1
|
Zhang H, Xing J, Dai Z, Wang D, Tang D. Exosomes: the key of sophisticated cell-cell communication and targeted metastasis in pancreatic cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:9. [PMID: 35033111 PMCID: PMC8760644 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00808-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most common malignancies. Unfortunately, the lack of effective methods of treatment and diagnosis has led to poor prognosis coupled with a very high mortality rate. So far, the pathogenesis and progression mechanisms of pancreatic cancer have been poorly characterized. Exosomes are small vesicles secreted by most cells, contain lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, and are involved in diverse functions such as intercellular communications, biological processes, and cell signaling. In pancreatic cancer, exosomes are enriched with multiple signaling molecules that mediate intercellular communication with control of immune suppression, mutual promotion between pancreas stellate cells and pancreatic cancer cells, and reprogramming of normal cells. In addition, exosomes can regulate the pancreatic cancer microenvironment and promote the growth and survival of pancreatic cancer. Exosomes can also build pre-metastatic micro-ecological niches and facilitate the targeting of pancreatic cancer. The ability of exosomes to load cargo and target allows them to be of great clinical value as a biomarker mediator for targeted drugs in pancreatic cancer. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Juan Xing
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhujiang Dai
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Daorong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, China
| | - Dong Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gheytanchi E, Naseri M, Karimi-Busheri F, Atyabi F, Mirsharif ES, Bozorgmehr M, Ghods R, Madjd Z. Morphological and molecular characteristics of spheroid formation in HT-29 and Caco-2 colorectal cancer cell lines. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:204. [PMID: 33849536 PMCID: PMC8042991 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01898-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Relapse and metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC) are often attributed to cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), as small sub-population of tumor cells with ability of drug resistance. Accordingly, development of appropriate models to investigate CSCs biology and establishment of effective therapeutic strategies is warranted. Hence, we aimed to assess the capability of two widely used and important colorectal cancer cell lines, HT-29 and Caco-2, in generating spheroids and their detailed morphological and molecular characteristics. Methods CRC spheroids were developed using hanging drop and forced floating in serum-free and non-attachment conditions and their morphological features were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, the potential of CSCs enrichment in spheroids was compared to their adherent counterparts by analysis of serial sphere formation capacity, real-time PCR of key stemness genes (KLF4, OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, C-MYC) and the expression of potential CRC-CSCs surface markers (CD166, CD44, and CD133) by flow cytometry. Finally, the expression level of some EMT-related (Vimentin, SNAIL1, TWIST1, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, ZEB1) and multi-drug resistant (ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCG2) genes was evaluated. Results Although with different morphological features, both cell lines were formed CSCs-enriched spheroids, indicated by ability to serial sphere formation, significant up-regulation of stemness genes, SOX2, C-MYC, NANOG and OCT4 in HT-29 and SOX2, C-MYC and KLF4 in Caco-2 spheroids (p-value < 0.05) and increased expression of CRC-CSC markers compared to parental cells (p-value < 0.05). Additionally, HT-29 spheroids exhibited a significant higher expression of both ABCB1 and ABCG2 (p-value = 0.02). The significant up-regulation of promoting EMT genes, ZEB1, TWIST1, E-cadherin and SNAIL1 in HT-29 spheroids (p-value = 0.03), SNAIL1 and Vimentin in Caco-2 spheroids (p-value < 0.05) and N-cadherin down-regulation in both spheroids were observed. Conclusion Enrichment of CSC-related features in HT-29 and Caco-2 (for the first time without applying special scaffold/biochemical) spheroids, suggests spheroid culture as robust, reproducible, simple and cost-effective model to imitate the complexity of in vivo tumors including self-renewal, drug resistance and invasion for in vitro research of CRC-CSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elmira Gheytanchi
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Naseri
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Atyabi
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahmood Bozorgmehr
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Ghods
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sun W, Ren Y, Lu Z, Zhao X. The potential roles of exosomes in pancreatic cancer initiation and metastasis. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:135. [PMID: 32878635 PMCID: PMC7466807 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01255-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is an insidious and highly metastatic malignancy, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. So far, the pathogenesis and progression mechanisms of PaCa have been poorly characterized. Exosomes correspond to a class of extracellular nanovesicles, produced by a broad range of human somatic and cancerous cells. These particular nanovesicles are mainly composed by proteins, genetic substances and lipids, which mediate signal transduction and material transport. A large number of studies have indicated that exosomes may play decisive roles in the occurrence and metastatic progression of PaCa. This article summarizes the specific functions of exosomes and their underlying molecular mechanisms in mediating the initiation and metastatic capability of PaCa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sun
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Ying Ren
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Zaiming Lu
