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Jiang J, Chen Z, Wang H, Wang Y, Zheng J, Guo Y, Jiang Y, Mo Z. Screening and Identification of a Prognostic Model of Ovarian Cancer by Combination of Transcriptomic and Proteomic Data. Biomolecules 2023; 13:685. [PMID: 37189432 PMCID: PMC10136255 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040685] [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: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The integration of transcriptome and proteome analysis can lead to the discovery of a myriad of biological insights into ovarian cancer. Proteome, clinical, and transcriptome data about ovarian cancer were downloaded from TCGA's database. A LASSO-Cox regression was used to uncover prognostic-related proteins and develop a new protein prognostic signature for patients with ovarian cancer to predict their prognosis. Patients were brought together in subgroups using a consensus clustering analysis of prognostic-related proteins. To further investigate the role of proteins and protein-coding genes in ovarian cancer, additional analyses were performed using multiple online databases (HPA, Sangerbox, TIMER, cBioPortal, TISCH, and CancerSEA). The final resulting prognosis factors consisted of seven protective factors (P38MAPK, RAB11, FOXO3A, AR, BETACATENIN, Sox2, and IGFRb) and two risk factors (AKT_pS473 and ERCC5), which can be used to construct a prognosis-related protein model. A significant difference in overall survival (OS), disease-free interval (DFI), disease-specific survival (DSS), and progression-free interval (PFI) curves were found in the training, testing, and whole sets when analyzing the protein-based risk score (p < 0.05). We also illustrated a wide range of functions, immune checkpoints, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in prognosis-related protein signatures. Additionally, the protein-coding genes were significantly correlated with each other. EMTAB8107 and GSE154600 single-cell data revealed that the genes were highly expressed. Furthermore, the genes were related to tumor functional states (angiogenesis, invasion, and quiescence). We reported and validated a survivability prediction model for ovarian cancer based on prognostic-related protein signatures. A strong correlation was found between the signatures, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and immune checkpoints. The protein-coding genes were highly expressed in single-cell RNA and bulk RNA sequencing, correlating with both each other and tumor functional states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghang Jiang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Graduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Zhongyuan Chen
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Graduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Honghong Wang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Graduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yifu Wang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Graduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Graduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yonghua Jiang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Zengnan Mo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
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Bolouri MR, Ghods R, Zarnani K, Vafaei S, Falak R, Zarnani AH. Human amniotic epithelial cells exert anti-cancer effects through secretion of immunomodulatory small extracellular vesicles (sEV). Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:329. [PMID: 36307848 PMCID: PMC9616706 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02755-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We identified here mechanism by which hAECs exert their anti-cancer effects. We showed that vaccination with live hAEC conferred effective protection against murine colon cancer and melanoma but not against breast cancer in an orthotopic cancer cell inoculation model. hAEC induced strong cross-reactive antibody response to CT26 cells, but not against B16F10 and 4T1 cells. Neither heterotopic injection of tumor cells in AEC-vaccinated mice nor vaccination with hAEC lysate conferred protection against melanoma or colon cancer. Nano-sized AEC-derived small-extracellular vesicles (sEV) (AD-sEV) induced apoptosis in CT26 cells and inhibited their proliferation. Co-administration of AD-sEV with tumor cells substantially inhibited tumor development and increased CTL responses in vaccinated mice. AD-sEV triggered the Warburg’s effect leading to Arginine consumption and cancer cell apoptosis. Our results clearly showed that it is AD-sEV but not the cross-reactive immune responses against tumor cells that mediate inhibitory effects of hAEC on cancer development. Our results highlight the potential anti-cancer effects of extracellular vesicles derived from hAEC. Anti-cancer effects of hAEC depend on cancer type. Cross-reactive humoral responses do not mediate anti-cancer effects of hAEC. Anti-cancer effects of hAECs are mainly mediated by small-extracellular vesicles (sEV). hAEC-derived sEV (AD-sEV) trigger the Warburg’s effect leading to Arginine consumption and cancer cell apoptosis. AD-sEV substantially inhibits tumor development and increases survival and CTL responses.
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Chen YA, Lu CY, Cheng WF, Kuo KT, Yu CW, Ho HN, Chen HF, Pan SH. An experimental model for ovarian cancer: propagation of ovarian cancer initiating cells and generation of ovarian cancer organoids. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:967. [PMID: 36085021 PMCID: PMC9463800 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10042-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological cancer due to the recurrence of drug-resistance. Cancer initiating cells (CICs) are proposed to be responsible for the aggressiveness of OC. The rarity and difficulty of in vitro long-term cultivation of CICs challenge the development of CIC-targeting therapeutics. Reprogramming cancer cells into induced cancer initiating cell (iCICs) could be an approach to solve these. Several inducible CICs have been acquired by activating the expression of stemness genes in different cancer cells. However, few reports have demonstrated the feasibility in OC. Methods Patients with primary OC receiving surgery were enrolled. Tumor tissue were collected, and OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG expressions were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining to investigate the association of stemness markers with overall survival (OS). An high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) cell line, OVCAR-3 was reprogrammed by transducing Yamanaka four factors OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and MYC (OSKM) to establish an iOCIC model, iOVCAR-3-OSKM. CIC characteristics of iOVCAR-3-OSKM were evaluated by RT-PCR, sphere formation assay and animal experiments. Drug-resistance and migration ability were accessed by dye-efflux activity assay, MTT assay and migration assay. Gene profile was presented through RNA-sequencing. Lineage differentiation ability and organoid culture were determined by in vitro differentiation assays. Results In OC patients, the co-expression of multiple stem-related transcription factors (OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG) was associated with worse OS. iOVCAR-3-OSKM cells generated by reprogramming successfully exhibited stemness characteristics with strong sphere-forming and tumorigenesis ability. iOVCAR-3-OSKM cells also showed malignant potential with higher drug resistance to chemodrug, Paclitaxel (PTX) and migration ability. iOVCAR-3-OSKM was maintainable and expandable on feeder-dependent culture condition, it also preserved ovarian lineage differentiation abilities, which could well differentiate into OC cells with CK-7 and CA125 expressions and develop into an organoid mimic poor prognostic OC histological feature. Conclusions The establishment of iOVCAR-3-OSKM not only allows us to fill the gap in the information on induced CICs in OC but also provides a potential strategy to develop personalized CICs and organoid models for treating OC in the near future. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-10042-3.
