation with poor patient survival. Abrogation of cholesterol esterification, either by an ACAT-1 inhibitor or by shRNA knockdown, significantly suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in an orthotopic mouse model of pancreatic cancer. Mechanically, ACAT-1 inhibition increased intracellular free cholesterol level, which was associated with elevated endoplasmic reticulum stress and caused apoptosis. Collectively, our results demonstrate a new strategy for treating metastatic pancreatic cancer by inhibiting cholesterol esterification.
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29
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Gu D, Schlotman KE, Xie J. Deciphering the role of hedgehog signaling in pancreatic cancer. J Biomed Res 2016; 30:353-360. [PMID: 27346466 PMCID: PMC5044707 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.30.20150107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, mostly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is a leading cause of cancer-related death in the US, with a dismal median survival of 6 months. Thus, there is an urgent unmet need to identify ways to diagnose and to treat this deadly cancer. Although a number of genetic changes have been identified in pancreatic cancer, their mechanisms of action in tumor development, progression and metastasis are not completely understood. Hedgehog signaling, which plays a major role in embryonic development and stem cell regulation, is known to be activated in pancreatic cancer; however, specific inhibitors targeting the smoothened molecule failed to improve the condition of pancreatic cancer patients in clinical trials. Furthermore, results regarding the role of Hh signaling in pancreatic cancer are controversial with some reporting tumor promoting activities whereas others tumor suppressive actions. In this review, we will summarize what we know about hedgehog signaling in pancreatic cancer, and try to explain the contradicting roles of hedgehog signaling as well as the reason(s) behind the failed clinical trials. In addition to the canonical hedgehog signaling, we will also discuss several non-canonical hedgehog signaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Gu
- Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Kelly E Schlotman
- Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Jingwu Xie
- Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
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30
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Zscheppang K, Kurth I, Wachtel N, Dubrovska A, Kunz-Schughart LA, Cordes N. Efficacy of Beta1 Integrin and EGFR Targeting in Sphere-Forming Human Head and Neck Cancer Cells. J Cancer 2016; 7:736-45. [PMID: 27076856 PMCID: PMC4829561 DOI: 10.7150/jca.14232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Resistance to radiotherapy continues to be a limiting factor in the treatment of cancer including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Simultaneous targeting of β1 integrin and EGFR was shown to have a higher radiosensitizing potential than mono-targeting in the majority of tested HNSCC cancer models. As tumor-initiating cells (TIC) are thought to play a key role for therapy resistance and recurrence and can be enriched in sphere forming conditions, this study investigated the efficacy of β1 integrin/EGFR targeting without and in combination with X-ray irradiation on the behavior of sphere-forming cells (SFC). Methods: HNSCC cell lines (UTSCC15, UTSCC5, Cal33, SAS) were injected subcutaneously into nude mice for tumor up-take and plated for primary and secondary sphere formation under non-adhesive conditions which is thought to reflect the enrichment of SFC and their self-renewal capacity, respectively. Treatment was accomplished by inhibitory antibodies for β1 integrin (AIIB2) and EGFR (Cetuximab) as well as X-ray irradiation (2 - 6 Gy single doses). Further, flow cytometry for TIC marker expression and cell cycling as well as Western blotting for DNA repair protein expression and phosphorylation were employed. Results: We found higher primary and secondary sphere forming capacity of SAS cells relative to other HNSCC cell lines, which was in line with the tumor up-take rates of SAS versus UTSCC15 cells. AIIB2 and Cetuximab administration had minor cytotoxic and no radiosensitizing effects on SFC. Intriguingly, secondary SAS spheres, representing the fraction of surviving SFC upon passaging, showed greatly enhanced radiosensitivity compared to primary spheres. Intriguingly, neither AIIB2 nor Cetuximab significantly altered basal sphere forming capacity and radiosensitivity. While an increased accumulation of G0/G1 phase cells was observable in secondary SAS spheres, DNA double strand break repair indicated no difference on the basis of significantly enhanced ATM and Chk2 dephosphorylation upon irradiation. Conclusions: In the HNSCC model, sphere-forming conditions select for cells, which are unsusceptible to both anti-β1 integrin and anti-EGFR inhibitory antibodies. With regard to primary and secondary sphere formation, our data suggest that both of these SFC fractions express distinct survival strategies independent from β1 integrin and EGFR and that future work is warranted to better understand SFC survival and enrichment before and after treatment to untangle the underlying mechanisms for identifying novel, druggable cancer targets in SFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Zscheppang
- 1. OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Germany;; 2. Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Germany
| | - Ina Kurth
- 1. OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Germany;; 3. National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Germany
| | - Nicole Wachtel
- 1. OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Germany
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- 1. OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Germany;; 5. Institute of Radiooncology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany;; 6. German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden, Germany;; 7. German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leoni A Kunz-Schughart
