1
|
Xiao D, Xiong M, Wang X, Lyu M, Sun H, Cui Y, Chen C, Jiang Z, Sun F. Regulation of the Function and Expression of EpCAM. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1129. [PMID: 38791091 PMCID: PMC11117676 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a single transmembrane protein on the cell surface. Given its strong expression on epithelial cells and epithelial cell-derived tumors, EpCAM has been identified as a biomarker for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and exosomes and a target for cancer therapy. As a cell adhesion molecule, EpCAM has a crystal structure that indicates that it forms a cis-dimer first and then probably a trans-tetramer to mediate intercellular adhesion. Through regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP), EpCAM and its proteolytic fragments are also able to regulate multiple signaling pathways, Wnt signaling in particular. Although great progress has been made, increasingly more findings have revealed the context-specific expression and function patterns of EpCAM and their regulation processes, which necessitates further studies to determine the structure, function, and expression of EpCAM under both physiological and pathological conditions, broadening its application in basic and translational cancer research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Di Xiao
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Mingrui Xiong
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Xin Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Mengqing Lyu
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Hanxiang Sun
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Yeting Cui
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Technology and Translational Medicine, Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China;
| | - Ziyu Jiang
- Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Technology and Translational Medicine, Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China;
| | - Fan Sun
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bufalo AJ, Vanderbeck MM, Schmitt J, McGraw HF. EpCAM regulates hair cell development and regeneration in the zebrafish lateral line. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2024; 2024:10.17912/micropub.biology.001219. [PMID: 38800699 PMCID: PMC11117072 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The zebrafish lateral line mechanosensory system shares considerable morphological and molecular similarities with the inner ear. In particular, mechanosensory hair cells are responsible for transducing sensory stimuli in both structures. The epithelia cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is expressed in the cells of the inner ear of mammals and in the lateral lines system of fish. EpCAM regulates the many cellular functions including adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. In this study, we use the epcam jh79 mutant zebrafish line to determine that EpCAM function is required for proper development and regeneration of posterior lateral line hair cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Bufalo
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Systems, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
| | - Madison M. Vanderbeck
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Systems, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
| | - Jodie Schmitt
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Systems, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
| | - Hillary F. McGraw
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Systems, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Singh M, De Rubis G, Kokkinis S, Paudel KR, Yeung S, Hansbro PM, Oliver BGG, Dua K. Curcumin-loaded liposomes modulating the synergistic role of EpCAM and estrogen receptor alpha in lung cancer management. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 257:155317. [PMID: 38657558 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating the exploration of innovative therapeutic strategies. This study delves into the in vitro potential of liposomal therapeutics utilizing Curcumin-loaded PlexoZome® (CUR-PLXZ) in targeting EpCAM/TROP1 and Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ERα) signalling pathways for LC management. The prevalence of LC, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), underscores the urgent need for effective treatments. Biomarkers like EpCAM/TROP1 and ERα/NR3A1 play crucial roles in guiding targeted therapies and influencing prognosis. EpCAM plays a key role in cell-cell adhesion and signalling along with ERα which is a nuclear receptor that binds estrogen and regulates gene expression in response to hormonal signals. In LC, both often get overexpressed and are associated with tumour progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis. Curcumin, a phytochemical with diverse therapeutic properties, holds promise in targeting these pathways. However, its limited solubility and bioavailability necessitate advanced formulations like CUR-PLXZ. Our study investigates the biological significance of these biomarkers in the A549 cell line and explores the therapeutic potential of CUR-PLXZ, which modulates the expression of these two markers. An in vitro analysis of the A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line identified that CUR-PLXZ at a dose of 5 μM effectively inhibited the expression of EpCAM and ERα. This finding paves the way for targeted intervention strategies in LC management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India; Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Gabriele De Rubis
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Sofia Kokkinis
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Pharmako Biotechnologies, Sydney, NSW 2086, Australia
| | - Keshav Raj Paudel
- Centre of Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Stewart Yeung
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Philip Michael Hansbro
- Centre of Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Brian Gregory George Oliver
