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Limones-Gonzalez JE, Aguilar Esquivel P, Vazquez-Santillan K, Castro-Oropeza R, Lizarraga F, Maldonado V, Melendez-Zajgla J, Piña-Sanchez P, Mendoza-Almanza G. Changes in the molecular nodes of the Notch and NRF2 pathways in cervical cancer tissues from the precursor stages to invasive carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2024; 28:522. [PMID: 39268158 PMCID: PMC11391250 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multifactorial disease characterized by the loss of control in the expression of genes known as cancer driver genes. Cancer driver genes trigger uncontrolled cell replication, which leads to the development of malignant tumors. A cluster of signal transduction pathways that contain cancer driver genes involved in cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and dysregulated organ growth, are associated with cancer initiation and progression. In the present study, three signal transduction pathways involved in cervical cancer (CC) development were analyzed: The Hippo pathway (FAT atypical cadherin, yes-associated protein 1, SMAD4 and TEA domain family member 2), the Notch pathway [cellular-MYC, cAMP response element-binding binding protein (CREBBP), E1A-associated cellular p300 transcriptional co-activator protein and F-Box and WD repeat domain containing 7] and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway [NRF2, kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), AKT and PIK3-catalytic subunit α]. Tumor samples from patients diagnosed with various stages of CC, including cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, CIN 2, CIN 3, in situ CC and invasive CC, were analyzed. The mRNA expression levels were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR assays, whereas protein expression levels were assessed through immunohistochemical tissue microarrays. High mRNA expression levels of c-MYC and AKT and low expression levels of NRF2 and KEAP1 were associated with a decreased survival time of patients with CC. Additionally, increased expression levels of c-MYC were detected in the invasive CC stage. At the protein level, increased NRF2 expression levels were observed in all five stages of CC samples compared with those in the cancer-free control samples. AKT1 was found to be dysregulated in the CIN 1 and CIN 2 stages, PI3K in the in situ and invasive stages, and CREBBP in the CIN 3 and in situ stages. In summary, the present study demonstrated significant changes in proteins of the Notch and NRF2 pathways in CC. NRF2 was overexpressed in all cervical cancer stages (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, in situ CC and invasive CC). The present study makes an important contribution to the possible biomarker proteins to be analyzed for the presence of premalignant and malignant lesions in the cervix.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Perla Aguilar Esquivel
- Department of Pathology, Zacatecas General Hospital Luz González Cosío, Zacatecas 98160, Mexico
| | - Karla Vazquez-Santillan
- Innovation in Precision Medicine Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City 14610, Mexico
| | - Rosario Castro-Oropeza
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Oncology Research Unit, XXI Century National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Floria Lizarraga
- Epigenetics Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City 14610, Mexico
| | - Vilma Maldonado
- Epigenetics Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City 14610, Mexico
| | - Jorge Melendez-Zajgla
- Functional Cancer Genomics Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City 14610, Mexico
| | - Patricia Piña-Sanchez
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Oncology Research Unit, XXI Century National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Gretel Mendoza-Almanza
- Epigenetics Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City 14610, Mexico
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Man X, Li W, Zhu M, Li S, Xu G, Zhang Z, Liang H, Yang F. Rational Design of a Hetero-multinuclear Gadolinium(III)-Copper(II) Complex: Integrating Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Photoacoustic Imaging, Mild Photothermal Therapy, Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy of Cancer. J Med Chem 2024; 67:15606-15619. [PMID: 39143701 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
For more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of cancer, we proposed to develop a hetero-multinuclear metal complex based on the property of apoferritin (AFt) for targeting tumor theranostics by integrating dual-modality imaging diagnosis and multimodality therapy. To this end, we rational designed and synthesized a trinuclear Gd(III)-Cu(II) thiosemicarbazone complex (Gd-2Cu) and then constructed a Gd-2Cu@AFt nanoparticle (NP) delivery system. Gd-2Cu/Gd-2Cu@AFt NPs not only had significant T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and photoacoustic imaging of the tumor but also effectively inhibited tumor growth through a combination of mild photothermal therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Gd-2Cu@AFt NPs optimized the behavior of imaging diagnosis and therapy of Gd-2Cu, improved its targeting ability, and reduced the side effects in vivo. Besides, we revealed and clarified the anticancer mechanism of Gd-2Cu: interrupting energy metabolism of the tumor cell, inducing apoptosis of the tumor cell, and activating a systemic immune response by inducing immunogenic cell death of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyu Man
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Minghui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Shanhe Li
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Gang Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Zhenlei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Hong Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Feng Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
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Hu J, Zhang J, Han B, Qu Y, Zhang Q, Yu Z, Zhang L, Han J, Liu H, Gao L, Feng T, Dou B, Chen W, Sun F. PLXNA1 confers enzalutamide resistance in prostate cancer via AKT signaling pathway. Neoplasia 2024; 57:101047. [PMID: 39226661 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2024.101047] [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: 07/13/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Although targeting the androgen signaling pathway by androgen receptor (AR) inhibitors, including enzalutamide, has shown therapeutic effectiveness, inevitable emergence of acquired resistance remains a critical challenge in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer (PCa). Recognizing targetable genomic aberrations that trigger endocrine treatment failure holds great promise for advancing therapeutic interventions. Here, we characterized PLXNA1, amplified in a subset of PCa patients, as a contributor to enzalutamide resistance (ENZR). Elevated PLXNA1 expression facilitated PCa proliferation under enzalutamide treatment due to AKT signaling activation. Mechanistically, PLXNA1 recruited NRP1 forming a PLXNA1-NRP1 complex, which in turn potentiated the phosphorylation of the AKT. Either inhibiting PLXNA1-NRP1 complex with an NRP1 inhibitor, EG01377, or targeting PLXNA1-mediated ENZR with AKT inhibitors, abolished the pro-resistance phenotype of PLXNA1. Taken together, combination of AKT inhibitor and AR inhibitors presents a promising therapeutic strategy for PCa, especially in advanced PCa patients exhibiting PLXNA1 overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Hu
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Pathology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, China
| | - Zeyuan Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Yinzhou District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo, China
| | - Jingying Han
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Lin Gao
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Tingting Feng
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Baokai Dou
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Weiwen Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Feifei Sun
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
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de Moraes FCA, Sano VKT, Pereira CRM, de Laia EA, Stecca C, Magalhães MCF, Burbano RMR. Treatment-related adverse events in patients with advanced breast cancer receiving adjuvant AKT inhibitors: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 80:1373-1385. [PMID: 38888626 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-024-03713-6] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Incorporation of AKT inhibitors into adjuvant therapy for advanced or metastatic breast cancer has improved clinical outcomes. However, the safety of AKT inhibitors should be better evaluated, given the possibility of prolonging survival and impacting patient quality of life. Our aim was to assess how the addition of AKT inhibitors to adjuvant therapy affects treatment-related adverse events. METHODS We evaluated binary outcomes with risk ratios (RRs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used DerSimonian and Laird random-effect models for all endpoints. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. R, version 4.2.3, was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS A total of seven RCTs comprising 1619 patients with BC. The adverse effects that show significance statistical favoring the occurrence of adverse effects in AKT inhibitor were diarrhea (RR 3.05; 95% CI 2.48-3.75; p < 0.00001; I2 = 49%), hyperglycemia (RR 3.4; 95% CI 1.69-6.83; p = 0.00058; I2 = 75%), nausea (RR 1.69; 95% CI 1.34-2.13; p = 0.000008; I2 = 42%), rash (RR 2.79; 95% CI 1.49-5.23; p = 0.0013; I2 = 82%), stomatitis (RR 2.24; 95% CI 1.69-2.97; p < 0.00001; I2 = 16%) and vomiting (RR 2.99; 95% CI 1.85-4.86; p = 0.00009; I2 = 42%). There was no significant difference between the groups for alopecia (p = 0.80), fatigue (p = 0.087), and neuropathy (p = 0.363380). CONCLUSION The addition of AKT inhibitors to adjuvant therapy was associated with an increase in treatment-related adverse events. These results provide safety information for further clinical trials evaluating AKT inhibitor therapy for patients with metastatic BC. Clinicians should closely monitor patients for treatment-related adverse events to avoid discontinuation of therapy and morbidity caused by these early-stage therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Caroline R M Pereira
- Department of Medicine, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, 20551-030, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Stecca
- Mackenzie Evangelical University Hospital, Curitiba, Paraná, 80730-150, Brazil
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Watkins JA, Trotman J, Tadross JA, Harrington J, Hatcher H, Horan G, Prewett S, Wong HH, McDonald S, Tarpey P, Roberts T, Su J, Tischkowitz M, Armstrong R, Amary F, Sosinsky A. Introduction and impact of routine whole genome sequencing in the diagnosis and management of sarcoma. Br J Cancer 2024; 131:860-869. [PMID: 38997407 PMCID: PMC11368954 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02721-8] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcomas are diverse neoplasms with highly variable histological appearances in which diagnosis is often challenging and management options for metastatic/unresectable disease limited. Many sarcomas have distinctive molecular alterations, but the range of alterations is large, variable in type and rapidly increasing, meaning that testing by limited panels is unable to capture the broad spectrum of clinically pertinent genomic drivers required. Paired whole genome sequencing (WGS) in contrast allows comprehensive assessment of small variants, copy number and structural variants along with mutational signature analysis and germline testing. METHODS Introduction of WGS as a diagnostic standard for all eligible patients with known or suspected soft tissue sarcoma over a 2-year period at a soft tissue sarcoma treatment centre. RESULTS WGS resulted in a refinement in the diagnosis in 37% of cases, identification of a target for personalised therapy in 33% of cases, and a germline alteration in 4% of cases. CONCLUSION Introduction of WGS poses logistical and training challenges, but offers significant benefits to this group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Watkins
- East Genomics Laboratory Hub, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Histopathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Jamie Trotman
- East Genomics Laboratory Hub, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - John A Tadross
- East Genomics Laboratory Hub, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Histopathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jennifer Harrington
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Helen Hatcher
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gail Horan
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sarah Prewett
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Han H Wong
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sarah McDonald
- Department of Histopathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Patrick Tarpey
- East Genomics Laboratory Hub, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thomas Roberts
- East Genomics Laboratory Hub, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jing Su
- East Genomics Laboratory Hub, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marc Tischkowitz
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ruth Armstrong
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Fernanda Amary
- Department of Histopathology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK
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Zeng X, Chen W, Yu N, Li Z, Li H, Chen Y, Gong F, Jiang X, Ji G. Trifluoperazine exerts anti-osteosarcoma effect by inducing mitochondria-dependent apoptosis via AKT/TXNIP signaling pathway. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 492:117080. [PMID: 39216834 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.117080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The survival rates for patients with osteosarcoma (OS) have stagnated over the past few decades. It is essential to find new therapies and drugs. A licensed antipsychotic medication called trifluoperazine (TFP) significantly reduces the growth of several cancers. However, the exact molecular pathways of TFP in OS remain to be discovered. Our research revealed that TFP greatly reduced OS cell migration and growth and caused the arrest of G0/G1 cell cycle. Combined with RNA-Seq data and further research, we confirmed that TFP promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by elevating thioredoxin binding protein (TXNIP) expression to induce mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Interestingly, we first demonstrated that AKT was an upstream regulatory target of TXNIP in OS cells. Dephosphorylation of AKT led to an increase in TXNIP expression, further elucidating the anticancer mechanism of TFP. In vivo, TFP inhibited subcutaneous OS cell proliferation and induced OS cell apoptosis without noticeable side effects. In conclusion, our findings imply that TFP is a potential treatment for OS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wenkai Chen
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Naichun Yu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zongguang Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiamen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yongjie Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Fengqing Gong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xing Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Guangrong Ji
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiamen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen, China.
