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Liu Y, Ma TX, Fan PF, Wang Z, Wang Z, Li L. STAT3-induced lncRNA GNAS-AS1 accelerates keloid formation by mediating the miR-196a-5p/CXCL12/STAT3 axis in a feedback loop. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e15111. [PMID: 38840411 DOI: 10.1111/exd.15111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Keloids are pathological scar tissue resulting from skin trauma or spontaneous formation, often accompanied by itching and pain. Although GNAS antisense RNA 1 (GNAS-AS1) shows abnormal upregulation in keloids, the underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. The levels of genes and proteins in clinical tissues from patients with keloids and human keloid fibroblasts (HKFs) were measured using quantitative reverse transcription PCR, western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The features of HKFs, including proliferation and migration, were evaluated using cell counting kit 8 and a wound healing assay. The colocalization of GNAS-AS1 and miR-196a-5p in HKFs was measured using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The relationships among GNAS-AS1, miR-196a-5p and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) in samples from patients with keloids were analysed by Pearson correlation analysis. Gene interactions were validated by chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. GNAS-AS1 and CXCL12 expression were upregulated and miR-196a-5p expression was downregulated in clinical tissues from patients with keloids. GNAS-AS1 knockdown inhibited proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation of HKFs, all of which were reversed by miR-196a-5p downregulation. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) induced GNAS-AS1 transcription through GNAS-AS1 promoter interaction, and niclosamide, a STAT3 inhibitor, decreased GNAS-AS1 expression. GNAS-AS1 positively regulated CXCL12 by sponging miR-196-5p. Furthermore, CXCL12 knockdown restrained STAT3 phosphorylation in HKFs. Our findings revealed a feedback loop of STAT3/GNAS-AS1/miR-196a-5p/CXCL12/STAT3 that promoted HKF proliferation, migration and ECM accumulation and affected keloid progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Liu
- Department of Plastic and cosmetic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affifiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Teng-Xiao Ma
- Department of Plastic and cosmetic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affifiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Peng-Fei Fan
- Department of Plastic and cosmetic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affifiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Ze Wang
- Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Plastic and cosmetic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affifiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Plastic and cosmetic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affifiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan, China
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Qin Q, Yu R, Eriksson JE, Tsai HI, Zhu H. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma therapy: Challenges and opportunities. Cancer Lett 2024; 591:216859. [PMID: 38615928 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a solid organ malignancy with a high mortality rate. Statistics indicate that its incidence has been increasing as well as the associated deaths. Most patients with PDAC show poor response to therapies making the clinical management of this cancer difficult. Stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to the development of resistance to therapy in PDAC cancer cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most prevalent stromal cells in the TME, promote a desmoplastic response, produce extracellular matrix proteins and cytokines, and directly influence the biological behavior of cancer cells. These multifaceted effects make it difficult to eradicate tumor cells from the body. As a result, CAF-targeting synergistic therapeutic strategies have gained increasing attention in recent years. However, due to the substantial heterogeneity in CAF origin, definition, and function, as well as high plasticity, majority of the available CAF-targeting therapeutic approaches are not effective, and in some cases, they exacerbate disease progression. This review primarily elucidates on the effect of CAFs on therapeutic efficiency of various treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Strategies for CAF targeting therapies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Qin
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Rong Yu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - John E Eriksson
- Cell Biology, Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, FI-20520 Finland
| | - Hsiang-I Tsai
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China; Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Haitao Zhu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China; Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
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3
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Chen QY, Xu KX, Huang XB, Fan DH, Chen YJ, Li YF, Huang Q, Liu ZY, Zheng HL, Huang ZN, Lin ZH, Wang YX, Yang JJ, Zhong Q, Huang CM. Circ-0075305 hinders gastric cancer stem cells by indirectly disrupting TCF4-β-catenin complex and downregulation of SOX9. Commun Biol 2024; 7:545. [PMID: 38714724 PMCID: PMC11076483 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06213-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024] Open
Abstract
CircRNAs are covalently closed, single-stranded RNA that form continuous loops and play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of tumors. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are indispensable for cancer development; however, the regulation of cancer stem cell-like properties in gastric cancer (GC) and its specific mechanism remain poorly understood. We elucidate the specific role of Circ-0075305 in GC stem cell properties. Circ-0075305 associated with chemotherapy resistance was identified by sequencing GC cells. Subsequent confirmation in both GC tissues and cell lines revealed that patients with high expression of Circ-0075305 had significantly better overall survival (OS) rates than those with low expression, particularly when treated with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for GC. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that overexpression of Circ-0075305 can effectively reduce stem cell-like properties and enhance the sensitivity of GC cells to Oxaliplatin compared with the control group. Circ-0075305 promotes RPRD1A expression by acting as a sponge for corresponding miRNAs. The addition of LF3 (a β-catenin/TCF4 interaction antagonist) confirmed that RPRD1A inhibited the formation of the TCF4-β-catenin transcription complex through competitive to β-catenin and suppressed the transcriptional activity of stem cell markers such as SOX9 via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This leads to the downregulation of stem cell-like property-related markers in GC. This study revealed the underlying mechanisms that regulate Circ-0075305 in GCSCs and suggests that its role in reducing β-catenin signaling may serve as a potential therapeutic candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yue Chen
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Kai-Xiang Xu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Huang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Deng-Hui Fan
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yu-Jing Chen
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi-Fan Li
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiang Huang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Yu Liu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hua-Long Zheng
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ze-Ning Huang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ze-Hong Lin
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yu-Xiang Wang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jun-Jie Yang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qing Zhong
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Chang-Ming Huang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
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4
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Qiu M, Chen Y, Zeng C. Biological functions of circRNA in regulating the hallmarks of gastrointestinal cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:49. [PMID: 38488023 PMCID: PMC10997371 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) was first observed in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells in 1979, but it was not characterized in detail until 2012, when high‑throughput sequencing technology was more advanced and available. Consequently, the mechanism of circRNA formation and its biological function have been progressively elucidated by researchers. circRNA is abundant in eukaryotic cells and exhibits a certain degree of organization, timing and disease‑specificity. Additionally, it is poorly degradable, meeting the characteristics of an ideal clinical biomarker. In the present review, the recent research progress of circRNAs in digestive tract malignant tumors was primarily discussed. This included the roles, biological functions and clinical significance of circRNA, providing references for its research value and clinical potential in gastrointestinal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjun Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Youxiang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Chunyan Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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5
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Saleh O, Shihadeh H, Yousef A, Erekat H, Abdallh F, Al-Leimon A, Elsalhy R, Altiti A, Dajani M, AlBarakat MM. The Effect of Intratumor Heterogeneity in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Progression and Treatment. Pancreas 2024; 53:e450-e465. [PMID: 38728212 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000002342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies. Even though many substantial improvements in the survival rates for other major cancer forms were made, pancreatic cancer survival rates have remained relatively unchanged since the 1960s. Even more, no standard classification system for pancreatic cancer is based on cellular biomarkers. This review will discuss and provide updates about the role of stem cells in the progression of PC, the genetic changes associated with it, and the promising biomarkers for diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The search process used PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases to identify the relevant and related articles. Articles had to be published in English to be considered. RESULTS The increasing number of studies in recent years has revealed that the diversity of cancer-associated fibroblasts is far greater than previously acknowledged, which highlights the need for further research to better understand the various cancer-associated fibroblast subpopulations. Despite the huge diversity in pancreatic cancer, some common features can be noted to be shared among patients. Mutations involving CDKN2, P53, and K-RAS can be seen in a big number of patients, for example. Similarly, some patterns of genes and biomarkers expression and the level of their expression can help in predicting cancer behavior such as metastasis and drug resistance. The current trend in cancer research, especially with the advancement in technology, is to sequence everything in hopes of finding disease-related mutations. CONCLUSION Optimizing pancreatic cancer treatment requires clear classification, understanding CAF roles, and exploring stroma reshaping approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Othman Saleh
- From the Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa
| | | | | | - Hana Erekat
- School of medicine, University of Jordan, Amman
| | - Fatima Abdallh
- From the Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa
| | | | | | | | - Majd Dajani
- From the Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa
| | - Majd M AlBarakat
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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6
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Gu C, Liu Y, An X, Yin G, Sun C. Dysregulated SYVN1 promotes CAV1 protein ubiquitination and accentuates ischemic stroke. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2024; 33:107668. [PMID: 38423151 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2024.107668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke is a major cause of death and severe disability, and there remains a substantial need for the development of therapeutic agents for neuroprotection in acute ischemic stroke (IS) to protect the brain against damage before and during recanalization. Caveolin-1 (CAV1), an integrated protein that is located at the caveolar membrane, has been reported to exert neuroprotective effects during IS. Nevertheless, the mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we explored the upstream modifiers of CAV1 in IS. METHODS E3 ubiquitin ligases of CAV1 that are differentially expressed in IS were screened using multiple databases. The transcription factor responsible for the dysregulation of E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase synoviolin (SYVN1) in IS was predicted and verified. Genetic manipulations by lentiviral vectors were applied to investigate the effects of double-strand-break repair protein rad21 homolog (RAD21), SYVN1, and CAV1 in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model and mouse HT22 hippocampal neurons induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). RESULTS SYVN1 was highly expressed in mice with MCAO, and knockdown of SYVN1 alleviated IS injury in mice, as evidenced by limited infarction volume, the lower water content in the brain, and repressed apoptosis and inflammatory response. RAD21 inhibited the transcription of SYVN1, thereby reducing the ubiquitination modification of CAV1. Overexpression of RAD21 elicited a neuroprotective role as well in mice with MCAO and HT22 induced with OGD, which was overturned by SYVN1. CONCLUSION Transcriptional repression of SYVN1 by RAD21 alleviates IS in mice by reducing ubiquitination modification of CAV1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjie Gu
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Qiqihar, Qiqihar 161005, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Hospital of Qiqihar, Qiqihar 161005, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Xiuli An
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Harbin, Harbin 150056, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Gang Yin
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Qiqihar, Qiqihar 161005, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Chenghe Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Qiqihar, Qiqihar 161005, Heilongjiang, China.
