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Dorna D, Paluszczak J. Targeting cancer stem cells as a strategy for reducing chemotherapy resistance in head and neck cancers. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:13417-13435. [PMID: 37453969 PMCID: PMC10587253 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05136-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy is the primary cause of a poor prognosis in oncological patients. Researchers identified many possible mechanisms involved in gaining a therapy-resistant phenotype by cancer cells, including alterations in intracellular drug accumulation, detoxification, and enhanced DNA damage repair. All these features are characteristic of stem cells, making them the major culprit of chemoresistance. This paper reviews the most recent evidence regarding the association between the stemness phenotype and chemoresistance in head and neck cancers. It also investigates the impact of pharmacologically targeting cancer stem cell populations in this subset of malignancies. METHODS This narrative review was prepared based on the search of the PubMed database for relevant papers. RESULTS Head and neck cancer cells belonging to the stem cell population are distinguished by the high expression of certain surface proteins (e.g., CD10, CD44, CD133), pluripotency-related transcription factors (SOX2, OCT4, NANOG), and increased activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Chemotherapy itself increases the percentage of stem-like cells. Importantly, the intratumor heterogeneity of stem cell subpopulations reflects cell plasticity which has great importance for chemoresistance induction. CONCLUSIONS Evidence points to the advantage of combining classical chemotherapeutics with stemness modulators thanks to the joint targeting of the bulk of proliferating tumor cells and chemoresistant cancer stem cells, which could cause recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Dorna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Ul. Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
| | - Jarosław Paluszczak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Ul. Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
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2
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Sun Q, Chen X, Luo H, Meng C, Zhu D. Cancer stem cells of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; distance towards clinical application; a systematic review of literature. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:4315-4345. [PMID: 37818051 PMCID: PMC10560931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the major pathological type of head and neck cancer (HNC). The disease ranks sixth among the most common malignancies worldwide, with an increasing incidence rate yearly. Despite the development of therapy, the prognosis of HNSCC remains unsatisfactory, which may be attributed to the resistance to traditional radio-chemotherapy, relapse, and metastasis. To improve the diagnosis and treatment, the targeted therapy for HNSCC may be successful as that for some other tumors. Nanocarriers are the most effective system to deliver the anti-cancerous agent at the site of interest using passive or active targeting approaches. The system enhances the drug concentration in HCN target cells, increases retention, and reduces toxicity to normal cells. Among the different techniques in nanotechnology, quantum dots (QDs) possess multiple fluorescent colors emissions under single-source excitation and size-tunable light emission. Dendrimers are the most attractive nanocarriers, which possess the desired properties of drug retention, release, unaffecting by the immune system, blood circulation time enhancing, and cells or organs specific targeting properties. In this review, we have discussed the up-to-date knowledge of the Cancer Stem Cells of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Although a lot of data is available, still much more efforts remain to be made to improve the treatment of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingjia Sun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityXiantai Street 126, Changchun 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityXiantai Street 126, Changchun 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Hong Luo
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital of QiqiharQiqihar 161005, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Cuida Meng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityXiantai Street 126, Changchun 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Dongdong Zhu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityXiantai Street 126, Changchun 130033, Jilin, China
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3
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Nairuz T, Mahmud Z, Manik RK, Kabir Y. Cancer stem cells: an insight into the development of metastatic tumors and therapy resistance. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023:10.1007/s12015-023-10529-x. [PMID: 37129728 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10529-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The term "cancer stem cells" (CSCs) refers to cancer cells that exhibit traits parallel to normal stem cells, namely the potential to give rise to every type of cell identified in a tumor microenvironment. It has been found that CSCs usually develops from other neoplastic cells or non-cancerous somatic cells by acquiring stemness and malignant characteristics through particular genetic modifications. A trivial number of CSCs, identified in solid and liquid cancer, can give rise to an entire tumor population with aggressive anticancer drug resistance, metastasis, and invasiveness. Besides, cancer stem cells manipulate their intrinsic and extrinsic features, regulate the metabolic pattern of the cell, adjust efflux-influx efficiency, modulate different signaling pathways, block apoptotic signals, and cause genetic and epigenetic alterations to retain their pluripotency and ability of self-renewal. Notably, to keep the cancer stem cells' ability to become malignant cells, mesenchymal stem cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, etc., interact with one another. Furthermore, CSCs are characterized by the expression of particular molecular markers that carry significant diagnostic and prognostic significance. Because of this, scientific research on CSCs is becoming increasingly imperative, intending to understand the traits and behavior of cancer stem cells and create more potent anticancer therapeutics to fight cancer at the CSC level. In this review, we aimed to elucidate the critical role of CSCs in the onset and spread of cancer and the characteristics of CSCs that promote severe resistance to targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahsin Nairuz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Zimam Mahmud
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Rasel Khan Manik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Yearul Kabir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh.