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Stem Cells in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment -Part of the Cure or Part of the Disease? Ontogeny and Dichotomy of Stem and Immune Cells has Led to better Understanding. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2549-2565. [PMID: 35841518 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10428-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells are at the basis of tissue homeostasis, hematopoiesis and various regenerative processes. Epigenetic changes in their somatically imprinted genes, prolonged exposure to mutagens/carcinogens or alteration of their niche can lead to the development of an enabling environment for tumor growth and progression. The involvement of stem cells in both health and disease becomes even more compelling with ontogeny as embryonic and extraembryonic stem cells which persist into adulthood in well established and specific niche may have distinct implications in tumorigenesis. Immune surveillance plays an important role in this interplay since the response of immune cells toward the oncogenic process can range from reactivity to placidity and even complicity, being orchestrated by intercellular molecular dialogues with the other key players of the tumor microenvironment. With the current understanding that every developing and adult tissue contains inherent stem and progenitor cells, in this manuscript we review the most relevant interactions carried out between the stem cells, tumor cells and immune cells in a bottom-up incursion through the tumor microenvironment beginning from the perivascular niche and going through the tumoral parenchyma and the related stroma. With the exploitation of various factors that influence the behavior of immune effectors toward stem cells and other resting cells in their niche, new therapeutic strategies to tackle the polarization of immune effectors toward a more immunogenic phenotype may arise.
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Hong W, Wang B, Zhu Y, Wu J, Qiu L, Ling S, Zhou Z, Dai Y, Zhong Z, Zheng Y. Female germline stem cells: aging and anti-aging. J Ovarian Res 2022; 15:79. [PMID: 35787298 PMCID: PMC9251950 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-022-01011-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The delay of ovarian aging and the fertility preservation of cancer patients are the eternal themes in the field of reproductive medicine. Acting as the pacemaker of female physiological aging, ovary is also considered as the principle player of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and etc. However, its aging mechanism and preventive measures are still unclear. Some researchers attempt to activate endogenous ovarian female germline stem cells (FGSCs) to restore ovarian function, as the most promising approach. FGSCs are stem cells in the adult ovaries that can be infinitely self-renewing and have the potential of committed differention. This review aims to elucidate FGSCs aging mechanism from multiple perspectives such as niches, immune disorder, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, the rebuilding nichs of FGSCs, regulation of immune dysfunction, anti-inflammation and oxidative stress remission are expected to restore or replenish FGSCs, ultimately to delay ovarian aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Hong
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China.,Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Baofeng Wang
- ARTcenter, Shenzhen Hengsheng Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yasha Zhu
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun'e Wu
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Qiu
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyi Ling
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqiong Zhou
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Dai
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhisheng Zhong
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuehui Zheng
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China.
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Eijkenboom L, Saedt E, Zietse C, Braat D, Beerendonk C, Peek R. Strategies to safely use cryopreserved ovarian tissue to restore fertility after cancer: A systematic review. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:763-778. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Molecular Insights into Endometrial Cancer in Mice. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:1702-1717. [PMID: 35389139 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10367-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent, very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and the 'progenitors' endometrial stem cells (EnSCs) along with associated molecular changes in endometrial cancer, that developed seven months after neonatal exposure to estradiol in one of the sixty mice, were studied in the present study. Endocrine disruption affected both endometrium and myometrium, there was accumulation of endometrial fluid and significant hyperplasia. Disrupted endometrial-myometrial junction resulted in mobilization of myometrial cells into endometrium and epithelial and stromal cells into myometrium suggestive of adenomyosis. Markers specific for VSELs/ EnSCs (OCT-4, NANOG, SSEA-1, SCA-1, c-KIT) showed increased expression in uterine sections and marked upregulation of corresponding transcripts (Oct-4A, Oct-4, Sox-2, Nanog, Sca-1, c-Kit) was noted in RNA extracted from both uterine tissue and stem cells enriched from endometrial fluid. Hormonal receptors (ER-α, ER-β, PR, FSHR) were upregulated in both tumor sections and in endometrial fluid. ER-β and FSHR (Fshr3) expression was prominent suggesting a major role in endometrial cancer. Cancer cells showed global hypomethylation (reduced expression of 5-methyl cytosine), reduced expression of tumor suppressor gene (PTEN) and increased expression of cancer stem cells marker (CD166) which suggested dysregulation and aberrant oncogenic events. Increased expression of PCNA, Ki67, SOX-9 suggested excessive proliferation and hyperplasia which are predominant signs of endometrial cancer. Results suggest that VSELs increase in numbers and possibly transform into cancer stem cells (co-express CD166 and OCT-4) in endometrial cancer. Expression of OCT-4, CD133, ALDHA1 and CD166 in side-population cells from human endometrial cancer samples suggests a possible role of VSELs in human endometrial cancer as well.
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Bhartiya D, Patel H, Kaushik A, Singh P, Sharma D. Endogenous, tissue-resident stem/progenitor cells in gonads and bone marrow express FSHR and respond to FSH via FSHR-3. J Ovarian Res 2021; 14:145. [PMID: 34717703 PMCID: PMC8556987 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00883-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is secreted by the anterior pituitary and acts on the germ cells indirectly through Granulosa cells in ovaries and Sertoli cells in the testes. Extragonadal action of FSH has been reported but is still debated. Adult tissues harbor two populations of stem cells including a reserve population of primitive, small-sized, pluripotent very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and slightly bigger, tissue-specific progenitors which include ovarian stem cells (OSCs) in ovaries, spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in testes, endometrial stem cells (EnSCs) in uterus and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow. Data has accumulated in animal models showing FSHR expression on both VSELs and progenitors in ovaries, testes, uterus and bone marrow and eventually gets lost as the cells differentiate further. FSH exerts a direct action on the stem/progenitor cells via alternatively spliced FSHR-3 rather than the canonical FSHR-1. FSH stimulates VSELs to undergo asymmetrical cell divisions to self-renew and give rise to the progenitors that in turn undergo symmetrical cell divisions and clonal expansions followed by differentiation into specific cell types. Excessive self-renewal of VSELs results in cancer and this explains ubiquitous expression of embryonic markers including nuclear OCT-4 along with FSHR in cancerous tissues. Focus of this review is to compile published data to support this concept. FSHR expression in stem/progenitor cells was confirmed by immuno-fluorescence, Western blotting, in situ hybridization and by quantitative RT-PCR. Two different commercially available antibodies (Abcam, Santacruz) were used to confirm specificity of FSHR expression along with omission of primary antibody and pre-incubation of antibody with immunizing peptide as negative controls. Western blotting allowed detection of alternatively spliced FSHR isoforms. Oligoprobes and primers specific for Fshr-1 and Fshr-3 were used to study these alternately-sliced isoforms by in situ hybridization and their differential expression upon FSH treatment by qRT-PCR. To conclude, stem/progenitor cells in adult tissues express FSHR and directly respond to FSH via FSHR-3. These findings change the field of FSH-FSHR biology, call for paradigm shift, explain FSHR expression on cancer cells in multiple organs and provide straightforward explanations for various existing conundrums including extragonadal expression of FSHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
| | - Hiren Patel
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
- Present address: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ankita Kaushik
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Pushpa Singh
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Diksha Sharma
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
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Tocci A. The safety of VASA pos presumptive adult ovarian stem cells. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 43:587-597. [PMID: 34474974 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Isolation and characterization of presumptive human adult ovarian stem cells (OSC) has broken the long standing dogma of the absence of postnatal neo-oogenesis. Human adult OSC have been immunosorted by antibodies reacting against the RNA helicase VASA and have been reported to engraft into appropriate stem cell niches to promote neo-oogenesis. Analysis of published research, however, questions some of the findings on isolation, characterization, in-vitro self-renewal and clinical safety of the presumptive human adult OSC. In the present study, human VASApos embryo-fetal primordial germ cells and presumptive adult OSC are shown to share several pluripotency and early germ cell markers not ascertained in the initial characterization of adult OSC. A new hypothesis is made that the restoration of fertility claimed to result from presumptive human adult OSC may be attributed instead to VASApos embryo-fetal primordial germ cell remnants in the adult ovary, or alternatively to earlier VASAneg germ cells generated by in-vitro de-differentiation of the presumptive OSC. The suggested hypotheses have extensive implications for the practice and safety of adult OSC in the development of new treatments aimed at rescuing the ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Tocci
- Gruppo Donnamed, Reproductive Medicine Unit Via Cassia 1110 00189, Rome, Italy.