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7
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Gu M, Liu Y, Xin P, Guo W, Zhao Z, Yang X, Ma R, Jiao T, Zheng W. Fundamental insights and molecular interactions in pancreatic cancer: Pathways to therapeutic approaches. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216738. [PMID: 38401887 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract can be affected by a number of diseases that pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignant manifestation of them. The prognosis of PC patients is unfavorable and because of their diagnosis at advanced stage, the treatment of this tumor is problematic. Owing to low survival rate, there is much interest towards understanding the molecular profile of PC in an attempt in developing more effective therapeutics. The conventional therapeutics for PC include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as emerging immunotherapy. However, PC is still incurable and more effort should be performed. The molecular landscape of PC is an underlying factor involved in increase in progression of tumor cells. In the presence review, the newest advances in understanding the molecular and biological events in PC are discussed. The dysregulation of molecular pathways including AMPK, MAPK, STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin and non-coding RNA transcripts has been suggested as a factor in development of tumorigenesis in PC. Moreover, cell death mechanisms such as apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis and necroptosis demonstrate abnormal levels. The EMT and glycolysis in PC cells enhance to ensure their metastasis and proliferation. Furthermore, such abnormal changes have been used to develop corresponding pharmacological and nanotechnological therapeutics for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Gu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Peng Xin
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Zimo Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Ruiyang Ma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Taiwei Jiao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Wenhui Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
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8
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Olaoba OT, Yang M, Adelusi TI, Maidens T, Kimchi ET, Staveley-O’Carroll KF, Li G. Targeted Therapy for Highly Desmoplastic and Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1470. [PMID: 38672552 PMCID: PMC11048089 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081470] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy with a very poor prognosis. Despite advancements in treatment strategies, PDAC remains recalcitrant to therapies because patients are often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The advanced stage of PDAC is characterized by metastasis, which typically renders it unresectable by surgery or untreatable by chemotherapy. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of PDAC comprises highly proliferative myofibroblast-like cells and hosts the intense deposition of a extracellular matrix component that forms dense fibrous connective tissue, a process called the desmoplastic reaction. In desmoplastic TMEs, the incessant aberration of signaling pathways contributes to immunosuppression by suppressing antitumor immunity. This feature offers a protective barrier that impedes the targeted delivery of drugs. In addition, the efficacy of immunotherapy is compromised because of the immune cold TME of PDAC. Targeted therapy approaches towards stromal and immunosuppressive TMEs are challenging. In this review, we discuss cellular and non-cellular TME components that contain actionable targets for drug development. We also highlight findings from preclinical studies and provide updates about the efficacies of new investigational drugs in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olamide T. Olaoba
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
| | - Temitope I. Adelusi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Tessa Maidens
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
| | - Eric T. Kimchi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Kevin F. Staveley-O’Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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9
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Deng K, Zou F, Xu J, Xu D, Luo Z. Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote stemness maintenance and gemcitabine resistance via HIF-1α/miR-21 axis under hypoxic conditions in pancreatic cancer. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:524-537. [PMID: 38197482 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Gemcitabine (GEM) resistance affects chemotherapy efficacy of pancreatic cancer (PC). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) possess the ability of regulating chemoresistance. This study probed the mechanism of hypoxia-treated CAFs regulating cell stemness and GEM resistance in PC. Miapaca-2/SW1990 were co-cultured with PC-derived CAFs under normoxic/hypoxic conditions. Cell viability/self-renewal ability was determined by MTT/sphere formation assays, respectively. Protein levels of CD44, CD133, Oct4, and Sox2 were determined by western blot. GEM tumoricidal assay was performed. PC cell GEM resistance was evaluated by MTT assay. CAFs were cultured at normoxia/hypoxia. HIF-1α and miR-21 expression levels were assessed by RT-qPCR and western blot, with their binding sites and binding relationship predicted and verified. CAF-extracellular vesicles (EVs) were incubated with Miapaca-2 cells. The RAS/AKT/ERK pathway activation was detected by western blot. PC xenograft models were established and treated with hypoxic CAF-EVs and GEM. CAFs and PC cell co-culture increased cell stemness maintenance, GEM resistance, cell viability, stem cell sphere number, and protein levels of CD44, CD133, Oct4, and Sox2, and weakened GEM tumoricidal ability to PC cells, with the effects further enhanced by hypoxia. Hypoxia induced HIF-1α and miR-21 overexpression in CAFs. Hypoxia promoted CAFs to secrete high-level miR-21 EVs via the HIF-1α/miR-21 axis, and activated the miR-21/RAS/AKT/ERK pathway. CAF-EVs promoted GEM resistance in PC via the miR-21/RAS/ATK/ERK pathway in vivo. Hypoxia promoted CAFs to secrete high-level miR-21 EVs through the HIF-1α/miR-21 axis, and activated the miR-21/RAS/AKT/ERK pathway via EVs to trigger stemness maintenance and GEM resistance in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keping Deng
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Changsha (The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Fang Zou
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Changsha (The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Changsha (The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Dayong Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Changsha (The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhen Luo
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Changsha (The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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Zhang X, Zhang M, Sun H, Wang X, Wang X, Sheng W, Xu M. The role of transcription factors in the crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor cells. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00046-8. [PMID: 38309692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.01.033] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcription factors (TFs) fulfill a critical role in the formation and maintenance of different cell types during the developmental process as well as disease. It is believed that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are activation status of tissue-resident fibroblasts or derived from form other cell types via transdifferentiation or dedifferentiation. Despite a subgroup of CAFs exhibit anti-cancer effects, most of them are reported to exert effects on tumor progression, further indicating their heterogeneous origin. AIM OF REVIEW This review aimed to summarize and review the roles of TFs in the reciprocal crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells, discuss the emerging mechanisms, and their roles in cell-fate decision, cellular reprogramming and advancing our understanding of the gene regulatory networks over the period of cancer initiation and progression. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This manuscript delves into the key contributory factors of TFs that are involved in activating CAFs and maintaining their unique states. Additionally, it explores how TFs play a pivotal and multifaceted role in the reciprocal crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells. This includes their involvement in processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, as well as metabolic reprogramming. TFs also have a role in constructing an immunosuppressive microenvironment, inducing resistance to radiation and chemotherapy, facilitating angiogenesis, and even 'educating' CAFs to support the malignancies of tumor cells. Furthermore, this manuscript delves into the current status of TF-targeted therapy and considers the future directions of TFs in conjunction with anti-CAFs therapies to address the challenges in clinical cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Weiqi Sheng
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Midie Xu
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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11
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Zhang R, Hao J, Yu H, Wang ZJ, Lan F, Peng Y, Qiu Y. circ_SIRT1 upregulates ATG12 to facilitate Imatinib resistance in CML through interacting with EIF4A3. Gene 2024; 893:147917. [PMID: 37866664 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Imatinib is the current gold standard for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, the primary and acquired drug resistance seriously limits the efficacy. To identify novel therapeutic target in Imatinib-resistant CML is of crucial clinical significance. CircRNAs have been demonstrated the essential regulatory roles in the progression and drug resistance of cancers. In this study, we identified a novel circRNA (circ_SIRT1), derived from the SIRT1, which is up-regulated in CML. The high expression of circ_SIRT1 is correlated with drug resistance in CML. Knockdown of circ_SIRT1 regulated K562/R cells viability, invasion and apoptosis. Besides, the inhibition of circ_SIRT1 attenuated autophagy level and reduced IC50 to Imatinib of K562/R cells. Mechanistically, circ_SIRT1 directly binds to the transcription factor Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4A3(EIF4A3) and regulated EIF4A3-mediated transcription of Autophagy Related 12 (ATG12), thereby affecting Imatinib resistance and autophagy level. Overexpression of ATG12 reversed the regulative effects induced by knockdown of circ_SIRT1. Taken together, our findings revealed circ_SIRT1 acted as a potential tumor regulator in CML and unveiled the underlying mechanism on regulating Imatinib resistance. circ_SIRT1 may serve as a novel therapeutic target and provide crucial clinical implications for Imatinib-resistant CML treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jinjin Hao
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhong-Jian Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Fengli Lan
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yu Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yining Qiu
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
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12
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Liu S, Li W, Liang L, Zhou Y, Li Y. The regulatory relationship between transcription factor STAT3 and noncoding RNA. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:4. [PMID: 38172648 PMCID: PMC10763091 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-023-00521-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), as a key node in numerous carcinogenic signaling pathways, is activated in various tumor tissues and plays important roles in tumor formation, metastasis, and drug resistance. STAT3 is considered a potential subtarget for tumor therapy. Noncoding RNA (ncRNA) is a special type of RNA transcript. Transforming from "junk" transcripts into key molecules involved in cell apoptosis, growth, and functional regulation, ncRNA has been proven to be closely related to various epithelial-mesenchymal transition and drug resistance processes in tumor cells over the past few decades. Research on the relationship between transcription factor STAT3 and ncRNAs has attracted increased attention. To date, existing reviews have mainly focused on the regulation by ncRNAs on the transcription factor STAT3; there has been no review of the regulation by STAT3 on ncRNAs. However, understanding the regulation of ncRNAs by STAT3 and its mechanism is important to comprehensively understand the mutual regulatory relationship between STAT3 and ncRNAs. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the regulation by transcription factor STAT3 on long noncoding RNA, microRNA, and circular RNA and its possible mechanisms. In addition, we provide an update on research progress on the regulation of STAT3 by ncRNAs. This will provide a new perspective to comprehensively understand the regulatory relationship between transcription factor STAT3 and ncRNAs, as well as targeting STAT3 or ncRNAs to treat diseases such as tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Wentao Li
- Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Lin Liang
- Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yanhong Zhou
- Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
| | - Yanling Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China.
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13
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Bao H, Li J, Dong Q, Liang Z, Yang C, Xu Y. Circular RNAs in pancreatic cancer progression. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 552:117633. [PMID: 37949391 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC), typically diagnosed at relatively advanced stages with poor prognosis, is a dominant cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are abnormally expressed in diverse tumors and affect tumorigenesis and progression. In this article, we examine the roles of circRNAs in regulation of PC progression. Additionally, circRNAs enriched in exosomes could be transferred among PC cells to modulate malignancy. Characterization of regulatory mechanisms involving circRNAs in general and PC specifically will enable earlier detection and potential development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolin Bao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Jiehan Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Qingfu Dong
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Zixin Liang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Chengru Yang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China; Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563006, China; Key Laboratory of Functional and Clinical Translational Medicine, Fujian Province University, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian 361000, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Tumor Targeted Nano Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224007, China; Key Laboratory of Biomarkers and In Vitro Diagnosis Translation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China; Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Pharmacy and Individualized Therapy of Huzhou and Department of Pharmacy, Changxing People's Hospital, Changxing, Zhejiang 313000, China.