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiangxuan Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nicolini A, Ferrari P, Diodati L, Carpi A. Recent Advances in Comprehending the Signaling Pathways Involved in the Progression of Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E2321. [PMID: 29099748 PMCID: PMC5713290 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This review describes recent advances in the comprehension of signaling pathways involved in breast cancer progression. Calcium sensing receptor (CaSR), caveolae signaling, signaling referred to hypoxia-inducing factors and disturbances in the apoptotic machinery are related to more general biological mechanisms and are considered first. The others refer to signaling pathways of more specific biological mechanisms, namely the heparin/heparin-sulfate interactome, over-expression of miRNA-378a-5p, restriction of luminal and basal epithelial cells, fatty-acid synthesis, molecular pathways related to epithelial to mesenchimal transition (EMT), HER-2/neu gene amplification and protein expression, and the expression of other members of the epithelial growth factor receptor family. This progress in basic research is fundamental to foster the ongoing efforts that use the new genotyping technologies, and aim at defining new prognostic and predictive biomarkers for a better personalized management of breast cancer disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Nicolini
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Paola Ferrari
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Lucrezia Diodati
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Angelo Carpi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Basu R, Wu S, Kopchick JJ. Targeting growth hormone receptor in human melanoma cells attenuates tumor progression and epithelial mesenchymal transition via suppression of multiple oncogenic pathways. Oncotarget 2017; 8:21579-21598. [PMID: 28223541 PMCID: PMC5400608 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent reports have confirmed highest levels of growth hormone (GH) receptor (GHR) transcripts in melanoma, one of the most aggressive forms of human cancer. Yet the mechanism of GH action in melanoma remains mostly unknown. Here, using human malignant melanoma cells, we examined the effects of GH excess or siRNA mediated GHR knock-down (GHRKD) on tumor proliferation, migration and invasion. GH promoted melanoma progression while GHRKD attenuated the same. Western blot analysis revealed drastic modulation of multiple oncogenic signaling pathways (JAK2, STAT1, STAT3, STAT5, AKT, mTOR, SRC and ERK1/2) following addition of GH or GHRKD. Further, we show that GH excess upregulates expression of markers of epithelial mesenchymal transition in human melanoma, while the effects were reversed by GHRKD. Interestingly, we observed consistent expression of GH transcript in the melanoma cells as well as marked modulation of the IGF receptors and binding proteins (IGF1R, IGF2R, IR, IGFBP2, IGFBP3) and the oncogenic HGF-MET mRNA, in response to excess GH or GHRKD. Our study thus identifies the mechanistic model of GH-GHR action in human melanoma and validates it as an important pharmacological target of intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reetobrata Basu
- Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
- Molecular and Cell Biology Program, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Shiyong Wu
- Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
- Molecular and Cell Biology Program, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - John J. Kopchick
- Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
- Molecular and Cell Biology Program, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhou P, Li B, Liu F, Zhang M, Wang Q, Liu Y, Yao Y, Li D. The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells: implication for treatment resistance in pancreatic cancer. Mol Cancer 2017; 16:52. [PMID: 28245823 PMCID: PMC5331747 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-017-0624-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanical properties of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and a pancreatic cancer subpopulation with stem cell properties have been increasingly recognized as potent modulators of the effective of therapy. In particular, pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs) are functionally important during tumor relapse and therapy resistance. In this review we have surveyed recent advances in the role of EMT and PCSCs in tumor progression, metastasis and treatment resistance, and the mechanisms of integrated with biochemical signals and the underlying pathways involved in treatment resistance of pancreatic cancer. These findings highlight the importance of confirming stem-cells markers and complex molecular signaling pathways controlling EMT and cancer stem cells in pancreatic cancer during tumor formation, progression, and response to therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pingting Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Bone Tumor Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Furao Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Meichao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanhua Liu
- Department of Chemotherapy, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan Yao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Garnett DJ. Caveolae as a target to quench autoinduction of the metastatic phenotype in lung cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2015; 142:611-8. [PMID: 26573510 PMCID: PMC4751176 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-015-2074-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Mevalonate pathway inhibitors are potentially useful chemotherapeutic agents showing growth inhibition and pro-apoptotic effects in cancer cells. The effects of statins and bisphosphonates on cancer growth are attributed to a reduction in protein isoprenylation. Post-translational modification and activation of GTPase binding Ras superfamily permit the recruitment of these signal proteins to membranes where they mediate the cancer phenotype. Here, the effects of three inhibitors of the mevalonate pathway and one specific inhibitor of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins were studied in both an ER-negative, Ras-inactive breast (MDA-MB-231) and lung adenocarcinoma (CaLu-1) cells in vitro. Methods Treated cells were subject to genome-wide gene expression profiling. A gene subset was established so that the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) could be observed and compared with signalling protein shifts. Results Within the subset, some genes normally up-regulated during EMT were asymmetrically reduced by a Δ-24 DHCR inhibitor in the lung cells. Signalling proteins associated with caveolae were down-regulated by this oxidoreductase inhibitor, while those associated with membrane rafts were up-regulated. Conclusions This study decouples isoprenylation effects from cholesterol events per se. The data support a hypothesis that caveolae are abolished by Δ-24 DHCR intervention and it is revealed that these microdomains are vital EMT signalling structures for lung cells but not ER- and Ras-negative breast cells. When signalling by extracellular signals is quenched by removal of the hydrophilic conduit provided by caveolae, the transcriptome responds by moving the cellular identity towards quiescence. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00432-015-2074-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David John Garnett
- Institute of Science Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shen H, Shi S, Zhang Z, Gong T, Sun X. Coating Solid Lipid Nanoparticles with Hyaluronic Acid Enhances Antitumor Activity against Melanoma Stem-like Cells. Theranostics 2015; 5:755-71. [PMID: 25897340 PMCID: PMC4402499 DOI: 10.7150/thno.10804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful anticancer chemotherapy requires targeting tumors efficiently and further potential to eliminate cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulations. Since CD44 is present on many types of CSCs, and it binds specially to hyaluronic acid (HA), we tested whether coating solid lipid nanoparticles with hyaluronan (HA-SLNs)would allow targeted delivery of paclitaxel (PTX) to CD44-overexpressing B16F10 melanoma cells. First, we developed a model system based on melanoma stem-like cells for experiments in vitro and in mouse xenografts, and we showed that cells expressing high levels of CD44 (CD44+) displayed a strong CSC phenotype while cells expressing low levels of CD44 (CD44-) did not. This phenotype included sphere and colony formation, higher proportion of side population cells, expression of CSC-related markers (ALDH, CD133, Oct-4) and tumorigenicity in vivo. Next we showed that administering PTX-loaded HA-SLNs led to efficient intracellular delivery of PTX and induced substantial apoptosis in CD44+ cells in vitro. In the B16F10-CD44+ lung metastasis model, PTX-loaded HA-SLNs targeted the tumor-bearing lung tissues well and subsequently exhibited significant antitumor effects with a relative low dose of PTX, which provided significant survival benefit without evidence of adverse events. These findings suggest that the HA-SLNs targeting system shows promise for enhancing cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
9
|
Lai KC, Hsu SC, Yang JS, Yu CC, Lein JC, Chung JG. Diallyl trisulfide inhibits migration, invasion and angiogenesis of human colon cancer HT-29 cells and umbilical vein endothelial cells, and suppresses murine xenograft tumour growth. J Cell Mol Med 2014; 19:474-84. [PMID: 25403643 PMCID: PMC4407594 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis inhibitors are beneficial for the prevention and treatment of angiogenesis-dependent diseases including cancer. We examined the cytotoxic, anti-metastatic, anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic effects of diallyl trisulfide (DATS). In HT29 cells, DATS inhibited migration and invasion through the inhibition of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 which was associated with inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases-2, -7 and -9 and VEGF. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), DATS inhibited the migration and angiogenesis through FAK, Src and Ras. DATS also inhibited the secretion of VEGF. The capillary-like tube structure formation and migration by HUVEC was inhibited by DATS. The chicken egg chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay indicated that DATS treatment inhibited ex-vivo angiogenesis. We investigated the anti-tumour effects of DATS against human colon cancer xenografts in BALB/cnu/nu mice and its anti-angiogenic activity in vivo. In this in-vivo study, DATS also inhibited the tumour growth, tumour weight and angiogenesis (decreased the levels of haemoglobin) in HT29 cells. In conclusion, the present results suggest that the inhibition of angiogenesis may be an important mechanism in colon cancer chemotherapy by DATS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Chi Lai
- Department of Surgery, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, Yunlin, Taiwan; School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kangwan N, Park JM, Kim EH, Hahm KB. Chemoquiescence for ideal cancer treatment and prevention: where are we now? J Cancer Prev 2014; 19:89-6. [PMID: 25337576 PMCID: PMC4204166 DOI: 10.15430/jcp.2014.19.2.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular quiescence is a state of reversible cell cycle arrest and is associated with a low metabolic state featured with decreased glycolysis, reduced translation rates, and activation of autophagy, fundamentally to provide nutrients for cell survival similar as seen in hybernation. As signal for quiescence, inactivating the target of rapamycin kinase and resulting reduced cell growth and biosynthesis are essential, but cellular quiescence is not always associated with reduced metabolism since it is also possible to achieve a state of cellular quiescence in which glucose uptake, glycolysis and flux through central carbon metabolism are not reduced. However, in cancer cells, overcoming intrinsic and acquired resistance of cancer stem or cancer dormancy cells to current clinical treatments can be reversed with the acquisition of chemoquiesence. The development of new drug combinations or strategy to treat the highly aggressive and metastatic cancers including relapsed leukaemias, melanoma and head and neck, brain, lung, breast, ovary, prostate, pancreas as well as gastrointestinal cancers which remain incurable in the clinic in spite of aggressive therapies, can be accelerated with the introduction of chemoquiescence agent, for which cancer stem cells or tumor dormancy should be eradicated or removed. Recently potential applications of metformin or chloroquine as well as the potential drugs under investigation such as proton pump inhibitor, sonic hedgehog inhibitor, and Akt inhibitor, are actively investigated in this field of chemoquiescence to achieve cancer cure far beyond those of chemoprevention. In this review article, the evolving concept of chemoquiescence or cancer dormancy will be introduced accompanied by a description of novel target drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Napapan Kangwan