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Lee RH, Wang YJ, Lai TY, Hsu TL, Chuang PK, Wu HC, Wong CH. Combined Effect of Anti-SSEA4 and Anti-Globo H Antibodies on Breast Cancer Cells. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:1526-1537. [PMID: 34369155 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The globo-series glycosphingolipids (SSEA3, SSEA4, and Globo H) were shown to express in many cancers selectively, and a combination of anti-SSEA4 and anti-Globo H antibodies was able to suppress tumor growth in mice inoculated with breast cancer cell lines. To further understand the effect, we focused on the combined effect of the two antibodies in target binding and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro. Here, we report that the binding of anti-Globo H antibody (VK9) to MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells was influenced by anti-SSEA4 antibody (MC813-70), and a combination of both antibodies induced a similar effect as did anti-SSEA4 antibodies alone in a reporter-based ADCC assay, indicating that SSEA4 is a major target in breast cancer due to its higher expression than Globo H. Furthermore, we showed that a homogeneous anti-SSEA4 antibody (chMC813-70-SCT) designed to maximize the ADCC activity can be used to isolate a subpopulation of natural killer (NK) cells that exhibit an ∼23% increase in killing the target cells as compared to the unseparated NK cells. These findings can be used to predict a therapy outcome based on the expression levels of antigens and evaluate therapeutic antibody development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruey-Herng Lee
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Wang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yen Lai
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Tsui-Ling Hsu
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Po-Kai Chuang
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Han-Chung Wu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Huey Wong
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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Characterization of stem cells from human ovarian follicular fluid; a potential source of autologous stem cell for cell-based therapy. Hum Cell 2021; 34:300-309. [PMID: 33543452 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-020-00439-2] [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: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Human ovarian follicular fluid (HOFF) contains proteins, extracellular matrixes necessary for growth and maturation of oocytes as well as granulosa cells. Epithelial cells and stem cells can be isolated from HOFF. However, information regarding stem cells derived from HOFF is still lacking. The objectives of the present study were to isolate, characterize, and differentiate cells derived from HOFF. HOFF was collected during the routine aspiration of oocytes in an assisted fertilization program and subjected to cell isolation, characterization, and in vitro culture. After 24 h of culture, different cell morphologies including epithelial-like-, neural-like- and fibroblast-like cells were observed. Immunocytochemistry reveals the expression of pluripotent stem cell markers (OCT4, NANOG, SSEA4), epithelial marker (CK18), FSH- and LH-receptor. For in vitro culture, the isolated cells were continuously cultured in a growth medium; alpha MEM containing 10% FBS and epidermal growth factor (EGF). After 2 weeks of in vitro culture, cells with fibroblast-like morphology dominantly grow in the culture vessels and resemble mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). HOFF-derived cells exhibited MSC expression of CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD146, and STRO-1, and were capable of differentiation into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. After induction of neural differentiation, HOFF-derived cells formed spheroidal structures and expressed neural stem cell markers including Nestin, β-tubulin III, and O4. Besides, the oocyte-like structure was observed after prolonged culture of HOFF. In conclusion, cells derived from follicular fluid exhibited stem cell characteristics, which could be useful for regenerative medicine applications and cell-based therapies.
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Barati M, Akhondi M, Mousavi NS, Haghparast N, Ghodsi A, Baharvand H, Ebrahimi M, Hassani SN. Pluripotent Stem Cells: Cancer Study, Therapy, and Vaccination. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:1975-1992. [PMID: 34115316 PMCID: PMC8193020 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are promising tools for modern regenerative medicine applications because of their stemness properties, which include unlimited self-renewal and the ability to differentiate into all cell types in the body. Evidence suggests that a rare population of cells within a tumor, termed cancer stem cells (CSCs), exhibit stemness and phenotypic plasticity properties that are primarily responsible for resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, metastasis, cancer development, and tumor relapse. Different therapeutic approaches that target CSCs have been developed for tumor eradication. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION In this review, we first provide an overview of different viewpoints about the origin of CSCs. Particular attention has been paid to views believe that CSCs are probably appeared through dysregulation of very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) which reside in various tissues as the main candidate for tissue-specific stem cells. The expression of pluripotency markers in these two types of cells can strengthen the validity of this theory. In this regard, we discuss the common properties of CSCs and PSCs, and highlight the potential of PSCs in cancer studies, therapeutic applications, as well as educating the immune system against CSCs. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the resemblance of CSCs to PSCs can provide an appropriate source of CSC-specific antigens through cultivation of PSCs which brings to light promising ideas for prophylactic and therapeutic cancer vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Barati
- Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Akhondi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Sabahi Mousavi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Newsha Haghparast
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Asma Ghodsi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ebrahimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh-Nafiseh Hassani
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product Technology Development Center (ATMP-TDC), Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells: Characterization and Role in Tumorigenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1330:151-169. [PMID: 34339036 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-73359-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a heterogenous disease with variable clinicopathological and molecular mechanisms being responsible for tumorigenesis. Despite substantial technological improvement, lack of early diagnosis contributes to its highest mortality. Ovarian cancer is considered to be the most lethal female gynaecological cancer across the world. Conventional treatment modules with platinum- and Taxane-based chemotherapy can cause an initial satisfactory improvement in ovarian cancer patients. However, approximately 75-80% patients of advanced stage ovarian cancer, experience relapse and nearly 40% have overall poor survival rate. It has been observed that a subpopulation of cells referred as cancer stem cells (CSCs), having self renewal property, escape the conventional chemotherapy because of their quiescent nature. Later, these CSCs following its interaction with microenvironment and release of various inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and matrix metalloproteinases, induce invasion and propagation to distant organs of the body mainly peritoneal cavity. These CSCs can be enriched by their specific surface markers such as CD44, CD117, CD133 and intracellular enzyme such as aldehyde dehydrogenase. This tumorigenicity is further aggravated by the epithelial to mesenchymal transition of CSCs and neovascularisation via epigenetic reprogramming and over-expression of various signalling cascades such as Wnt/β-catenin, NOTCH, Hedgehog, etc. to name a few. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of various cellular events involving interaction between cancer cells and cancer stem cells as well as its surrounding micro environmental components would be of unmet need to achieve the ultimate goal of better management of ovarian cancer patients. This chapter deals with the impact of ovarian cancer stem cells in tumorigenesis which would help in the implementation of basic research into the clinical field in the form of translational research in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality in ovarian cancer patients through amelioration of diagnosis and impoverishment of therapeutic resistance.