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14
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Yang Z, Yang L, Sun Z, Rong Y, Bai C, Dong Q, Jian L. miRNA-660-3p inhibits malignancy in glioblastoma via negative regulation of APOC1-TGFβ2 signaling pathway. Cancer Biol Ther 2023; 24:2281459. [PMID: 37981873 PMCID: PMC10783846 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2023.2281459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma as the most common and aggressive central nervous system tumor in adults. Its prognosis and therapeutic outcome are poor due to the limited understanding of its molecular mechanism. Apolipoprotein C-1 (APOC1) as a member of the apolipoprotein family that acts as a tumor promoter in various cancers. MicroRNA (miRNA) can silence gene expression and suppress tumor progression. However, the role of APOC1 and its upstream miRNA has not been explored in glioblastoma. Two glioblastoma cell lines (U87 and U251) were used to explore the role of APOC1 and its upstream miRNA-660-3p in glioblastoma tumorigenesis in vitro. Cells with APOC1/miRNA-660-3p overexpression or knockdown were assessed for their proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, and tumorigenesis in vivo. Gene and protein expression was assessed by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Cell proliferation was assessed by the MTT assay and the EdU and Ki67 staining. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by the transwell assay. Tumorigenesis in vivo was assessed in U87 cells with a xenograft mouse model. APOC1 was overexpressed in glioblastoma compared with normal peritumoral tissue and was inversely related to patient prognosis. APOC1 overexpression promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. APOC1 inhibition reduced tumor growth in vivo. miRNA-660-3p inhibits tumorigenesis by directly targeting APOC1. Mechanistically, APOC1 drives the malignancy of glioblastoma by activating the TGFβ2 signaling pathway. miRNA-660-3p suppresses tumorigenesis by targeting APOC1. Therefore, miRNA-660-3p/APOC1 axis can serve as potential intervention targets in managing glioblastoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelin Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Liang Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhenkai Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuxi Rong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chenglian Bai
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qiaoxiang Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lin Jian
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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15
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Lv S, Zhang J, Peng X, Liu H, Liu Y, Wei F. Ubiquitin signaling in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1304639. [PMID: 38174069 PMCID: PMC10761520 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1304639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignant tumor of the digestive system, characterized by rapid progression and being prone to metastasis. Few effective treatment options are available for PDAC, and its 5-year survival rate is less than 9%. Many cell biological and signaling events are involved in the development of PDAC, among which protein post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as ubiquitination, play crucial roles. Catalyzed mostly by a three-enzyme cascade, ubiquitination induces changes in protein activity mainly by altering their stability in PDAC. Due to their role in substrate recognition, E3 ubiquitin ligases (E3s) dictate the outcome of the modification. Ubiquitination can be reversed by deubiquitylases (DUBs), which, in return, modified proteins to their native form. Dysregulation of E3s or DUBs that disrupt protein homeostasis is involved in PDAC. Moreover, the ubiquitination system has been exploited to develop therapeutic strategies, such as proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs). In this review, we summarize recent progress in our understanding of the role of ubiquitination in the development of PDAC and offer perspectives in the design of new therapies against this highly challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xinyu Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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16
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Xu L, Ma X, Zhang X, Zhang C, Zhang Y, Gong S, Wu N, Zhang P, Feng X, Guo J, Zhao M, Ren Z, Zhang P. hsa_circ_0007919 induces LIG1 transcription by binding to FOXA1/TET1 to enhance the DNA damage response and promote gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:195. [PMID: 38044421 PMCID: PMC10694898 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01887-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in the occurrence and development of cancer and chemoresistance. DNA damage repair contributes to the proliferation of cancer cells and resistance to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. However, the role of circRNAs in the regulation of DNA damage repair needs clarification. METHODS RNA sequencing analysis was applied to identify the differentially expressed circRNAs. qRT-PCR was conducted to confirm the expression of hsa_circ_0007919, and CCK-8, FCM, single-cell gel electrophoresis and IF assays were used to analyze the proliferation, apoptosis and gemcitabine (GEM) resistance of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. Xenograft model and IHC experiments were conducted to confirm the effects of hsa_circ_0007919 on tumor growth and DNA damage in vivo. RNA sequencing and GSEA were applied to confirm the downstream genes and pathways of hsa_circ_0007919. FISH and nuclear-cytoplasmic RNA fractionation experiments were conducted to identify the cellular localization of hsa_circ_0007919. ChIRP, RIP, Co-IP, ChIP, MS-PCR and luciferase reporter assays were conducted to confirm the interaction among hsa_circ_0007919, FOXA1, TET1 and the LIG1 promoter. RESULTS We identified a highly expressed circRNA, hsa_circ_0007919, in GEM-resistant PDAC tissues and cells. High expression of hsa_circ_0007919 correlates with poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of PDAC patients. Hsa_circ_0007919 inhibits the DNA damage, accumulation of DNA breaks and apoptosis induced by GEM in a LIG1-dependent manner to maintain cell survival. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0007919 recruits FOXA1 and TET1 to decrease the methylation of the LIG1 promoter and increase its transcription, further promoting base excision repair, mismatch repair and nucleotide excision repair. At last, we found that GEM enhanced the binding of QKI to the introns of hsa_circ_0007919 pre-mRNA and the splicing and circularization of this pre-mRNA to generate hsa_circ_0007919. CONCLUSIONS Hsa_circ_0007919 promotes GEM resistance by enhancing DNA damage repair in a LIG1-dependent manner to maintain cell survival. Targeting hsa_circ_0007919 and DNA damage repair pathways could be a therapeutic strategy for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Xuzhou First People's Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiuzhong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Shuai Gong
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Nai Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Shangqiu Municipal Hospital, Shangqiu, China
| | - Xinyu Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jiaxuan Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zeqiang Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
| | - Pengbo Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
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Xiang X, Kuang W, Yu C, Li Y, Su Q, Tian Y, Li J. Tex10 interacts with STAT3 to regulate hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:1974-1989. [PMID: 37792308 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Testis expression 10 (Tex10) is reported to be associated with tumorigenesis in several types of cancer types, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis has not been investigated. In this study, the expression of Tex10 in the HCC cell line and tissue microarray was determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. RNA sequencing-based transcriptome analysis was performed to identify the Tex10-mediated biological process. Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, transwell assays, xenograft tumor growth, and lung metastasis experiments in nude mice were applied to assess the effects of Tex10 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. The underlying mechanisms were further investigated using dual-luciferase reporter, co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. We found that Tex10 was upregulated in HCC tumor tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues, with its expression correlated with a poor prognosis. Gene ontology function enrichment analysis revealed alterations in several biological processes in response to Tex10 knockdown, especially cell motility and cell migration. Functional studies demonstrated that Tex10 promotes HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, Tex10 was shown to regulate invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling. Mechanistically, Tex10 was found to interact with STAT3 and promote its transcriptional activity. In addition, we found that Tex10 promotes p300-mediated STAT3 acetylation, while p300 silencing abolishes Tex10-enhanced STAT3 transcriptional activity. Together, these findings indicate that Tex10 functions as an oncogene by upregulating STAT3 activity, thus suggesting that Tex10 may serve as a prognostic biomarker and/or therapeutic target for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocong Xiang
- Institute of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic-Intestinal Disease, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Institute of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, The Second Clinical Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Wei Kuang
- Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Chunlei Yu
- Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yuqi Li
- Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Qiang Su
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Clinical Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yunhong Tian
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Jingdong Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Academician (Expert) Workstation, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
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18
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Jiang Z, Zheng X, Li M, Liu M. Improving the prognosis of pancreatic cancer: insights from epidemiology, genomic alterations, and therapeutic challenges. Front Med 2023; 17:1135-1169. [PMID: 38151666 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1050-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, notorious for its late diagnosis and aggressive progression, poses a substantial challenge owing to scarce treatment alternatives. This review endeavors to furnish a holistic insight into pancreatic cancer, encompassing its epidemiology, genomic characterization, risk factors, diagnosis, therapeutic strategies, and treatment resistance mechanisms. We delve into identifying risk factors, including genetic predisposition and environmental exposures, and explore recent research advancements in precursor lesions and molecular subtypes of pancreatic cancer. Additionally, we highlight the development and application of multi-omics approaches in pancreatic cancer research and discuss the latest combinations of pancreatic cancer biomarkers and their efficacy. We also dissect the primary mechanisms underlying treatment resistance in this malignancy, illustrating the latest therapeutic options and advancements in the field. Conclusively, we accentuate the urgent demand for more extensive research to enhance the prognosis for pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Gastroenterology and Pancreas, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Xiaohao Zheng
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
| | - Mingyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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19
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Zheng S, Tian Q, Yuan Y, Sun S, Li T, Xia R, He R, Luo Y, Lin Q, Fu Z, Zhou Y, Chen R, Hu C. Extracellular vesicle-packaged circBIRC6 from cancer-associated fibroblasts induce platinum resistance via SUMOylation modulation in pancreatic cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:324. [PMID: 38012734 PMCID: PMC10683239 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02854-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play pivotal roles in chemoresistance of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Revealing the cross-talk network between tumor stroma and pancreatic cancer and developing effective strategies against oxaliplatin resistance are highly desired in the clinic. METHODS High-throughput sequence was used to screened the key circRNAs transmitted by extracellular vesicles (EVs) from CAFs to pancreatic cancer cells. The associations between EV-packaged circBIRC6 and chemotherapy responsiveness were validated in a cohort of 82 cases of advanced PDAC patients. Then, the effects of EV-packaged circBIRC6 on CAF-induced oxaliplatin resistance were investigated by flow cytometry, colony formation, viability of pancreatic cancer organoids in vitro and by xenograft models in vivo. RNA pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation, and sites mutation assays were used to reveal the underlying mechanism. RESULTS We identified a circRNA, circBIRC6, is significantly upregulated in CAF-derived EVs and is positively associated with oxaliplatin-based chemoresistance. In vitro and in vivo functional assays showed that CAF-derived EV-packaged circBIRC6 enhance oxaliplatin resistance of pancreatic cancer cells and organoids via regulating the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) dependent DNA repair. Mechanistically, circBIRC6 directly binds with XRCC4 and enhanced the interaction of XRCC4 with SUMO1 at the lysine 115 residue, which facilitated XRCC4 chromatin localization. XRCC4K115R mutation dramatically abrogated the EV-packaged circBIRC6 induced effect. Moreover, combination of antisense oligonucleotide inhibitors against circBIRC6 with Olaparib dramatically suppressed chemoresistance in patient-derived xenograft models. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that EV-packaged circBIRC6 confer oxaliplatin resistance in PDAC by mediating SUMOylation of XRCC4, introducing a promising predictive and therapeutic target for PDAC on oxaliplatin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangyou Zheng
- Department of Pancreas Center, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Qing Tian
- School of medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Guangdong cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuxin Sun
- Department of Pancreas Center, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Tingting Li
- School of medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Renpeng Xia
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Rihua He
- Department of Pancreas Center, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong province, China
| | - Yuming Luo
- Department of Pancreas Center, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Qing Lin
- Department of Pancreas Center, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Pancreas Center, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
| | - Rufu Chen
- Department of Pancreas Center, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
- School of medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong Province, China.