- Cancer Prevention Research Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Min Park
- Cancer Prevention Research Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Kim
- Cancer Prevention Research Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki Baik Hahm
- Cancer Prevention Research Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mimeault M, Batra SK. Altered gene products involved in the malignant reprogramming of cancer stem/progenitor cells and multitargeted therapies. Mol Aspects Med 2014; 39:3-32. [PMID: 23994756 PMCID: PMC3938987 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2013] [Revised: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies in the field of cancer stem cells have revealed that the alterations in key gene products involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program, altered metabolic pathways such as enhanced glycolysis, lipogenesis and/or autophagy and treatment resistance may occur in cancer stem/progenitor cells and their progenies during cancer progression. Particularly, the sustained activation of diverse developmental cascades such as hedgehog, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/TGF-βR receptors and/or stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) can play critical functions for high self-renewal potential, survival, invasion and metastases of cancer stem/progenitor cells and their progenies. It has also been observed that cancer cells may be reprogrammed to re-express different pluripotency-associated stem cell-like markers such as Myc, Oct-3/4, Nanog and Sox-2 along the EMT process and under stressful and hypoxic conditions. Moreover, the enhanced expression and/or activities of some drug resistance-associated molecules such as Bcl-2, Akt/molecular target of rapamycin (mTOR), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1) and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) multidrug transporters frequently occur in cancer cells during cancer progression and metastases. These molecular events may cooperate for the survival and acquisition of a more aggressive and migratory behavior by cancer stem/progenitor cells and their progenies during cancer transition to metastatic and recurrent disease states. Of therapeutic interest, these altered gene products may also be exploited as molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets to develop novel multitargeted strategies for improving current cancer therapies and preventing disease relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Murielle Mimeault
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Cancer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA.
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Cancer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Establishment of highly tumorigenic human colorectal cancer cell line (CR4) with properties of putative cancer stem cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99091. [PMID: 24921652 PMCID: PMC4055451 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) has the third highest mortality rates among the US population. According to the most recent concept of carcinogenesis, human tumors are organized hierarchically, and the top of it is occupied by malignant stem cells (cancer stem cells, CSCs, or cancer-initiating cells, CICs), which possess unlimited self-renewal and tumor-initiating capacities and high resistance to conventional therapies. To reflect the complexity and diversity of human tumors and to provide clinically and physiologically relevant cancer models, large banks of characterized patient-derived low-passage cell lines, and especially CIC-enriched cell lines, are urgently needed. Principal Findings Here we report the establishment of a novel CIC-enriched, highly tumorigenic and clonogenic colon cancer cell line, CR4, derived from liver metastasis. This stable cell line was established by combining 3D culturing and 2D culturing in stem cell media, subcloning of cells with particular morphology, co-culture with carcinoma associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and serial transplantation to NOD/SCID mice. Using RNA-Seq complete transcriptome profiling of the tumorigenic fraction of the CR4 cells in comparison to the bulk tumor cells, we have identified about 360 differentially expressed transcripts, many of which represent stemness, pluripotency and resistance to treatment. Majority of the established CR4 cells express common markers of stemness, including CD133, CD44, CD166, EpCAM, CD24 and Lgr5. Using immunocytochemical, FACS and western blot analyses, we have shown that a significant ratio of the CR4 cells express key markers of pluripotency markers, including Sox-2, Oct3/4 and c-Myc. Constitutive overactivation of ABC transporters and NF-kB and absence of tumor suppressors p53 and p21 may partially explain exceptional drug resistance of the CR4 cells. Conclusions The highly tumorigenic and clonogenic CIC-enriched CR4 cell line may provide an important new tool to support the discovery of novel diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers as well as the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|
13
|