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia; School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sun W, You X, Zhao X, Zhang X, Yang C, Zhang F, Yu J, Yang K, Wang J, Xu F, Chang Y, Qu B, Zhao X, He Y, Wang Q, Chen J, Qing G. Precise Capture and Dynamic Release of Circulating Liver Cancer Cells with Dual-Histidine-Based Cell Imprinted Hydrogels. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2402379. [PMID: 38655900 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202402379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detection presents significant advantages in diagnosing liver cancer due to its noninvasiveness, real-time monitoring, and dynamic tracking. However, the clinical application of CTCs-based diagnosis is largely limited by the challenges of capturing low-abundance CTCs within a complex blood environment while ensuring them alive. Here, an ultrastrong ligand, l-histidine-l-histidine (HH), specifically targeting sialylated glycans on the surface of CTCs, is designed. Furthermore, HH is integrated into a cell-imprinted polymer, constructing a hydrogel with precise CTCs imprinting, high elasticity, satisfactory blood compatibility, and robust anti-interference capacities. These features endow the hydrogel with excellent capture efficiency (>95%) for CTCs in peripheral blood, as well as the ability to release CTCs controllably and alive. Clinical tests substantiate the accurate differentiation between liver cancer, cirrhosis, and healthy groups using this method. The remarkable diagnostic accuracy (94%), lossless release of CTCs, material reversibility, and cost-effectiveness ($6.68 per sample) make the HH-based hydrogel a potentially revolutionary technology for liver cancer diagnosis and single-cell analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Sun
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Chromatographic R&A Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, P. R. China
| | - Xin You
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, P. R. China
| | - Xinjia Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Chromatographic R&A Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Chromatographic R&A Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, P. R. China
| | - Chunhui Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, P. R. China
| | - Fusheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Chromatographic R&A Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, P. R. China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, 430200, P. R. China
| | - Jiaqi Yu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, 430200, P. R. China
| | - Kaiguang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Chromatographic R&A Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, P. R. China
| | - Jixia Wang
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, P. R. China
| | - Fangfang Xu
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, P. R. China
| | - Yongxin Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Chromatographic R&A Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, P. R. China
| | - Boxin Qu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, P. R. China
| | - Xinmiao Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116029, P. R. China
| | - Yuxuan He
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116029, P. R. China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, P. R. China
| | - Jinghua Chen
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Guangyan Qing
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Chromatographic R&A Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, P. R. China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, 430200, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Arrè V, Mastrogiacomo R, Balestra F, Serino G, Viti F, Rizzi F, Curri ML, Giannelli G, Depalo N, Scavo MP. Unveiling the Potential of Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Nanotools for Gastrointestinal Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:567. [PMID: 38675228 PMCID: PMC11055174 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), acting as inherent nanocarriers adept at transporting a range of different biological molecules such as proteins, lipids, and genetic material, exhibit diverse functions within the gastroenteric tract. In states of normal health, they participate in the upkeep of systemic and organ homeostasis. Conversely, in pathological conditions, they significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases (GIDs). Isolating EVs from patients' biofluids facilitates the discovery of new biomarkers that have the potential to offer a rapid, cost-effective, and non-invasive method for diagnosing and prognosing specific GIDs. Furthermore, EVs demonstrate considerable therapeutic potential as naturally targeted physiological carriers for the intercellular delivery of therapeutic cargo molecules or as nanoscale tools engineered specifically to regulate physio-pathological conditions or disease progression. Their attributes including safety, high permeability, stability, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and homing/tropism capabilities contribute to their promising clinical therapeutic applications. This review will delve into various examples of EVs serving as biomarkers or nanocarriers for therapeutic cargo in the context of GIDs, highlighting their clinical potential for both functional and structural gastrointestinal conditions. The versatile and advantageous properties of EVs position them as promising candidates for innovative therapeutic strategies in advancing personalized medicine approaches tailored to the gastroenteric tract, addressing both functional and structural GIDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Arrè
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS de Bellis, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (V.A.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Rita Mastrogiacomo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (R.M.); (M.L.C.)
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes (IPCF)-CNR SS, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy;
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Bari Research Unit, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Balestra
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS de Bellis, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (V.A.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Grazia Serino
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS de Bellis, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (V.A.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Federica Viti
- Institute of Biophysics—National Research Council (IBF-CNR), Via De Marini 6, 16149 Genova, Italy;
| | - Federica Rizzi
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes (IPCF)-CNR SS, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy;
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Bari Research Unit, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Curri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (R.M.); (M.L.C.)