- Guangdong cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
| | - Chonghui Hu
- Department of Pancreas Center, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
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Wan L, Jia Y, Chen N, Zheng S. Circ_0003789 Knockdown Inhibits Tumor Progression by miR-429/ZFP36L2 Axis in Gastric Cancer. Biochem Genet 2023:10.1007/s10528-023-10535-1. [PMID: 37962691 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10535-1] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of circRNAs have been found to be involved in the development of gastric cancer. However, the function of circ_0003789 in regulating gastric cancer progression is unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the expression, function and molecular mechanism of circ_0003789 in gastric cancer pathogenesis. Circ_0003789, miR-429 and ZFP36 ring finger protein like 2 (ZFP36L2) mRNA were quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation was illustrated by 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (Edu), cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Protein level was detected by Western blotting assay. Xenograft assays were used for functional analysis of circ_0003789 in vivo. The relationship between miR-429 and circ_0003789 or ZFP36L2 was predicted by starbase3.0 online database and identified by dual luciferase reporter assay. The expression levels of circ_0003789 and ZFP36L2 were significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cells, while the expression of miR-429 was downregulated. Downregulation of circ_0003789 inhibited gastric cancer cell growth and invasion and promoted apoptosis in vitro. Circ_0003789 acted as a sponge of miR-429. Moreover, miR-429 silencing by miR-429 inhibitors attenuated the effects of circ_0003789 interference on cell growth, apoptosis and invasion. ZFP36L2 was targeted by miR-429, and the effects of miR-429 on cell growth, invasion and apoptosis were attenuated by ZFP36L2 overexpression. Circ_0003789 could enhance ZFP36L2 expression by interacting with miR-429. Silencing of circ_0003789 inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Circ_0003789 regulates tumor progression in gastric cancer through miR-429/ZFP36L2 axis. This finding implies that circ_0003789 may be a therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xianning Central Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, 265 Yinquan Dadao, Xianning, 437000, Hubei, China
| | - Yu Jia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xianning Central Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, 265 Yinquan Dadao, Xianning, 437000, Hubei, China
| | - Na Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xianning Central Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, 265 Yinquan Dadao, Xianning, 437000, Hubei, China.
| | - Sen Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xianning Central Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, 265 Yinquan Dadao, Xianning, 437000, Hubei, China.
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21
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Zhou J, Li P, Zhao X, Zhao Y, Luo J, Deng Y, Jiang N, Xiao Z, Zhang W, Zhou Y, Zhao J, Li P, Li Y, Tian Z. Circ_16601 facilitates Hippo pathway signaling via the miR-5580-5p/FGB axis to promote my-CAF recruitment in the TME and LUAD progression. Respir Res 2023; 24:276. [PMID: 37953225 PMCID: PMC10642073 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02566-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer represents a significant public health issue in China, given its high incidence and mortality rates. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been recently proposed to participate in the development and progression of tumors. Nevertheless, their particular roles in the pathogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the tumor microenvironment (TME), and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not well understood. METHODS High-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the circRNAs expression profiles in 7 pairs of human LUAD tissues. shRNA was used to knockdown the YAP1 and FGB genes. RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR were performed to classify the regulatory effects of circ_16601 in LUAD cells. The progression effect of circ_16601 on lung cancer was investigated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS The circ_16601 is significantly elevated in LUAD tissues compared to adjacent normal lung tissues, and its high expression is positively associated with poor prognosis in LUAD patients. Additionally, circ_16601 overexpression promotes LUAD cell proliferation in vitro and increases xenograft tissue growth in mice in vivo; circ_16601 also could recruit fibroblasts to cancer associate fibroblasts. Mechanistically, circ_16601 can directly bind to miR-5580-5p, preventing its ability to degrade FGB mRNA and enhancing its stability. Subsequently, circ_16601 promotes the activation of the Hippo pathway in a YAP1-dependent manner, leading to LUAD progression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings shed valuable insights into the regulatory role of circ_16601 in LUAD progression and highlight its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in LUAD. Overall, this study provides theoretical support to improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients suffering from this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheello College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peiwei Li
- Institute of Medical Sciences, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaogang Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research and Clinical Translation in Thoracic Cancer, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanhao Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Junwen Luo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yupeng Deng
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ning Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhaohua Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wenhao Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yongjia Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jiangfeng Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peichao Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuliang Li
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheello College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Institute of Interventional Oncology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Zhongxian Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research and Clinical Translation in Thoracic Cancer, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Wang T, Xin C, Zhang S, Tian X, Hu Y, Wang Y, Wang J, Ji N, Zeng X, Li J. Circular RNA from Tyrosylprotein Sulfotransferase 2 Gene Inhibits Cisplatin Sensitivity in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Sponging miR-770-5p and Interacting with Nucleolin. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5351. [PMID: 38001611 PMCID: PMC10669990 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225351] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemoresistance poses a significant challenge in the treatment of advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). The role and mechanism of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in HNSCC chemoresistance remain understudied. We conducted circRNA microarray analysis to identify differentially expressed circRNAs in HNSCC. The expression of circRNAs from the tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase 2 (TPST2) gene and miRNAs was evaluated through qPCR, while the circular structure of circTPST2 was verified using Sanger sequencing and RNase R. Through Western blotting, biotin-labeled RNA pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, and rescue experiments, we discovered miR-770-5p and nucleolin as downstream targets of circTPST2. Functional tests, including CCK8 assays and flow cytometry, assessed the chemoresistance ability of circTPST2, miR-770-5p, and Nucleolin. Additionally, FISH assays determined the subcellular localization of circTPST2, miR-770-5p, and Nucleolin. IHC staining was employed to detect circTPST2 and Nucleolin expression in HNSCC patients. circTPST2 expression was inversely correlated with cisplatin sensitivity in HNSCC cell lines. Remarkably, high circTPST2 expression correlated with lower overall survival rates in chemotherapeutic HNSCC patients. Mechanistically, circTPST2 reduced chemosensitivity through sponge-like adsorption of miR-770-5p and upregulation of the downstream protein Nucleolin in HNSCC cells. The TCGA database revealed improved prognosis for patients with low circTPST2 expression after chemotherapy. Moreover, analysis of HNSCC cohorts demonstrated better prognosis for patients with low Nucleolin protein expression after chemotherapy. We unveil circTPST2 as a circRNA associated with chemoresistance in HNSCC, suggesting its potential as a marker for selecting chemotherapy regimens in HNSCC patients. Further exploration of the downstream targets of circTPST2 advanced our understanding and improved treatment strategies for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (T.W.); (C.X.); (S.Z.); (X.T.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (J.W.); (N.J.)
| | - Chuan Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (T.W.); (C.X.); (S.Z.); (X.T.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (J.W.); (N.J.)
- Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Stomatology Hospital, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Shiyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (T.W.); (C.X.); (S.Z.); (X.T.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (J.W.); (N.J.)
| | - Xin Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (T.W.); (C.X.); (S.Z.); (X.T.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (J.W.); (N.J.)
| | - Yuting Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (T.W.); (C.X.); (S.Z.); (X.T.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (J.W.); (N.J.)
| | - Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (T.W.); (C.X.); (S.Z.); (X.T.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (J.W.); (N.J.)
| | - Jiongke Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (T.W.); (C.X.); (S.Z.); (X.T.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (J.W.); (N.J.)
| | - Ning Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (T.W.); (C.X.); (S.Z.); (X.T.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (J.W.); (N.J.)
| | - Xin Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (T.W.); (C.X.); (S.Z.); (X.T.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (J.W.); (N.J.)
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (T.W.); (C.X.); (S.Z.); (X.T.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (J.W.); (N.J.)
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Fang G, Xu D, Zhang T, Qiu L, Gao X, Wang G, Miao Y. Effects of hsa_circ_0074854 on colorectal cancer progression, construction of a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network, and analysis of immune infiltration. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:15439-15456. [PMID: 37644235 PMCID: PMC10620273 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05315-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Circular RNAs have been demonstrated to be closely associated with the onset and metastasis of colorectal cancer. However, the roles and clinical diagnostic value of most circRNAs in colorectal cancer remain unclear. METHODS We detected the differential expression of circRNAs in CRC tissues and cells and investigated their relationship in conjunction with clinical pathological features. Additionally, we performed cellular functional experiments in CRC cell lines to explore the functions of circRNAs. To further validate the potential ceRNA network, qPCR was performed to assess the expression of miRNA and mRNA in CRC cells after differential expression of circRNAs knockdown. Furthermore, database analysis was utilized to explore the relationship between the predicted mRNAs and immune infiltration in CRC. RESULTS Our research findings indicate a positive correlation between hsa_circ_0074854 expression and advanced clinical pathological features, as well as an unfavorable prognosis. Knockdown of hsa_circ_0074854 was observed to inhibit proliferation and migration capabilities of colorectal cancer cells, affecting the cell cycle progression, and simultaneously promoting apoptosis. A competing endogenous RNA mechanism may exist among circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs. Furthermore, the expression of target genes displayed correlations with the abundance of certain immune cells. CONCLUSION We propose a novel ceRNA network and evaluate the interplay between target genes and immune cells, providing novel insights for the diagnosis and targeted therapy of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guida Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Clinical College of Lianyungang Second People's Hospital, Bengbu Medical College, Lianyungang, 222002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dalai Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Clinical College of Lianyungang Second People's Hospital, Bengbu Medical College, Lianyungang, 222002, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, 222002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Clinical College of Lianyungang Second People's Hospital, Bengbu Medical College, Lianyungang, 222002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Qiu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Clinical College of Lianyungang Second People's Hospital, Bengbu Medical College, Lianyungang, 222002, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, 222002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuzhu Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, 222002, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Clinical Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City (Cancer Hospital of Lianyungang), Lianyungang, 222002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Clinical College of Lianyungang Second People's Hospital, Bengbu Medical College, Lianyungang, 222002, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, 222002, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yongchang Miao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Clinical College of Lianyungang Second People's Hospital, Bengbu Medical College, Lianyungang, 222002, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, 222002, Jiangsu, China.