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Jiang Y, Yuan Y, Qiao G, Deng Z, Liu Z, Zhang Y, Yu L, Lin H, Ma L, Zhang J. Paradoxical action of PP2A inhibition and its potential for therapeutic sensitization. J Cell Physiol 2024:e31413. [PMID: 39150149 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31413] [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: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
The protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a serine/threonine phosphatase, is recognized as a tumor suppressor involved in diverse cellular processes and essential for maintaining cell viability in vivo. However, endogenous inhibitors of PP2A such as cancerous inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A) and endogenous nuclear protein inhibitor 2 of PP2A (SET) counteract the anticancer function of PP2A, promoting tumorigenesis, development, and drug resistance in tumors. Surprisingly though, contrary to conventional understanding, inhibition of the tumor suppressor gene PP2A with exogenous small molecule compounds can enhance the efficacy of cancer treatment and achieve superior tumor inhibition. Moreover, exogenous PP2A inhibitors resensitize cancers to treatment and provide novel therapeutic strategies for drug-resistant tumors, which warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanglei Qiao
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhoufeng Deng
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zimei Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping Yu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongjian Lin
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijun Ma
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Li W, Huang M, Wu Z, Zhang Y, Cai Y, Su J, Xia J, Yang F, Xiao D, Yang W, Xu Y, Liu Z. mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticle-Mediated Restoration of PTPN14 Exhibits Antitumor Effects by Overcoming Anoikis Resistance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309988. [PMID: 39189475 PMCID: PMC11348215 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses a challenging prognosis due to early metastasis driven by anoikis resistance. Identifying crucial regulators to overcome this resistance is vital for improving patient outcomes. In this study, a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen in TNBC cells has identified tyrosine-protein phosphatase nonreceptor type 14 (PTPN14) as a key regulator of anoikis resistance. PTPN14 expression has shown a progressive decrease from normal breast tissue to metastatic tumors. Overexpressing PTPN14 has induced anoikis and inhibited cell proliferation in TNBC cells, while normal human breast cells are unaffected. Mechanistically, PTPN14 is identified as a key factor in dephosphorylating breast cancer antiestrogen resistance 3, a novel substrate, leading to the subsequent inhibition of PI3K/AKT and ERK signaling pathways. Local delivery of in vitro transcribed PTPN14 mRNA encapsulated by lipid nanoparticles in a TNBC mouse model has effectively inhibited tumor growth and metastasis, prolonging survival. The study underscores PTPN14 as a potential therapeutic target for metastatic TNBC, with the therapeutic strategy based on mRNA expression of PTPN14 demonstrating clinical application prospects in alleviating the burden of both primary tumors and metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyHunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogeneticsand National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008P. R. China
- Institute of Clinical PharmacologyEngineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of EducationCentral South UniversityChangsha410078P. R. China
| | - Masha Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell BiologyShanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and InflammationShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025P. R. China
| | - Zhaoping Wu
- Department of NeurosurgeryXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell BiologyShanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and InflammationShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025P. R. China
| | - Ying Cai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell BiologyShanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and InflammationShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025P. R. China
| | - Juncheng Su
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryRenji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200127P. R. China
| | - Jia Xia
- Department of NephrologyRenji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200127P. R. China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesShandong UniversityJinan250011P. R. China
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic MedicineXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410013P. R. China
| | - Wen Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell BiologyShanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and InflammationShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025P. R. China
| | - Yingjie Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell BiologyShanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and InflammationShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of EducationShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025P. R. China
| | - Zhaoqian Liu
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyHunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogeneticsand National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008P. R. China
- Institute of Clinical PharmacologyEngineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of EducationCentral South UniversityChangsha410078P. R. China
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9
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Chen M, Ji T, Liu YY, Liu WL, Yan XT, Jiang HX, Zhang ZZ, He XH. Emodin alleviates intestinal ischemia/reperfusion-induced lung injury by upregulating HO-1 expression via PI3K/AkT pathway. Surgery 2024; 176:499-510. [PMID: 38811326 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emodin, a natural anthraquinone derivative found in various Chinese medicinal herbs, has been proved to be an effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of many diseases. However, its effect on lung injury after intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury remains unknown. This research was designed to investigate whether emodin protects against intestinal ischemia/reperfusion-induced lung injury and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. METHODS Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury was induced by occluding the superior mesenteric artery in mice, and mouse lung epithelial-12 cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation to establish an in vitro model. RESULTS Our data indicated that emodin treatment reduced intestinal ischemia/reperfusion-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in lung tissues and alleviated lung injury. However, the protective effects of emodin on intestinal ischemia/reperfusion-induced lung injury were reversed by the protein kinase B inhibitor triciribine or the heme oxygenase-1 inhibitor tin protoporphyrin IX. The protein kinase inhibitor triciribine also downregulated the expression of heme oxygenase-1. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our data suggest that emodin treatment protects against intestinal ischemia/reperfusion-induced lung injury by enhancing heme oxygenase-1 expression via activation of the PI3K/protein kinase pathway. Emodin may act as a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of lung injury induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tuo Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China; Department of Anesthesiology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yin-Yin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Wan-Li Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Xue-Tao Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Bao'an Maternity and Child Health Hospital, China
| | - Hai-Xing Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Zong-Ze Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Xiang-Hu He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China.
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10
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Wu Z, Li W, Jiang K, Lin Z, Qian C, Wu M, Xia Y, Li N, Zhang H, Xiao H, Bai J, Geng D. Regulation of bone homeostasis: signaling pathways and therapeutic targets. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e657. [PMID: 39049966 PMCID: PMC11266958 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.657] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
As a highly dynamic tissue, bone is continuously rebuilt throughout life. Both bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts constitute bone reconstruction homeostasis. The equilibrium of bone homeostasis is governed by many complicated signaling pathways that weave together to form an intricate network. These pathways coordinate the meticulous processes of bone formation and resorption, ensuring the structural integrity and dynamic vitality of the skeletal system. Dysregulation of the bone homeostatic regulatory signaling network contributes to the development and progression of many skeletal diseases. Significantly, imbalanced bone homeostasis further disrupts the signaling network and triggers a cascade reaction that exacerbates disease progression and engenders a deleterious cycle. Here, we summarize the influence of signaling pathways on bone homeostasis, elucidating the interplay and crosstalk among them. Additionally, we review the mechanisms underpinning bone homeostatic imbalances across diverse disease landscapes, highlighting current and prospective therapeutic targets and clinical drugs. We hope that this review will contribute to a holistic understanding of the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms sustaining bone homeostasis, which are promising to contribute to further research on bone homeostasis and shed light on the development of targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zebin Wu
- Department of OrthopedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Wenming Li
- Department of OrthopedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Kunlong Jiang
- Department of OrthopedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Zhixiang Lin
- Department of OrthopedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Chen Qian
- Department of OrthopedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Mingzhou Wu
- Department of OrthopedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Yu Xia
- Department of OrthopedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Ning Li
- Department of OrthopedicsCentre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHMDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Hongtao Zhang
- Department of OrthopedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Haixiang Xiao
- Department of OrthopedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
- Department of OrthopedicsJingjiang People's HospitalSeventh Clinical Medical School of Yangzhou UniversityJingjiangJiangsu ProvinceChina
| | - Jiaxiang Bai
- Department of OrthopedicsCentre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHMDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Dechun Geng
- Department of OrthopedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
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11
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Makhoul P, Galas S, Paniagua-Gayraud S, Deleuze-Masquefa C, Hajj HE, Bonnet PA, Richaud M. Uncovering the Molecular Pathways Implicated in the Anti-Cancer Activity of the Imidazoquinoxaline Derivative EAPB02303 Using a Caenorhabditis elegans Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7785. [PMID: 39063027 PMCID: PMC11277376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147785] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Imiqualines are analogues of the immunomodulatory drug imiquimod. EAPB02303, the lead of the second-generation imiqualines, is characterized by significant anti-tumor effects with IC50s in the nanomolar range. We used Caenorhabditis elegans transgenic and mutant strains of two key signaling pathways (PI3K-Akt and Ras-MAPK) disrupted in human cancers to investigate the mode of action of EAPB02303. The ability of this imiqualine to inhibit the insulin/IGF1 signaling (IIS) pathway via the PI3K-Akt kinase cascade was explored through assessing the lifespan of wild-type worms. Micromolar doses of EAPB02303 significantly enhanced longevity of N2 strain and led to the nuclear translocation and subsequent activation of transcription factor DAF-16, the only forkhead box transcription factor class O (Fox O) homolog in C. elegans. Moreover, EAPB02303 significantly reduced the multivulva phenotype in let-60/Ras mutant strains MT2124 and MT4698, indicative of its mode of action through the Ras pathway. In summary, we showed that EAPB02303 potently reduced the activity of IIS and Ras-MAPK signaling in C. elegans. Our results revealed the mechanism of action of EAPB02303 against human cancers associated with hyperactivated IIS pathway and oncogenic Ras mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perla Makhoul
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247, CNRS, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (P.M.); (S.G.); (S.P.-G.); (C.D.-M.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, GSBT Laboratory, Lebanese University, R. Hariri Campus, Hadath 1533, Lebanon
| | - Simon Galas
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247, CNRS, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (P.M.); (S.G.); (S.P.-G.); (C.D.-M.)
| | - Stéphanie Paniagua-Gayraud
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247, CNRS, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (P.M.); (S.G.); (S.P.-G.); (C.D.-M.)
| | - Carine Deleuze-Masquefa
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247, CNRS, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (P.M.); (S.G.); (S.P.-G.); (C.D.-M.)
| | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut 1107, Lebanon;
| | - Pierre-Antoine Bonnet
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247, CNRS, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (P.M.); (S.G.); (S.P.-G.); (C.D.-M.)
| | - Myriam Richaud
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247, CNRS, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (P.M.); (S.G.); (S.P.-G.); (C.D.-M.)