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes (IPCF)-CNR SS, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy;
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Bari Research Unit, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS de Bellis, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (V.A.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Nicoletta Depalo
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes (IPCF)-CNR SS, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy;
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Bari Research Unit, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Principia Scavo
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS de Bellis, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (V.A.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (G.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhou L, Lu Y, Liu W, Wang S, Wang L, Zheng P, Zi G, Liu H, Liu W, Wei S. Drug conjugates for the treatment of lung cancer: from drug discovery to clinical practice. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:26. [PMID: 38429828 PMCID: PMC10908151 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00493-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
A drug conjugate consists of a cytotoxic drug bound via a linker to a targeted ligand, allowing the targeted delivery of the drug to one or more tumor sites. This approach simultaneously reduces drug toxicity and increases efficacy, with a powerful combination of efficient killing and precise targeting. Antibody‒drug conjugates (ADCs) are the best-known type of drug conjugate, combining the specificity of antibodies with the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs to reduce adverse reactions by preferentially targeting the payload to the tumor. The structure of ADCs has also provided inspiration for the development of additional drug conjugates. In recent years, drug conjugates such as ADCs, peptide‒drug conjugates (PDCs) and radionuclide drug conjugates (RDCs) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The scope and application of drug conjugates have been expanding, including combination therapy and precise drug delivery, and a variety of new conjugation technology concepts have emerged. Additionally, new conjugation technology-based drugs have been developed in industry. In addition to chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, drug conjugate therapy has undergone continuous development and made significant progress in treating lung cancer in recent years, offering a promising strategy for the treatment of this disease. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the use of drug conjugates for lung cancer treatment, including structure-based drug design, mechanisms of action, clinical trials, and side effects. Furthermore, challenges, potential approaches and future prospects are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunlong Lu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shanglong Wang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengdou Zheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guisha Zi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiguo Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wukun Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030000, China.
| | - Shuang Wei
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhou J, Lan F, Liu M, Wang F, Ning X, Yang H, Sun H. Hypoxia inducible factor-1ɑ as a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma metastasis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1350187. [PMID: 38327979 PMCID: PMC10847273 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1350187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant tumor originating from mesenchymal tissue. Pulmonary metastasis is usually present upon initial diagnosis, and metastasis is the primary factor affecting the poor prognosis of patients with OS. Current research shows that the ability to regulate the cellular microenvironment is essential for preventing the distant metastasis of OS, and anoxic microenvironments are important features of solid tumors. During hypoxia, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression levels and stability increase. Increased HIF-1α promotes tumor vascular remodeling, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT), and OS cells invasiveness; this leads to distant metastasis of OS cells. HIF-1α plays an essential role in the mechanisms of OS metastasis. In order to develop precise prognostic indicators and potential therapeutic targets for OS treatment, this review examines the molecular mechanisms of HIF-1α in the distant metastasis of OS cells; the signal transduction pathways mediated by HIF-1α are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianghu Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Fengjun Lan
- Department of Orthopaedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Fengyan Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xu Ning
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Hong Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen M, Gao Y, Cao H, Wang Z, Zhang S. Comprehensive analysis reveals dual biological function roles of EpCAM in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23505. [PMID: 38187284 PMCID: PMC10767389 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), a well-established marker for circulating tumor cells, plays a crucial role in the complex process of cancer metastasis. The primary objective of this investigation is to study EpCAM expression in pan-cancer and elucidate its significance in the context of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Methods Data obtained from the public database was harnessed for the comprehensive assessment of the EpCAM expression levels and prognostic and clinicopathological correlations in thirty-three types of cancer. EpCAM was validated in our own KIRC sequencing and immunohistochemical cohorts. Subsequently, an in-depth exploration was conducted to scrutinize the interrelationship between EpCAM and various facets, including immune cells, immune checkpoints, and chemotherapy drugs. We employed Cox regression analysis to identify prognostic immunomodulators associated with EpCAM, which were subsequently utilized in the development of a prognostic model. The model was validated in our own clinical cohort and public datasets, and compared with 137 published models. The role of EpCAM in KIRC was explored by biological