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14
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Wang H, Cui G, Yu B, Sun M, Yang H. Cancer Stem Cell Niche in Colorectal Cancer and Targeted Therapies. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:1979-1993. [PMID: 32268862 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200408102305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also known as tumor-initiating cells, are a sub-population of tumor cells found in many human cancers that are endowed with self-renewal and pluripotency. CSCs may be more resistant to conventional anticancer therapies than average cancer cells, as they can easily escape the cytotoxic effects of standard chemotherapy, thereby resulting in tumor relapse. Despite significant progress in related research, effective elimination of CSCs remains an unmet clinical need. CSCs are localized in a specialized microenvironment termed the niche, which plays a pivotal role in cancer multidrug resistance. The niche components of CSCs, such as the extracellular matrix, also physically shelter CSCs from therapeutic agents. Colorectal cancer is the most common malignancy worldwide and presents a relatively transparent process of cancer initiation and development, making it an ideal model for CSC niche research. Here, we review recent advances in the field of CSCs using colorectal cancer as an example to illustrate the potential therapeutic value of targeting the CSC niche. These findings not only provide a novel theoretical basis for in-depth discussions on tumor occurrence, development, and prognosis evaluation, but also offer new strategies for the targeted treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China.,Laboratory medical college, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, China
| | - Guihua Cui
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Meiyan Sun
- Laboratory medical college, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
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15
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Ashrafizadeh M, Taeb S, Hushmandi K, Orouei S, Shahinozzaman M, Zabolian A, Moghadam ER, Raei M, Zarrabi A, Khan H, Najafi M. Cancer and SOX proteins: New insight into their role in ovarian cancer progression/inhibition. Pharmacol Res 2020; 161:105159. [PMID: 32818654 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors are potential targets in disease therapy, particularly in cancer. This is due to the fact that transcription factors regulate a variety of cellular events, and their modulation has opened a new window in cancer therapy. Sex-determining region Y (SRY)-related high-mobility group (HMG) box (SOX) proteins are potential transcription factors that are involved in developmental processes such as embryogenesis. It has been reported that abnormal expression of SOX proteins is associated with development of different cancers, particularly ovarian cancer (OC). In the present review, our aim is to provide a mechanistic review of involvement of SOX members in OC. SOX members may suppress and/or promote aggressiveness and proliferation of OC cells. Clinical studies have also confirmed the potential of transcription factors as diagnostic and prognostic factors in OC. Notably, studies have demonstrated the relationship between SOX members and other molecular pathways such as ST6Ga1-I, PI3K, ERK and so on, leading to more complexity. Furthermore, SOX members can be affected by upstream mediators such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and so on. It is worth mentioning that the expression of each member of SOX proteins is corelated with different stages of OC. Furthermore, their expression determines the response of OC cells to chemotherapy. These topics are discussed in this review to shed some light on role of SOX transcription factors in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahram Taeb
- Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology & Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Orouei
- MSc. Student, Department of Genetics, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Md Shahinozzaman
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Amirhossein Zabolian
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Rahmani Moghadam
- Department of Anatomical sciences, School of Medicine, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Raei
- Health Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, Istanbul, 34956, Turkey; Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces (EFSUN), Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Tuzla, Istanbul, 34956, Turkey.
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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16
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Batool A, Liu H, Liu YX, Chen SR. CD83, a Novel MAPK Signaling Pathway Interactor, Determines Ovarian Cancer Cell Fate. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082269. [PMID: 32823589 PMCID: PMC7465057 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancies worldwide. Although CD83 is widely described as a solid marker for mature dendritic cells, emerging pieces of evidence indicate the expression of membrane protein CD83 by various tumor cells, including ovarian cancer cells. However, the potential role of CD83 in ovarian cancer cell properties and development remains absolutely unknown. By using human CD83 stable overexpression and knockdown sublines of several ovarian cancer cells, we observed that CD83 advanced the growth proliferation, colony formation ability, spheroid formation, and in vivo tumorigenicity of ovarian cancer cells; surprisingly, CD83 limited their migration and invasion potentials. Positive regulation of proliferation/stemness factors (e.g., cyclin-CDKs and KIT/CD44) but negative regulation of matrix metallopeptidases (e.g., MMP1 and 7) by CD83 were revealed by the integrated analysis of transcriptome and proteome. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) first identified the association of CD83 with MAP3K7 (also known as TAK1) and MAP3K7-binding protein TAB1 on the cell membrane. Moreover, CD83 functions through the activation of MAP3K7-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 cascades to further regulate downstream FOXO1/p21/CDK2/CCNB1 and STAT3/DKK1 signaling pathways, thus activating proliferation and spheroid formation of ovarian cancer cells, respectively. Collectively, our findings define a CD83-MAPK pathway in the regulation of proliferation and stemness in ovarian cancer cells, with potential therapeutic applications in blocking their progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aalia Batool
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (A.B.); (H.L.)
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
| | - Hao Liu
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (A.B.); (H.L.)
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (A.B.); (H.L.)