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12
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Ibrahim MM, Azmi MN, Alhawarri MB, Kamal NNSNM, AbuMahmoud H. Synthesis, characterization and bioactivity of new pyridine-2(H)-one, nicotinonitrile, and furo[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-024-10934-5. [PMID: 39009909 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-024-10934-5] [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: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Pyridone heterocycles, such as furo[2,3-b]pyridines, have emerged as prominent scaffolds in medicinal chemistry due to their versatile pharmacological properties, including significant anticancer activity. In this study, we successfully synthesized new pyridine-2(H)-one, nicotinonitrile, and furo[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives from chalcones bearing 4-(benzyloxy)phenyl and dichlorothiophenyl subunits to explore their therapeutic potential against breast cancer. By employing a synthetic strategy involving Claisen-Schmidt condensation followed by sequential cyclizations and functional modifications, we synthesized and characterized four compounds (MI-S0, MI-S1, MI-S2, and MI-S3) using various spectroscopic methods, including FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, DEPT, H,H- and C,H-COSY, and HRMS. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of these compounds was evaluated against two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, and compared with a noncancerous breast cell line, MCF-10A. All compounds exhibited potent cytotoxic activities with minimal selectivity toward normal cells. Molecular docking studies targeting the serine/threonine kinase AKT1, estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) revealed strong binding affinities, suggesting a mechanism involving the disruption of key cellular signaling pathways. These findings underscore the potential of furo[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives as promising candidates for further development into anticancer agents, laying the groundwork for future investigations into their selective therapeutic efficacy and molecular mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M Ibrahim
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Al Al-Bayt University, P.O. BOX 130040, Al-Mafraq, 25113, Jordan.
| | - Mohamad Nurul Azmi
- School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Minden, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Maram B Alhawarri
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jadara University, P.O.Box 733, Irbid, 21110, Jordan
| | - Nik Nur Syazni Nik Mohamed Kamal
- Department of Toxicology, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Hasan AbuMahmoud
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Al Al-Bayt University, P.O. BOX 130040, Al-Mafraq, 25113, Jordan
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13
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Chen P, Wang Z, Wang X, Gong J, Sheng J, Pan Y, Zhu D, Liu X. ROS-Responsive Ferrocenyl Amphiphilic PAMAM Dendrimers for On-Demand Delivery of siRNA Therapeutics to Cancer Cells. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:936. [PMID: 39065632 PMCID: PMC11280363 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16070936] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics, characterized by high specificity, potency, and durability, hold great promise in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. However, the clinic implementation of siRNA therapeutics critically depends on the safe and on-demand delivery of siRNA to the target cells. Here, we reported a family of ferrocenyl amphiphilic dendrimers (Fc-AmDs) for on-demand delivery of siRNA in response to the high ROS content in cancer cells. These dendrimers bear ROS-sensitive ferrocene moieties in the hydrophobic components and positively chargeable poly(amidoamine) dendrons as the hydrophilic entities, possessing favorable safety profiles and ROS responsive properties. One of these ferrocenyl amphiphilic dendrimers, Fc-C8-AmD 8A, outperforms in siRNA delivery, benefiting from its optimal balance of hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity. Its ROS feature facilitates specific and efficient disassembly of its complex with siRNA in ROS-rich cancer cells for effective siRNA delivery and gene silencing. Moreover, Fc-C8-AmD 8A also integrates the features and beneficial properties of both lipid and dendrimer vectors. Therefore, it represents a novel on-demand delivery system for cancer cell-specific siRNA delivery. This work opens new perspectives for designing self-assembly nanosystems for on-demand drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Dandan Zhu
- Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (P.C.); (Z.W.); (X.W.); (J.G.); (J.S.); (Y.P.)
| | - Xiaoxuan Liu
- Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (P.C.); (Z.W.); (X.W.); (J.G.); (J.S.); (Y.P.)
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14
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Afzal MZ, Vahdat LT. Evolving Management of Breast Cancer in the Era of Predictive Biomarkers and Precision Medicine. J Pers Med 2024; 14:719. [PMID: 39063972 PMCID: PMC11278458 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14070719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the world as well as in the United States. Molecular and histological differentiation have helped clinicians optimize treatments with various therapeutics, including hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. Recently, immunotherapy has become the standard of care in locally advanced triple-negative breast cancer and an option across molecular subtypes for tumors with a high tumor mutation burden. Despite the advancements in personalized medicine directing the management of localized and advanced breast cancers, the emergence of resistance to these therapies is the leading cause of death among breast cancer patients. Therefore, there is a critical need to identify and validate predictive biomarkers to direct treatment selection, identify potential responders, and detect emerging resistance to standard therapies. Areas of active scientific and clinical research include novel personalized and predictive biomarkers incorporating tumor microenvironment, tumor immune profiling, molecular characterization, and histopathological differentiation to predict response and the potential emergence of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Zubair Afzal
- Medical Oncology, Comprehensive Breast Program, Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH 03755, USA
| | - Linda T. Vahdat
- Medical Oncology and Hematology (Interim), Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH 03755, USA;
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15
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Hwang C, Kang YK, Kim JY, Shin SH, Park JY, Song JS, Kim SY, Jung SJ, Lee JH, Na JY, Shin DH, Kim JY, Park SW, Lee HJ. TFE3/PI3K/Akt/mTOR Axis in Renal Cell Carcinoma Affects Tumor Microenvironment. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:1306-1316. [PMID: 38588851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapies has not been investigated thoroughly. Transcription factor E3 (TFE3) expression is related to a poorer prognosis and tumor microenvironment in patients with RCC. This study aimed to determine the relationship between TFE3 and the PI3K/Akt pathway. TFE3 down-regulation was achieved by transient transfection of siRNA and shRNA in UOK146 cells. TFE3 overexpression was induced by transient transfection with pcDNA3.1 encoding the constitutively active form of TFE3. The cells were treated with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and PI3K inhibitors. Western blot was performed to detect TFE3, programmed death-ligand 1, phospho-Akt, and Akt. Phospho-Akt expression increased significantly upon TFE3 down-regulation, and decreased significantly upon up-regulation. When RCC cells were treated with a PI3K inhibitor (LY294002), TFE3 expression increased and phospho-Akt expression decreased. Data from this study indicate that TFE3 plays a role in the PI3K/Akt pathway in RCC. The results of this study suggest that PI3K/Akt inhibitors may aid in the treatment of patients with RCC by affecting the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chungsu Hwang
- Department of Pathology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Yun Kyung Kang
- Department of Pathology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Ji Yun Kim
- Department of Pathology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - So Hyun Shin
- Department of Pathology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Joon Young Park
- Department of Pathology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Ji Sun Song
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Korea
| | - So Young Kim
- Department of Pathology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Se Jin Jung
- Department of Pathology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Jung Hee Lee
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Ju-Young Na
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Dong Hoon Shin
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Jee Yeon Kim
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Sung Woo Park
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Lee
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea; Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea.
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16
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De Florian Fania R, Bellazzo A, Collavin L. An update on the tumor-suppressive functions of the RasGAP protein DAB2IP with focus on therapeutic implications. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:844-854. [PMID: 38902547 PMCID: PMC11239834 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01332-3] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The dynamic crosstalk between tumor and stromal cells is a major determinant of cancer aggressiveness. The tumor-suppressor DAB2IP (Disabled homolog 2 interacting protein) plays an important role in this context, since it modulates cell responses to multiple extracellular inputs, including inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. DAB2IP is a RasGAP and negatively controls Ras-dependent mitogenic signals. In addition, it modulates other major oncogenic pathways, including TNFα/NF-κB, WNT/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT, and androgen receptor signaling. In line with its tumor-suppressive role, DAB2IP is frequently inactivated in cancer by transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms, including promoter methylation, microRNA-mediated downregulation, and protein-protein interactions. Intriguingly, some observations suggest that downregulation of DAB2IP in cells of the tumor stroma could foster establishment of a pro-metastatic microenvironment. This review summarizes recent insights into the tumor-suppressive functions of DAB2IP and the consequences of its inactivation in cancer. In particular, we explore potential approaches aimed at reactivating DAB2IP, or augmenting its expression levels, as a novel strategy in cancer treatment. We suggest that reactivation or upregulation of DAB2IP would concurrently attenuate multiple oncogenic pathways in both cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment, with implications for improved treatment of a broad spectrum of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arianna Bellazzo
- Unit of Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Via Franco Gallini, 2, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Licio Collavin
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
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17
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Tufail M, Hu JJ, Liang J, He CY, Wan WD, Huang YQ, Jiang CH, Wu H, Li N. Hallmarks of cancer resistance. iScience 2024; 27:109979. [PMID: 38832007 PMCID: PMC11145355 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This review explores the hallmarks of cancer resistance, including drug efflux mediated by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, metabolic reprogramming characterized by the Warburg effect, and the dynamic interplay between cancer cells and mitochondria. The role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in treatment resistance and the regulatory influence of non-coding RNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are studied. The chapter emphasizes future directions, encompassing advancements in immunotherapy, strategies to counter adaptive resistance, integration of artificial intelligence for predictive modeling, and the identification of biomarkers for personalized treatment. The comprehensive exploration of these hallmarks provides a foundation for innovative therapeutic approaches, aiming to navigate the complex landscape of cancer resistance and enhance patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tufail
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jia-Ju Hu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Liang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cai-Yun He
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Dong Wan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu-Qi Huang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Can-Hua Jiang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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18
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Chen C, Jiang YP, You I, Gray NS, Lin RZ. Down-Regulation of AKT Proteins Slows the Growth of Mutant-KRAS Pancreatic Tumors. Cells 2024; 13:1061. [PMID: 38920688 PMCID: PMC11202146 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121061] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Serine/threonine kinase AKT isoforms play a well-established role in cell metabolism and growth. Most pancreatic adenocarcinomas (PDACs) harbor activation mutations of KRAS, which activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. However, AKT inhibitors are not effective in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. To better understand the role of AKT signaling in mutant-KRAS pancreatic tumors, this study utilized proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and CRISPR-Cas9-genome editing to investigate AKT proteins. The PROTAC down-regulation of AKT proteins markedly slowed the growth of three pancreatic tumor cell lines harboring mutant KRAS. In contrast, the inhibition of AKT kinase activity alone had very little effect on the growth of these cell lines. The concurrent genetic deletion of all AKT isoforms (AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3) in the KPC (KrasG12D; Trp53R172H; Pdx1-Cre) pancreatic cancer cell line also dramatically slowed its growth in vitro and when orthotopically implanted in syngeneic mice. Surprisingly, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), but not epidermal growth factor (EGF), restored KPC cell growth in serum-deprived conditions, and the IGF-1 growth stimulation effect was AKT-dependent. The RNA-seq analysis of AKT1/2/3-deficient KPC cells suggested that reduced cholesterol synthesis may be responsible for the decreased response to IGF-1 stimulation. These results indicate that the presence of all three AKT isoforms supports pancreatic tumor cell growth, and the pharmacological degradation of AKT proteins may be more effective than AKT catalytic inhibitors for treating pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuankai Chen
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (C.C.); (Y.-P.J.)
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11790, USA
| | - Ya-Ping Jiang
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (C.C.); (Y.-P.J.)
| | - Inchul You
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (I.Y.); (N.S.G.)
| | - Nathanael S. Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (I.Y.); (N.S.G.)
| | - Richard Z. Lin
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (C.C.); (Y.-P.J.)