- 1. OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Germany;; 5. Institute of Radiooncology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nils Cordes
- 1. OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Germany;; 4. Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany;; 5. Institute of Radiooncology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany;; 6. German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden, Germany;; 7. German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Luo HS, Zhan T, Huang XD. Relationship between Hedgehog signaling pathway and pancreatic cancer. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2016; 24:75-80. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v24.i1.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway consists of ligands such as Hh, receptor (patched), transmembrane protein Smo, nuclear transcription factor Gli, and downstream target genes. This pathway plays an important role in cell differentiation, tissue development and organ formation in the embryonic stage. In recent years, the Hh signaling pathway has been reported to play an important role in the development of pancreatic cancer. It can induce differentiation, proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. Blocking the Hh signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer cells will provide a new and effective method for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In this review, we will summarize the composition of the Hh signaling pathway and its relationship with the development of pancreatic cancer.
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32
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Jia Y, Xie J. Promising molecular mechanisms responsible for gemcitabine resistance in cancer. Genes Dis 2015; 2:299-306. [PMID: 30258872 PMCID: PMC6150077 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gemcitabine is the first-line treatment for pancreatic ductual adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as well as acts against a wide range of other solid tumors. Patients usually have a good initial response to gemcitabine-based chemotherapy but would eventually develop resistance. To improve survival and prognosis of cancer patients, better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for gemcitabine resistance and discovery of new therapeutic strategies are in great need. Amounting evidence indicate that the developmental pathways, such as Hedgehog (Hh), Wnt and Notch, become reactivated in gemcitabine-resistant cancer cells. Thus, the strategies for targeting these pathways may sensitize cancer cells to gemcitabine treatment. In this review, we will summarize recent development in this area of research and discuss strategies to overcome gemcitabine resistance. Given the cross-talk between these three developmental signaling pathways, designing clinical trials using a cocktail of inhibitory agents targeting all these pathways may be more effective. Ultimately, our hope is that targeting these developmental pathways may be an effective way to improve the gemcitabine treatment outcome in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Jia
- Central Laboratory, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250013, China
| | - Jingwu Xie
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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33
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Petrovic I, Milivojevic M, Popovic J, Schwirtlich M, Rankovic B, Stevanovic M. SOX18 Is a Novel Target Gene of Hedgehog Signaling in Cervical Carcinoma Cell Lines. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143591. [PMID: 26588701 PMCID: PMC4654472 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although there is much evidence showing functional relationship between Hedgehog pathway, in particular Sonic hedgehog, and SOX transcription factors during embryonic development, scarce data are available regarding their crosstalk in cancer cells. SOX18 protein plays an important role in promoting tumor angiogenesis and therefore emerged as a promising potential target in antiangiogenic tumor therapy. Recently it became evident that expression of SOX18 gene in tumors is not restricted to endothelium of accompanying blood and lymphatic vessels, but in tumor cells as well.In this paper we have identified human SOX18 gene as a novel target gene of Hedgehog signaling in cervical carcinoma cell lines. We have presented data showing that expression of SOX18 gene is regulated by GLI1 and GLI2 transcription factors, final effectors of Hedgehog signaling, and that modulation of Hedgehog signaling activity in considerably influence SOX18 expression. We consider important that Hedgehog pathway inhibitors reduced SOX18 expression, thus showing, for the first time, possibility for manipulationwith SOX18 gene expression. In addition, we analyzed the role of SOX18 in malignant potential of cervical carcinoma cell line, and showed that its overexpression has no influence on cells proliferation and viability, but substantially promotes migration and invasion of cells in vitro. Pro-migratory effect of SOX18 suggests its role in promoting malignant spreading, possibly in response to Hedgehog activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidora Petrovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, P.O.BOX 23, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- * E-mail:
| | - Milena Milivojevic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, P.O.BOX 23, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Popovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, P.O.BOX 23, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Schwirtlich