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Halder S, Basu S, Lal S, Ganti AK, Batra SK, Seshacharyulu P. Targeting the EGFR signaling pathway in cancer therapy: What's new in 2023? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:305-324. [PMID: 37243489 PMCID: PMC10330690 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2218613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently amplified, overexpressed, and mutated in multiple cancers. In normal cell physiology, EGFR signaling controls cellular differentiation, proliferation, growth, and survival. During tumorigenesis, mutations in EGFR lead to increased kinase activity supporting survival, uncontrolled proliferation, and migratory functions of cancer cells. Molecular agents targeting the EGFR pathway have been discovered, and their efficacy has been demonstrated in clinical trials. To date, 14 EGFR-targeted agents have been approved for cancer treatments. AREAS COVERED This review describes the newly identified pathways in EGFR signaling, the evolution of novel EGFR-acquired and innate resistance mechanisms, mutations, and adverse side effects of EGFR signaling inhibitors. Subsequently, the latest EGFR/panEGFR inhibitors in preclinical and clinical studies have been summarized. Finally, the consequences of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors and EGFR inhibitors have also been discussed. EXPERT OPINION As new mutations are threatened against EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), we suggest the development of new compounds targeting specific mutations without inducing new mutations. We discuss potential future research on developing EGFR-TKIs specific for exact allosteric sites to overcome acquired resistance and reduce adverse events. The rising trend of EGFR inhibitors in the pharma market and their economic impact on real-world clinical practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushanta Halder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Soumi Basu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Shobhit Lal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Apar K. Ganti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases
- Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Surinder K. Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Parthasarathy Seshacharyulu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
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Zhou H, Tan L, Liu B, Guan XY. Cancer stem cells: Recent insights and therapies. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 209:115441. [PMID: 36720355 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Tumors are intricate ecosystems containing malignant components that generate adaptive and evolutionarily driven abnormal tissues. Through self-renewal and differentiation, cancers are reconstructed by a dynamic subset of stem-like cells that enforce tumor heterogeneity and remodel the tumor microenvironment (TME). Through recent technology advances, we are now better equipped to investigate the fundamental role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in cancer biology. In this review, we discuss the latest insights into characteristics, markers and mechanism of CSCs and describe the crosstalk between CSCs and other cells in TME. Additionally, we explore the performance of single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptome analysis in CSCs studies and summarize the therapeutic strategies to eliminate CSCs, which could broaden the understanding of CSCs and exploit for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Licheng Tan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Beilei Liu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Advanced Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Technology Research Center, Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou, Guangdong, China.
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Venkatesiah SS, Augustine D, Mishra D, Gujjar N, Haragannavar VC, Awan KH, Patil S. Immunology of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma-A Comprehensive Insight with Recent Concepts. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:1807. [PMID: 36362963 PMCID: PMC9695443 DOI: 10.3390/life12111807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aims to understand the concept of oral cancer immunology through the notion of immune profiling, immunoediting and immunotherapy, and to gain knowledge regarding its application for the management of oral cancer patients. Oral cancer is an immunogenic tumor where the cells of the tumor microenvironment play an important role in tumorigenesis. Understanding the mechanism of these modulations can help design immunotherapeutic strategies in oral cancer patients. This article gives an overview of immunomodulation in the oral cancer tumor microenvironment, with concepts of immune profiling, immunoediting and immunotherapy. English literature searches via Google Scholar, Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus, and PubMed database were performed with the key words immunology, tumor microenvironment, cells, cross talk, immune profiling, biomarkers, inflammation, gene expression, techniques, immunoediting, immunosurveillance, tumor escape, immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines in cancer, oral cancer, and head and neck cancer. Original research articles, reviews, and case reports published from 2016-2021 (n = 81) were included to appraise different topics, and were discussed under the following subsections. Literature published on oral cancer immunology reveals that oral cancer immune profiling with appropriate markers and techniques and knowledge on immunoediting concepts can help design and play an effective role in immunotherapeutic management of oral cancer patients. An evaluation of oral cancer immunology helps to determine its role in tumorigenesis, and immunotherapy could be the emerging drift in the effective management of oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowmya Samudrala Venkatesiah
- Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, MSR Nagar, Bengaluru 560054, India
| | - Dominic Augustine
- Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, MSR Nagar, Bengaluru 560054, India
| | - Deepika Mishra
- Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Centre for Dental Education and Research, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi 110608, India
| | - Neethi Gujjar
- Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, MSR Nagar, Bengaluru 560054, India
| | - Vanishri C. Haragannavar
- Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, MSR Nagar, Bengaluru 560054, India
| | - Kamran Habib Awan
- College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, UT 84095, USA
| | - Shankargouda Patil
- College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, UT 84095, USA
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences University, Chennai 600077, India
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7
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Safa AR. Drug and apoptosis resistance in cancer stem cells: a puzzle with many pieces. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 5:850-872. [PMID: 36627897 PMCID: PMC9771762 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to anticancer agents and apoptosis results in cancer relapse and is associated with cancer mortality. Substantial data have provided convincing evidence establishing that human cancers emerge from cancer stem cells (CSCs), which display self-renewal and are resistant to anticancer drugs, radiation, and apoptosis, and express enhanced epithelial to mesenchymal progression. CSCs represent a heterogeneous tumor cell population and lack specific cellular targets, which makes it a great challenge to target and eradicate them. Similarly, their close relationship with the tumor microenvironment creates greater complexity in developing novel treatment strategies targeting CSCs. Several mechanisms participate in the drug and apoptosis resistance phenotype in CSCs in various cancers. These include enhanced expression of ATP-binding cassette membrane transporters, activation of various cytoprotective and survival signaling pathways, dysregulation of stemness signaling pathways, aberrant DNA repair mechanisms, increased quiescence, autophagy, increased immune evasion, deficiency of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, upregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins including c-FLIP [cellular FLICE (FADD-like IL-1β-converting enzyme)-inhibitory protein], Bcl-2 family members, inhibitors of apoptosis proteins, and PI3K/AKT signaling. Studying such mechanisms not only provides mechanistic insights into these cells that are unresponsive to drugs, but may lead to the development of targeted and effective therapeutics to eradicate CSCs. Several studies have identified promising strategies to target CSCs. These emerging strategies may help target CSC-associated drug resistance and metastasis in clinical settings. This article will review the CSCs drug and apoptosis resistance mechanisms and how to target CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad R. Safa
- Correspondence to: Dr. Ahmad R. Safa, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 635 Barnhill Dr. MS A416, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. E-mail:
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8
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EGFR Mutations in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073818. [PMID: 35409179 PMCID: PMC8999014 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
EGFR is a prototypical receptor tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed in multiple cancers including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The standard of care for HNSCC remains largely unchanged despite decades of research. While EGFR blockade is an attractive target in HNSCC patients and anti-EGFR strategies including monoclonal antibodies and kinase inhibitors have shown some clinical benefit, efficacy is often due to the eventual development of resistance. In this review, we discuss how the acquisition of mutations in various domains of the EGFR gene not only alter drug binding dynamics giving rise to resistance, but also how mutations can impact radiation response and overall survival in HNSCC patients. A better understanding of the EGFR mutational landscape and its dynamic effects on treatment resistance hold the potential to better stratify patients for targeted therapies in order to maximize therapeutic benefits.
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9
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Palanivel C, Chaudhary N, Seshacharyulu P, Cox JL, Yan Y, Batra SK, Ouellette MM. The GSK3 kinase and LZTR1 protein regulate the stability of Ras family proteins and the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. Neoplasia 2022; 25:28-40. [PMID: 35114566 PMCID: PMC8814762 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Ras family proteins are membrane-bound GTPases that control proliferation, survival, and motility. Many forms of cancers are driven by the acquisition of somatic mutations in a RAS gene. In pancreatic cancer (PC), more than 90% of tumors carry an activating mutation in KRAS. Mutations in components of the Ras signaling pathway can also be the cause of RASopathies, a group of developmental disorders. In a subset of RASopathies, the causal mutations are in the LZTR1 protein, a substrate adaptor for E3 ubiquitin ligases that promote the degradation of Ras proteins. Here, we show that the function of LZTR1 is regulated by the glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3). In PC cells, inhibiting or silencing GSK3 led to a decline in the level of Ras proteins, including both wild type Ras proteins and the oncogenic Kras protein. This decline was accompanied by a 3-fold decrease in the half-life of Ras proteins and was blocked by the inhibition of the proteasome or the knockdown of LZTR1. Irrespective of the mutational status of KRAS, the decline in Ras proteins was observed and accompanied by a loss of cell proliferation. This loss of proliferation was blocked by the knockdown of LZTR1 and could be recapitulated by the silencing of either KRAS or GSK3. These results reveal a novel GSK3-regulated LZTR1-dependent mechanism that controls the stability of Ras proteins and proliferation of PC cells. The significance of this novel pathway to Ras signaling and its contribution to the therapeutic properties of GSK3 inhibitors are both discussed.