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Jastrząb P, Narejko K, Car H, Wielgat P. Cell Membrane Sialome: Sialic Acids as Therapeutic Targets and Regulators of Drug Resistance in Human Cancer Management. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5103. [PMID: 37894470 PMCID: PMC10604966 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205103] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A cellular sialome is a physiologically active and dynamically changing component of the cell membrane. Sialylation plays a crucial role in tumor progression, and alterations in cellular sialylation patterns have been described as modulators of chemotherapy effectiveness. However, the precise mechanisms through which altered sialylation contributes to drug resistance in cancer are not yet fully understood. This review focuses on the intricate interplay between sialylation and cancer treatment. It presents the role of sialic acids in modulating cell-cell interactions, the extracellular matrix (ECM), and the immunosuppressive processes within the context of cancer. The issue of drug resistance is also discussed, and the mechanisms that involve transporters, the tumor microenvironment, and metabolism are analyzed. The review explores drugs and therapeutic approaches that may induce modifications in sialylation processes with a primary focus on their impact on sialyltransferases or sialidases. Despite advancements in cellular glycobiology and glycoengineering, an interdisciplinary effort is required to decipher and comprehend the biological characteristics and consequences of altered sialylation. Additionally, understanding the modulatory role of sialoglycans in drug sensitivity is crucial to applying this knowledge in clinical practice for the benefit of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Jastrząb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 15A, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland; (P.J.); (K.N.); (H.C.)
| | - Karolina Narejko
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 15A, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland; (P.J.); (K.N.); (H.C.)
| | - Halina Car
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 15A, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland; (P.J.); (K.N.); (H.C.)
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Medical University of Bialystok, Szpitalna 37, 15-295 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Przemyslaw Wielgat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 15A, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland; (P.J.); (K.N.); (H.C.)
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25
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Liu T, Long K, Zhu Z, Song Y, Chen C, Xu G, Ke X. Roles of circRNAs in regulating the tumor microenvironment. Med Oncol 2023; 40:329. [PMID: 37819576 PMCID: PMC10567871 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02194-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
CircRNAs, a type of non-coding RNA widely present in eukaryotic cells, have emerged as a prominent focus in tumor research. However, the functions of most circRNAs remain largely unexplored. Known circRNAs exert their regulatory roles through various mechanisms, including acting as microRNA sponges, binding to RNA-binding proteins, and functioning as transcription factors to modulate protein translation and coding. Tumor growth is not solely driven by gene mutations but also influenced by diverse constituent cells and growth factors within the tumor microenvironment (TME). As crucial regulators within the TME, circRNAs are involved in governing tumor growth and metastasis. This review highlights the role of circRNAs in regulating angiogenesis, matrix remodeling, and immunosuppression within the TME. Additionally, we discuss current research on hypoxia-induced circRNAs production and commensal microorganisms' impact on the TME to elucidate how circRNAs influence tumor growth while emphasizing the significance of modulating the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Kaijun Long
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhengfeng Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Yongxiang Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China.
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China.
| | - Xixian Ke
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China.
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Zhang H, Yue X, Chen Z, Liu C, Wu W, Zhang N, Liu Z, Yang L, Jiang Q, Cheng Q, Luo P, Liu G. Define cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment: new opportunities in cancer immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:159. [PMID: 37784082 PMCID: PMC10544417 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01860-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite centuries since the discovery and study of cancer, cancer is still a lethal and intractable health issue worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained much attention as a pivotal component of the tumor microenvironment. The versatility and sophisticated mechanisms of CAFs in facilitating cancer progression have been elucidated extensively, including promoting cancer angiogenesis and metastasis, inducing drug resistance, reshaping the extracellular matrix, and developing an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Owing to their robust tumor-promoting function, CAFs are considered a promising target for oncotherapy. However, CAFs are a highly heterogeneous group of cells. Some subpopulations exert an inhibitory role in tumor growth, which implies that CAF-targeting approaches must be more precise and individualized. This review comprehensively summarize the origin, phenotypical, and functional heterogeneity of CAFs. More importantly, we underscore advances in strategies and clinical trials to target CAF in various cancers, and we also summarize progressions of CAF in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinghai Yue
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Zhuzhou, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Wantao Wu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Guodong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Li T, Zhou Z, Xie Z, Fan X, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Song X, Ruan Y. Identification and validation of cancer-associated fibroblast-related subtypes and the prognosis model of biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer based on single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:11379-11395. [PMID: 37369799 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05011-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an essential component of the tumor immune microenvironment that are involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. We aim to investigate the characteristics of CAFs in prostate cancer and develop a biochemical recurrence (BCR)-related CAF signature for predicting the prognosis of PCa patients. METHODS The bulk RNA-seq and relevant clinical information were obtained from the TCGA and GEO databases, respectively. The infiltration scores of CAFs in prostate cancer patients were calculated using the MCP counter and EPIC algorithms. The single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was downloaded from the GEO database. Subsequently, univariate Cox regression analysis was employed to identify prognostic genes associated with CAFs. We identified two subtypes (C1 and C2) of prostate cancer that were associated with CAFs via non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) clustering. In addition, the BCR-related CAF signatures were constructed using Lasso regression analysis. Finally, a nomogram model was established based on the risk score and clinical characteristics of the patients. RESULTS Initially, we found that patients with high CAF infiltration scores had shorter biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCRFS) times. Subsequently, CAFs in four pairs of tumors and paracancerous tissues were identified. We discovered 253 significantly differentially expressed genes, of which 13 had prognostic significance. Using NMF clustering, we divided PCa patients into C1 and C2 subgroups, with the C1 subgroup having a worse prognosis and substantially enriched cell cycle, homologous recombination, and mismatch repair pathways. Furthermore, a BCR-related CAFs signature was established. Multivariate COX regression analysis confirmed that the BCR-related CAFs signature was an independent prognostic factor for BCR in PCa. In addition, the nomogram was based on the clinical characteristics and risk scores of the patient and demonstrated high accuracy and reliability for predicting BCR. Lastly, our findings indicate that the risk score may be a useful tool for predicting PCa patients' sensitivity to immunotherapy and drug treatment. CONCLUSION NMF clustering based on CAF-related genes revealed distinct TME immune characteristics between groups. The BCR-related CAF signature accurately predicted prognosis and immunotherapy response in prostate cancer patients, offering a promising new approach to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiewen Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wujin Road 85, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Zeng Zhou
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wujin Road 85, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Zhiwen Xie
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wujin Road 85, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Xuhui Fan
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wujin Road 85, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yichen Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wujin Road 85, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wujin Road 85, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Xiaodong Song
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wujin Road 85, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yuan Ruan
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wujin Road 85, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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Chen Y, Deng Q, Chen H, Yang J, Chen Z, Li J, Fu Z. Cancer-associated fibroblast-related prognostic signature predicts prognosis and immunotherapy response in pancreatic adenocarcinoma based on single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16408. [PMID: 37775715 PMCID: PMC10541448 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43495-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) influence many aspects of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) carcinogenesis, including tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. A six-gene prognostic signature was constructed for PAAD based on the 189 CAF marker genes identified in single-cell RNA-sequencing data. Multivariate analyses showed that the risk score was independently prognostic for survival in the TCGA (P < 0.001) and ICGC (P = 0.004) cohorts. Tumor infiltration of CD8 T (P = 0.005) cells and naïve B cells (P = 0.001) was greater in the low-risk than in the high-risk group, with infiltration of these cells negatively correlated with risk score. Moreover, the TMB score was lower in the low-risk than in the high-risk group (P = 0.0051). Importantly, patients in low-risk group had better immunotherapy responses than in the high-risk group in an independent immunotherapy cohort (IMvigor210) (P = 0.039). The CAV1 and SOD3 were highly expressed in CAFs of PAAD tissues, which revealed by immunohistochemical staining. In summary, this comprehensive analysis resulted in the development of a novel prognostic signature, which was associated with immune cell infiltration, drug sensitivity, and TMB, and could predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response of patients with PAAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qican Deng
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianguo Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenzhou Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Juncai Li
- Department of Surgery, The People's Hospital of Yubei District of Chongqing, Chongqing, China.
| | - Zhongxue Fu
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Jia W, Huang Z, Zhou L, Liou YC, Di Virgilio F, Ulrich H, Illes P, Zhang W, Huang C, Tang Y. Purinergic signalling in cancer therapeutic resistance: From mechanisms to targeting strategies. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 70:100988. [PMID: 37413937 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.100988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Purinergic signalling, consisting of extracellular purines and purinergic receptors, modulates cell proliferation, invasion and immunological reaction during cancer progression. Here, we focus on current evidence that suggests the crucial role of purinergic signalling in mediating cancer therapeutic resistance, the major obstacle in cancer treatment. Mechanistically, purinergic signalling can modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and anti-tumor immunity, thus affecting drug sensitivity of tumor cells. Currently, some agents attempting to target purinergic signalling either in tumor cells or in tumor-associated immune cells are under preclinical or clinical investigation. Moreover, nano-based delivery technologies significantly improve the efficacy of agents targeting purinergic signalling. In this review article, we summarize the mechanisms of purinergic signalling in promoting cancer therapeutic resistance and discuss the potentials and challenges of targeting purinergic signalling in future cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Jia
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhao Huang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yih-Cherng Liou
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117573, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117573, Singapore
| | | | - Henning Ulrich
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China; Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Peter Illes
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China; Rudolf-Boehm-Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universitaet Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wei Zhang
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Canhua Huang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China; Institute of TCM-Based Stress Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China; School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China; Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China.