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, P.O.BOX 23, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Branislava Rankovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, P.O.BOX 23, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milena Stevanovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, P.O.BOX 23, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Dragu DL, Necula LG, Bleotu C, Diaconu CC, Chivu-Economescu M. Therapies targeting cancer stem cells: Current trends and future challenges. World J Stem Cells 2015; 7:1185-1201. [PMID: 26516409 PMCID: PMC4620424 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v7.i9.1185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 08/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional therapies against cancer, chemo- and radiotherapy, have multiple limitations that lead to treatment failure and cancer recurrence. These limitations are related to systemic and local toxicity, while treatment failure and cancer relapse are due to drug resistance and self-renewal, properties of a small population of tumor cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs). These cells are involved in cancer initiation, maintenance, metastasis and recurrence. Therefore, in order to develop efficient treatments that can induce a long-lasting clinical response preventing tumor relapse it is important to develop drugs that can specifically target and eliminate CSCs. Recent identification of surface markers and understanding of molecular feature associated with CSC phenotype helped with the design of effective treatments. In this review we discuss targeting surface biomarkers, signaling pathways that regulate CSCs self-renewal and differentiation, drug-efflux pumps involved in apoptosis resistance, microenvironmental signals that sustain CSCs growth, manipulation of miRNA expression, and induction of CSCs apoptosis and differentiation, with specific aim to hamper CSCs regeneration and cancer relapse. Some of these agents are under evaluation in preclinical and clinical studies, most of them for using in combination with traditional therapies. The combined therapy using conventional anticancer drugs with CSCs-targeting agents, may offer a promising strategy for management and eradication of different types of cancers.
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Zhang X, He N, Gu D, Wickliffe J, Salazar J, Boldogh I, Xie J. Genetic Evidence for XPC-KRAS Interactions During Lung Cancer Development. J Genet Genomics 2015; 42:589-596. [PMID: 26554912 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer causes more deaths than breast, colorectal and prostate cancers combined. Despite major advances in targeted therapy in a subset of lung adenocarcinomas, the overall 5-year survival rate for lung cancer worldwide has not significantly changed for the last few decades. DNA repair deficiency is known to contribute to lung cancer development. In fact, human polymorphisms in DNA repair genes such as xeroderma pigmentosum group C (XPC) are highly associated with lung cancer incidence. However, the direct genetic evidence for the role of XPC for lung cancer development is still lacking. Mutations of the Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (Kras) or its downstream effector genes occur in almost all lung cancer cells, and there are a number of mouse models for lung cancer with these mutations. Using activated Kras, Kras(LA1), as a driver for lung cancer development in mice, we showed for the first time that mice with Kras(LA1) and Xpc knockout had worst outcomes in lung cancer development, and this phenotype was associated with accumulated DNA damage. Using cultured cells, we demonstrated that induced expression of oncogenic KRAS(G12V) led to increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as DNA damage, and both can be suppressed by anti-oxidants. Our results suggest that XPC may help repair DNA damage caused by KRAS-mediated production of ROS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Wells Center for Pediatrics Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Nonggao He
- University of Texas Medical Branch, School of Medicine Cancer Center, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | - Dongsheng Gu
- Department of Pediatrics, Wells Center for Pediatrics Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Jeff Wickliffe
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - James Salazar
- Biology Department, Galveston College, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | - Istavan Boldogh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, School of Medicine, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | - Jingwu Xie
- Department of Pediatrics, Wells Center for Pediatrics Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Clinical Implications of Hedgehog Pathway Signaling in Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:1983-93. [PMID: 26426053 PMCID: PMC4695871 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7040871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Activity in the Hedgehog pathway, which regulates GLI-mediated transcription, is important in organogenesis and stem cell regulation in self-renewing organs, but is pathologically elevated in many human malignancies. Mutations leading to constitutive activation of the pathway have been implicated in medulloblastoma and basal cell carcinoma, and inhibition of the pathway has demonstrated clinical responses leading to the approval of the Smoothened inhibitor, vismodegib, for the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma. Aberrant Hedgehog pathway signaling has also been noted in prostate cancer with evidence suggesting that it may render prostate epithelial cells tumorigenic, drive the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and contribute towards the development of castration-resistance through autocrine and paracrine signaling within the tumor microenvironment and cross-talk with the androgen pathway. In addition, there are emerging clinical data suggesting that inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway may be effective in the treatment of recurrent and metastatic prostate cancer. Here we will review these data and highlight areas of active clinical research as they relate to Hedgehog pathway inhibition in prostate cancer.