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Chaudhary S, Lakshmanan I, Ganti AK, Macha MA, Batra SK. Reply. Cancer Lett 2022; 527:193-194. [PMID: 35115095 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjib Chaudhary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Imayavaramban Lakshmanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Apar Kishor Ganti
- VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Division of Oncology-Hematology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA; Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir, 192122, India
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA.
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Shahoumi LA. Oral Cancer Stem Cells: Therapeutic Implications and Challenges. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 2:685236. [PMID: 35048028 PMCID: PMC8757826 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2021.685236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is currently one of the 10 most common malignancies worldwide, characterized by a biologically highly diverse group of tumors with non-specific biomarkers and poor prognosis. The incidence rate of HNSCC varies widely throughout the world, with an evident prevalence in developing countries such as those in Southeast Asia and Southern Africa. Tumor relapse and metastasis following traditional treatment remain major clinical problems in oral cancer management. Current evidence suggests that therapeutic resistance and metastasis of cancer are mainly driven by a unique subpopulation of tumor cells, termed cancer stem cells (CSCs), or cancer-initiating cells (CICs), which are characterized by their capacity for self-renewal, maintenance of stemness and increased tumorigenicity. Thus, more understanding of the molecular mechanisms of CSCs and their behavior may help in developing effective therapeutic interventions that inhibit tumor growth and progression. This review provides an overview of the main signaling cascades in CSCs that drive tumor repropagation and metastasis in oral cancer, with a focus on squamous cell carcinoma. Other oral non-SCC tumors, including melanoma and malignant salivary gland tumors, will also be considered. In addition, this review discusses some of the CSC-targeted therapeutic strategies that have been employed to combat disease progression, and the challenges of targeting CSCs, with the aim of improving the clinical outcomes for patients with oral malignancies. Targeting of CSCs in head and neck cancer (HNC) represents a promising approach to improve disease outcome. Some CSC-targeted therapies have already been proven to be successful in pre-clinical studies and they are now being tested in clinical trials, mainly in combination with conventional treatment regimens. However, some studies revealed that CSCs may not be the only players that control disease relapse and progression of HNC. Further, clinical research studying a combination of therapies targeted against head and neck CSCs may provide significant advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linah A Shahoumi
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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Li H, Peyser ND, Zeng Y, Ha PK, Johnson DE, Grandis JR. NSAIDs Overcome PIK3CA Mutation-Mediated Resistance to EGFR Inhibition in Head and Neck Cancer Preclinical Models. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030506. [PMID: 35158773 PMCID: PMC8833811 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but remain under active clinical investigation for the treatment of both newly diagnosed and recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite EGFR expression in the majority of HNSCC tumors, the levels of total or phosphorylated EGFR have not consistently been correlated with a response to EGFR targeting agents. The lack of predictive biomarkers represents a major obstacle to successful use of these drugs. Activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling by mutation of the PIK3CA oncogene represents a plausible mechanism for EGFR inhibitor drug resistance. We compared the impact of EGFR inhibitors, alone or in combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in preclinical HNSCC models harboring mutant versus wild-type PIK3CA. Our results demonstrate additive or synergistic effects of NSAIDs and EGFR inhibitors in vitro and in vivo in PIK3CA-mutated HNSCC models. These findings suggest that the addition of NSAIDs to EGFR inhibitors for the treatment of HNSCC may represent a promising therapeutic strategy in PIK3CA-mutated cancers.
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Liu X, Suo H, Zhou S, Hou Z, Bu M, Liu X, Xu W. Afatinib induces pro-survival autophagy and increases sensitivity to apoptosis in stem-like HNSCC cells. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:728. [PMID: 34294686 PMCID: PMC8298552 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04011-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Afatinib, a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), exerts its antitumor effects in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by inducing intrinsic apoptosis through suppression of mTORC1. However, the detailed mechanism and biological significance of afatinib-induced autophagy in HNSCC remains unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated that afatinib induced mTORC1 suppression-mediated autophagy in HNSCC cells. Further mechanistic investigation revealed that afatinib stimulated REDD1-TSC1 signaling, giving rise to mTORC1 inactivation and subsequent autophagy. Moreover, ROS generation elicited by afatinib was responsible for the induction of the REDD1-TSC1-mTORC1 axis. In addition, pharmacological or genetic inhibition of autophagy sensitized HNSCC cells to afatinib-induced apoptosis, demonstrating that afatinib activated pro-survival autophagy in HNSCC cells. Importantly, in vitro and in vivo assays showed that afatinib caused enhanced apoptosis but weaker autophagy in stem-like HNSCC cells constructed by CDH1 knockdown. This suggested that blocking autophagy has the potential to serve as a promising strategy to target HNSCC stem cells. In conclusion, our findings suggested that the combination treatment with afatinib and autophagy inhibitors has the potential to eradicate HNSCC cells, especially cancer stem cells in clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianfang Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250022, P.R. China
| | - Huiyuan Suo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250022, P.R. China
| | - Shengli Zhou
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250022, P.R. China
| | - Zhenxing Hou
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250022, P.R. China
| | - Mingqiang Bu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tengzhou Central People's Hospital, Tengzhou, Shandong, 277500, P.R. China
| | - Xiuxiu Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250022, P.R. China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250022, P.R. China.