- Northport VA Medical Center, Northport, NY 11768, USA
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19
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Gholami F, Seyedalipour B, Heidari-Kalvani N, Nabi-Afjadi M, Yaghoubzad-Maleki M, Fathi Z, Alipourfard I, Barjesteh F, Bahreini E. Catharanthine, an anticancer vinca alkaloid: an in silico and in vitro analysis of the autophagic system as the major mechanism of cell death in liver HepG2 cells. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03191-8. [PMID: 38856913 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03191-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Catharanthine, a component of the anticancer drug vinblastine along with vindoline, disrupts the cell cycle by interfering with mitotic spindle formation. Apart from their antioxidant properties, vinca alkaloids like catharanthine inhibit phosphodiesterase activity and elevate intracellular cAMP levels. The aim of this study was to investigate how catharantine affects apoptosis and autophagy. This study conducted experiments on HepG2 liver carcinoma cells with varying doses of catharanthine to evaluate cell death rates and viability and determine the IC50 concentration via MTT assays. The apoptotic and autophagic effects of catharanthine were assessed using flow cytometry with annexin V and PI staining, while the expression of autophagy-related genes was analyzed through quantitative PCR. Additionally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were employed to further investigate catharanthine's impact on autophagy mechanisms. The study showed that catharanthine reduced oxidative stress and triggered apoptosis in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Catharanthine also upregulated the expression of autophagy-related genes like LC3, Beclin1, and ULK1. Notably, catharanthine increased sirtuin-1 levels, a known autophagy inducer, while decreasing Akt expression compared to untreated cells. Molecular docking results indicated rapamycin had a stronger binding affinity with FRB (-10.7 KJ/mol-1) than catharanthine (-7.3 KJ/mol-1). Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations revealed that catharanthine interacted effectively with the FRB domain of mTOR, displaying stability and a strong binding affinity, although not as potent as rapamycin. In summary, besides its cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects, catharanthine activates autophagy signaling pathways and induces autophagic necrosis by inhibiting mTOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnoosh Gholami
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Bagher Seyedalipour
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Heidari-Kalvani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Yaghoubzad-Maleki
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zeinab Fathi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iraj Alipourfard
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Fereshte Barjesteh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Bahreini
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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20
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Tufail M, Wan WD, Jiang C, Li N. Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling to overcome drug resistance in cancer. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 396:111055. [PMID: 38763348 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111055] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
This review comprehensively explores the challenge of drug resistance in cancer by focusing on the pivotal PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, elucidating its role in oncogenesis and resistance mechanisms across various cancer types. It meticulously examines the diverse mechanisms underlying resistance, including genetic mutations, feedback loops, and microenvironmental factors, while also discussing the associated resistance patterns. Evaluating current therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway, the article highlights the hurdles encountered in drug development and clinical trials. Innovative approaches to overcome resistance, such as combination therapies and precision medicine, are critically analyzed, alongside discussions on emerging therapies like immunotherapy and molecularly targeted agents. Overall, this comprehensive review not only sheds light on the complexities of resistance in cancer but also provides a roadmap for advancing cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tufail
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Dong Wan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Canhua Jiang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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21
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Mulliqi E, Khelwatty S, Morgan A, Ashkan K, Modjtahedi H. Synergistic Effects of Neratinib in Combination With Palbociclib or Miransertib in Brain Cancer Cells. World J Oncol 2024; 15:492-505. [PMID: 38751701 PMCID: PMC11092418 DOI: 10.14740/wjon1873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant expression and activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) resulted in approval of several forms of EGFR inhibitors in the treatment of patients with a wide range of epithelial cancers. However, no EGFR inhibitor has yet been approved for the treatment of patients with brain cancer, indicating that targeting EGFR alone may not be sufficient in some patients. Methods In this study, we investigated the role of all members of the EGFR family, other growth factor receptors, cell-cycle proteins, and downstream cell signaling pathways (e.g., mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), serine/threonine protein kinase (AKT), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3), Src, Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog (Abl)) on the growth of a panel of human brain cancer cell lines (HBCCLs). We examined the growth response of HBCCLs to treatment with 17 targeted agents compared to two cytotoxic drugs. Results Of the targeted agents, the irreversible pan-human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) inhibitors neratinib and afatinib were more effective than erlotinib and lapatinib at inhibiting the growth of all HBCCLs, and the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)1/2/5/9 inhibitor dinaciclib was the most potent targeted agent. We found that treatment with Src/Abl/c-kit inhibitor dasatinib, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) inhibitor stattic, Abl/platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)α/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFR)2/fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)1 inhibitor ponatinib, and the tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK)/ROS proto-oncogene 1 receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS)/anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor entrectinib, also inhibited the growth of all HBCCLs. Interestingly, these agents were more effective in inhibiting growth of HBCCLs when proliferating at a slower rate. In addition to inhibiting the proliferation of HBCCLs, treatment with neratinib, dinaciclib, dasatinib, stattic and trametinib inhibited the migration of brain tumor cell line A172. Conclusions Notably, we found that treatment with neratinib in combination with palbociclib (CDK4/6 inhibitor), or miransertib (AKT1/2/3 inhibitor) resulted in synergistic growth inhibition of all HBCCLs. Our results support that repurposing drugs like neratinib in combination with the palbociclib or miransertib may be of therapeutic potential in brain cancer and warrants further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermira Mulliqi
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University London, Kingston, UK
| | - Said Khelwatty
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University London, Kingston, UK
| | - Anna Morgan
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University London, Kingston, UK
| | | | - Helmout Modjtahedi
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University London, Kingston, UK
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22
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Stany B, Mishra S, Rao KVB. Pharmacokinetic studies, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations of phytochemicals from Morus alba: a multi receptor approach for potential therapeutic agents in colorectal cancer. Med Oncol 2024; 41:156. [PMID: 38750377 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02406-5] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
This study explores the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals derived from Morus alba for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. Colorectal cancer is a global health concern with increasing mortality rates, necessitating innovative strategies for prevention and therapy. Employing in silico analysis, molecular docking techniques (MDT), and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS), the study investigates the interactions between Morus alba-derived phytochemicals and key proteins (AKT1, Src, STAT3, EGFR) implicated in CRC progression. ADME/T analysis screens 78 phytochemicals for drug-like and pharmacokinetic properties. The study integrates Lipinski's Rule of Five and comprehensive bioactivity assessments, providing a nuanced understanding of Morus alba phytoconstituent's potential as CRC therapeutic agents. Notably, 14 phytochemicals out of 78 emerge as potential candidates, demonstrating oral bioavailability and favorable bioactivity scores. Autodock 1.5.7 is employed for energy minimization followed by molecular docking with the highest binding energy observed to be - 11.7 kcal/mol exhibited by Kuwanon A against AKT1. Molecular dynamics simulations and trajectory path analysis were conducted between Kuwanon A and AKT1 at the Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain region (TRP80), revealing minimal deviations. In comparison to the standard drug Capivasertib, the phytochemical Kuwanon A emerges as a standout candidate based on computational analysis. This suggests its potential as an alternative to mitigate the limitations associated with the standard drug. The research aims to provide insights for future experimental validations and to stimulate the development of Kuwanon A as a novel, effective therapeutic agent for managing colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Stany
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Shatakshi Mishra
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - K V Bhaskara Rao
- Marine Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
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23
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Du R, Li K, Guo K, Chen Z, Han L, Bian H. FSTL1: A double-edged sword in cancer development. Gene 2024; 906:148263. [PMID: 38346455 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148263] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Flolistatin-related protein 1 (FSTL1), a secreted glycoprotein that is involved in many physiological functions, has attracted much interest and has been implicated in a wide range of diseases, including heart diseases and inflammatory diseases. In recent years, the involvement of FSTL1 in cancer progression has been implicated and researched. FSTL1 plays a contradictory role in cancer, depending on the cancer type as well as the contents of the tumor microenvironment. As reviewed here, the structure and distribution of FSTL1 are first introduced. Subsequently, the expression and clinical significance of FSTL1 in various types of cancer as a tumor enhancer or inhibitor are addressed. Furthermore, we discuss the functional role of FSTL1 in various processes that involve tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, immune responses, stemness, cell apoptosis, and resistance to chemotherapy. FSTL1 expression is tightly controlled in cancer, and a multitude of cancer-related signaling cascades like TGF-β/BMP/Smad signaling, AKT, NF-κB, and Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathways are modulated by FSTL1. Finally, FSTL1 as a therapeutic target using monoclonal antibodies is stated. Herein, we review recent findings showing the double-edged characteristics and mechanisms of FSTL1 in cancer and elaborate on the current understanding of therapeutic approaches targeting FSTL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijuan Du
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, PR China; Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang 473004, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Kai Li
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, PR China; Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang 473004, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Kelei Guo
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, PR China; Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang 473004, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Zhiguo Chen
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, PR China; Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang 473004, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Li Han
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, PR China; Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang 473004, Henan Province, PR China.
| | - Hua Bian
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, PR China; Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang 473004, Henan Province, PR China.