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Gu D, Xie J. Non-Canonical Hh Signaling in Cancer-Current Understanding and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:1684-98. [PMID: 26343727 PMCID: PMC4586790 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7030857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As a major regulatory pathway for embryonic development and tissue patterning, hedgehog signaling is not active in most adult tissues, but is reactivated in a number of human cancer types. A major milestone in hedgehog signaling in cancer is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a smoothened inhibitor Vismodegib for treatment of basal cell carcinomas. Vismodegib can block ligand-mediated hedgehog signaling, but numerous additional clinical trials have failed to show significant improvements in cancer patients. Amounting evidence indicate that ligand-independent hedgehog signaling plays an essential role in cancer. Ligand-independent hedgehog signaling, also named non-canonical hedgehog signaling, generally is not sensitive to smoothened inhibitors. What we know about non-canonical hedgehog signaling in cancer, and how should we prevent its activation? In this review, we will summarize recent development of non-canonical hedgehog signaling in cancer, and will discuss potential ways to prevent this type of hedgehog signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Gu
- Departments of Pediatrics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Wells Center for Pediatrics Research, 1044 W, Walnut Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Jingwu Xie
- Departments of Pediatrics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Wells Center for Pediatrics Research, 1044 W, Walnut Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Cochrane CR, Szczepny A, Watkins DN, Cain JE. Hedgehog Signaling in the Maintenance of Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:1554-85. [PMID: 26270676 PMCID: PMC4586784 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7030851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a rare population of cells with the capacity to self-renew and give rise to heterogeneous cell lineages within a tumour. Whilst the mechanisms underlying the regulation of CSCs are poorly defined, key developmental signaling pathways required for normal stem and progenitor functions have been strongly implicated. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is an evolutionarily-conserved pathway essential for self-renewal and cell fate determination. Aberrant Hh signaling is associated with the development and progression of various types of cancer and is implicated in multiple aspects of tumourigenesis, including the maintenance of CSCs. Here, we discuss the mounting evidence suggestive of Hh-driven CSCs in the context of haematological malignancies and solid tumours and the novel strategies that hold the potential to block many aspects of the transformation attributed to the CSC phenotype, including chemotherapeutic resistance, relapse and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine R Cochrane
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Anette Szczepny
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - D Neil Watkins
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia.
- UNSW Faculty of Medicine, Randwick, New South Wales 2031, Australia.
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia.
| | - Jason E Cain
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
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Zhao J, Wu C, Abbruzzese J, Hwang RF, Li C. Cyclopamine-loaded core-cross-linked polymeric micelles enhance radiation response in pancreatic cancer and pancreatic stellate cells. Mol Pharm 2015; 12:2093-100. [PMID: 25936695 DOI: 10.1021/mp500875f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers. Cyclopamine (CPA), a potent inhibitor for sonic hedgehog pathway (SHH), shows great promises in PDAC treatment, including the disruption of tumor-associated stroma, and enhancement of radiation therapy. However, CPA is insoluble in water and therefore requires a nanometric delivery platform to achieve satisfactory performance. We herein encapsulated CPA in a core-cross-linked polymeric micelle system (M-CPA). M-CPA was combined with Cs-137 radiation and evaluated in vitro in PDAC cell lines and a human pancreatic stellate cell line. The results showed that M-CPA had higher cytotoxicity than CPA, abolished Gli-1 expression (a key component of SHH), and enhanced the radiation therapy of Cs-137. M-CPA radiosensitization correlated with its ability to disrupt the repair of radiation-induced DNA damage. These findings indicate that the combination therapy of M-CPA and radiation is an effective strategy to simultaneously treat pancreatic tumors and tumor-associated stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chunhui Wu
- ‡Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, China
| | - James Abbruzzese
- ∥Division of Medical Oncology, Duke School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