function experiments in vitro. Results While EpCAM exhibited pronounced overexpression across a wide spectrum of cancer types, a notable reduction was observed in KIRC tissues. As grade increased, EpCAM expression decreased. EpCAM expression decreased in patients without metastasis. EpCAM mRNA and protein levels were used as independent, favorable prognostic factors in patients with KIRC in our own cohort. The expression of EpCAM exhibited strong associations with immune-related pathways, demonstrating an inverse correlation with the majority of immune cell types. Immune checkpoint inhibitors exert better therapeutic effects on patients with low EpCAM expression. In addition, EpCAM can be used as a drug resistance indicator and guide the clinical medication of patients with KIRC. A robust model, which had good predictive accuracy and applicability, showed significant superiority over other models. Importantly, EpCAM played the dual roles of promoting proliferation and resisting metastasis in KIRC. Conclusion In the context of KIRC, EpCAM assumes a surprising dual role, where it not only facilitates cell proliferation but also exerts resistance against the metastatic process. EpCAM serves as a standalone prognostic marker for patients with KIRC, and related models can also effectively predict prognosis. These discoveries offer novel perspectives on the functional significance of EpCAM in the context of KIRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Chen
- Central Laboratory, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, 570208, China
| | - Yuanhui Gao
- Central Laboratory, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, 570208, China
| | - Hui Cao
- Central Laboratory, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, 570208, China
| | - Zhenting Wang
- Urology, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, 570208, China
| | - Shufang Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, 570208, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bell D, Bell AH, Weber RS, Hanna EY. Intestinal-Type Adenocarcinoma in Head and Neck: Dissecting Oncogenic Gene Alterations Through Whole Transcriptome and Exome Analysis. Mod Pathol 2024; 37:100372. [PMID: 37914089 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Adenocarcinomas of the nasal/paranasal sinuses are uncommon, but intestinal-type adenocarcinomas (ITACs) are important. Due to the rarity of these tumors, their molecular profile is not well known. To further investigate the molecular profile and find potential oncogenic drivers, we compared the whole transcriptome and exome of ITACs at different anatomic locations in the head and neck. Twenty-one head and neck adenocarcinomas were used in this study, divided into 10 sinonasal adenocarcinomas (SNT) and 11 extrasinonasal (T) head and neck adenocarcinomas according to anatomic location and histology. Tumor samples along with normal mucosa were microdissected from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples, and RNA and DNA were subjected to whole-transcriptome and -exome shotgun sequencing. Analysis of ITACs at sinonasal locations showed 410 subtype-specific differentially expressed (DE) genes and noncoding transcripts compared with the group of other anatomic locations, with 2909 subtype-specific DE genes. The groups shared 872 genes, with 17 highly different or opposing DE genes. Whole-exome mutation analysis revealed the gene MLL3 (KMT2C) to be exhibiting the most frequent loss-of-function mutations in all adenocarcinomas investigated. The results suggest that the head and neck ITACs investigated were mainly caused by loss-of-function mutations in MLL3 that disabled chromatin methylation and remodeling of all MLL3-targeted enhancers in the tumors. This changed the activity of multiple genes/gene clusters, supporting oncogenicity mostly via pathways of signaling, dedifferentiation, proliferation, migration, and immune and inflammatory deregulation, indicating a truly epigenetic event as the root cause for the heterogenous diversity of these enteric types of cancer. The data of this study form the basis for understanding cell fate determination and cellular homeostasis in the normal respiratory mucosa at different anatomic sites and show the contribution of different mucosal components to the etiology/molecular pathology of ITAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Bell
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California.
| | - Achim H Bell
- Departments of Pathology Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Randal S Weber
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ehab Y Hanna
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Frey G, Cugnetti APG, Liu H, Xing C, Wheeler C, Chang HW, Boyle WJ, Short JM. A novel conditional active biologic anti-EpCAM x anti-CD3 bispecific antibody with synergistic tumor selectivity for cancer immunotherapy. MAbs 2024; 16:2322562. [PMID: 38445633 PMCID: PMC10936661 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2322562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that plays several roles in cancer biology. EpCAM is an attractive therapeutic target because of its expression in most solid tumors. However, targeting EpCAM has been challenging because it is also highly expressed in normal epithelial tissues. Initial attempts to develop EpCAM-specific T-cell engagers were unsuccessful due to severe cytokine release effects, as well as serious on-target, off-tumor drug-related toxicities. We developed novel, conditionally active biological (CAB) bispecific antibodies that bind to both EpCAM and CD3 in an acidic tumor microenvironment. In healthy tissues, binding to EpCAM and CD3 is greatly reduced by a novel, dual CAB selection, where each binding domain is independently blocked by the presence of physiological chemicals known as Protein-associated Chemical Switches (PaCS). The CAB anti-EpCAM T-cell engagers displayed the anticipated bispecific binding properties and mediated the potent lysis of EpCAM-positive cancer cell lines through the recruitment of T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Xenograft studies showed that the efficacy of CAB bispecific antibodies is similar to that of a non-CAB anti-EpCAM bispecific antibody, but they have markedly reduced toxicity in non-human primates, indicating an unprecedentedly widened therapeutic index of over 100-fold. These preclinical results indicate that the dual CAB bispecific antibody is potentially both a powerful and safe therapeutic platform and a promising T cell-engaging treatment for patients with EpCAM-expressing tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Frey