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High-throughput compound screening identifies navitoclax combined with irradiation as a candidate therapy for HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14755. [PMID: 34285300 PMCID: PMC8292418 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94259-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional chemotherapeutic agents are nonselective, often resulting in severe side effects and the development of resistance. Therefore, new molecular-targeted therapies are urgently needed to be integrated into existing treatment regimens. Here, we performed a high-throughput compound screen to identify a synergistic interaction between ionizing radiation and 396 anticancer compounds. The assay was run using five human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines cultured on the human tumor-derived matrix Myogel. Our screen identified several compounds with strong synergistic and antagonistic effects, which we further investigated using multiple irradiation doses. Navitoclax, which emerged as the most promising radiosensitizer, exhibited synergy with irradiation regardless of the p53 mutation status in all 13 HNSCC cell lines. We performed a live cell apoptosis assay for two representative HNSCC cell lines to examine the effects of navitoclax and irradiation. As a single agent, navitoclax reduced proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the navitoclax-irradiation combination arrested cell cycle progression and resulted in substantially elevated apoptosis. Overall, we demonstrated that combining navitoclax with irradiation resulted in synergistic in vitro antitumor effects in HNSCC cell lines, possibly indicating the therapeutic potential for HNSCC patients.
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15
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Chaudhary S, Pothuraju R, Rachagani S, Siddiqui JA, Atri P, Mallya K, Nasser MW, Sayed Z, Lyden ER, Smith L, Gupta SD, Ralhan R, Lakshmanan I, Jones DT, Ganti AK, Macha MA, Batra SK. Dual blockade of EGFR and CDK4/6 delays head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progression by inducing metabolic rewiring. Cancer Lett 2021; 510:79-92. [PMID: 33878394 PMCID: PMC8153085 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite preclinical success, monotherapies targeting EGFR or cyclin D1-CDK4/6 in Head and Neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have shown a limited clinical outcome. Here, we aimed to determine the combined effect of palbociclib (CDK4/6) and afatinib (panEGFR) inhibitors as an effective strategy to target HNSCC. Using TCGA-HNSCC co-expression analysis, we found that patients with high EGFR and cyclin D1 expression showed enrichment of gene clusters associated with cell-growth, glycolysis, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition processes. Phosphorylated S6 (p-S6), a downstream effector of EGFR and cyclin D1-CDK4/6 signalling, showed a progressive increase from normal oral tissues to leukoplakia and frank malignancy, and associated with poor outcome of the patients. This increased p-S6 expression was drastically reduced after combination treatment with afatinib and palbociclib in the cell lines and mouse models, suggesting its utiliy as a prognostic marker in HNSCC. Combination treatment also reduced the cell growth and induced cell senescence via increasing reactive oxygen species with concurrent ablation of glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates. Finally, our findings in sub-cutaneous and genetically engineered mouse model (K14-CreERtam;LSL-KrasG12D/+;Trp53R172H/+) studies showed a significant reduction in the tumor growth and delayed tumor progression after combination treatment. This study collectively demonstrates that dual targeting may be a critical therapeutic strategy in blocking tumor progression via inducing metabolic alteration and warrants clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjib Chaudhary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ramesh Pothuraju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Satyanarayana Rachagani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Jawed A Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Pranita Atri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Kavita Mallya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Mohd W Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Zafar Sayed
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Lyden
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Lynette Smith
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Siddhartha D Gupta
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Ranju Ralhan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Imayavaramban Lakshmanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Dwight T Jones
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Apar Kishor Ganti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA; Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA.
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir, 192122, India.