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Jia Y, Wang Y, Xie J. The Hedgehog pathway: role in cell differentiation, polarity and proliferation. Arch Toxicol 2015; 89:179-91. [PMID: 25559776 PMCID: PMC4630008 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-014-1433-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) is first described as a genetic mutation that has "spiked" phenotype in the cuticles of Drosophila in later 1970s. Since then, Hh signaling has been implicated in regulation of differentiation, proliferation, tissue polarity, stem cell population and carcinogenesis. The first link of Hh signaling to cancer was established through discovery of genetic mutations of Hh receptor gene PTCH1 being responsible for Gorlin syndrome in 1996. It was later shown that Hh signaling is associated with many types of cancer, including skin, leukemia, lung, brain and gastrointestinal cancers. Another important milestone for the Hh research field is the FDA approval for the clinical use of Hh inhibitor Erivedge/Vismodegib for treatment of locally advanced and metastatic basal cell carcinomas. However, recent clinical trials of Hh signaling inhibitors in pancreatic, colon and ovarian cancer all failed, indicating a real need for further understanding of Hh signaling in cancer. In this review, we will summarize recent progress in the Hh signaling mechanism and its role in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Jia
- Central Laboratory, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong, University, Jinan, China
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Central Laboratory, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong, University, Jinan, China
| | - Jingwu Xie
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Longitudinal Bioluminescence Imaging of Primary Versus Abdominal Metastatic Tumor Growth in Orthotopic Pancreatic Tumor Models in NSG Mice. Pancreas 2015; 44:64-75. [PMID: 25406955 PMCID: PMC4262664 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000000238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of the present study was to develop and validate noninvasive bioluminescence imaging methods for differentially monitoring primary and abdominal metastatic tumor growth in mouse orthotopic models of pancreatic cancer. METHODS A semiautomated maximum entropy segmentation method was implemented for the primary tumor region of interest, and a rule-based method for manually drawing a region of interest for the abdominal metastatic region was developed for monitoring tumor growth in orthotopic models of pancreatic cancer. The 2 region-of-interest methods were validated by having 2 observers independently segment Panc-1 tumors, and the results were compared with the number of mesenteric lymph node nodules and histopathologic assessment of liver metastases. The findings were extended to orthotopic tumors of the more metastatic MIA PaCa-2 and AsPC-1 cells where separate groups of animals were implanted with different numbers of cells. RESULTS The results demonstrated that the segmentation methods were highly reliable, reproducible, and robust and allowed statistically significant discrimination in the growth rates of primary and abdominal metastatic tumors of different cell lines implanted with different numbers of cells. CONCLUSIONS The present results demonstrate that primary tumors and abdominal metastatic foci in orthotopic pancreatic cancer models can be reliably quantified separately and noninvasively over time with bioluminescence imaging.
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Tanase CP, Neagu AI, Necula LG, Mambet C, Enciu AM, Calenic B, Cruceru ML, Albulescu R. Cancer stem cells: Involvement in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis and perspectives on cancer therapeutics. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:10790-10801. [PMID: 25152582 PMCID: PMC4138459 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i31.10790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal malignancies. Despite remarkable progress in understanding pancreatic carcinogenesis at the molecular level, as well as progress in new therapeutic approaches, pancreatic cancer remains a disease with a dismal prognosis. Among the mechanisms responsible for drug resistance, the most relevant are changes in individual genes or signaling pathways and the presence of highly resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs). In pancreatic cancer, CSCs represent 0.2%-0.8% of pancreatic cancer cells and are considered to be responsible for tumor growth, invasion, metastasis and recurrence. CSCs have been extensively studied as of late to identify specific surface markers to ensure reliable sorting and for signaling pathways identified to play a pivotal role in CSC self-renewal. Involvement of CSCs in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis has also highlighted these cells as the preferential targets for therapy. The present review is an update of the results in two main fields of research in pancreatic cancer, pathogenesis and therapy, focused on the narrow perspective of CSCs.
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Onishi H, Katano M. Hedgehog signaling pathway as a new therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:2335-2342. [PMID: 24605030 PMCID: PMC3942836 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i9.2335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and difficult cancers to treat. Despite numerous research efforts, limited success has been achieved in the therapeutic management of patients with this disease. In the current review, we focus on one component of morphogenesis signaling, Hedgehog (Hh), with the aim of developing novel, effective therapies for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Hh signaling contributes to the induction of a malignant phenotype in pancreatic cancer and is responsible for maintaining pancreatic cancer stem cells. In addition, we propose a novel concept linking Hh signaling and tumor hypoxic conditions, and discuss the effects of Hh inhibitors in clinical trials. The Hh signaling pathway may represent a potential therapeutic target for patients with refractory pancreatic cancer.