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24
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Liu N, Fan X, Shao Y, Chen S, Wang T, Yao T, Chen X. Resveratrol attenuates inflammation and fibrosis in rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease via the AKT/TMEM175 pathway. J Transl Med 2024; 22:457. [PMID: 38745204 PMCID: PMC11095009 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05228-1] [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: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Interstitial lung disease (ILD) represents a significant complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that lacks effective treatment options. This study aimed to investigate the intrinsic mechanism by which resveratrol attenuates rheumatoid arthritis complicated with interstitial lung disease through the AKT/TMEM175 pathway. METHODS We established an arthritis model by combining chicken type II collagen and complete Freund's adjuvant. Resveratrol treatment was administered via tube feeding for 10 days. Pathological changes in both the joints and lungs were evaluated using HE and Masson staining techniques. Protein expression of TGF-β1, AKT, and TMEM175 was examined in lung tissue. MRC-5 cells were stimulated using IL-1β in combination with TGF-β1 as an in vitro model of RA-ILD, and agonists of AKT, metabolic inhibitors, and SiRNA of TMEM175 were used to explore the regulation and mechanism of action of resveratrol RA-ILD. RESULTS Resveratrol mitigates fibrosis in rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease and reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in RA-ILD. Furthermore, resveratrol restored cellular autophagy. When combined with the in vitro model, it was further demonstrated that resveratrol could suppress TGF-β1 expression, and reduce AKT metamorphic activation, consequently inhibiting the opening of AKT/MEM175 ion channels. This, in turn, lowers lysosomal pH and enhances the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes, ultimately ameliorating the progression of RA-ILD. CONCLUSION In this study, we demonstrated that resveratrol restores autophagic flux through the AKT/MEM175 pathway to attenuate inflammation as well as fibrosis in RA-ILD by combining in vivo and in vitro experiments. It further provides a theoretical basis for the selection of therapeutic targets for RA-ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xuefei Fan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yubao Shao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Suhuan Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Taorong Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Tao Yao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 390 Huaihe Road, Hefei, 230061, Anhui, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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Choi JY, Boo MY, Boo YC. Can Plant Extracts Help Prevent Hair Loss or Promote Hair Growth? A Review Comparing Their Therapeutic Efficacies, Phytochemical Components, and Modulatory Targets. Molecules 2024; 29:2288. [PMID: 38792149 PMCID: PMC11124163 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102288] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This narrative review aims to examine the therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of plant extracts in preventing and treating alopecia (baldness). We searched and selected research papers on plant extracts related to hair loss, hair growth, or hair regrowth, and comprehensively compared the therapeutic efficacies, phytochemical components, and modulatory targets of plant extracts. These studies showed that various plant extracts increased the survival and proliferation of dermal papilla cells in vitro, enhanced cell proliferation and hair growth in hair follicles ex vivo, and promoted hair growth or regrowth in animal models in vivo. The hair growth-promoting efficacy of several plant extracts was verified in clinical trials. Some phenolic compounds, terpenes and terpenoids, sulfur-containing compounds, and fatty acids were identified as active compounds contained in plant extracts. The pharmacological effects of plant extracts and their active compounds were associated with the promotion of cell survival, cell proliferation, or cell cycle progression, and the upregulation of several growth factors, such as IGF-1, VEGF, HGF, and KGF (FGF-7), leading to the induction and extension of the anagen phase in the hair cycle. Those effects were also associated with the alleviation of oxidative stress, inflammatory response, cellular senescence, or apoptosis, and the downregulation of male hormones and their receptors, preventing the entry into the telogen phase in the hair cycle. Several active plant extracts and phytochemicals stimulated the signaling pathways mediated by protein kinase B (PKB, also called AKT), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), Wingless and Int-1 (WNT), or sonic hedgehog (SHH), while suppressing other cell signaling pathways mediated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β or bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). Thus, well-selected plant extracts and their active compounds can have beneficial effects on hair health. It is proposed that the discovery of phytochemicals targeting the aforementioned cellular events and cell signaling pathways will facilitate the development of new targeted therapies for alopecia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Yong Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea;
- BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Young Boo
- Ppeum Clinic Daegu, 39 Dongseong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41937, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yong Chool Boo
- Department of Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea;
- BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
- Cell and Matrix Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
- Lapivu Co., Ltd., 115 Dongdeok-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41940, Republic of Korea
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26
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Chen C, Jiang YP, You I, Gray NS, Lin RZ. Down-regulation of AKT proteins slows the growth of mutant-KRAS pancreatic tumors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.03.592345. [PMID: 38746217 PMCID: PMC11092743 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.03.592345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Serine/threonine kinase AKT isoforms play a well-established role in cell metabolism and growth. Most pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) harbors activation mutations of KRAS, which activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. However, AKT inhibitors are not effective in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. To better understand the role of AKT signaling in mutant-KRAS pancreatic tumors, this study utilizes proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and CRISPR-Cas9-genome editing to investigate AKT proteins. PROTAC down-regulation of AKT proteins markedly slowed the growth of three pancreatic tumor cell lines harboring mutant KRAS. In contrast, inhibition of AKT kinase activity alone had very little effect on the growth of these cell lines. Concurrent genetic deletion of all AKT isoforms (AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3) in the KPC (KrasG12D; Trp53R172H; Pdx1-Cre) pancreatic cancer cell line also dramatically slowed its growth in vitro and when orthotopically implanted in syngeneic mice. Surprisingly, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), but not epidermal growth factor (EGF), restored KPC cell growth in serum-deprived conditions and the IGF-1 growth stimulation effect was AKT dependent. RNA-seq analysis of AKT1/2/3-deficient KPC cells suggested that reduced cholesterol synthesis may be responsible for the decreased response to IGF-1 stimulation. These results indicate that the presence of all three AKT isoforms supports pancreatic tumor cell growth and pharmacological degradation of AKT proteins may be more effective than AKT catalytic inhibitors for treating pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuankai Chen
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Stony Brook University, New York, USA
| | - Ya-Ping Jiang
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Inchul You
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Nathanael S. Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Richard Z. Lin
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Northport VA Medical Center, Northport, New York, USA
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27
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Stadler KA, Ortiz-Joya LJ, Singh Sahrawat A, Buhlheller C, Gruber K, Pavkov-Keller T, O'Hagan TB, Guarné A, Pulido S, Marín-Villa M, Zangger K, Gubensäk N. Structural investigation of Trypanosoma cruzi Akt-like kinase as drug target against Chagas disease. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10039. [PMID: 38693166 PMCID: PMC11063076 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59654-8] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, Chagas disease (CD) is the most prevalent poverty-promoting neglected tropical disease. Alarmingly, climate change is accelerating the geographical spreading of CD causative parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, which additionally increases infection rates. Still, CD treatment remains challenging due to a lack of safe and efficient drugs. In this work, we analyze the viability of T. cruzi Akt-like kinase (TcAkt) as drug target against CD including primary structural and functional information about a parasitic Akt protein. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance derived information in combination with Molecular Dynamics simulations offer detailed insights into structural properties of the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of TcAkt and its binding to phosphatidylinositol phosphate ligands (PIP). Experimental data combined with Alpha Fold proposes a model for the mechanism of action of TcAkt involving a PIP-induced disruption of the intramolecular interface between the kinase and the PH domain resulting in an open conformation enabling TcAkt kinase activity. Further docking experiments reveal that TcAkt is recognized by human inhibitors PIT-1 and capivasertib, and TcAkt inhibition by UBMC-4 and UBMC-6 is achieved via binding to TcAkt kinase domain. Our in-depth structural analysis of TcAkt reveals potential sites for drug development against CD, located at activity essential regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina A Stadler
- Institute of Chemistry/Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lesly J Ortiz-Joya
- Institute of Chemistry/Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Amit Singh Sahrawat
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Innophore GmbH, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Karl Gruber
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Innophore GmbH, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Tea Pavkov-Keller
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Alba Guarné
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sergio Pulido
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- LifeFactors ZF SAS, Rionegro, Colombia
| | - Marcel Marín-Villa
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Klaus Zangger
- Institute of Chemistry/Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Nina Gubensäk
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
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Zhang H, Xie F, Yuan XY, Dai XT, Tian YF, Sun MM, Yu SQ, Cai JY, Sun B, Zhang WC, Shan CL. Discovery of a nitroaromatic nannocystin with potent in vivo anticancer activity against colorectal cancer by targeting AKT1. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1044-1059. [PMID: 38326625 PMCID: PMC11053100 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01231-w] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of targeted chemotherapeutic agents against colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most common cancers with a high mortality rate, is in a constant need. Nannocystins are a family of myxobacterial secondary metabolites featuring a 21-membered depsipeptide ring. The in vitro anti-CRC activity of natural and synthetic nannocystins was well documented, but little is known about their in vivo efficacy and if positive, the underlying mechanism of action. In this study we synthesized a nitroaromatic nannocystin through improved preparation of a key fragment, and characterized its in vitro activity and in vivo efficacy against CRC. We first described the total synthesis of compounds 2-4 featuring Heck macrocyclization to forge their 21-membered macrocycle. In a panel of 7 cancer cell lines from different tissues, compound 4 inhibited the cell viability with IC values of 1-6 nM. In particular, compound 4 (1, 2, 4 nM) inhibited the proliferation of CRC cell lines (HCT8, HCT116 and LoVo) in both concentration and time dependent manners. Furthermore, compound 4 concentration-dependently inhibited the colony formation and migration of CRC cell lines. Moreover, compound 4 induced cell cycle arrest at sub-G1 phase, apoptosis and cellular senescence in CRC cell lines. In three patient-derived CRC organoids, compound 4 inhibited the PDO with IC values of 3.68, 28.93 and 11.81 nM, respectively. In a patient-derived xenograft mouse model, injection of compound 4 (4, 8 mg/kg, i.p.) every other day for 12 times dose-dependently inhibited the tumor growth without significant change in body weight. We conducted RNA-sequencing, molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay to elucidate the anti-CRC mechanisms of compound 4, and revealed that it exerted its anti-CRC effect at least in part by targeting AKT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Fei Xie
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Xiao-Ya Yuan
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Xin-Tong Dai
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Yun-Feng Tian
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Ming-Ming Sun
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Si-Qi Yu
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Jia-You Cai
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Bin Sun
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Wei-Cheng Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China.
| | - Chang-Liang Shan
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China.