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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16
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Keyvani-Ghamsari S, Khorsandi K, Rasul A, Zaman MK. Current understanding of epigenetics mechanism as a novel target in reducing cancer stem cells resistance. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:120. [PMID: 34051847 PMCID: PMC8164819 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01107-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, after extensive studies in the field of cancer, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been proposed as a major factor in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and recurrence. CSCs are a subpopulation of bulk tumors, with stem cell-like properties and tumorigenic capabilities, having the abilities of self-renewal and differentiation, thereby being able to generate heterogeneous lineages of cancer cells and lead to resistance toward anti-tumor treatments. Highly resistant to conventional chemo- and radiotherapy, CSCs have heterogeneity and can migrate to different organs and metastasize. Recent studies have demonstrated that the population of CSCs and the progression of cancer are increased by the deregulation of different epigenetic pathways having effects on gene expression patterns and key pathways connected with cell proliferation and survival. Further, epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA methylations) have been revealed to be key drivers in the formation and maintenance of CSCs. Hence, identifying CSCs and targeting epigenetic pathways therein can offer new insights into the treatment of cancer. In the present review, recent studies are addressed in terms of the characteristics of CSCs, the resistance thereof, and the factors influencing the development thereof, with an emphasis on different types of epigenetic changes in genes and main signaling pathways involved therein. Finally, targeted therapy for CSCs by epigenetic drugs is referred to, which is a new approach in overcoming resistance and recurrence of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khatereh Khorsandi
- Department of Photodynamic, Medical Laser Research Center, Yara Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Azhar Rasul
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Khatir Zaman
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM), Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
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17
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Fasano M, Della Corte CM, Viscardi G, Di Liello R, Paragliola F, Sparano F, Iacovino ML, Castrichino A, Doria F, Sica A, Morgillo F, Colella G, Tartaro G, Cappabianca S, Testa D, Motta G, Ciardiello F. Head and neck cancer: the role of anti-EGFR agents in the era of immunotherapy. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2021; 13:1758835920949418. [PMID: 33767760 PMCID: PMC7953226 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920949418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNC) represent the seventh most frequent cancer worldwide, with squamous cell carcinomas as the most frequent histologic subtype. Standard treatment for early stage diseases is represented by single modality surgery or radiotherapy, whereas in the locally advanced and recurrent or metastatic settings a more aggressive multi-modal approach is needed with locoregional intervention and/or systemic therapies. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in HNC biology and has been studied extensively in preclinical and clinical settings. In this scenario, anti-EGFR targeted agent cetuximab, introduced in clinical practice a decade ago, represents the only approved targeted therapy to date, while the development of immune-checkpoint inhibitors has recently changed the available treatment options. In this review, we focus on the current role of anti-EGFR therapies in HNCs, underlying available clinical data and mechanisms of resistance, and highlight future perspectives regarding their role in the era of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morena Fasano
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli. Via Sergio Pansini 5, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Carminia Maria Della Corte
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Viscardi
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Raimondo Di Liello
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Fernando Paragliola
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Sparano
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Iacovino
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Doria
- Centro radiologico Vega, Centro radiologico fisica e terapia fisica Morrone, Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonello Sica
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Floriana Morgillo
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Colella
- Maxillo-Facial Surgery Department, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tartaro
- Maxillo-Facial Surgery Department, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cappabianca
- Department of Precision Medicine, Radiology Unit, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Testa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Surgical and Emergency Science, Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Unit, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Motta
- Department of Anesthesiology, Surgical and Emergency Science, Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Unit, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Fortunato Ciardiello
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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18
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Fernandes GMDM, Galbiatti-Dias ALS, Ferreira LAM, Serafim Junior V, Rodrigues-Fleming GH, de Oliveira-Cucolo JG, Biselli-Chicote PM, Kawasaki-Oyama RS, Maniglia JV, Pavarino ÉC, Goloni-Bertollo EM. Anti-EGFR treatment effects on laryngeal cancer stem cells. Am J Transl Res 2021; 13:143-155. [PMID: 33527014 PMCID: PMC7847503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Laryngeal cancer (LC) is one of the common head and neck neoplasms and is characterized by resistance to conventional therapy and poor prognosis. This may result from the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which form a small population in tumors with metastatic potential, high invasive capacity, self-renewal, and differentiation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin individually, as well as the combination of cetuximab and paclitaxel in a CSC subpopulation separated with biomarkers related to tumoral growth (CD44, CD117, and CD133). In addition, expression of TrkB, KRAS, HIF-1α, and VEGF-A genes and proteins related to cell proliferation were evaluated in this subpopulation. The CD44, CD133, and CD117 biomarkers were used to analyze the identification and separation of both subpopulations using FACSAria Fusion. Subpopulations positive for CD44, CD133, and CD117 or lacking these biomarkers were classified as laryngeal cancer stem cells (LCSCs) or laryngeal cancer non-stem cells (non-LCSCs), respectively. Matrigel invasion and colony forming assays were performed to confirm CSC presence. Subpopulations were cultured and exposed to 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, and cetuximab/paclitaxel drugs for 24 h. Cell proliferation was determined using MTS assay. KRAS and TrkB gene expression levels were evaluated using quantitative real time PCR with TaqMan® Assay in both subpopulations. The non-LCSC subpopulation was considered as the control for relative expression. We found that the LCSC subpopulation demonstrated more resistance to cetuximab and paclitaxel combination chemotherapy when compared with the non-LCSC subpopulation of the cell line. These LCSC subpopulations presented up-regulated expression of KRAS, HIF-1α, and VEGF-A genes and proteins and no TrkB gene expression, but TrkB protein expression was up-regulated in the LC cell line when compared to the non-CSC subpopulation. "In conclusion, the combination of CD44, CD133, and CD117 biomarkers has stem cell properties. Moreover, LCSCs, are capable of resisting treatment and present high KRAS, HIF-1α, and VEGF-A gene expression".