- Research & Development, BioAtla Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Haizhen Liu
- Research & Development, BioAtla Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Charles Xing
- Research & Development, BioAtla Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jay M. Short
- Research & Development, BioAtla Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Uddin MH, Al‐Hallak MN, Khan HY, Aboukameel A, Li Y, Bannoura SF, Dyson G, Kim S, Mzannar Y, Azar I, Odisho T, Mohamed A, Landesman Y, Kim S, Beydoun R, Mohammad RM, Philip PA, Shields AF, Azmi AS. Molecular analysis of XPO1 inhibitor and gemcitabine-nab-paclitaxel combination in KPC pancreatic cancer mouse model. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1513. [PMID: 38131168 PMCID: PMC10739156 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients experience disease progression while on treatment with gemcitabine and nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab)-paclitaxel (GemPac) necessitating the need for a more effective treatment strategy for this refractory disease. Previously, we have demonstrated that nuclear exporter protein exportin 1 (XPO1) is a valid therapeutic target in PDAC, and the selective inhibitor of nuclear export selinexor (Sel) synergistically enhances the efficacy of GemPac in pancreatic cancer cells, spheroids and patient-derived tumours, and had promising activity in a phase I study. METHODS Here, we investigated the impact of selinexor-gemcitabine-nab-paclitaxel (Sel-GemPac) combination on LSL-KrasG12D/+ ; LSL-Trp53R172H/+ ; Pdx1-Cre (KPC) mouse model utilising digital spatial profiling (DSP) and single nuclear RNA sequencing (snRNAseq). RESULTS Sel-GemPac synergistically inhibited the growth of the KPC tumour-derived cell line. The Sel-GemPac combination reduced the 2D colony formation and 3D spheroid formation. In the KPC mouse model, at a sub-maximum tolerated dose (sub-MTD) , Sel-GemPac enhanced the survival of treated mice compared to controls (p < .05). Immunohistochemical analysis of residual KPC tumours showed re-organisation of tumour stromal architecture, suppression of proliferation and nuclear retention of tumour suppressors, such as Forkhead Box O3a (FOXO3a). DSP revealed the downregulation of tumour promoting genes such as chitinase-like protein 3 (CHIL3/CHI3L3/YM1) and multiple pathways including phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase-Akt (PI3K-AKT) signalling. The snRNAseq demonstrated a significant loss of cellular clusters in the Sel-GemPac-treated mice tumours including the CD44+ stem cell population. CONCLUSION Taken together, these results demonstrate that the Sel-GemPac treatment caused broad perturbation of PDAC-supporting signalling networks in the KPC mouse model. HIGHLIGHTS The majority of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients experience disease progression while on treatment with gemcitabine and nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab)-paclitaxel (GemPac). Exporter protein exportin 1 (XPO1) inhibitor selinexor (Sel) with GemPac synergistically inhibited the growth of LSL-KrasG12D/+; LSL-Trp53R172H/+; Pdx1-Cre (KPC) mouse derived cell line and enhanced the survival of mice. Digital spatial profiling shows that Sel-GemPac causes broad perturbation of PDAC-supporting signalling in the KPC model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md. Hafiz Uddin
- Department of OncologyKarmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMichiganUSA
| | - Mohammad Najeeb Al‐Hallak
- Department of OncologyKarmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMichiganUSA
| | - Husain Yar Khan
- Department of OncologyKarmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMichiganUSA
| | - Amro Aboukameel
- Department of OncologyKarmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMichiganUSA
| | - Yiwei Li
- Department of OncologyKarmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMichiganUSA
| | - Sahar F. Bannoura
- Department of OncologyKarmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMichiganUSA
| | - Gregory Dyson
- Department of OncologyKarmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMichiganUSA
| | - Seongho Kim
- Department of OncologyKarmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMichiganUSA
| | - Yosef Mzannar
- Department of OncologyKarmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMichiganUSA
| | - Ibrahim Azar
- Department of OncologyKarmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMichiganUSA
| | | | - Amr Mohamed
- UH Seidman Cancer CenterUniversity Hospitals, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
| | | | - Steve Kim
- Department of OncologyKarmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMichiganUSA
| | - Rafic Beydoun
- Department of OncologyKarmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMichiganUSA
- Department of PathologyWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMichiganUSA
| | - Ramzi M. Mohammad
- Department of OncologyKarmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMichiganUSA
| | | | - Anthony F. Shields
- Department of OncologyKarmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMichiganUSA
| | - Asfar S. Azmi
- Department of OncologyKarmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMichiganUSA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Götz L, Rueckschloss U, Balk G, Pfeiffer V, Ergün S, Kleefeldt F. The role of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 in cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1295232. [PMID: 38077351 PMCID: PMC10704240 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1295232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1), also known as CD66a, is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. CEACAM1 was shown to be a prognostic marker in patients suffering from cancer. In this review, we summarize pre-clinical and clinical evidence linking CEACAM1 to tumorigenicity and cancer progression. Furthermore, we discuss potential CEACAM1-based mechanisms that may affect cancer biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Götz
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius‐Maximilians‐University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Uwe Rueckschloss
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius‐Maximilians‐University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gözde Balk