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Knipper K, Lyu SI, Quaas A, Bruns CJ, Schmidt T. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Heterogeneity and Its Influence on the Extracellular Matrix and the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13482. [PMID: 37686288 PMCID: PMC10487587 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment comprises multiple cell types, like cancer cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells. In recent years, there have been massive research efforts focusing not only on cancer cells, but also on other cell types of the tumor microenvironment, thereby aiming to expand and determine novel treatment options. Fibroblasts represent a heterogenous cell family consisting of numerous subtypes, which can alter immune cell fractions, facilitate or inhibit tumor growth, build pre-metastatic niches, or stabilize vessels. These effects can be achieved through cell-cell interactions, which form the extracellular matrix, or via the secretion of cytokines or chemokines. The pro- or antitumorigenic fibroblast phenotypes show variability not only among different cancer entities, but also among intraindividual sites, including primary tumors or metastatic lesions. Commonly prescribed for arterial hypertension, the inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system have recently been described as having an inhibitory effect on fibroblasts. This inhibition leads to modified immune cell fractions and increased tissue stiffness, thereby contributing to overcoming therapy resistance and ultimately inhibiting tumor growth. However, it is important to note that the inhibition of fibroblasts can also have the opposite effect, potentially resulting in increased tumor growth. We aim to summarize the latest state of research regarding fibroblast heterogeneity and its intricate impact on the tumor microenvironment and extracellular matrix. Specifically, we focus on highlighting recent advancements in the comprehension of intraindividual heterogeneity and therapy options within this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Knipper
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (K.K.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Su Ir Lyu
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.I.L.); (A.Q.)
| | - Alexander Quaas
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.I.L.); (A.Q.)
| | - Christiane J. Bruns
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (K.K.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (K.K.); (C.J.B.)
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Wu Y, Xu M, Feng Z, Wu H, Wu J, Ha X, Wu Y, Chen S, Xu F, Wen H, Li S, Wu X. AUF1-induced circular RNA hsa_circ_0010467 promotes platinum resistance of ovarian cancer through miR-637/LIF/STAT3 axis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:256. [PMID: 37589744 PMCID: PMC11072515 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04906-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidences has indicated that primary and acquired resistance of ovarian cancer (OC) to platinum is mediated by multiple molecular and cellular factors. Understanding these mechanisms could promote the therapeutic efficiency for patients with OC. METHODS Here, we screened the expression pattern of circRNAs in samples derived from platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive OC patients using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). The expression of hsa_circ_0010467 was validated by Sanger sequencing, RT-qPCR, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays. Overexpression and knockdown experiments were performed to explore the function of hsa_circ_0010467. The effects of hsa_circ_0010467 on enhancing platinum treatment were validated in OC cells, mouse model and patient-derived organoid (PDO). RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate the interaction between hsa_circ_0010467 and proteins. RESULTS Increased expression of hsa_circ_0010467 is observed in platinum-resistant OC cells, tissues and serum exosomes, which is positively correlated with advanced tumor stage and poor prognosis of OC patients. Hsa_circ_0010467 is found to maintain the platinum resistance via inducing tumor cell stemness, and silencing hsa_circ_0010467 substantially increases the efficacy of platinum treatment on inhibiting OC cell proliferation. Further investigation reveals that hsa_circ_0010467 acts as a miR-637 sponge to mediate the repressive effect of miR-637 on leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and activates the LIF/STAT3 signaling pathway. We further discover that AUF1 could promote the biogenesis of hsa_circ_0010467 in OC. CONCLUSION Our study uncovers the mechanism that hsa_circ_0010467 mediates the platinum resistance of OC through AUF1/hsa_circ_0010467/miR-637/LIF/STAT3 axis, and provides potential targets for the treatment of platinum-resistant OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangjun Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Xu
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zheng Feng
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jingni Wu
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Xinyu Ha
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengli Li
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China.
| | - Xiaohua Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Lintern N, Smith AM, Jayne DG, Khaled YS. Photodynamic Stromal Depletion in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4135. [PMID: 37627163 PMCID: PMC10453210 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164135] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest solid malignancies, with a five-year survival of less than 10%. The resistance of the disease and the associated lack of therapeutic response is attributed primarily to its dense, fibrotic stroma, which acts as a barrier to drug perfusion and permits tumour survival and invasion. As clinical trials of chemotherapy (CT), radiotherapy (RT), and targeted agents have not been successful, improving the survival rate in unresectable PDAC remains an urgent clinical need. Photodynamic stromal depletion (PSD) is a recent approach that uses visible or near-infrared light to destroy the desmoplastic tissue. Preclinical evidence suggests this can resensitise tumour cells to subsequent therapies whilst averting the tumorigenic effects of tumour-stromal cell interactions. So far, the pre-clinical studies have suggested that PDT can successfully mediate the destruction of various stromal elements without increasing the aggressiveness of the tumour. However, the complexity of this interplay, including the combined tumour promoting and suppressing effects, poses unknowns for the clinical application of photodynamic stromal depletion in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Lintern
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Andrew M. Smith
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - David G. Jayne
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Yazan S. Khaled
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
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Wei L, Sun J, Wang X, Huang Y, Huang L, Han L, Zheng Y, Xu Y, Zhang N, Yang M. Noncoding RNAs: an emerging modulator of drug resistance in pancreatic cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1226639. [PMID: 37560164 PMCID: PMC10407809 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1226639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the eighth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chemotherapy including gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil, adriamycin and cisplatin, immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapy have been demonstrated to significantly improve prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients with advanced diseases. However, most patients developed drug resistance to these therapeutic agents, which leading to shortened patient survival. The detailed molecular mechanisms contributing to pancreatic cancer drug resistance remain largely unclear. The growing evidences have shown that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are involved in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis and development of drug resistance. In the present review, we systematically summarized the new insight on of various miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs on drug resistance of pancreatic cancer. These results demonstrated that targeting the tumor-specific ncRNA may provide novel options for pancreatic cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wei
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jujie Sun
- Department of Pathology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xingwu Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yizhou Huang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Linying Huang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Linyu Han
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yanxiu Zheng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Nasha Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Zhao R, Han Z, Zhou H, Xue Y, Chen X, Cao X. Diagnostic and prognostic role of circRNAs in pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1174577. [PMID: 37361594 PMCID: PMC10285410 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1174577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are types of endogenous noncoding RNAs produced by selective splicing that are expressed highly specifically in various organisms and tissues and have numerous clinical implications in the regulation of cancer development and progression. Since circRNA is resistant to digestion by ribonucleases and has a long half-life, there is increasing evidence that circRNA can be used as an ideal candidate biomarker for the early diagnosis and prognosis of tumors. In this study, we aimed to reveal the diagnostic and prognostic value of circRNA in human pancreatic cancer (PC). Methods A systematic search for publications from inception to 22 July 2022 was conducted on Embase, PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), and the Cochrane Library databases. Available studies that correlated circRNA expression in tissue or serum with the clinicopathological, diagnostic, and prognostic values of PC patients were enrolled. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate clinical pathological characteristics. Area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were adopted to assess diagnostic value. Hazard ratios (HRs) were utilized to assess disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results This meta-analysis enrolled 32 eligible studies, including six on diagnosis and 21 on prognosis, which accounted for 2,396 cases from 245 references. For clinical parameters, high expression of carcinogenic circRNA was significantly associated with degree of differentiation (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.47-2.34), TNM stage (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.35-0.62), lymph node metastasis (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.32-0.48), and distant metastasis (OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.13-0.51). As for clinical diagnostic utility, circRNA could discriminate patients with pancreatic cancer from controls, with an AUC of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.82-0.88), a relatively high sensitivity of 84%, and a specificity of 80% in tissue. In terms of prognostic significance, carcinogenic circRNA was correlated with poor OS (HR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.76-2.26) and DFS (HR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.47-2.62). Conclusion In summary, this study demonstrated that circRNA may act as a significant diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihua Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhuo Han
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Haiting Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaru Xue
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Northwest Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiaobing Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinguang Cao
- Department of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Xie Z, Zhou Z, Yang S, Zhang S, Shao B. Epigenetic regulation and therapeutic targets in the tumor microenvironment. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:17. [PMID: 37273004 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00126-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial to neoplastic processes, fostering proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis. Epigenetic regulations, primarily including DNA and RNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA, have been generally recognized as an essential feature of tumor malignancy, exceedingly contributing to the dysregulation of the core gene expression in neoplastic cells, bringing about the evasion of immunosurveillance by influencing the immune cells in TME. Recently, compelling evidence have highlighted that clinical therapeutic approaches based on epigenetic machinery modulate carcinogenesis through targeting TME components, including normalizing cells' phenotype, suppressing cells' neovascularization and repressing the immunosuppressive components in TME. Therefore, TME components have been nominated as a promising target for epigenetic drugs in clinical cancer management. This review focuses on the mechanisms of epigenetic modifications occurring to the pivotal TME components including the stroma, immune and myeloid cells in various tumors reported in the last five years, concludes the tight correlation between TME reprogramming and tumor progression and immunosuppression, summarizes the current advances in cancer clinical treatments and potential therapeutic targets with reference to epigenetic drugs. Finally, we summarize some of the restrictions in the field of cancer research at the moment, further discuss several interesting epigenetic gene targets with potential strategies to boost antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuojun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Zirui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuxian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiwen Zhang
- Department of Oral Implantology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China.
| | - Bin Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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Rebelo R, Xavier CPR, Giovannetti E, Vasconcelos MH. Fibroblasts in pancreatic cancer: molecular and clinical perspectives. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:439-453. [PMID: 37100646 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are highly abundant cells in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME) that modulate desmoplasia. The formation of a dense stroma leads to immunosuppression and therapy resistance that are major causes of treatment failure in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Recent evidence suggests that several subpopulations of CAFs in the TME can interconvert, explaining the dual roles (antitumorigenic and protumorigenic) of CAFs in PDAC and the contradictory results of CAF-targeted therapies in clinical trials. This highlights the need to clarify CAF heterogeneity and their interactions with PDAC cells. This review focuses on the communication between activated PSCs/CAFs and PDAC cells, as well as on the mechanisms underlying this crosstalk. CAF-focused therapies and emerging biomarkers are also outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rebelo
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina P R Xavier
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Helena Vasconcelos
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal.