Mimeault M, Batra SK. Molecular biomarkers of cancer stem/progenitor cells associated with progression, metastases, and treatment resistance of aggressive cancers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014; 23:234-54. [PMID: 24273063 PMCID: PMC3977531 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-13-0785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The validation of novel diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets in tumor cells is of critical importance for optimizing the choice and efficacy of personalized therapies. Importantly, recent advances have led to the identification of gene-expression signatures in cancer cells, including cancer stem/progenitor cells, in the primary tumors, exosomes, circulating tumor cells (CTC), and disseminated cancer cells at distant metastatic sites. The gene-expression signatures may help to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and predict the therapeutic responses and overall survival of patients with cancer. Potential biomarkers in cancer cells include stem cell-like markers [CD133, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), CD44, and CD24], growth factors, and their cognate receptors [epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), EGFRvIII, and HER2], molecules associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT; vimentin, N-cadherin, snail, twist, and Zeb1), regulators of altered metabolism (phosphatidylinositol-3' kinase/Akt/mTOR), and drug resistance (multidrug transporters and macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1). Moreover, different pluripotency-associated transcription factors (Oct3/4, Nanog, Sox2, and Myc) and microRNAs that are involved in the epigenetic reprogramming and acquisition of stem cell-like properties by cancer cells during cancer progression may also be exploited as molecular biomarkers to predict the risk of metastases, systemic treatment resistance, and disease relapse of patients with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Murielle Mimeault
- Authors' Affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fred & Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, Eppley Cancer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Botchkina GI, Zuniga ES, Rowehl RH, Park R, Bhalla R, Bialkowska AB, Johnson F, Golub LM, Zhang Y, Ojima I, Shroyer KR. Prostate cancer stem cell-targeted efficacy of a new-generation taxoid, SBT-1214 and novel polyenolic zinc-binding curcuminoid, CMC2.24. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69884. [PMID: 24086245 PMCID: PMC3782470 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men. Multiple evidence suggests that a population of tumor-initiating, or cancer stem cells (CSCs) is responsible for cancer development and exceptional drug resistance, representing a highly important therapeutic target. The present study evaluated CSC-specific alterations induced by new-generation taxoid SBT-1214 and a novel polyenolic zinc-binding curcuminoid, CMC2.24, in prostate CSCs. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The CD133(high)/CD44(high) phenotype was isolated from spontaneously immortalized patient-derived PPT2 cells and highly metastatic PC3MM2 cells. Weekly treatment of the NOD/SCID mice bearing PPT2- and PC3MM3-induced tumors with the SBT-1214 led to dramatic suppression of tumor growth. Four of six PPT2 and 3 of 6 PC3MM2 tumors have shown the absence of viable cells in residual tumors. In vitro, SBT-1214 (100 nM-1 µM; for 72 hr) induced about 60% cell death in CD133(high)/CD44(+/high) cells cultured on collagen I in stem cell medium (in contrast, the same doses of paclitaxel increased proliferation of these cells). The cytotoxic effects were increased when SBT-1214 was combined with the CMC2.24. A stem cell-specific PCR array assay revealed that this drug combination mediated massive inhibition of multiple constitutively up-regulated stem cell-related genes, including key pluripotency transcription factors. Importantly, this drug combination induced expression of p21 and p53, which were absent in CD133(high)/CD44(high) cells. Viable cells that survived this treatment regimen were no longer able to induce secondary spheroids, exhibited significant morphological abnormalities and died in 2-5 days. CONCLUSIONS We report here that the SBT-1214 alone, or in combination with CMC2.24, possesses significant activity against prostate CD133(high)/CD44(+/high) tumor-initiating cells. This drug combination efficiently inhibits expression of the majority of stem cell-related genes and pluripotency transcription factors. In addition, it induces a previously absent expression of p21 and p53 ("gene wake-up"), which can potentially reverse drug resistance by increasing sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Galina I. Botchkina
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
- Institute of Chemical Biology & Drug Development, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Edison S. Zuniga
- Institute of Chemical Biology & Drug Development, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Rebecca H. Rowehl
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Rosa Park
- Department of Urology, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Rahuldev Bhalla
- Department of Urology, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Agnieszka B. Bialkowska
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Francis Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
- Chem-Master Int. Inc., Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Lorne M. Golub
- Department of Oral Biology & Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Iwao Ojima
- Institute of Chemical Biology & Drug Development, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Kenneth R. Shroyer
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mimeault M, Batra SK. Hypoxia-inducing factors as master regulators of stemness properties and altered metabolism of cancer- and metastasis-initiating cells. J Cell Mol Med 2013; 17:30-54. [PMID: 23301832 PMCID: PMC3560853 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 245] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating lines of experimental evidence have revealed that hypoxia-inducible factors, HIF-1α and HIF-2α, are key regulators of the adaptation of cancer- and metastasis-initiating cells and their differentiated progenies to oxygen and nutrient deprivation during cancer progression under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Particularly, the sustained stimulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), stem cell factor (SCF) receptor KIT, transforming growth factor-β receptors (TGF-βRs) and Notch and their downstream signalling elements such as phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/molecular target of rapamycin (mTOR) may lead to an enhanced activity of HIFs. Moreover, the up-regulation of HIFs in cancer cells may also occur in the hypoxic intratumoral regions formed within primary and secondary neoplasms as well as in leukaemic cells and metastatic prostate and breast cancer cells homing in the hypoxic endosteal niche of bone marrow. The activated HIFs may induce the expression of numerous gene products such as induced pluripotency-associated transcription factors (Oct-3/4, Nanog and Sox-2), glycolysis- and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programme-associated molecules, including CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), snail and twist, microRNAs and angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These gene products in turn can play critical roles for high self-renewal ability, survival, altered energy metabolism, invasion and metastases of cancer cells, angiogenic switch and treatment resistance. Consequently, the targeting of HIF signalling network and altered metabolic pathways represents new promising strategies to eradicate the total mass of cancer cells and improve the efficacy of current therapies against aggressive and metastatic cancers and prevent disease relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Murielle Mimeault