- Correspondence:
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17
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Parte S, Virant-Klun I, Patankar M, Batra SK, Straughn A, Kakar SS. PTTG1: a Unique Regulator of Stem/Cancer Stem Cells in the Ovary and Ovarian Cancer. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2019; 15:866-879. [PMID: 31482269 PMCID: PMC10723898 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-019-09911-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Origin of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and mechanisms by which oncogene PTTG1 contributes to tumor progression via CSCs is not known. Ovarian CSCs exhibit characteristics of self-renewal, tumor-initiation, growth, differentiation, drug resistance, and tumor relapse. A common location of putative origin, namely the ovarian surface epithelium, is shared between the normal stem and CSC compartments. Existence of ovarian stem cells and their co-expression with CSC signatures suggests a strong correlation between origin of epithelial cancer and CSCs. We hereby explored a putative oncogene PTTG1 (Securin), reported to be overexpressed in various tumors, including ovarian. We report a previously overlooked role of PTTG1 as a marker of CSCs thereby modulating CSC, germline, and stemness-related genes. We further characterized PTTG1's ability to regulate (cancer) stem cell-associated self-renewal and epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathways. Collectively, the data sheds light on a potential target expressed during ovarian tumorigenesis and metastatically disseminated ascites CSCs in the peritoneal cavity. Present study highlights this unconventional, under-explored role of PTTG1 in regulation of stem and CSC compartments in ovary, ovarian cancer and ascites and highlights it as a potential candidate for developing CSC specific targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Parte
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, 505 South Hancock Street, Clinical and Translational Research Building, Room 322, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Irma Virant-Klun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Manish Patankar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Alex Straughn
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Sham S Kakar
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, 505 South Hancock Street, Clinical and Translational Research Building, Room 322, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
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18
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Kenda Suster N, Virant-Klun I. Presence and role of stem cells in ovarian cancer. World J Stem Cells 2019; 11:383-397. [PMID: 31396367 PMCID: PMC6682502 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i7.383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy. It is typically diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease, with metastatic sites disseminated widely within the abdominal cavity. Ovarian cancer treatment is challenging due to high disease recurrence and further complicated pursuant to acquired chemoresistance. Cancer stem cell (CSC) theory proposes that both tumor development and progression are driven by undifferentiated stem cells capable of self-renewal and tumor-initiation. The most recent evidence revealed that CSCs in terms of ovarian cancer are not only responsible for primary tumor growth, metastasis and relapse of disease, but also for the development of chemoresistance. As the elimination of this cell population is critical for increasing treatment success, a deeper understanding of ovarian CSCs pathobiology, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, signaling pathways and tumor microenvironment, is needed. Finally, before introducing new therapeutic agents for ovarian cancer, targeting CSCs, accurate identification of different ovarian stem cell subpopulations, including the very small embryonic-like stem cells suggested as progenitors, is necessary. To these ends, reliable markers of ovarian CSCs should be identified. In this review, we present the current knowledge and a critical discussion concerning ovarian CSCs and their clinical role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Kenda Suster
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Irma Virant-Klun
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
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19
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Similar Population of CD133+ and DDX4+ VSEL-Like Stem Cells Sorted from Human Embryonic Stem Cell, Ovarian, and Ovarian Cancer Ascites Cell Cultures: The Real Embryonic Stem Cells? Cells 2019; 8:cells8070706. [PMID: 31336813 PMCID: PMC6678667 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A population of small stem cells with diameters of up to 5 μm resembling very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) were sorted from human embryonic stem cell (hESC) cultures using magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) based on the expression of a stem-cell-related marker prominin-1 (CD133). These VSEL-like stem cells had nuclei that almost filled the whole cell volume and expressed stem-cell-related markers (CD133, SSEA-4) and markers of germinal lineage (DDX4/VASA, PRDM14). They were comparable to similar populations of small stem cells sorted from cell cultures of normal ovaries and were the predominant cells in ascites of recurrent ovarian cancer. The sorted populations of CD133+ VSEL-like stem cells were quiescent in vitro, except for ascites, and were highly activated after exposure to valproic acid and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), indicating a new tool to study these cells in vitro. These VSEL-like stem cells spontaneously formed clusters resembling tumour-like structures or grew into larger, oocyte-like cells and were differentiated in vitro into adipogenic, osteogenic and neural lineages after sorting. We propose the population of VSEL-like stem cells from hESC cultures as potential original embryonic stem cells, which are present in the human embryo, persist in adult human ovaries from the embryonic period of life and are involved in cancer manifestation.
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20
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Clarkson YL, Weatherall E, Waterfall M, McLaughlin M, Lu H, Skehel PA, Anderson RA, Telfer EE. Extracellular Localisation of the C-Terminus of DDX4 Confirmed by Immunocytochemistry and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting. Cells 2019; 8:cells8060578. [PMID: 31212843 PMCID: PMC6627596 DOI: 10.3390/cells8060578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Putative oogonial stem cells (OSCs) have been isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) from adult human ovarian tissue using an antibody against DEAD-box helicase 4 (DDX4). DDX4 has been reported to be germ cell specific within the gonads and localised intracellularly. White et al. (2012) hypothesised that the C-terminus of DDX4 is localised on the surface of putative OSCs but is internalised during the process of oogenesis. This hypothesis is controversial since it is assumed that RNA helicases function intracellularly with no extracellular expression. To determine whether the C-terminus of DDX4 could be expressed on the cell surface, we generated a novel expression construct to express full-length DDX4 as a DsRed2 fusion protein with unique C- and N-terminal epitope tags. DDX4 and the C-terminal myc tag were detected at the cell surface by immunocytochemistry and FACS of non-permeabilised human embryonic kidney HEK 293T cells transfected with the DDX4 construct. DDX4 mRNA expression was detected in the DDX4-positive sorted cells by RT-PCR. This study clearly demonstrates that the C-terminus of DDX4 can be expressed on the cell surface despite its lack of a conventional membrane-targeting or secretory sequence. These results validate the use of antibody-based FACS to isolate DDX4-positive putative OSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne L Clarkson
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK.
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
- Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, UK.
| | - Emma Weatherall
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK.
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
- Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, UK.
| | - Martin Waterfall
- Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, UK.
| | - Marie McLaughlin
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK.
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
- Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, UK.
| | - Haojiang Lu
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK.
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
- Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, UK.
| | - Paul A Skehel
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK.
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
- Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, UK.