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Wang Z, Zhou L, Chen B, Li X, Zou Q, Xu W, Fang L, Wu A, Li Z, Chen Y. microRNA- 660 Enhances Cisplatin Sensitivity via Decreasing SATB2 Expression in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040911. [PMID: 37107669 PMCID: PMC10137726 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040911] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs' (miRNAs) abnormal expression is one of the main factors of chemotherapy resistance in various cancers. However, the role of miRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) resistance to cisplatin is still unclear. In this study, we analyzed a microarray dataset to investigate miRNAs related to cisplatin resistance in LUAD. The expression of miRNAs in LUAD tissues and cell lines was detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Special AT-Rich Sequence-Binding Protein 2 (SATB2) in LUAD cell lines was detected using RT-qPCR and Western blot. Cell proliferation was measured by CCK8 and colony formation assays, while cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm that SATB2 is a target gene of microRNA-660 (miR-660). We showed that the expression of miR-660 was not only decreased in LUAD cells and tissues but also further decreased in the cisplatin-resistant A549 cell line. The overexpression of miR-660 increased cisplatin sensitivity in LUAD cells. In addition, we identified SATB2 as a direct target gene of miR-660. We also revealed that miR-660 increased cisplatin sensitivity in LUAD cells via targeting SATB2. In conclusion, miR-660/SATB2 axis is a key regulator of cisplatin resistance in LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyao Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410006, China
| | - Lingxuan Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410006, China
| | - Bisong Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410006, China
| | - Qiuyi Zou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410006, China
| | - Wei Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410006, China
| | - Li Fang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410006, China
| | - Anbang Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410006, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410006, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410006, China
| | - Yuejun Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410006, China
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Li C, Cai J, Liu W, Gao Z, Li G. Downregulation of circ-STK39 suppresses pancreatic cancer progression by sponging mir-140-3p and regulating TRAM2-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Apoptosis 2023:10.1007/s10495-023-01813-9. [PMID: 37041422 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01813-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PC) is amongst the most lethal gastrointestinal tumors, which is the seventh leading reason of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Previous studies have indicated that circular RNAs (circRNAs), which is a new type of endogenous noncoding RNA (ncRNA), can mediate tumor progression in diverse tumor types including PC. Whereas precise roles regarding circRNAs and their underlying regulatory mechanisms in PC remain unknown. METHODS In the current study, we employed next generation sequencing (NGS) to characterize abnormally expressed circRNAs among PC tissues. Next, we assessed expression levels of one identified circRNA, circ-STK39, in PC cell lines and tissues. Then, using bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter, Transwell migration, EdU and CCK-8 assays, we examined the regulatory mechanisms and targets of circ-STK39. Finally, our group explored the circ-STK39 role in PC tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. RESULTS Our team discovered that circ-STK39 expression increased in PC tissues and cells, suggesting that circ-STK39 may have a role in PC progression. Downregulation of circ-STK39 inhibited PC proliferation and migration. Bioinformatics and luciferase reporter outcomes demonstrated that TRAM2 and miR-140-3p were circ-STK39 downstream targets. TRAM2 overexpression reversed the miR-140-3p overexpression effects upon migration, proliferation and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). CONCLUSION In this regard, we showed that circ-STK39 downregulation led to decreased migration, proliferation and the EMT of PC via the miR-140-3p/TRAM2 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jiefang Road No. 88, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310009, China
| | - Juanjuan Cai
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Weifeng Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jiefang Road No. 88, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310009, China
| | - Zhenzhen Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jiefang Road No. 88, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310009, China
| | - Guogang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jiefang Road No. 88, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310009, China.
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Wang K, Gong D, Qiao X, Zheng J. MiR-532-3p inhibited the methylation of SOCS2 to suppress the progression of PC by targeting DNMT3A. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201703. [PMID: 37085288 PMCID: PMC10128082 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest malignancies, with poor diagnosis and prognosis. miR-532-3p has been reported to be a tumor suppressor in various cancers, whereas the mechanism of miR-532-3p in the progression of PC remains poorly understood. In this study, it was found that miR-532-3p and SOCS2 were down-regulated, whereas DNMT3A was up-regulated in PC. Knockdown of DNMT3A or overexpression of miR-532-3p suppressed PC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, as well as tumor formation in nude mice. DNMT3A induced the methylation of SOCS2 promoter. SOCS2 knockdown reversed the inhibiting effect of DNMT3A silencing on PC cell growth. miR-532-3p directly bound to DNMT3A and negatively regulated its expression while up-regulating SOCS2 levels. DNMT3A overexpression reversed the inhibiting effect of miR-532-3p overexpression on PC cell growth. In conclusion, the overexpression of miR-532-3p could suppress proliferation, invasion, and migration of PC cells, as well as tumor formation in nude mice through inhibiting the methylation of SOCS2 by targeting DNMT3A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiqiong Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hainan General Hospital http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001665, Haikou, P.R. China
| | - Dongwei Gong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hainan General Hospital http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001665, Haikou, P.R. China
| | - Xin Qiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hainan General Hospital http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001665, Haikou, P.R. China
| | - Jinfang Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hainan General Hospital http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001665, Haikou, P.R. China
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Shou Y, Yue C, Wang Q, Liu J, Xu J, Miao Q, Liu D, Yang H, Liu Y, Zhang X. circPTPN12 promotes the progression and sunitinib resistance of renal cancer via hnRNPM/IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:232. [PMID: 37002206 PMCID: PMC10066201 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05717-z] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is characterized by the difficulties in early diagnosis and the propensity to metastases. For advanced RCC, sunitinib targeted therapy is the clinically recommended first-line drug and the major challenge of sunitinib treatment is adaptive resistance. Therefore, it is imperative to research the mechanisms underlying sunitinib resistance. In this study, we discovered that circPTPN12 was highly expressed in RCC tissues and was associated with poorer clinical outcomes. circPTPN12 could promote the proliferation, migration, invasion, and sunitinib resistance of RCC cells. Mechanistically, circPTPN12 was found to form a complex with hnRNPM, which was involved in the regulation of mRNA processing. The combination with circPTPN12 enhanced the ability of hnRNPM to maintain the stability of IL-6 mRNA and further activated the STAT3 signaling pathway. The study revealed that circPTPN12/hnRNPM/IL-6/STAT3 axis promoted RCC progression and sunitinib resistance, which might be a promising therapeutic target for relieving sunitinib resistance in RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Shou
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Urologic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Changjie Yue
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Urologic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Urologic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jingchong Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Urologic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jiaju Xu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Urologic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qi Miao
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Urologic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Urologic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuenan Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Institute of Urologic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Institute of Urologic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Sun D, Dai T, Ji Y, Shen W, Bian W. COL11A1-driven positive feedback loop modulates fibroblast transformation and activates pancreatic cancer progression. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:1081-1091. [PMID: 36861686 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most common leading causes of cancer death. The cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) aggravate the malignant behavior of PDAC. However, it is still unknown how PDAC induces normal fibroblasts (NFs) to CAFs. In present research, we found that PDAC-derived collagen type XI alpha 1 (COL11A1) promoted the conversion of NFs to CAF-like cells. It included morphological and corresponding molecular marker changes. Activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway was involved in this process. Corresponding, CAFs cells could secrete interleukin 6 (IL-6), which promoted the invasion and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of PDAC cells. Furthermore, IL-6 promoted the expression of transcription factor Activating Transcription Factor 4 by activating the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase pathway. The latter directly promotes the expression of COL11A1. This way, a feedback loop of mutual influence was constructed between PDAC and CAFs. Our research proposed a novel concept for PDAC-educated NFs. PDAC-COL11A1-fibroblast-IL-6-PDAC axis might contribute to the cascade between PDAC and TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defeng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Wuxi 2 People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hepatobiliary, Wuxi Clinical College, Nantong University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Tu Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Wuxi 2 People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hepatobiliary, Wuxi Clinical College, Nantong University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Ji
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Wuxi 2 People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hepatobiliary, Wuxi Clinical College, Nantong University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Weibo Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Wuxi 2 People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hepatobiliary, Wuxi Clinical College, Nantong University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wuyang Bian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Wuxi 2 People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hepatobiliary, Wuxi Clinical College, Nantong University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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Autophagy as a self-digestion signal in human cancers: Regulation by microRNAs in affecting carcinogenesis and therapy response. Pharmacol Res 2023; 189:106695. [PMID: 36780958 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is defined as a "self-digestion" signal, and it is a cell death mechanism its primary function is degrading toxic agents and aged organelles to ensure homeostasis in cells. The basic leve ls of autophagy are found in cells, and when its levels exceed to standard threshold, cell death induction is observed. Autophagy dysregulation in cancer has been well-documented, and regulation of this pathway by epigenetic factors, especially microRNAs (miRNAs), is interesting and noteworthy. miRNAs are considered short endogenous RNAs that do not encode functional proteins, and they are essential regulators of cell death pathways such as apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy. Accumulating data has revealed miRNA dysregulation (upregulation or downregulation) during tumor progression, and their therapeutic manipulation provides new insight into cancer therapy. miRNA/autophagy axis in human cancers has been investigated an exciting point is the dual function of both autophagy and miRNAs as oncogenic and onco-suppressor factors. The stimulation of pro-survival autophagy by miRNAs can increase the survival rate of tumor cells and mediates cancer metastasis via EMT inductionFurthermore, pro-death autophagy induction by miRNAs has a negative impact on the viability of tumor cells and decreases their survival rate. The miRNA/autophagy axis functions beyond regulating the growth and invasion of tumor cells, and they can also affect drug resistance and radio-resistance. These subjects are covered in the current review regarding the new updates provided by recent experiments.