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Mun SK, Sim HB, Lee JH, Kim H, Park DH, Lee YA, Han JY, Choi YJ, Son JS, Park J, Lim TH, Yee ST, Chang YT, Lee S, Chang DJ, Kim JJ. Targeting Heme Oxygenase 2 (HO2) with TiNIR, a Theragnostic Approach for Managing Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Biomater Res 2024; 28:0026. [PMID: 38665698 PMCID: PMC11045274 DOI: 10.34133/bmr.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite notable advancements in cancer therapeutics, metastasis remains a primary obstacle impeding a successful prognosis. Our prior study has identified heme oxygenase 2 (HO2) as a promising therapeutic biomarker for the aggressive subsets within tumor. This study aims to systematically evaluate HO2 as a therapeutic target of cancer, with a specific emphasis on its efficacy in addressing cancer metastasis. Through targeted inhibition of HO2 by TiNIR (tumor-initiating cell probe with near infrared), we observed a marked increase in reactive oxygen species. This, in turn, orchestrated the modulation of AKT and cJUN activation, culminating in a substantial attenuation of both proliferation and migration within a metastatic cancer cell model. Furthermore, in a mouse model, clear inhibition of cancer metastasis was unequivocally demonstrated with an HO2 inhibitor administration. These findings underscore the therapeutic promise of targeting HO2 as a strategic intervention to impede cancer metastasis, enhancing the effectiveness of cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seul-Ki Mun
- Department of Biomedical Science,
Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Bo Sim
- Department of Biomedical Science,
Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hyuk Lee
- Gwangju Center,
Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Gwangju 61751, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeongyeong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science,
Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Han Park
- Department of Biomedical Science,
Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-An Lee
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS),
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore 138672, Republic of Singapore
| | - Ji Yeon Han
- Department of Biomedical Science,
Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Jeong Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science,
Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Sang Son
- Department of Biomedical Science,
Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongwon Park
- Gwangju Center,
Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Gwangju 61751, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hwan Lim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Tae Yee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Tae Chang
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering,
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry,
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongsoo Lee
- Gwangju Center,
Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Gwangju 61751, Republic of Korea
- Department of Systems Biotechnology,
Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bio-Analysis Science,
University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Jo Chang
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Jin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science,
Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
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30
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Pervanidis KA, D'Angelo GD, Weisner J, Brandherm S, Rauh D. Akt Inhibitor Advancements: From Capivasertib Approval to Covalent-Allosteric Promises. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6052-6063. [PMID: 38592948 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Akt kinase is vital in cell growth, survival, metabolism, and migration. Dysregulation of Akt signaling is implicated in cancer and metabolic disorders. In the context of cancer, overactive Akt promotes cell survival and proliferation. This has spurred extensive research into developing Akt inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents to disrupt aberrant Akt signaling. Akt inhibitors are classified into three main types: ATP-competitive, allosteric, and covalent-allosteric inhibitors (CAAIs). ATP-competitive inhibitors compete with ATP for binding to Akt, allosteric inhibitors interact with the Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, and covalent-allosteric inhibitors form covalent bonds, making them more potent and selective. Notably, capivasertib (AZD5363), a potent ATP-competitive Akt inhibitor, received FDA approval in November 2023 for use in combination with the estrogen receptor degrader fulvestrant to treat breast cancer. Challenges remain, including improving selectivity, identifying biomarkers to tailor treatments, and enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Particularly covalent-allosteric inhibitors hold promise for future more effective and personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosmas Alexandros Pervanidis
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University and Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD), Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Giovanni Danilo D'Angelo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University and Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD), Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jörn Weisner
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University and Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD), Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- KyDo Therapeutics, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Sven Brandherm
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University and Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD), Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- KyDo Therapeutics, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Daniel Rauh
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University and Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD), Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
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31
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Zhang H, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Han D, Ha H, Zhang B, Shang P. Pan-Cancer Analysis Shows that KIFC2 is a Potential Prognostic and Immunotherapeutic Biomarker for Multiple Cancer Types Including Bladder Cancer. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01149-y. [PMID: 38658471 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01149-y] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
KIFC2 plays an important role in prostate cancer progression and chemotherapy resistance, but the mechanism of its involvement in other malignancies remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze and validate the mechanism of effect of KIFC2 in multiple tumors. Bioinformatic analysis was performed in conjunction with multiple databases (The Cancer Genome Atlas, Genotype-Tissue Expression Project, Human Protein Atlas, etc.) to fully explore the potential role of KIFC2 within individual tumors and to analyze the correlation with major research components such as prognosis, mutations, and the tumor microenvironment. The expression of KIFC2 demonstrates a significant correlation with the prognosis, clinical phenotype, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, and tumor microenvironment across various malignancies and is associated with the modulation of diverse functional and signaling pathways. The differences in the expression of KIFC2 in the bladder cancer tissues (14 pairs) were statistically significant. The pan-cancer analysis in this study revealed the multifunctionality of KIFC2 in a variety of tumors, indicating a possible prognostic predictor and potential therapeutic target for tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helin Zhang
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, No. 82 Cui Ying Gate, Cheng Guan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Xingxing Zhang
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, No. 82 Cui Ying Gate, Cheng Guan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Yuelin Zhang
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, No. 82 Cui Ying Gate, Cheng Guan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Dali Han
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, No. 82 Cui Ying Gate, Cheng Guan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Hualan Ha
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, No. 82 Cui Ying Gate, Cheng Guan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, No. 82 Cui Ying Gate, Cheng Guan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Panfeng Shang
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, No. 82 Cui Ying Gate, Cheng Guan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China.
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32
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Li Y, Zhao M, Lin Y, Jiang X, Jin L, Ye P, Lu Y, Pei R, Jiang L. Licochalcone A induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis and interacts with venetoclax in acute myeloid leukemia. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 968:176418. [PMID: 38350590 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176418] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The management of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a challenge because of the complexity and heterogeneity of this malignancy. Despite the recent approval of several novel targeted drugs, resistance seems inevitable, and clinical outcomes are still suboptimal. Increasing evidence supports the use of natural plants as an important source of anti-leukemic therapeutics. Licochalcone A (LCA) is an active flavonoid isolated from the roots of licorice, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., possessing extensive anti-tumor activities. However, its effects on AML and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we showed that LCA decreased the viability of established human AML cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. LCA significantly induced mitochondrial apoptotic cell death, accompanied by the downregulation of MCL-1, upregulation of BIM, truncation of BID, and cleavage of PARP. A prominent decline in the phosphorylation of multiple critical molecules, including AKT, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), ERK, and P38 was observed upon LCA treatment, indicating PI3K and MAPK signals were suppressed. Both transcription and translation of c-Myc were also inhibited by LCA. In addition, LCA enhanced the cytotoxicity of the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax. Furthermore, the anti-survival and pro-apoptotic effects were confirmed in primary blasts from 10 patients with de novo AML. Thus, our results expand the applications of LCA, which can be regarded as a valuable agent in treating AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youhong Li
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Department of Pathology and Pathogenic Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Mengting Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Pathogenic Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ye Lin
- Department of Pathology and Pathogenic Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xia Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Department of Pathology and Pathogenic Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Lili Jin
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Department of Pathology and Pathogenic Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Peipei Ye
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Renzhi Pei
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Lei Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Department of Pathology and Pathogenic Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
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33
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Liu X, Mei W, Zhang P, Zeng C. PIK3CA mutation as an acquired resistance driver to EGFR-TKIs in non-small cell lung cancer: Clinical challenges and opportunities. Pharmacol Res 2024; 202:107123. [PMID: 38432445 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have significantly enhanced the treatment outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring EGFR mutations. However, the occurrence of acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs is an unavoidable outcome observed in these patients. Disruption of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway can contribute to the emergence of resistance to EGFR TKIs in lung cancer. The emergence of PIK3CA mutations following treatment with EGFR-TKIs can lead to resistance against EGFR-TKIs. This review provides an overview of the current perspectives regarding the involvement of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in the development of lung cancer. Furthermore, we outline the state-of-the-art therapeutic strategies targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in lung cancer. We highlight the role of PIK3CA mutation as an acquired resistance mechanism against EGFR-TKIs in EGFR-mutant NSCLC. Crucially, we explore therapeutic strategies targeting PIK3CA-mediated resistance to EGFR TKIs in lung cancer, aiming to optimize the effectiveness of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen 518110, China
| | - Wuxuan Mei
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen 518110, China
| | - Changchun Zeng
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen 518110, China.
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Singh S, Lathoria K, Umdor SB, Singh J, Suri V, Sen E. A gain of function mutation in AKT1 increases hexokinase 2 and diminishes oxidative stress in meningioma. Cytokine 2024; 176:156535. [PMID: 38325141 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests the oncogenic role of missense mutation (AKT1-E17K) of AKT1 gene in meningiomas. Upon investigating the connection between the pro-tumorigenic role of AKT1-E17K and cellular metabolic adaptations, elevated levels of glycolytic enzyme hexokinase 2 (HK2) was observed in meningioma patients with AKT1-E17K compared to patients harboring wild-type AKT1. In vitro experiments also suggested higher HK2 levels and its activity in AKT1-E17K cells. Treatment with the conventional drug of choice AZD5363 (a pan AKT inhibitor) enhanced cell death and diminished HK2 levels in AKT1 mutants. Given the role of AKT phosphorylation in eliciting inflammatory responses, we observed increased levels of inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL6, IL8, and TLR4) in AKT1-E17K cells compared to AKT1-WT cells. Treatment with AKT or HK2 inhibitors dampened the heightened levels of inflammatory markers in AKT1-E17K cells. As AKT and HK2 regulates redox homeostasis, diminished ROS generation concomitant with increased levels of NF-E2- related factor 2 (Nrf2) and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) were observed in AKT1-E17K cells. Increased sensitivity of AKT1-E17K cells to AZD5363 in the presence of HK2 inhibitor Lonidamine was reversed upon treatment with ROS inhibitor NAC. By affecting metabolism, inflammation, and redox homeostasis AKT1-E17K confers a survival advantage in meningioma cells. Our findings suggest that targeting AKT-HK2 cross-talk to induce ROS-dependent cell death could be exploited as novel therapeutic approach in meningiomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Singh
- Neuropathology Laboratory, Neurosciences Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Kirti Lathoria
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Neurosciences, National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Haryana 122052, India
| | - Sonia B Umdor
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Neurosciences, National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Haryana 122052, India
| | - Jyotsna Singh
- Neuropathology Laboratory, Neurosciences Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Vaishali Suri
- Neuropathology Laboratory, Neurosciences Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Ellora Sen
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Neurosciences, National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Haryana 122052, India.
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Long T, Wu W, Wang X, Chen M. TPR is a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target associated with immune infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Clin Oncol 2024; 20:27. [PMID: 38414509 PMCID: PMC10895467 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2024.2725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. In the present study, it was demonstrated that translocated promoter region (TPR) was upregulated in tumor tissues and associated with prognosis and immune infiltration in HCC. The clinical outcome of patients with HCC with aberrant expression of TPR was examined using multiple databases, including Gene Expression Omnibus, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression, Kaplan-Meier (KM) Plotter and Xiantao tool. The clinicopathologic characteristics of patients from TCGA database that were associated with overall survival were assessed using Cox regression and KM analysis. The potential hallmarks associated with TPR expression were further predicted by Metascape and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, and the relationship between TPR and immune infiltration was explored using the Tumor-Immune System Interactions Database and the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource. The results demonstrated that TPR expression was higher in HCC and its overexpression was associated with a worse prognosis, alongside a correlation with several clinical features. Furthermore, cell differentiation, a prospective new hallmark of cancer, was differentially enriched in the high TPR expression phenotype pathway. Moreover, TPR may also modulate the tumor immune microenvironment as it was significantly associated with immunoregulators and chemokines, as well as different tumor infiltration immune cells. According to the in vitro experiments, TPR silencing inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and the proliferation of HCC cells. In summary, TPR may be a new marker and target for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Long
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Weijie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Minshan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
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Imodoye SO, Adedokun KA, Bello IO. From complexity to clarity: unravelling tumor heterogeneity through the lens of tumor microenvironment for innovative cancer therapy. Histochem Cell Biol 2024; 161:299-323. [PMID: 38189822 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02258-6] [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] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Despite the tremendous clinical successes recorded in the landscape of cancer therapy, tumor heterogeneity remains a formidable challenge to successful cancer treatment. In recent years, the emergence of high-throughput technologies has advanced our understanding of the variables influencing tumor heterogeneity beyond intrinsic tumor characteristics. Emerging knowledge shows that drivers of tumor heterogeneity are not only intrinsic to cancer cells but can also emanate from their microenvironment, which significantly favors tumor progression and impairs therapeutic response. Although much has been explored to understand the fundamentals of the influence of innate tumor factors on cancer diversity, the roles of the tumor microenvironment (TME) are often undervalued. It is therefore imperative that a clear understanding of the interactions between the TME and other tumor intrinsic factors underlying the plastic molecular behaviors of cancers be identified to develop patient-specific treatment strategies. This review highlights the roles of the TME as an emerging factor in tumor heterogeneity. More particularly, we discuss the role of the TME in the context of tumor heterogeneity and explore the cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that could be used to resolve this recurring clinical conundrum. We conclude by speculating on exciting research questions that can advance our understanding of tumor heterogeneity with the goal of developing customized therapeutic solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikiru O Imodoye
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Kamoru A Adedokun
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Ibrahim O Bello
- Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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Wang B, Zhang X, Li ZS, Wei C, Yu RZ, Du XZ, He YJ, Ren Y, Zhen YW, Han L. Polo-like kinase 4 promotes tumorigenesis and glucose metabolism in glioma by activating AKT1 signaling. Cancer Lett 2024; 585:216665. [PMID: 38290657 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216665] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an extremely aggressive tumor associated with a poor prognosis that impacts the central nervous system. Increasing evidence suggests an inherent association between glucose metabolism dysregulation and the aggression of GBM. Polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4), a highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinase, was found to relate to glioma progression and unfavorable prognosis. As revealed by the integration of proteomics and phosphoproteomics, PLK4 was found to be involved in governing metabolic processes and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. For the first time, this study supports evidence demonstrating that PLK4 activated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling through direct binding to AKT1 and subsequent phosphorylating AKT1 at S124, T308, and S473 to promote tumorigenesis and glucose metabolism in glioma. In addition, PLK4-mediated phosphorylation of AKT1 S124 significantly augmented the phosphorylation of AKT1 S473. Therefore, PLK4 exerted an influence on glucose metabolism by stimulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Additionally, the expression of PLK4 protein exhibited a positive correlation with AKT1 phosphorylation in glioma patient tissues. These findings highlight the pivotal role of PLK4-mediated phosphorylation of AKT1 in glioma tumorigenesis and dysregulation of glucose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Tianjin Neurological Institute, Key Laboratory of Post-Neuro Injury, Neuro-repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Xiaoyang Zhang
- Tianjin Neurological Institute, Key Laboratory of Post-Neuro Injury, Neuro-repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Ze-Sheng Li
- Tianjin Neurological Institute, Key Laboratory of Post-Neuro Injury, Neuro-repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Cheng Wei
- Tianjin Neurological Institute, Key Laboratory of Post-Neuro Injury, Neuro-repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Run-Ze Yu
- Tianjin Neurological Institute, Key Laboratory of Post-Neuro Injury, Neuro-repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Xue-Zhi Du
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300211, China
| | - Ying-Jie He
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300211, China
| | - Yu Ren
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
| | - Ying-Wei Zhen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
| | - Lei Han
- Tianjin Neurological Institute, Key Laboratory of Post-Neuro Injury, Neuro-repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China.