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21
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Bhartiya D, Patel H, Sharma D. Heterogeneity of Stem Cells in the Ovary. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1169:213-223. [PMID: 31487026 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-24108-7_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Every organ in the body is thought to harbor two populations of stem cells, including the quiescent and the actively dividing, that leads to heterogeneity among them. It is generally believed that the ovary harbors a fixed number of follicles at birth that differentiate during fetal development from the primordial germ cells. The numbers of follicles decrease by age, leading to menopause. However, in 2004, it was suggested that ovary may harbor stem cells that are possibly involved in the formation of new follicles throughout reproductive life. Research over little more than a decade shows that ovarian stem cells include a quiescent population of very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and slightly bigger, actively dividing ovarian stem cells (OSCs). This heterogeneity among ovarian stem cells is similar to the presence of VSELs along with spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in the testis or hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the hematopoietic system. VSELs express embryonic markers, including nuclear OCT-4, and are lodged in the ovary surface epithelium (OSE). Ovarian VSELs undergo asymmetric cell division to self-renew and give rise to OSCs that in turn undergo symmetric cell divisions and clonal expansion (germ cell nest) followed by meiosis to form an oocyte that gets assembled as a primordial follicle. Both VSELs and OSCs also express receptors for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSHR) and are directly activated by FSH to undergo neo-oogenesis and primordial follicle assembly. Whether stimulation of ovaries by FSH in Infertility Clinics activates the stem cells leading to the formation of multiple follicles needs further investigation. Epithelial cells lining the surface of ovary provide a niche to the stem cells under normal circumstances and undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to form granulosa cells for primordial follicle assembly. Compromised function of the epithelial cells with age possibly leads to inability of stem cells to form follicles, leading to menopause. More than 90% of ovarian cancers arise in the OSE, possibly due to excessive self-renewal of VSELs. Altered biology of the OSE cells results in the formation of myofibroblasts by EMT and may provide a cancerous niche that supports excessive expansion of the stem cells lodged in the OSE, leading to ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer cells express markers like OCT-4 and FSHR, which are also expressed by the VSELs lodged in the OSE, whereas the epithelial cells are distinctly negative for the same. Lot more research is required in the field to gain further understanding of ovarian stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India.
| | - Hiren Patel
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Diksha Sharma
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
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22
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Zuo Q, Jin K, Song J, Zhang Y, Chen G, Li B. Interaction of the primordial germ cell-specific protein C2EIP with PTCH2 directs differentiation of embryonic stem cells via HH signaling activation. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:497. [PMID: 29703892 PMCID: PMC5923244 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0557-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although many marker genes for germ cell differentiation have been identified, genes that specifically regulate primordial germ cell (PGC) generation are more difficult to determine. In the current study, we confirmed that C2EIP is a PGC marker gene that regulates differentiation by influencing the expression of pluripotency-associated genes such as Oct4 and Sox2. Knockout of C2EIP during embryonic development reduced PGC generation efficiency 1.5-fold, whereas C2EIP overexpression nearly doubled the generation efficiency both in vitro and in vivo. C2EIP encodes a cytoplasmic protein that interacted with PTCH2 at the intracellular membrane, promoted PTCH2 ubiquitination, activated the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway via competitive inhibition of the GPCR-like protein SMO, and positively regulated PGC generation. Activation and expression of C2EIP are regulated by the transcription factor STAT1, histone acetylation, and promoter methylation. Our data suggest that C2EIP is a novel, specific indicator of PGC generation whose gene product regulates embryonic stem cell differentiation by activating the HH signaling pathway via PTCH2 modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qisheng Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P.R. China
| | - Kai Jin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P.R. China
| | - Jiuzhou Song
- Animal & Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 20741, USA
| | - Yani Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P.R. China
| | - Guohong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P.R. China
| | - Bichun Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P.R. China.
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23
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Lv Z, Yu JJ, Zhang WJ, Xiong L, Wang F, Li LF, Zhou XL, Gao XY, Ding XF, Han L, Cai YF, Ma W, Wang LX. Expression and functional regulation of stemness gene Lgr5 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 8:26492-26504. [PMID: 28404917 PMCID: PMC5432274 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are defined as a rare subpopulation of undifferentiated cells with biological characteristics that include the capacity for self-renewal, differentiation into various lineages, and tumor initiation. To explore the mechanism of CSCs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), we focused on Leucine-rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5), a target gene of the Wnt signaling pathway, which has been identified as a marker of intestinal stem cells and shown to be overexpressed in several human malignancies. Lgr5 expression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, increased depth of invasion, increased tumor size, advanced differentiation, higher AJCC stage and poorer survival. Silencing of Lgr5 expression in the ESCC cell line KYSE450 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) strongly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability, the expression of CSCs-related genes and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In addition, Lgr5 was highly expressed in ESCC spheroid body cells, which were identified by high expression of CSCs-related genes, and high tumorigenicity in vivo. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Lgr5 activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a potential mechanism to promote the progression of ESCC and ESCC stem cell renewal, and Lgr5 may be used as a molecular target for the development of treatments for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuan Lv
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jane J Yu
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Wei-Jie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Li Xiong
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiang Ya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Li-Feng Li
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xue-Liang Zhou
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xin-Ya Gao
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xian-Fei Ding
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Li Han
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ya-Fei Cai
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wang Ma
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Liu-Xing Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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24
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Abstract
Tumor-associated gangliosides play important roles in regulation of signal transduction induced by growth-factor receptors including EGFR, FGFR, HGF and PDGFR in a specific microdomain called glycosynapse in the cancer cell membranes, and in interaction with glycan recognition molecules involved in cell adhesion and immune regulation including selectins and siglecs. As the genes involved in the synthesis and degradation of tumor-associated gangliosides were identified, biological functions became clearer from the experimental results employing forced overexpression and/or knockdown/knockout of the genes. Studies on the regulatory mechanisms for their expression also achieved great advancements. Epigenetic silencing of glycan-related genes is a dominant mechanism in glycan alteration at early stages of carcinogenesis. Development of hypoxia resistance involving activation of a transcription factor HIF, and acquisition of cancer stem cell-like characteristics through epithelial-mesenchymal transition are important mechanisms for glycan modulations in the later stages of cancer progression. In the initial stages of studies, the gangliosides which specifically appear in cancers attracted attention under the name of tumor-associated gangliosides. However, it became apparent that not only the cancer-associated gangliosides but also the normal gangliosides present in nonmalignant cells and tissues perform important biological functions, and some of them tend to disappear in cancer cells resulting in the loss of the physiological functions, and this sometimes facilitates progression of cancers.