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Eppley Cancer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kiesslich T, Pichler M, Neureiter D. Epigenetic control of epithelial-mesenchymal-transition in human cancer. Mol Clin Oncol 2012; 1:3-11. [PMID: 24649114 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2012.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Development and tissue homeostasis as well as carcinogenesis share the evolutionary conserved process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT enables differentiated epithelial cells to trans-differentiate to a mesenchymal phenotype which is associated with diverse cellular properties including altered morphology, migration and invasion and stemness. In physiological development and tissue homeostasis, EMT exerts beneficial functions for structured tissue formation and maintenance. Under pathological conditions, EMT causes uncontrolled tissue repair and organ fibrosis, as well as the induction of tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis in the context of cancer progression. Particularly, the metastatic process is essentially linked to diverse EMT-driven functions which give the mesenchymal differentiated tumor cells the capacity to migrate and form micrometastases in distant organs. Recent analyses of the mechanisms controlling EMT revealed a significant epigenetic regulatory impact reflecting the reversible nature of EMTs. As several approaches of epigenetic therapy are already under clinical evaluation, including inhibitors of DNA methyl transferase and histone deacetylase, targeting the epigenetic regulation of EMT may represent a promising therapeutic option in the future. Therefore, we undertook this review to reassess the current knowledge on the roles of epigenetic control in the regulation of EMT in human cancer. These recent findings are discussed in view of their implications on future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Kiesslich
- Institute of Pathology; ; Department of Internal Medicine I, Paracelsus Medical University/Salzburger Landeskliniken (SALK), Salzburg
| | - Martin Pichler
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz (MUG), Graz, Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Krishnamurthy S, Nör JE. Orosphere assay: a method for propagation of head and neck cancer stem cells. Head Neck 2012; 35:1015-21. [PMID: 22791367 DOI: 10.1002/hed.23076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence suggests that head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) harbor a small subpopulation of highly tumorigenic cells, designated cancer stem cells. A limiting factor in cancer stem cell research is the intrinsic difficulty of expanding cells in an undifferentiated state in vitro. METHODS Here, we describe the development of the orosphere assay, a method for the study of putative head and neck cancer stem cells. An orosphere is defined as a nonadherent colony of cells sorted from primary HNSCCs or from HNSCC cell lines and cultured in 3-dimensional soft agar or ultralow attachment plates. Aldehyde dehydrogenase activity and CD44 expression were used here as stem cell markers. RESULTS This assay allowed for the propagation of head and neck cancer cells that retained stemness and self-renewal. CONCLUSION The orosphere assay is well suited for studies designed to understand the pathobiology of head and neck cancer stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudha Krishnamurthy
- Department of Restorative Sciences, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Karimi-Busheri F, Zadorozhny V, Carrier E, Fakhrai H. Molecular integrity and global gene expression of breast and lung cancer stem cells under long-term storage and recovery. Cell Tissue Bank 2012; 14:175-86. [PMID: 22592563 PMCID: PMC3663207 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-012-9315-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Accepted: 04/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation is a common procedure widely used in biological and clinical sciences. Similar protocols are also applied in preserving cancer stem cells, a field with high promises and challenges. Specific cell surface membrane proteins are considered to be biomarkers of cancer stem cells and they may play a critical role in differentiating stem cells from non stem cells. We have looked at the possible effect of long-term cryopreservation on the molecular integrity of breast MCF7 and lung, A549 and H460, cancer stem cells and to assess if these cells are more sensitive to long-term storage process. We analyzed the expression of CD24 and CD38 as two potent biomarkers of lung cancer stem cells and EpCAM and ALDH that are used as biomarkers of a wide range of cancer stem cells. We also selected three genes essential for the normal functioning of the cells, Fos, MUC1, and HLA. Our results indicate a pattern of down-regulation in the expression of the genes following freezing, in particular among cell surface marker proteins. Global gene expression of the post-thaw breast and lung cancer stem cells also reveals a significant down-regulation in freeze-thaw cells independent from each other. Analyzing the canonical pathways between two populations reveals a significant alteration in the gene expression of the pathways involved in cell cycle, mitosis, and ataxia telangiectasia mutated pathways. Overall, our results indicate that current protocols for long-term storage of lung and breast cancer stem cells may substantially influence the activity and function of genes.