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Fang Q, Liu Q, Song Z, Zhang X, Du Y. A NAD(P)H oxidase mimic for catalytic tumor therapy via a deacetylase SIRT7-mediated AKT/GSK3β pathway. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:6585-6595. [PMID: 38465774 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr06538c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and its phosphorylated form, NADPH, are essential cofactors that play critical roles in cell functions, influencing antioxidation, reductive biosynthesis, and cellular pathways involved in tumor cell apoptosis and tumorigenesis. However, the use of nanomaterials to consume NAD(P)H and thus bring an impact on signaling pathways in cancer treatment remains understudied. In this study, we employed a salt template method to synthesize a carbon-coated-cobalt composite (C@Co) nanozyme, which exhibited excellent NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX)-like activity and mimicked the reaction mechanism of natural NOX. The C@Co nanozyme efficiently consumed NAD(P)H within cancer cells, leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential. Meanwhile, the generation of the biologically active cofactor NAD(P)+ promoted the expression of the deacetylase SIRT7, which in turn inhibited the serine/threonine kinase AKT signaling pathway, ultimately promoting apoptosis. This work sheds light on the influence of nanozymes with NOX-like activity on cellular signaling pathways in tumor therapy and demonstrates their promising antitumor effects in a tumor xenograft mouse model. These findings contribute to a better understanding of NAD(P)H manipulation in cancer treatment and suggest the potential of nanozymes as a therapeutic strategy for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Quanyi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Zhimin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojun Zhang
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Yan Du
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
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Nayana P, Gollapalli P, Manjunatha H. Investigating the structural basis of piperine targeting AKT1 against prostate cancer through in vitro and molecular dynamics simulations. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38529821 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2331096] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
AkT1, significantly impacts many tumours cell functions, like transcription, apoptosis, glucose metabolism, cell proliferation, and cell migration. For tumours to develop and spread, aberrant activation of AKT1 is essential. Therefore, a major focus of molecularly targeted PCa treatment is AKT1. The present study investigates the effect of piperine compared to SDF using in-vitro studies, viz colony formation assay, comet assay and AKT1 gene expression studies using human PCa cell line PC3. A cluster of approximately at least 50 cells constitutes a colony. The clonogenic assay showed that the number and size of colonies significantly decreased when treated with compounds (SDF and piperine) in comparison to the untreated cells which effectively proliferated to form more colonies. Piperine treatment showed significant inhibition of colony formation than SDF. Effective genotoxicity was observed in piperine-treated PC3 cells with an increased Tail length of 120 µm and it was moderately observed in SDF with a Tail length of 30 µm treated on PC3 cells. The control group did not show any considerable genotoxicity with a Tail length of 6 µm. Our data, both in vitro and in silico, suggested that piperine would be a good starting point for developing novel drugs for the treatment of PCa. The downstream functions of Akt1 may be inhibited by these effects, which could impede the proliferation of PCa cells. High stability of the piperine-AKT1 complex was found by the MD simulation. Higher hydrophilic residues like Lys268 and Ser205 at the active pocket may be the cause of the binding stability. Overall, the observed results confirmed the anti-PCa effect of piperine by causing effective DNA damage and proved to be genotoxic in nature against the human PCa. These effects may impede the downstream activities of Akt1 and result in PCa cell growth regression.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Nayana
- Department of PG Studies and Research in Biotechnology, Kuvempu University, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India
| | - Pavan Gollapalli
- Center for Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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Leong E, Al-Bitar H, Marshall JS, Bezuhly M. Ketotifen directly modifies the fibrotic response of human skin fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7076. [PMID: 38528089 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57776-7] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a destructive, end-stage disease process. In the skin, it is associated with systemic sclerosis and scarring with considerable health burden. Ketotifen is a clinical antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer. Studies have demonstrated mast cell-dependent anti-fibrotic effects of ketotifen but direct effects on fibroblasts have not been determined. Human dermal fibroblasts were treated with pro-fibrotic transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ) followed by ketotifen or control treatments to determine direct effects on fibrotic fibroblasts. Ketotifen impaired TGFβ-induced α-smooth muscle actin gene and protein responses and decreased cytoskeletal- and contractility-associated gene responses associated with fibrosis. Ketotifen reduced Yes-associated protein phosphorylation, transcriptional coactivator with PDZ binding motif transcript and protein levels, and phosphorylation of protein kinase B. In a fibroblast-populated collagen gel contraction assay, ketotifen reduced the contractile activity of TGFβ-activated fibroblasts. In a murine model of bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis, collagen density and dermal thickness were significantly decreased in ketotifen-treated mice supporting in vitro findings. These results support a novel, direct anti-fibrotic activity of ketotifen, reducing pro-fibrotic phenotypic changes in fibroblasts and reducing collagen fibres in fibrotic mouse skin. Together, these findings suggest novel therapeutic potential and a novel mechanism of action for ketotifen in the context of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Leong
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Room 7-C, PO BOX 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Haya Al-Bitar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Jean S Marshall
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Room 7-C, PO BOX 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, Canada.
| | - Michael Bezuhly
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, Canada.
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre, 5850/5980 University Avenue, PO Box 9700, Halifax, NS, B3K 6R8, Canada.
- Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
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41
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Ren C, Carrillo ND, Cryns VL, Anderson RA, Chen M. Environmental pollutants and phosphoinositide signaling in autoimmunity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133080. [PMID: 38091799 PMCID: PMC10923067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Environmental pollution stands as one of the most critical challenges affecting human health, with an estimated mortality rate linked to pollution-induced non-communicable diseases projected to range from 20% to 25%. These pollutants not only disrupt immune responses but can also trigger immunotoxicity. Phosphoinositide signaling, a pivotal regulator of immune responses, plays a central role in the development of autoimmune diseases and exhibits high sensitivity to environmental stressors. Among these stressors, environmental pollutants have become increasingly prevalent in our society, contributing to the initiation and exacerbation of autoimmune conditions. In this review, we summarize the intricate interplay between phosphoinositide signaling and autoimmune diseases within the context of environmental pollutants and contaminants. We provide an up-to-date overview of stress-induced phosphoinositide signaling, discuss 14 selected examples categorized into three groups of environmental pollutants and their connections to immune diseases, and shed light on the associated phosphoinositide signaling pathways. Through these discussions, this review advances our understanding of how phosphoinositide signaling influences the coordinated immune response to environmental stressors at a biological level. Furthermore, it offers valuable insights into potential research directions and therapeutic targets aimed at mitigating the impact of environmental pollutants on the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. SYNOPSIS: Phosphoinositide signaling at the intersection of environmental pollutants and autoimmunity provides novel insights for managing autoimmune diseases aggravated by pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong-Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Noah D Carrillo
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Vincent L Cryns
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Richard A Anderson
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Mo Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong-Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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Zhao K, Li X, Feng Y, Wang J, Yao W. The role of kinesin family members in hepatobiliary carcinomas: from bench to bedside. Biomark Res 2024; 12:30. [PMID: 38433242 PMCID: PMC10910842 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00559-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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
As a major component of the digestive system malignancies, tumors originating from the hepatic and biliary ducts seriously endanger public health. The kinesins (KIFs) are molecular motors that enable the microtubule-dependent intracellular trafficking necessary for mitosis and meiosis. Normally, the stability of KIFs is essential to maintain cell proliferation and genetic homeostasis. However, aberrant KIFs activity may destroy this dynamic stability, leading to uncontrolled cell division and tumor initiation. In this work, we have made an integral summarization of the specific roles of KIFs in hepatocellular and biliary duct carcinogenesis, referring to aberrant signal transduction and the potential for prognostic evaluation. Additionally, current clinical applications of KIFs-targeted inhibitors have also been discussed, including their efficacy advantages, relationship with drug sensitivity or resistance, the feasibility of combination chemotherapy or other targeted agents, as well as the corresponding clinical trials. In conclusion, the abnormally activated KIFs participate in the regulation of tumor progression via a diverse range of mechanisms and are closely associated with tumor prognosis. Meanwhile, KIFs-aimed inhibitors also carry out a promising tumor-targeted therapeutic strategy that deserves to be further investigated in hepatobiliary carcinoma (HBC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhao
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Cancer Research Center Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiangyu Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yunxiang Feng
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Cancer Research Center Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jianming Wang
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Cancer Research Center Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Affiliated Tianyou Hospital, Wuhan University of Science & Technology, 430064, Wuhan, China.