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25
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Parte SC, Smolenkov A, Batra SK, Ratajczak MZ, Kakar SS. Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells: Unraveling a Germline Connection. Stem Cells Dev 2017; 26:1781-1803. [PMID: 29078734 PMCID: PMC5725638 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2017.0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is most lethal among gynecological cancers with often fatal consequences due to lack of effective biomarkers and relapse, which propels ovarian cancer research into unique directions to establish solid targeted therapeutics. "Ovarian stem cells" expressing germline pluripotent markers serve as novel paradigm with potential to address infertility, menopause, and probably influence tumor initiation. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) pose vital role in tumor recurrence and hence it is extremely important to study them with respect to ovarian stem cells across various cancer stages and normal ovaries. Pluripotent (OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, SSEA1, and SSEA4), germline (IFITM3, VASA/DDX4), and cancer stem (CD44, LGR5) cell specific markers were characterized for protein and mRNA expression in tumor tissues to understand their distribution in the surface epithelium and ovarian cortex in benign, borderline, and high-grade malignant stages. To elucidate whether pluripotent ovarian germline stem cells and CSCs are common subset of stem cells in tumor tissues, VASA was colocalized with known pluripotent stem (OCT4, SSEA1, SSEA4) and CSC (CD44, LGR5) specific markers by confocal microscopy. Single, smaller spherical (≤5 μm), and larger elliptical fibroblast like (≥10 μm) cells (also in clusters or multiples) were detected implying probable functional behavioral significance of cells in tumor initiation and metastasis across various cancer stages. Cells revealed characteristic staining pattern in ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) and cortex regions exclusive for each marker. Co-expression studies revealed specific subpopulations existing simultaneously in OSE and cortex and that a dynamic hierarchy of (cancer) stem cells with germline properties prevails in normal ovaries and cancer stages. Novel insights into CSC biology with respect to ovarian and germline stem cell perspective were obtained. Understanding molecular signatures and distribution within ovarian tissue may enable identification of precise tumor-initiating CSC populations and signaling pathways thus improving their efficient targeting and strategies to prevent their dissemination causing fatal relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema C. Parte
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Andrei Smolenkov
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Surinder K. Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Mariusz Z. Ratajczak
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Sham S. Kakar
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
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26
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Bhartiya D, Patel H. Ovarian stem cells-resolving controversies. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 35:393-398. [PMID: 29128912 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-1080-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent review on ovarian stem cells by Horan and Williams entitled "Oocyte Stem Cells: Fact or Fantasy?" suggests that the debate on ovarian stem cells (OSCs) is still not over. They did not even discuss the presence of two distinct populations of stem cells in the ovary in their review. OSCs are located in the ovary surface epithelium and Tilly's group reported them in the size range of 5-8 μm whereas Virant-Klun's group has reported pluripotent, 2-4 μm OSCs. Our group reported OSCs of two distinct sizes including pluripotent very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) which are smaller in size than RBCs (similar to those reported by Virant-Klun's group) and slightly bigger (similar to those reported by Tilly's group) tissue committed progenitors (OSCs) that presumably differentiate from VSELs. These stem/progenitor cells express receptors for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and are activated by FSH. Our opinion article provides explanation to several open-ended questions raised in the review on OSCs by Horan and Williams. VSELs survive chemotherapy; maintain life-long homeostasis; loss of their function due to a compromised niche results in age-related senescence and presence of overlapping pluripotent markers suggest that they may also be implicated in epithelial ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
| | - Hiren Patel
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
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27
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Carter K, Rameshwar P, Ratajczak MZ, Kakar SS. Verrucarin J inhibits ovarian cancer and targets cancer stem cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:92743-92756. [PMID: 29190952 PMCID: PMC5696218 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian Cancer is the fifth leading cause of death among women from cancer. Cancer stem cells are a small population of cells present in cancer and the cause of chemoresistance and recurrence of cancer. We tested a new compound "Verrucarin J (VJ)", a metabolite of the Myrothecium fungus family, and showed that VJ significantly inhibits cell proliferation of both cisplatin-sensitive (A2780 and OVCAR5) and cisplatin-resistant (A2780/CP70) cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner with IC50 value of approximately 10 nM after 48 h of treatment. VJ was found to induce apoptosis, DNA damage, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Treatment of A2780 cells with VJ resulted in a significant suppression of expression of CSCs markers including ALDH1, LGR5, NANOG and OCT4 in a dose-dependent manner, elimination of ALDH1+ CSC population and inhibition of expression of Notch1 and Wnt1 signaling pathways. Our study also showed that VJ inhibited the tumorigenic potential (spheroid formation on ultralow attachment plates) of isolated ALDH1+ CSCs in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. VJ resulted downregulation of expression of securin an "oncogene" involved in tumor growth and progression, indicating that securin may serve as a downstream signaling gene to mediate antitumor effects of VJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Carter
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Pranela Rameshwar
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Mariusz Z Ratajczak
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.,James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Sham S Kakar
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.,James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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28
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Karmakar S, Seshacharyulu P, Lakshmanan I, Vaz AP, Chugh S, Sheinin YM, Mahapatra S, Batra SK, Ponnusamy MP. hPaf1/PD2 interacts with OCT3/4 to promote self-renewal of ovarian cancer stem cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:14806-14820. [PMID: 28122356 PMCID: PMC5362445 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), which mediate drug resistance and disease recurrence in several cancers, are therapeutically relevant to ovarian cancer (OC), wherein approximately 80% of patients manifest with tumor recurrence. While there are several markers for ovarian CSCs (OCSCs), the mechanism for their self-renewal maintenance by unique driver/markers is poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the role of hPaf1/PD2, a core component of RNA Polymerase II-Associated Factor (PAF) complex, in self-renewal of OCSCs through marker and functional analyses, including CRISPR/Cas9-silencing of hPaf1/PD2 in OCSCs and provided a possible mechanism for maintenance of OCSCs. Expression of hPaf1/PD2 showed moderate to intense staining in 32.4% of human OC tissues, whereas 67.6% demonstrated basal expression by immunohistochemistry analysis, implying that the minor proportion of cells overexpressing hPaf1/PD2 could be putative OCSCs. Isolated OCSCs showed higher expression of hPaf1/PD2 along with established CSC and self-renewal markers. Knockdown of hPaf1/PD2 in OCSCs resulted in a significant downregulation of CSC and self-renewal markers, and impairment of in vitro tumor sphere (P < 0.05) and colony formation (P = 0.013). Co-immunoprecipitation revealed that OCT3/4 specifically interacts with hPaf1/PD2, and not with other PAF components (Ctr9, Leo1, Parafibromin) in OCSCs, suggesting a complex-independent role for hPaf1/PD2 in OCSC maintenance. Moreover, there was a significant overexpression and co-localization of hPaf1/PD2 with OCT3/4 in OC tissues compared to normal ovary tissues. Our results indicate that hPaf1/PD2 is overexpressed in OCSCs and maintains the self-renewal of OCSCs through its interaction with OCT3/4; thus, hPaf1/PD2 may be a potential therapeutic target to overcome tumor relapse in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saswati Karmakar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | - Imayavaramban Lakshmanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Arokia P Vaz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Seema Chugh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Yuri M Sheinin
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sidharth Mahapatra
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Disease, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Disease, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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29