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius‐Maximilians‐University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Verena Pfeiffer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius‐Maximilians‐University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius‐Maximilians‐University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Florian Kleefeldt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius‐Maximilians‐University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Szymanowski W, Szymanowska A, Bielawska A, Lopez-Berestein G, Rodriguez-Aguayo C, Amero P. Aptamers as Potential Therapeutic Tools for Ovarian Cancer: Advancements and Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5300. [PMID: 37958473 PMCID: PMC10647731 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most common lethal gynecologic cause of death in women worldwide, with a high mortality rate and increasing incidence. Despite advancements in the treatment, most OC patients still die from their disease due to late-stage diagnosis, the lack of effective diagnostic methods, and relapses. Aptamers, synthetic, short single-stranded oligonucleotides, have emerged as promising anticancer therapeutics. Their ability to selectively bind to target molecules, including cancer-related proteins and receptors, has revolutionized drug discovery and biomarker identification. Aptamers offer unique insights into the molecular pathways involved in cancer development and progression. Moreover, they show immense potential as drug delivery systems, enabling targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to cancer cells while minimizing off-target effects and reducing systemic toxicity. In the context of OC, the integration of aptamers with non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) presents an opportunity for precise and efficient gene targeting. Additionally, the conjugation of aptamers with nanoparticles allows for accurate and targeted delivery of ncRNAs to specific cells, tissues, or organs. In this review, we will summarize the potential use and challenges associated with the use of aptamers alone or aptamer-ncRNA conjugates, nanoparticles, and multivalent aptamer-based therapeutics for the treatment of OC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Szymanowski
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (W.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Anna Szymanowska
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
| | - Anna Bielawska
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (W.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Paola Amero
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pan C, Xu A, Ma X, Yao Y, Zhao Y, Wang C, Chen C. Research progress of Claudin-low breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1226118. [PMID: 37904877 PMCID: PMC10613467 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1226118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Claudin-low breast cancer (CLBC) is a subgroup of breast cancer discovered at the molecular level in 2007. Claudin is one of the primary proteins that make up tight junctions, and it plays crucial roles in anti-inflammatory and antitumor responses as well as the maintenance of water and electrolyte balance. Decreased expression of claudin results in the disruption of tight junction structures and the activation of downstream signaling pathways, which can lead to tumor formation. The origin of Claudin-low breast cancer is still in dispute. Claudin-low breast cancer is characterized by low expression of Claudin3, 4, 7, E-cadherin, and HER2 and high expression of Vimentin, Snai 1/2, Twist 1/2, Zeb 1/2, and ALDH1, as well as stem cell characteristics. The clinical onset of claudin-low breast cancer is at menopause age, and its histological grade is higher. This subtype of breast cancer is more likely to spread to lymph nodes than other subtypes. Claudin-low breast cancer is frequently accompanied by increased invasiveness and a poor prognosis. According to a clinical retrospective analysis, claudin-low breast cancer can achieve low pathological complete remission. At present, although several therapeutic targets of claudin-low breast cancer have been identified, the effective treatment remains in basic research stages, and no animal studies or clinical trials have been designed. The origin, molecular biological characteristics, pathological characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of CLBC are extensively discussed in this article. This will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of CLBC and serve as the foundation for the individualization of breast cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Pan
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Anqi Xu
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoling Ma
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yanfei Yao
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Youmei Zhao
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ceshi Chen
- Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zaarour RF, Ribeiro M, Azzarone B, Kapoor S, Chouaib S. Tumor microenvironment-induced tumor cell plasticity: relationship with hypoxic stress and impact on tumor resistance. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1222575. [PMID: 37886168 PMCID: PMC10598765 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1222575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of tumor interaction with stromal components during carcinogenesis is crucial for the design of efficient cancer treatment approaches. It is widely admitted that tumor hypoxic stress is associated with tumor aggressiveness and thus impacts susceptibility and resistance to different types of treatments. Notable biological processes that hypoxia functions in include its regulation of tumor heterogeneity and plasticity. While hypoxia has been reported as a major player in tumor survival and dissemination regulation, the significance of hypoxia inducible factors in cancer stem cell development remains poorly understood. Several reports indicate that the emergence of cancer stem cells in addition to their phenotype and function within a hypoxic tumor microenvironment impacts cancer progression. In this respect, evidence showed that cancer stem cells are key elements of intratumoral heterogeneity and more importantly are responsible for tumor relapse and escape to treatments. This paper briefly reviews our current knowledge of the interaction between tumor hypoxic stress and its role in stemness acquisition and maintenance. Our review extensively covers the influence of hypoxia on the formation and maintenance of cancer stem cells and discusses the potential of targeting hypoxia-induced alterations in the expression and function of the so far known stem cell markers in cancer therapy approaches. We believe that a better and integrated understanding of the effect of hypoxia on stemness during carcinogenesis might lead to new strategies for exploiting hypoxia-associated pathways and their targeting in the clinical setting in order to overcome resistance mechanisms. More importantly, at the present time, efforts are oriented towards the design of innovative therapeutical approaches that specifically target cancer stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- RF. Zaarour