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DUSP1 is a novel target for enhancing pancreatic cancer cell sensitivity to gemcitabine. PLoS One 2014; 9:e84982. [PMID: 24409315 PMCID: PMC3883684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly cancer with a poor prognosis that is characterized by excessive mitogenic pathway activation and marked chemoresistance to a broad spectrum of chemotherapeutic drugs. Dual specificity protein phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) is a key negative regulator of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Yet, DUSP1 is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) in PDAC where it paradoxically enhances colony formation in soft agar and promotes in vivo tumorigenicity. However, it is not known whether DUSP1 overexpression contributes to PDAC chemoresistance. Using BxPC3 and COLO-357 human PCCs, we show that gemcitabine activates c-JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), key kinases in two major stress-activated signaling pathways. Gemcitabine-induced JNK and p38 MAPK activation mediates increased apoptosis, but also transcriptionally upregulates DUSP1, as evidenced by increased DUSP1 mRNA levels and RNA polymerase II loading at DUSP1 gene body. Conversely, shRNA-mediated inhibition of DUSP1 enhances JNK and p38 MAPK activation and gemcitabine chemosensitivity. Using doxycycline-inducible knockdown of DUSP1 in established orthotopic pancreatic tumors, we found that combining gemcitabine with DUSP1 inhibition improves animal survival, attenuates angiogenesis, and enhances apoptotic cell death, as compared with gemcitabine alone. Taken together, these results suggest that gemcitabine-mediated upregulation of DUSP1 contributes to a negative feedback loop that attenuates its beneficial actions on stress pathways and apoptosis, raising the possibility that targeting DUSP1 in PDAC may have the advantage of enhancing gemcitabine chemosensitivity while suppressing angiogenesis.
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Quan M, Wang P, Cui J, Gao Y, Xie K. The roles of FOXM1 in pancreatic stem cells and carcinogenesis. Mol Cancer 2013; 12:159. [PMID: 24325450 PMCID: PMC3924162 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-12-159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has one of the poorest prognoses among all cancers. Over the past several decades, investigators have made great advances in the research of PDAC pathogenesis. Importantly, identification of pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs) in pancreatic cancer cases has increased our understanding of PDAC biology and therapy. PCSCs are responsible for pancreatic tumorigenesis and tumor progression via a number of mechanisms, including extensive proliferation, self-renewal, high tumorigenic ability, high propensity for invasiveness and metastasis, and resistance to conventional treatment. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that PCSCs are involved in the malignant transformation of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. The molecular mechanisms that control PCSCs are related to alterations of various signaling pathways, for instance, Hedgehog, Notch, Wnt, B-cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus insertion site 1, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT, and Nodal/Activin. Also, authors have reported that the proliferation-specific transcriptional factor Forkhead box protein M1 is involved in PCSC self-renewal and proliferation. In this review, we describe the current knowledge about the signaling pathways related to PCSCs and the early stages of PDAC development, highlighting the pivotal roles of Forkhead box protein M1 in PCSCs and their impacts on the development and progression of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Keping Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Xie J, Bartels CM, Barton SW, Gu D. Targeting hedgehog signaling in cancer: research and clinical developments. Onco Targets Ther 2013; 6:1425-35. [PMID: 24143114 PMCID: PMC3797650 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s34678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its first description in Drosophila by Drs Nusslein-Volhard and Wieschaus in 1980, hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been implicated in regulation of cell differentiation, proliferation, tissue polarity, stem cell maintenance, and carcinogenesis. The first link of Hh signaling to cancer was established through studies of Gorlin syndrome in 1996 by two independent teams. Later, it was shown that Hh signaling may be involved in many types of cancer, including skin, leukemia, lung, brain, and gastrointestinal cancers. In early 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the clinical use of Hh inhibitor Erivedge/vismodegib for treatment of locally advanced and metastatic basal cell carcinomas. With further investigation, it is possible to see more clinical applications of Hh signaling inhibitors. In this review, we will summarize major advances in the last 3 years in our understanding of Hh signaling activation in human cancer, and recent developments in preclinical and clinical studies using Hh signaling inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwu Xie
- Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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