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Vanni VS, Viganò P, Papaleo E, Mangili G, Candiani M, Giorgione V. Advances in improving fertility in women through stem cell-based clinical platforms. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017; 17:585-593. [PMID: 28351161 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2017.1305352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Due to their regenerative ability, stem cells are looked at as a promising tool for improving infertility treatments in women. As the main limiting factor in female fertility is represented by the decrease of ovarian reserve, the main goals of stem cell-based clinical platforms would be to obtain in vitro or in vivo neo-oogenesis. Refractory endometrial factor infertility also represents an obstacle for female reproduction for which stem cells might provide novel treatment strategies. Areas covered: A systematic search of the literature was performed on MEDLINE/PubMed database to identify relevant articles using stem-cell based clinical or research platforms in the field of female infertility. Expert opinion: In vitro oogenesis has not so far developed beyond the stage of oocyte-like cells whose normal progression to mature oocytes and ability to be fertilized was not proved. Extensive epigenetic programming of gamete precursors and the complex interactions between somatic and germ cells required for human oogenesis likely represent the main obstacles in stem-cell-based neo-oogenesis. Also resuming oogenesis in vivo in adulthood still appears a distant hypothesis, as there is still a lack of consensus about the existence and functionality of adult ovarian stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Stella Vanni
- a Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit , IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital , Milano , Italy.,b Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit , Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milano , Italy
| | - Paola Viganò
- c Division of Genetics and Cell Biology , IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital , Milano , Italy
| | - Enrico Papaleo
- a Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit , IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital , Milano , Italy
| | - Giorgia Mangili
- a Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit , IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital , Milano , Italy
| | - Massimo Candiani
- a Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit , IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital , Milano , Italy.,b Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit , Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milano , Italy
| | - Veronica Giorgione
- a Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit , IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital , Milano , Italy.,b Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit , Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milano , Italy
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30
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Yu CC, Yu CH, Chang YC. Aberrant SSEA-4 upregulation mediates myofibroblast activity to promote pre-cancerous oral submucous fibrosis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37004. [PMID: 27845370 PMCID: PMC5109465 DOI: 10.1038/srep37004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), regarded as a precancerous condition, is characterized by juxta-epithelial inflammatory reaction followed by fibro-elastic change in the lamina properia and epithelial atrophy. The pathologic mechanisms of OSF still need to be further clarified. In the study, we investigated the functional expression of SSEA-4, which is a well-known stemness marker, in myofibroblast activity and the clinical significance in OSF tissues. The expression of SSEA-4 in OSF was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Functional analysis of SSEA-4 on myofibroblast activity of OSF was achieved by lentiviral silencing ST3GAL2. Immunohisitochemistry demonstrated that SSEA-4 expression was significantly higher expression in areca quid chewing-associated OSF tissues than those of normal oral mucosa tissues. From flow cytometry analysis, arecoline dose-dependently activated SSEA-4 expression in primary human normal buccal mucosal fibroblasts (BMFs). Sorted SSEA-4-positive cells from fibrotic BMFs (fBMFs) have higher colony-forming unit, collagen gel contraction, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression than SSEA-4-negative subset. Knockdown of ST3GAL2 in fBMFs suppressed SSEA-4 expression, collagen contraction, migration, invasiveness, and wound healing capability. Consistently, silencing ST3GAL2 was found to repress arecoline-induced myofibroblast activity in BMFs. The study highlights SSEA-4 as a critical marker for therapeutic intervention to mediate myofibroblast transdifferentiation in areca quid chewing-associated OSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Chia Yu
- Institute of Oral Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Hang Yu
- School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chao Chang
- School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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31
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Bhartiya D, Shaikh A, Anand S, Patel H, Kapoor S, Sriraman K, Parte S, Unni S. Endogenous, very small embryonic-like stem cells: critical review, therapeutic potential and a look ahead. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 23:41-76. [PMID: 27614362 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both pluripotent very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells were reported in 2006. In 2012, a Nobel Prize was awarded for iPS technology whereas even today the very existence of VSELs is not well accepted. The underlying reason is that VSELs exist in low numbers, remain dormant under homeostatic conditions, are very small in size and do not pellet down at 250-280g. The VSELs maintain life-long tissue homeostasis, serve as a backup pool for adult stem cells and are mobilized under stress conditions. An imbalance in VSELs function (uncontrolled proliferation) may result in cancer. SEARCH METHODS The electronic database 'Medline/Pubmed' was systematically searched with the subject heading term 'very small embryonic-like stem cells'. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The most primitive stem cells that undergo asymmetric cell divisions to self-renew and give rise to progenitors still remain elusive in the hematopoietic system and testes, while the presence of stem cells in ovary is still being debated. We propose to review the available literature on VSELs, the methods of their isolation and characterization, their ontogeny, how they compare with embryonic stem (ES) cells, primordial germ cells (PGCs) and iPS cells, and their role in maintaining tissue homeostasis. The review includes a look ahead on how VSELs will result in paradigm shifts in basic reproductive biology. OUTCOMES Adult tissue-specific stem cells including hematopoietic, spermatogonial, ovarian and mesenchymal stem cells have good proliferation potential and are indeed committed progenitors (with cytoplasmic OCT-4), which arise by asymmetric cell divisions of pluripotent VSELs (with nuclear OCT-4). VSELs are the most primitive stem cells and postulated to be an overlapping population with the PGCs. Rather than migrating only to the gonads, PGCs migrate and survive in various adult body organs throughout life as VSELs. VSELs express both pluripotent and PGC-specific markers and are epigenetically and developmentally more mature compared with ES cells obtained from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst-stage embryo. As a result, VSELs readily differentiate into three embryonic germ layers and spontaneously give rise to both sperm and oocytes in vitro. Like PGCs, VSELs do not divide readily in culture, nor produce teratoma or integrate in the developing embryo. But this property of being relatively quiescent allows endogenous VSELs to survive various kinds of toxic insults. VSELs that survive oncotherapy can be targeted to induce endogenous regeneration of non-functional gonads. Transplanting healthy niche (mesenchymal) cells have resulted in improved gonadal function and live births. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Being quiescent, VSELs possibly do not accumulate genomic (nuclear or mitochondrial) mutations and thus may be ideal endogenous, pluripotent stem cell candidates for regenerative and reproductive medicine. The presence of VSELs in adult gonads and the fact that they survive oncotherapy may obviate the need to bank gonadal tissue for fertility preservation prior to oncotherapy. VSELs and their ability to undergo spermatogenesis/neo-oogenesis in the presence of a healthy niche will help identify newer strategies toward fertility restoration in cancer survivors, delaying menopause and also enabling aged mothers to have better quality eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Ambreen Shaikh
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Sandhya Anand
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Hiren Patel
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Sona Kapoor
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Kalpana Sriraman
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India.,The Foundation for Medical Research, 84-A, RG Thadani Marg, Worli, Mumbai 400018, India
| | - Seema Parte
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India.,Department of Physiology, James Graham Brown Cancer Centre, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 2301 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Sreepoorna Unni
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India.,Inter Disciplinary Studies Department, University College, Zayed University, Academic City, PO Box 19282, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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