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Expression analysis and targets prediction of microRNAs in OGD/R treated astrocyte-derived exosomes by smallRNA sequencing. Genomics 2023; 115:110594. [PMID: 36863417 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2023.110594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes activate and crosstalk with neurons influencing inflammatory responses following ischemic stroke. The distribution, abundance, and activity of microRNAs in astrocytes-derived exosomes after ischemic stroke remains largely unknown. In this study, exosomes were extracted from primary cultured mouse astrocytes via ultracentrifugation, and exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation/re‑oxygenation injury to mimic experimental ischemic stroke. SmallRNAs from astrocyte-derived exosomes were sequenced, and differentially expressed microRNAs were randomly selected and verified by stem-loop real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We found that 176 microRNAs, including 148 known and 28 novel microRNAs, were differentially expressed in astrocyte-derived exosomes following oxygen glucose deprivation/re‑oxygenation injury. In gene ontology enrichment, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway analyses, and microRNA target gene prediction analyses, these alteration in microRNAs were associated to a broad spectrum of physiological functions including signaling transduction, neuroprotection and stress responses. Our findings warrant further investigating of these differentially expressed microRNAs in human diseases particularly ischemic stroke.
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Liang Q, Gong M, Zou JH, Luo MY, Jiang LL, Wang C, Shen NX, Zhang MC, Xu L, Lei HM, Zhang KR, Zhang R, Zhuang G, Zhu L, Chen HZ, Zhou L, Shen Y. A phosphoglycerate mutase 1 allosteric inhibitor overcomes drug resistance to EGFR-targeted therapy via disrupting IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in lung adenocarcinoma. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 68:100957. [PMID: 36990047 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.100957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, from the first-generation erlotinib to the third generation osimertinib, is a clinical challenge in the treatment of patients with EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma. Our previous work found that a novel allosteric inhibitor of phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1), HKB99, restrains erlotinib resistance in lung adenocarcinoma cells. However, the role of HKB99 in osimertinib resistance and its underlying molecular mechanism remains to be elucidated. Herein, we found that IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway is aberrantly activated in both erlotinib and osimertinib resistant cells. Importantly, HKB99 significantly blocks the interaction of PGAM1 with JAK2 and STAT3 via the allosteric sites of PGAM1, which leads to inactivation of JAK2/STAT3 and thereby disrupts IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Consequently, HKB99 remarkably restores EGFR inhibitor sensitivity and exerts synergistic tumoricidal effect. Additionally, HKB99 alone or in combination with osimertinib down-regulated the level of p-STAT3 in xenograft tumor models. Collectively, this study identifies PGAM1 as a key regulator in IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 axis in the development of resistance to EGFR inhibitors, which could serve as a therapeutic target in lung adenocarcinoma with acquired resistance to EGFR inhibitors.
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Regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment by cancer-derived circular RNAs. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:132. [PMID: 36797245 PMCID: PMC9935907 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05647-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNAs) is a covalently closed circular non-coding RNA formed by reverse back-splicing from precursor messenger RNA. It is found widely in eukaryotic cells and can be released to the surrounding environment and captured by other cell types. This, circRNAs serve as connections between different cell types for the mediation of multiple signaling pathways. CircRNAs reshape the tumor microenvironment (TME), a key factor involved in all stages of cancer development, by regulating epithelial-stromal transformation, tumor vascularization, immune cell function, and inflammatory responses. Immune cells are the most abundant cellular TME components, and they have profound toxicity to cancer cells. This review summarizes circRNA regulation of immune cells, including T cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages; highlights the impact of circRNAs on tumor progression, treatment, and prognosis; and indicates new targets for tumor immunotherapy.
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microRNAs Associated with Gemcitabine Resistance via EMT, TME, and Drug Metabolism in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041230. [PMID: 36831572 PMCID: PMC9953943 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive research, pancreatic cancer remains a lethal disease with an extremely poor prognosis. The difficulty in early detection and chemoresistance to therapeutic agents are major clinical concerns. To improve prognosis, novel biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies for chemoresistance are urgently needed. microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the development, progression, and metastasis of several cancers. During the last few decades, the association between pancreatic cancer and miRNAs has been extensively elucidated, with several miRNAs found to be correlated with patient prognosis. Moreover, recent evidence has revealed that miRNAs are intimately involved in gemcitabine sensitivity and resistance through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, the tumor microenvironment, and drug metabolism. Gemcitabine is the gold standard drug for pancreatic cancer treatment, but gemcitabine resistance develops easily after chemotherapy initiation. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the gemcitabine resistance mechanisms associated with aberrantly expressed miRNAs in pancreatic cancer, especially focusing on the mechanisms associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, the tumor microenvironment, and metabolism. This novel evidence of gemcitabine resistance will drive further research to elucidate the mechanisms of chemoresistance and improve patient outcomes.
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Gao G, Li X, Wu H, Huang LL, Lin YX, Huo Z, Xiang ZY, Zhou X. LncRNA SNHG6 Upregulates KPNA5 to Overcome Gemcitabine Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer via Sponging miR-944. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:184. [PMID: 37259332 PMCID: PMC9961296 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Gemcitabine (GEM) is the gold-standard therapeutic regimen for patients with pancreatic cancer (PC); however, patients may receive limited benefits due to the drug resistance of GEM. LncRNA SNHG6 is reported to play key roles in drug resistance, but its role and molecular mechanism in PC remain incompletely understood. We found that LncRNA SNHG6 is drastically downregulated in GEM-resistant PC and is positively correlated with the survival of PC patients. With the help of bioinformatic analysis and molecular approaches, we show that LncRNA SNHG6 can sponge miR-944, therefore causing the upregulation of the target gene KPNA5. In vitro experiments showed that LncRNA SNHG6 and KPNA5 suppress PC cell proliferation and colony formation. The Upregulation of LncRNA SNHG6 and KPNA5 increases the response of GEM-resistant PANC-1 cells to GEM. We also show that the expression of KPNA5 is higher in patients without GEM resistance than in those who developed GEM resistance. In summary, our findings indicate that the LncRNA SNHG6/miR944/KPNA5 axis plays a pivotal role in overcoming GEM resistance, and targeting this axis may contribute to an increasing of the benefits of PC patients from GEM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Hui Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Ling-li Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Yu-xin Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Zhi Huo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Zhong-yuan Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Xiao Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
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Prognostic, Diagnostic, and Clinicopathological Significance of Circular RNAs in Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246187. [PMID: 36551673 PMCID: PMC9777076 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor with a high mortality rate. It is urgent to find optimal molecular targets for the early diagnosis and treatment of PC. Here, we aimed to systematically analyze the prognostic, diagnostic, and clinicopathological significance of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in PC. Relevant studies were screened through PubMed, Web of Science, and other databases. The prognostic value of PC-associated circRNAs was assessed using the composite hazard ratio (HR), the diagnostic performance was assessed using the area under the summary receiver operator characteristic (SROC) curve (AUC), and the correlation with clinicopathological characteristics using the composite odds ratio (OR) was explored. In our study, 48 studies were included: 34 for prognosis, 11 for diagnosis, and 30 for correlation with clinicopathological characteristics. For prognosis, upregulated circRNAs were associated with poorer overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.02) and disease-free survival/progression-free survival (HR = 1.84) while downregulated circRNAs were associated with longer OS (HR = 0.55). Notably, the combination of circRNAs, including hsa_circ_0064288, hsa_circ_0000234, hsa_circ_0004680, hsa_circ_0071036, hsa_circ_0000677, and hsa_circ_0001460, was associated with worse OS (HR = 2.35). For diagnosis, the AUC was 0.83, and the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.79 and 0.73, respectively. For clinicopathologic characteristics, upregulated circRNAs were associated with poorer tumor differentiation, more nerve and vascular invasion, higher T stage, lymphatic metastasis, distant metastasis, advanced TNM stage, and higher preoperative CA19-9 level. In contrast, downregulated circRNAs were negatively associated with PC differentiation and lymphatic metastasis. Overall, our results showed that circRNAs are closely related to the prognosis and clinicopathological characteristics of PC patients and could be utilized for early diagnosis; thus, they are promising biomarkers for clinical application in PC.
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Seimiya T, Otsuka M, Fujishiro M. Roles of circular RNAs in the pathogenesis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1023332. [PMID: 36467402 PMCID: PMC9712786 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1023332] [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: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs are single-stranded RNAs with a covalently closed structure formed by the process of back-splicing. Aberrant expression of circular RNAs contributes to the pathogenesis of a wide range of cancers. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers due to diagnostic difficulties and limited therapeutic options. Circular RNAs are emerging as novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer. Moreover, recent advances in the therapeutic application of engineered circular RNAs have provided a promising approach to overcoming pancreatic cancer. This review discusses the roles of circular RNAs in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer and in potential treatment applications and their usefulness as diagnostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Motoyuki Otsuka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Yan T, Tian X, Liu F, Liu Q, Sheng Q, Wu J, Jiang S. The emerging role of circular RNAs in drug resistance of non-small cell lung cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1003230. [PMID: 36303840 PMCID: PMC9592927 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1003230] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the characteristics of aggressiveness and high risk of postoperative recurrence, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a serious hazard to human health, accounting for 85% of all lung cancer cases. Drug therapies, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, are effective treatments for NSCLC in clinics. However, most patients ultimately develop drug resistance, which is also the leading cause of treatment failure in cancer. To date, the mechanisms of drug resistance have yet to be fully elucidated, thus original strategies are developed to overcome this issue. Emerging studies have illustrated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in the generation of therapeutic resistance in NSCLC. CircRNAs mediate the modulations of immune cells, cytokines, autophagy, ferroptosis and metabolism in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which play essential roles in the generation of drug resistance of NSCLC. More importantly, circRNAs function as miRNAs sponges to affect specific signaling pathways, directly leading to the generation of drug resistance. Consequently, this review highlights the mechanisms underlying the relationship between circRNAs and drug resistance in NSCLC. Additionally, several therapeutic drugs associated with circRNAs are summarized, aiming to provide references for circRNAs serving as potential therapeutic targets in overcoming drug resistance in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinghao Yan
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xinchen Tian
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fen Liu
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Qingbin Liu
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Qing Sheng
- School of Architecture and Fine Art, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Jianlin Wu
- School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Jianlin Wu, ; Shulong Jiang,
| | - Shulong Jiang
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Jianlin Wu, ; Shulong Jiang,
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