Collapse
|
19
|
Mimeault M, Batra SK. Potential applications of curcumin and its novel synthetic analogs and nanotechnology-based formulations in cancer prevention and therapy. Chin Med 2011; 6:31. [PMID: 21859497 PMCID: PMC3177878 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8546-6-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Curcumin has attracted great attention in the therapeutic arsenal in clinical oncology due to its chemopreventive, antitumoral, radiosensibilizing and chemosensibilizing activities against various types of aggressive and recurrent cancers. These malignancies include leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, brain cancer, melanoma and skin, lung, prostate, breast, ovarian, liver, gastrointestinal, pancreatic and colorectal epithelial cancers. Curcumin mediates its anti-proliferative, anti-invasive and apoptotic effects on cancer cells, including cancer stem/progenitor cells and their progenies, through multiple molecular mechanisms. The oncogenic pathways inhibited by curcumin encompass the members of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR and erbB2), sonic hedgehog (SHH)/GLIs and Wnt/β-catenin and downstream signaling elements such as Akt, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs). In counterbalance, the high metabolic instability and poor systemic bioavailability of curcumin limit its therapeutic efficacy in human. Of great therapeutic interest, the selective delivery of synthetic analogs or nanotechnology-based formulations of curcumin to tumors, alone or in combination with other anticancer drugs, may improve their chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic efficacies against cancer progression and relapse. Novel curcumin formulations may also be used to reverse drug resistance, eradicate the total cancer cell mass and improve the anticarcinogenic efficacy of the current anti-hormonal and chemotherapeutic treatments for patients with various aggressive and lethal cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Murielle Mimeault
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Martínez-Paniagua MA, Baritaki S, Huerta-Yepez S, Ortiz-Navarrete VF, González-Bonilla C, Bonavida B, Vega MI. Mcl-1 and YY1 inhibition and induction of DR5 by the BH3-mimetic Obatoclax (GX15-070) contribute in the sensitization of B-NHL cells to TRAIL apoptosis. Cell Cycle 2011; 10:2792-805. [PMID: 21822052 DOI: 10.4161/cc.10.16.16952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The pan Bcl-2 family antagonist Obatoclax (GX15-070), currently in clinical trials, was shown to sensitize TRAIL-resistant tumors to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis via the release of Bak and Bim from Mcl-1 or Bcl-2/Bcl-XL complexes or by the activation of Bax, though other mechanisms were not examined. Herein, we hypothesize that Obatoclax-mediated sensitization to TRAIL apoptosis may also result from alterations of the apoptotic pathways. The TRAIL-resistant B-cell line Ramos was used as a model for investigation. Treatment of Ramos cells with Obatoclax significantly inhibited the expression of several members of the Bcl-2 family, dissociated Bak from Mcl-1 and inhibited the NFκB activity. Cells treated with Mcl-1 siRNA were sensitized to TRAIL apoptosis. We examined whether the sensitization of Ramos to TRAIL by Obatoclax resulted from signaling of the DR4 and/or DR5. Transfection with DR5 siRNA, but not with DR4 siRNA, sensitized the cells to apoptosis following treatment with Obatoclax and TRAIL. The signaling via DR5 correlated with Obatoclax-induced inhibition of the DR5 repressor Yin Yang 1 (YY1). Transfection with YY1 siRNA sensitized the cells to TRAIL apoptosis following treatment with Obatoclax and TRAIL. Overall, the present findings reveal a new mechanism of Obatoclax-induced sensitization to TRAIL apoptosis and the involvement of the inhibition of NFκB activity and downstream Mcl-1 and YY1 expressions and activities.