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Lívia Silva Galbiatti-Dias
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit (UPGEM), São José do Rio Preto Medical School (FAMERP)São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leticia Antunes Muniz Ferreira
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit (UPGEM), São José do Rio Preto Medical School (FAMERP)São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vilson Serafim Junior
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit (UPGEM), São José do Rio Preto Medical School (FAMERP)São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Helena Rodrigues-Fleming
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit (UPGEM), São José do Rio Preto Medical School (FAMERP)São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Garcia de Oliveira-Cucolo
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit (UPGEM), São José do Rio Preto Medical School (FAMERP)São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Matos Biselli-Chicote
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit (UPGEM), São José do Rio Preto Medical School (FAMERP)São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosa Sayoko Kawasaki-Oyama
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit (UPGEM), São José do Rio Preto Medical School (FAMERP)São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Victor Maniglia
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, São José do Rio Preto Medical School (FAMERP)São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Érika Cristina Pavarino
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit (UPGEM), São José do Rio Preto Medical School (FAMERP)São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eny Maria Goloni-Bertollo
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit (UPGEM), São José do Rio Preto Medical School (FAMERP)São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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19
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Kaushik G, Seshacharyulu P, Rauth S, Nallasamy P, Rachagani S, Nimmakayala RK, Vengoji R, Mallya K, Chirravuri-Venkata R, Singh AB, Foster JM, Ly QP, Smith LM, Lele SM, Malafa MP, Jain M, Ponnusamy MP, Batra SK. Selective inhibition of stemness through EGFR/FOXA2/SOX9 axis reduces pancreatic cancer metastasis. Oncogene 2020; 40:848-862. [PMID: 33288882 PMCID: PMC7848971 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01564-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is difficult to defeat due to mechanism (s) driving metastasis and drug resistance. Cancer stemness is a major challenging phenomenon associated with PC metastasis and limiting therapy efficacy. In this study, we evaluated the pre-clinical and clinical significance of eradicating pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSC) and its components using a pan-EGFR inhibitor afatinib in combination with gemcitabine. Afatinib in combination with gemcitabine, significantly reduced KrasG12D/+; Pdx-1 Cre (KC) (P<0.01) and KrasG12D/+; p53R172H/+; Pdx-1 Cre (KPC) (P<0.05) derived mouse tumoroids and KPC-derived murine syngeneic cell line growth compared to gemcitabine/afatinib alone treatment. The drug combination also reduced PC xenograft tumor burden (P<0.05) and the incidence of metastasis by affecting key stemness markers, as confirmed by co-localization studies. Moreover, the drug combination significantly decreases the growth of various PC patient-derived organoids (P<0.001). We found that SOX9 is significantly overexpressed in high-grade PC tumors (P<0.05) and in chemotherapy-treated patients compared to chemo-naïve patients (P<0.05). These results were further validated using publicly available datasets. Moreover, afatinib alone or in combination with gemcitabine decreased stemness and tumorspheres by reducing phosphorylation of EGFR family proteins, ERK, FAK, and CSC markers. Mechanistically, afatinib treatment decreased CSC markers by downregulating SOX9 via FOXA2. Indeed, EGFR and FOXA2 depletion reduced SOX9 expression in PCSCs. Taken together, pan EGFR inhibition by afatinib impedes PCSCs growth and metastasis via the EGFR/ERK/FOXA2/SOX9 axis. This novel mechanism of panEGFR inhibitor and its ability to eradicate CSC may serve as a tailor-made approach to enhance chemotherapeutic benefits in other cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garima Kaushik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | - Sanchita Rauth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Palanisamy Nallasamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Satyanarayana Rachagani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Rama Krishna Nimmakayala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Raghupathy Vengoji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kavita Mallya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | - Amar B Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jason M Foster
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Quan P Ly
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | - Subodh M Lele
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Mokenge P Malafa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Disease, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA. .,Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Disease, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA. .,Department of Pathology and Microbiology, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA. .,Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Disease, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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20
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Kim S, Lee JW, Park YS. The Application of Next-Generation Sequencing to Define Factors Related to Oral Cancer and Discover Novel Biomarkers. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E228. [PMID: 33023080 PMCID: PMC7599837 DOI: 10.3390/life10100228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the introduction of next-generation sequencing in the realm of DNA sequencing technology, it is not often used in the investigation of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Oral cancer is one of the most frequently occurring malignancies in some parts of the world and has a high mortality rate. Patients with this malignancy are likely to have a poor prognosis and may suffer from severe facial deformity or mastication problems even after successful treatment. Therefore, a thorough understanding of this malignancy is essential to prevent and treat it. This review sought to highlight the contributions of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in unveiling the genetic alterations and differential expressions of miRNAs involved in OSCC progression. By applying an appropriate eligibility criterion, we selected relevant studies for review. Frequently identified mutations in genes such as TP53, NOTCH1, and PIK3CA are discussed. The findings of existing miRNAs (e.g., miR-21) as well as novel discoveries pertaining to OSCC are also covered. Lastly, we briefly mention the latest findings in targeted gene therapy and the potential use of miRNAs as biomarkers. Our goal is to encourage researchers to further adopt NGS in their studies and give an overview of the latest findings of OSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Young-Seok Park
- Department of Oral Anatomy and Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 03968, Korea; (S.K.); (J.W.L.)
