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Barbagallo D, Ponti D, Bassani B, Bruno A, Pulze L, Akkihal SA, George-William JN, Gundamaraju R, Campomenosi P. MiR-223-3p in Cancer Development and Cancer Drug Resistance: Same Coin, Different Faces. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8191. [PMID: 39125761 PMCID: PMC11311375 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are mighty post-transcriptional regulators in cell physiology and pathophysiology. In this review, we focus on the role of miR-223-3p (henceforth miR-223) in various cancer types. MiR-223 has established roles in hematopoiesis, inflammation, and most cancers, where it can act as either an oncogenic or oncosuppressive miRNA, depending on specific molecular landscapes. MiR-223 has also been linked to either the sensitivity or resistance of cancer cells to treatments in a context-dependent way. Through this detailed review, we highlight that for some cancers (i.e., breast, non-small cell lung carcinoma, and glioblastoma), the oncosuppressive role of miR-223 is consistently reported in the literature, while for others (i.e., colorectal, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers, and acute lymphocytic leukemia), an oncogenic role prevails. In prostate cancer and other hematological malignancies, although an oncosuppressive role is frequently described, there is less of a consensus. Intriguingly, NLRP3 and FBXW7 are consistently identified as miR-223 targets when the miRNA acts as an oncosuppressor or an oncogene, respectively, in different cancers. Our review also describes that miR-223 was increased in biological fluids or their extracellular vesicles in most of the cancers analyzed, as compared to healthy or lower-risk conditions, confirming the potential application of this miRNA as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Barbagallo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “Giovanni Sichel”, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on the Diagnosis and Therapy of Brain Tumors, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Donatella Ponti
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome Sapienza, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100 Latina, Italy;
| | - Barbara Bassani
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity, Unit of Molecular Pathology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) MultiMedica, Via Fantoli 16/15, 20138 Milano, Italy; (B.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Antonino Bruno
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity, Unit of Molecular Pathology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) MultiMedica, Via Fantoli 16/15, 20138 Milano, Italy; (B.B.); (A.B.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, DBSV, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy;
| | - Laura Pulze
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, DBSV, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy;
| | - Shreya A. Akkihal
- Independent Researcher, 35004 SE Swenson St, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, USA;
| | - Jonahunnatha N. George-William
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Via Fratelli Cervi, 93, 20054 Segrate, Italy;
| | - Rohit Gundamaraju
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
- ER Stress and Mucosal Immunology Team, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
| | - Paola Campomenosi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, DBSV, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy;
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Inflammatory Cytokines Associated with Diagnosis, Tumor Grade and Prognosis in Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11206191. [PMID: 36294509 PMCID: PMC9604855 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11206191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Inflammatory cytokines represent diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in manifold cancers. Recent data suggest a pivotal role of these cytokines in different biological processes involved in the development of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). However, their role as biomarkers in NETs is only poorly understood. Methods: We analyzed serum concentrations of 13 inflammation-related cytokines at different time points in 43 patients with well-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic NETs (G1/G2) treated at Charité Berlin and compared them to 40 healthy controls. The results were correlated with clinical records. Results: Serum concentrations (Median (Interquartile Range (IQR)) in pg/mL) of IL-1β (124 (82) vs. 68 (61) pg/mL; p = 0.0003), IL-6 (111(122) vs. 88 (32) pg/mL; p = 0.0086), IL-8 (1058 (768) vs. 210 (90) pg/mL; p < 0.0001), IL-18 (2936 (1723) vs. 1590 (704) pg/mL; p < 0.0001), and TNF (271 (260) vs. 42 (25) pg/mL; p < 0.0001) were significantly elevated in NET patients, whereas IL-10 (43 (44) vs. 105 (48) pg/mL; p < 0.0001) showed lower concentrations in NETs when compared to controls. Cytokine levels significantly correlated with tumor grade (IL-6; p = 0.0070), prevalence of distant metastasis (IL-18; p = 0.0313), and disease progression over time (IL-10; p = 0.0033) but not tumor location. Chromogranin A (CgA) and the NETest are currently used to monitor treatment response. A more accurate prediction could possibly be achieved by employing a subset of cytokines. Our data clearly warrants further functional investigation into the role of the immune response and cytokine release in NETs. Conclusion: A biologically plausible panel of cytokines might be added to the diagnostic and prognostic tools currently employed in patients with NETs. Combining different markers into a score would elevate diagnostic accuracy compared to single markers.
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Maharjan CK, Ear PH, Tran CG, Howe JR, Chandrasekharan C, Quelle DE. Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5117. [PMID: 34680266 PMCID: PMC8533967 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are unique, slow-growing malignancies whose molecular pathogenesis is incompletely understood. With rising incidence of pNETs over the last four decades, larger and more comprehensive 'omic' analyses of patient tumors have led to a clearer picture of the pNET genomic landscape and transcriptional profiles for both primary and metastatic lesions. In pNET patients with advanced disease, those insights have guided the use of targeted therapies that inhibit activated mTOR and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways or stimulate somatostatin receptor signaling. Such treatments have significantly benefited patients, but intrinsic or acquired drug resistance in the tumors remains a major problem that leaves few to no effective treatment options for advanced cases. This demands a better understanding of essential molecular and biological events underlying pNET growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. This review examines the known molecular alterations associated with pNET pathogenesis, identifying which changes may be drivers of the disease and, as such, relevant therapeutic targets. We also highlight areas that warrant further investigation at the biological level and discuss available model systems for pNET research. The paucity of pNET models has hampered research efforts over the years, although recently developed cell line, animal, patient-derived xenograft, and patient-derived organoid models have significantly expanded the available platforms for pNET investigations. Advancements in pNET research and understanding are expected to guide improved patient treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra K. Maharjan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Po Hien Ear
- Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (P.H.E.); (C.G.T.); (J.R.H.)
| | - Catherine G. Tran
- Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (P.H.E.); (C.G.T.); (J.R.H.)
| | - James R. Howe
- Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (P.H.E.); (C.G.T.); (J.R.H.)
| | - Chandrikha Chandrasekharan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Dawn E. Quelle
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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The Role of miRNA in the Pathophysiology of Neuroendocrine Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168569. [PMID: 34445276 PMCID: PMC8395312 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) represent a tumor group that is both rare and heterogeneous. Prognosis is largely determined by the tumor grading and the site of the primary tumor and metastases. Despite intensive research efforts, only modest advances in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches have been achieved in recent years. For patients with non-respectable tumor stages, prognosis is poor. In this context, the development of novel diagnostic tools for early detection of NETs and prediction of tumor response to therapy as well as estimation of the overall prognosis would greatly improve the clinical management of NETs. However, identification of novel diagnostic molecules is hampered by an inadequate understanding of the pathophysiology of neuroendocrine malignancies. It has recently been demonstrated that microRNA (miRNA), a family of small RNA molecules with an established role in the pathophysiology of quite different cancer entities, may also play a role as a biomarker. Here, we summarize the available knowledge on the role of miRNAs in the development of NET and highlight their potential use as serum-based biomarkers in the context of this disease. We discuss important challenges currently preventing their use in clinical routine and give an outlook on future directions of miRNA research in NET.
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