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - M. Ribeiro
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - B. Azzarone
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - S. Kapoor
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - S. Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Varaprasad GL, Gupta VK, Prasad K, Kim E, Tej MB, Mohanty P, Verma HK, Raju GSR, Bhaskar L, Huh YS. Recent advances and future perspectives in the therapeutics of prostate cancer. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:80. [PMID: 37740236 PMCID: PMC10517568 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00444-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common cancers in males and the fifth leading reason of death. Age, ethnicity, family history, and genetic defects are major factors that determine the aggressiveness and lethality of PC. The African population is at the highest risk of developing high-grade PC. It can be challenging to distinguish between low-risk and high-risk patients due to the slow progression of PC. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a revolutionary discovery for the identification of PC. However, it has led to an increase in over diagnosis and over treatment of PC in the past few decades. Even if modifications are made to the standard PSA testing, the specificity has not been found to be significant. Our understanding of PC genetics and proteomics has improved due to advances in different fields. New serum, urine, and tissue biomarkers, such as PC antigen 3 (PCA3), have led to various new diagnostic tests, such as the prostate health index, 4K score, and PCA3. These tests significantly reduce the number of unnecessary and repeat biopsies performed. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and prostatectomy are standard treatment options. However, newer novel hormone therapy drugs with a better response have been identified. Androgen deprivation and hormonal therapy are evolving as new and better options for managing hormone-sensitive and castration-resistant PC. This review aimed to highlight and discuss epidemiology, various risk factors, and developments in PC diagnosis and treatment regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ganji Lakshmi Varaprasad
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Biohybrid Systems Research Center (BSRC), Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Vivek Kumar Gupta
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Biohybrid Systems Research Center (BSRC), Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Kiran Prasad
- Department of Zoology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, India
| | - Eunsu Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Biohybrid Systems Research Center (BSRC), Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Mandava Bhuvan Tej
- Department of Health Care Informatics, Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Avenue, Fair Fields, CT, 06825, USA
| | - Pratik Mohanty
- Department of Zoology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, India
| | - Henu Kumar Verma
- Department of Immunopathology, Institute of Lungs Health and Immunity, Helmholtz Zentrum, 85764, Neuherberg, Munich, Germany
| | - Ganji Seeta Rama Raju
- Department of Energy and Materials Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea.
| | - Lvks Bhaskar
- Department of Zoology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, India.
| | - Yun Suk Huh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Biohybrid Systems Research Center (BSRC), Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kalaitsidou I, Pasteli N, Venetis G, Poulopoulos A, Antoniades K. Immunohistochemical Expression of Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) in Salivary Gland Cancer: Correlation with the Biological Behavior. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2652. [PMID: 37627911 PMCID: PMC10453306 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13162652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Salivary gland neoplasms comprise a diverse group of tumors with different biological behaviors and clinical outcomes. Understanding the underlying molecular alterations associated with these malignancies is critical for accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies. Among the many biomarkers under investigation, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) has emerged as a promising candidate in salivary gland cancer research. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the differential expression of EpCAM in salivary gland cancer and its potential correlation with the biological behavior of these tumors. The clinical characteristics of 65 patients with salivary gland malignancy of different histopathological subtypes were included. We report the differential expression of EpCAM and the relationship between the clinical and histopathologic features of these tumors. Regarding the evaluation of the effect of EpCAM expression on survival, in our study, we showed that tumors with high EpCAM expression had reduced disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001) compared to patients with cancers with low EpCAM expression. In addition, the concurrent presence of perineural invasion and positive EpCAM expression appeared to be associated with shorter disease-free survival and overall survival. In conclusion, our study confirmed the prognostic value of detecting perineural invasion and EpCAM expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Kalaitsidou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.V.)
- Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nikoleta Pasteli
- Pathology Department, G. Papanikolaou Hospital, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Gregory Venetis
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.V.)
| | - Athanasios Poulopoulos
- Department of Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Pathology, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos Antoniades
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Geng P, Chi Y, Yuan Y, Yang M, Zhao X, Liu Z, Liu G, Liu Y, Zhu L, Wang S. Novel chimeric antigen receptor T cell-based immunotherapy: a perspective for triple-negative breast cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1158539. [PMID: 37457288 PMCID: PMC10339351 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1158539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive and does not express estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone (PR), or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). It has a poor prognosis, and traditional endocrine and anti-HER2 targeted therapies have low efficacy against it. In contrast, surgery, radiotherapy, and/or systemic chemotherapy are relatively effective at controlling TNBC. The resistance of TNBC to currently available clinical therapies has had a significantly negative impact on its treatment outcomes. Hence, new therapeutic options are urgently required. Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is a type of immunotherapy that integrates the antigen specificity of antibodies and the tumor-killing effect of T cells. CAR-T therapy has demonstrated excellent clinical efficacy against hematological cancers. However, its efficacy against solid tumors such as TNBC is inadequate. The present review aimed to investigate various aspects of CAR-T administration as TNBC therapy. We summarized the potential therapeutic targets of CAR-T that were identified in preclinical studies and clinical trials on TNBC. We addressed the limitations of using CAR-T in the treatment of TNBC in particular and solid tumors in general and explored key strategies to overcome these impediments. Finally, we comprehensively examined the advancement of CAR-T immunotherapy as well as countermeasures that could improve its efficacy as a TNBC treatment and the prognosis of patients with this type of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peizhen Geng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Yuhua Chi
- Department of General Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Maoquan Yang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Zhengchun Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Guangwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Therapy for Tumors in Weifang City, Department of Radiotherapy, School of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Yihui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Therapy for Tumors in Weifang City, Department of Radiotherapy, School of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Liang Zhu
- Clinical Research Center, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Therapy for Tumors in Weifang City, Department of Radiotherapy, School of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Thüring EM, Hartmann C, Schwietzer YA, Ebnet K. TMIGD1: Emerging functions of a tumor supressor and adhesion receptor. Oncogene 2023:10.1038/s41388-023-02696-5. [PMID: 37087524 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02696-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
The development of multicellular organisms depends on cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) that connect cells to build tissues. The immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) constitutes one of the largest families of CAMs. Members of this family regulate such diverse processes like synapse formation, spermatogenesis, leukocyte-endothelial interactions, or epithelial cell-cell adhesion. Through their extracellular domains, they undergo homophilic and heterophilic interactions in cis and trans. Their cytoplasmic domains frequently bind scaffolding proteins to assemble signaling complexes. Transmembrane and immunoglobulin domain-containing protein 1 (TMIGD1) is a IgSF member with two Ig-like domains and a short cytoplasmic tail that contains a PDZ domain-binding motif. Recent observations indicate that TMIGD1 has pleiotropic functions in epithelial cells and has a critical role in suppressing malignant cell behavior. Here, we review the molecular characteristics of TMIGD1, its interaction with cytoplasmic scaffolding proteins, the regulation of its expression, and its downregulation in colorectal and renal cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Thüring
- Institute-associated Research Group "Cell adhesion and cell polarity", Institute of Medical Biochemistry, ZMBE, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Hartmann
- Institute-associated Research Group "Cell adhesion and cell polarity", Institute of Medical Biochemistry, ZMBE, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ysabel A Schwietzer
- Institute-associated Research Group "Cell adhesion and cell polarity", Institute of Medical Biochemistry, ZMBE, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Klaus Ebnet
- Institute-associated Research Group "Cell adhesion and cell polarity", Institute of Medical Biochemistry, ZMBE, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|