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
While cancer treatment modalities are gradually improving due to increased knowledge about tumor heterogeneity and the cancer stem cell hypothesis, there remains a disconnect between tumor detection and mortality rates. The increasing knowledge of stem cell biology and its contribution to cancer progression illuminates the potential for chemopreventative regimens that effectively target the tissue-specific stem cell. Several signaling pathways have emerged that are critical for regulating stem cell self-renewal and multilineage differentiation over a range of tissue types, including Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch signaling. Dysregulation of these genes can lead to cancer, which supports the cancer stem cell hypothesis. Several known chemopreventative agents have recently been shown to impact these and other pathways in the stem cell population, suggesting that their efficacies may be attributed in part to maintaining homeostasis of tissue-specific stem cells. Further understanding of the mechanisms of action of chemopreventative agents and of stem cell biology will generate better chemoprevention regimens that can be recommended especially to those in high-risk populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophia L Maund
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Can an abundantly expressed molecule be a reliable marker for the cancer-initiating cells (CICs; also known as cancer stem cells), which constitute the minority of cells within the mass of a tumour? CD44 has been implicated as a CIC marker in several malignancies of haematopoietic and epithelial origin. Is this a fortuitous coincidence owing to the widespread expression of the molecule or is CD44 expression advantageous as it fulfils some of the special properties that are displayed by CICs, such as self-renewal, niche preparation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and resistance to apoptosis?
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margot Zöller
- Department of Tumour Cell Biology, University Hospital of Surgery and German Cancer Research Centre, D69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Mimeault M, Batra SK. Frequent deregulations in the hedgehog signaling network and cross-talks with the epidermal growth factor receptor pathway involved in cancer progression and targeted therapies. Pharmacol Rev 2010; 62:497-524. [PMID: 20716670 DOI: 10.1124/pr.109.002329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The hedgehog (Hh)/glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) signaling network is among the most important and fascinating signal transduction systems that provide critical functions in the regulation of many developmental and physiological processes. The coordinated spatiotemporal interplay of the Hh ligands and other growth factors is necessary for the stringent control of the behavior of diverse types of tissue-resident stem/progenitor cells and their progenies. The activation of the Hh cascade might promote the tissue regeneration and repair after severe injury in numerous organs, insulin production in pancreatic beta-cells, and neovascularization. Consequently, the stimulation of the Hh pathway constitutes a potential therapeutic strategy to treat diverse human disorders, including severe tissue injuries; diabetes mellitus; and brain, skin, and cardiovascular disorders. In counterbalance, a deregulation of the Hh signaling network might lead to major tissular disorders and the development of a wide variety of aggressive and metastatic cancers. The target gene products induced through the persistent Hh activation can contribute to the self-renewal, survival, migration, and metastasis of cancer stem/progenitor cells and their progenies. Moreover, the pivotal role mediated through the Hh/GLI cascade during cancer progression also implicates the cooperation with other oncogenic products, such as mutated K-RAS and complex cross-talk with different growth factor pathways, including tyrosine kinase receptors, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Wnt/beta-catenin, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)/TGF-beta receptors. Therefore, the molecular targeting of distinct deregulated gene products, including Hh and EGFR signaling components and other signaling elements that are frequently deregulated in highly tumorigenic cancer-initiating cells and their progenies, might constitute a potential therapeutic strategy to eradicate the total cancer cell mass. Of clinical interest is that these multitargeted approaches offer great promise as adjuvant treatments for improving the current antihormonal therapies, radiotherapies, and/or chemotherapies against locally advanced and metastatic cancers, thereby preventing disease relapse and the death of patients with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Murielle Mimeault
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cancer stem cells in pancreatic cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2010; 2:1629-41. [PMID: 24281178 PMCID: PMC3837327 DOI: 10.3390/cancers2031629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2010] [Revised: 07/29/2010] [Accepted: 08/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignant solid tumor well-known by early metastasis, local invasion, resistance to standard chemo- and radiotherapy and poor prognosis. Increasing evidence indicates that pancreatic cancer is initiated and propagated by cancer stem cells (CSCs). Here we review the current research results regarding CSCs in pancreatic cancer and discuss the different markers identifying pancreatic CSCs. This review will focus on metastasis, microRNA regulation and anti-CSC therapy in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
|
25
|
Mimeault M, Batra SK. New promising drug targets in cancer- and metastasis-initiating cells. Drug Discov Today 2010; 15:354-64. [PMID: 20338259 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2010.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2009] [Revised: 02/03/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2010] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The unique properties of cancer- and metastasis-initiating cells endowed with a high self-renewal and aberrant differentiation potential (including their elevated expression levels of anti-apoptotic factors, multidrug transporters, and DNA repair and detoxifying enzymes) might be associated with their resistance to current clinical cancer therapies and disease recurrence. The eradication of cancer- and metastasis-initiating cells by molecular targeting of distinct deregulated signaling elements that might contribute to their sustained growth, survival, and treatment resistance, therefore, is of immense therapeutic interest. These novel targeted approaches should improve the efficacy of current therapeutic treatments against highly aggressive, metastatic, recurrent, and lethal cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Murielle Mimeault
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|