| | - Wei Yao
- Department of Oncology Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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43
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Li R, Wu Y, Li Y, Shuai W, Wang A, Zhu Y, Hu X, Xia Y, Ouyang L, Wang G. Targeted regulated cell death with small molecule compounds in colorectal cancer: Current perspectives of targeted therapy and molecular mechanisms. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116040. [PMID: 38142509 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116040] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), a tumor of the digestive system, is characterized by high malignancy and poor prognosis. Currently, targeted therapy of CRC is far away from satisfying. The molecular mechanisms of regulated cell death (RCD) have been clearly elucidated, which can be intervened by drug or genetic modification. Numerous studies have provided substantial evidence linking these mechanisms to the progression and treatment of CRC. The RCD includes apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death (ADCD), ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, and immunogenic cell death, etc, which provide potential targets for anti-cancer treatment. For the last several years, small-molecule compounds targeting RCD have been a well concerned therapeutic strategy for CRC. This present review aims to describe the function of small-molecule compounds in the targeted therapy of CRC via targeting apoptosis, ADCD, ferroptosis, necroptosis, immunogenic dell death and pyroptosis, and their mechanisms. In addition, we prospect the application of newly discovered cuproptosis and disulfidptosis in CRC. Our review may provide references for the targeted therapy of CRC using small-molecule compounds targeting RCD, including the potential targets and candidate compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Li
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yongya Wu
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Li
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wen Shuai
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Aoxue Wang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yumeng Zhu
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiuying Hu
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yong Xia
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province/Rehabilitation Medicine Research Institute, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Liang Ouyang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Guan Wang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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D’Orazi G, Cirone M. Cancer Chemotherapy: Combination with Inhibitors (Volume I). Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:607. [PMID: 38339356 PMCID: PMC10854667 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major causes of death globally, accounting for 10 million deaths in 2020 [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella D’Orazi
- Unit of Cellular Networks, Department of Research, IRCCS Regina Elena Cancer National Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio, 00131 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mara Cirone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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Yang Q, Cao C, Wu B, Yang H, Tan T, Shang D, Xu C, Huang X. PPIP5K2 Facilitates Proliferation and Metastasis of Non-Small Lung Cancer (NSCLC) through AKT Signaling Pathway. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:590. [PMID: 38339341 PMCID: PMC10854519 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030590] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Through facilitating DNA homologous recombination repair, PPIP5K2 has been proven to be essential for improving colorectal cancer survival in our previous research. However, its function in the tumorigenesis of NSCLC, the most common cancer and the primary cause of cancer-related death globally, is still unknown. Here, we initially discovered that PPIP5K2 had significant effects on proliferation of NSCLC cells through loss- and gain-of-function assays in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, PPIP5K2 is capable of regulating NSCLC cells metastasis in an EMT-dependent manner. In terms of mechanism exploration, we found that PPIP5K2 knockdown can significantly inhibit the phosphorylation of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, whereas the overexpression of PPIP5K2 resulted in converse effects. By employing AKT signaling related agonists or antagonists, we further demonstrated that PPIP5K2 regulates NSCLC tumorigenesis partly via the AKT/mTOR pathway. In conclusion, PPIP5K2 plays a key oncogenic role in NSCLC by the activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling axis. It is anticipated that targeting PPIP5K2 might emerge as a viable therapeutic approach for NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yang
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150001, China;
| | - Chenhui Cao
- Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China;
| | - Binghuo Wu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Haochi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Tian Tan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Dan Shang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Xiaoyi Huang
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150001, China;
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
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Skalka GL, Tsakovska M, Murphy DJ. Kinase signalling adaptation supports dysfunctional mitochondria in disease. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1354682. [PMID: 38434478 PMCID: PMC10906720 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1354682] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria form a critical control nexus which are essential for maintaining correct tissue homeostasis. An increasing number of studies have identified dysregulation of mitochondria as a driver in cancer. However, which pathways support and promote this adapted mitochondrial function? A key hallmark of cancer is perturbation of kinase signalling pathways. These pathways include mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK), lipid secondary messenger networks, cyclic-AMP-activated (cAMP)/AMP-activated kinases (AMPK), and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) networks. These signalling pathways have multiple substrates which support initiation and persistence of cancer. Many of these are involved in the regulation of mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial apoptosis, mitochondrial calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial associated membranes (MAMs), and retrograde ROS signalling. This review will aim to both explore how kinase signalling integrates with these critical mitochondrial pathways and highlight how these systems can be usurped to support the development of disease. In addition, we will identify areas which require further investigation to fully understand the complexities of these regulatory interactions. Overall, this review will emphasize how studying the interaction between kinase signalling and mitochondria improves our understanding of mitochondrial homeostasis and can yield novel therapeutic targets to treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- George L. Skalka
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mina Tsakovska
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J. Murphy
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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47
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Zhang H, Liu Y, Liu J, Chen J, Wang J, Hua H, Jiang Y. cAMP-PKA/EPAC signaling and cancer: the interplay in tumor microenvironment. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:5. [PMID: 38233872 PMCID: PMC10792844 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01524-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease resulting from abnormal cell growth that is induced by a number of genetic and environmental factors. The tumor microenvironment (TME), which involves extracellular matrix, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), tumor-infiltrating immune cells and angiogenesis, plays a critical role in tumor progression. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a second messenger that has pleiotropic effects on the TME. The downstream effectors of cAMP include cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), exchange protein activated by cAMP (EPAC) and ion channels. While cAMP can activate PKA or EPAC and promote cancer cell growth, it can also inhibit cell proliferation and survival in context- and cancer type-dependent manner. Tumor-associated stromal cells, such as CAF and immune cells, can release cytokines and growth factors that either stimulate or inhibit cAMP production within the TME. Recent studies have shown that targeting cAMP signaling in the TME has therapeutic benefits in cancer. Small-molecule agents that inhibit adenylate cyclase and PKA have been shown to inhibit tumor growth. In addition, cAMP-elevating agents, such as forskolin, can not only induce cancer cell death, but also directly inhibit cell proliferation in some cancer types. In this review, we summarize current understanding of cAMP signaling in cancer biology and immunology and discuss the basis for its context-dependent dual role in oncogenesis. Understanding the precise mechanisms by which cAMP and the TME interact in cancer will be critical for the development of effective therapies. Future studies aimed at investigating the cAMP-cancer axis and its regulation in the TME may provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms of tumorigenesis and lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongying Zhang
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yongliang Liu
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jieya Liu
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jinzhu Chen
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yangfu Jiang
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Luo D, Li S, Guo J, Yue H, Shi L, Liu R, Wang J, Shi X. The role and mechanism of AZD5363 anti-leukemia activity in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 963:176268. [PMID: 38096965 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176268] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive and heterogeneous hematologic malignancy. Chemotherapy resistance and refractory relapses are the most important challenges in T-ALL. PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway has been implicated in regulating cell survival, T-ALL development and resistance to chemotherapy. We explored the effects of AZD5363 (a potent pan-Akt inhibitor) alone and in combination with autophagy inhibitor hydroxycholoroquine sulfate (HCQ) in cultured CCRF-CEM, Jurkat and PF382 cells and a T-ALL xenograft mouse model. METHODS A xenograft mouse model was used to investigate the effect of AZD5363 on T-ALL progression. MTT assay, flow cytometry, siRNA, transmission electron microscopy and western blotting were performed in cultured CCRF-CEM, Jurkat and PF382 cells. The interaction between AZD5363 and HCQ was explored by molecular docking. RESULTS AZD5363 delayed T-ALL progression and increased the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and LC3B-II in mice. AZD5363 decreased cells viability by arresting cell cycle in the G1 phase and inducing apoptosis, and, significantly increased the number of autophagosomes (p < 0.01). The increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 and LC3B-II, and phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR were significantly, inhibited by AZD5363. HCQ blocked AZD5363-induced autophagy and enhanced AZD5363-induced cell death (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS AZD5363 suppressed T-ALL progression and its anti-leukemia activity was enhanced by HCQ in T-ALL cells, which might provide a potential therapeutic strategy for human T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danqing Luo
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated of Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Shen Li
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Jin Guo
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Huixuan Yue
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Lixiao Shi
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated of Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated of Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China.
| | - Xiaodong Shi
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated of Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China.
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Li X, Hu S, Cai Y, Liu X, Luo J, Wu T. Revving the engine: PKB/AKT as a key regulator of cellular glucose metabolism. Front Physiol 2024; 14:1320964. [PMID: 38264327 PMCID: PMC10804622 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1320964] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucose metabolism is of critical importance for cell growth and proliferation, the disorders of which have been widely implicated in cancer progression. Glucose uptake is achieved differently by normal cells and cancer cells. Even in an aerobic environment, cancer cells tend to undergo metabolism through glycolysis rather than the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. Disordered metabolic syndrome is characterized by elevated levels of metabolites that can cause changes in the tumor microenvironment, thereby promoting tumor recurrence and metastasis. The activation of glycolysis-related proteins and transcription factors is involved in the regulation of cellular glucose metabolism. Changes in glucose metabolism activity are closely related to activation of protein kinase B (PKB/AKT). This review discusses recent findings on the regulation of glucose metabolism by AKT in tumors. Furthermore, the review summarizes the potential importance of AKT in the regulation of each process throughout glucose metabolism to provide a theoretical basis for AKT as a target for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuying Hu
- General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaoting Cai
- General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelian Liu
- General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Luo
- General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Zhou Y, Yu X, Shen X, Hong Y, Zhang Y, Wang S, Mou M, Zhang J, Tao L, Gao J, Qiu Y, Chen Y, Zhu F. TheMarker: a comprehensive database of therapeutic biomarkers. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:D1450-D1464. [PMID: 37850638 PMCID: PMC10767989 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Distinct from the traditional diagnostic/prognostic biomarker (adopted as the indicator of disease state/process), the therapeutic biomarker (ThMAR) has emerged to be very crucial in the clinical development and clinical practice of all therapies. There are five types of ThMAR that have been found to play indispensable roles in various stages of drug discovery, such as: Pharmacodynamic Biomarker essential for guaranteeing the pharmacological effects of a therapy, Safety Biomarker critical for assessing the extent or likelihood of therapy-induced toxicity, Monitoring Biomarker indispensable for guiding clinical management by serially measuring patients' status, Predictive Biomarker crucial for maximizing the clinical outcome of a therapy for specific individuals, and Surrogate Endpoint fundamental for accelerating the approval of a therapy. However, these data of ThMARs has not been comprehensively described by any of the existing databases. Herein, a database, named 'TheMarker', was therefore constructed to (a) systematically offer all five types of ThMAR used at different stages of drug development, (b) comprehensively describe ThMAR information for the largest number of drugs among available databases, (c) extensively cover the widest disease classes by not just focusing on anticancer therapies. These data in TheMarker are expected to have great implication and significant impact on drug discovery and clinical practice, and it is freely accessible without any login requirement at: https://idrblab.org/themarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yintao Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Alibaba-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center of Future Digital Healthcare, Hangzhou 330110, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- National Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Infectious Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Clinical Research and Evaluation, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xinyuan Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xinyi Shen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven 06510, USA
| | - Yanfeng Hong
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Minjie Mou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lin Tao
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Jianqing Gao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yunqing Qiu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- National Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Infectious Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Clinical Research and Evaluation, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Yuzong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Alibaba-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center of Future Digital Healthcare, Hangzhou 330110, China
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