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21
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Safa AR. Resistance to drugs and cell death in cancer stem cells (CSCs). JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 6:341. [PMID: 35330670 PMCID: PMC8941648 DOI: 10.15761/jts.1000341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Human cancers emerge from cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are resistant to cancer chemotherapeutic agents, radiation, and cell death. Moreover, autophagy provides the cytoprotective effect which contributes to drug resistance in these cells. Furthermore, much evidence shows that CSCs cause tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and cancer recurrence. Various signaling pathways including the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK), NOTCH1, and Wnt/β-catenin as well as the CSC markers maintain CSC properties. Several mechanisms including overexpression of ABC multidrug resistance transporters, a deficiency in mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, upregulation of c-FLIP, overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members and inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), and PI3K/AKT signaling contribute to enhancing resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs and cell death induction in CSCs in various cancers. Studying such pathways may help provide detailed understanding of CSC mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and apoptosis and may lead to the development of effective therapeutics to eradicate CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad R Safa
- Correspondence to: Ahmad R. Safa, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 635 Barnhill, Dr. MS A416, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA,
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22
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Liu C, Nie J, Wang R, Mao W. The Cell Cycle G2/M Block Is an Indicator of Cellular Radiosensitivity. Dose Response 2019; 17:1559325819891008. [PMID: 31839758 PMCID: PMC6902394 DOI: 10.1177/1559325819891008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Determination of the radiosensitivity of a specific tumor is essential to its precision tumor radiotherapy, but the measurement of cellular radiosensitivity with a routine colony forming assay is both labor- and time-consuming. An alternative option allowing rapid and precise prediction of radiosensitivity is necessary. Methods: In this study, we exposed 4 in vitro cultured cell lines to various doses of X-rays or carbon ions and then measured their radiosensitivities with a routine colony-forming assay, and monitored the kinetics of cell cycle distribution with routine propidium iodine staining and flow cytometry. Results: Based on the results, we correlated cellular radiosensitivity with a dynamic assay of cell cycle distribution, specifically, the negative correlation of cellular radiosensitivity with the accumulated G2/M arrested cells at 48 hours after exposure. The higher the proportion of accumulated G2/M arrested cells at 48 hours after exposure, the lower the radiosensitivity of the cell line, that is, the higher radioresistance of the cell line. Conclusion: These findings provide an optional application of regular cell cycle analysis for the prediction of tumor radiosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jing Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Suzhou, China
| | - Rensheng Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Weidong Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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23
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Yang J, Zhu D, Liu S, Shao M, Liu Y, Li A, Lv Y, Huang M, Lou D, Fan Q. Curcumin enhances radiosensitization of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by regulating circRNA network. Mol Carcinog 2019; 59:202-214. [PMID: 31793078 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the regulation of gene expression in different physiological and pathological processes. These macromolecules can act as microRNA (miRNA) sponges and play an important role as gene regulators throughout the circRNA-miRNA pathway. In this study, we established a radioresistance model with the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE-2, and then analyzed the differences in the circRNAs between radioresistant and normal nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines using a high-throughput microarray. Tested circRNAs included 1042 upregulated and 1558 downregulated circRNAs. Relevant signaling pathways associated with the circRNAs and their target miRNAs were analyzed using bioinformatics analysis to determine the radioresistance of the differentially expressed circRNAs. Curcumin was used to treat irradiated cell lines, and changes in the circRNA before and after curcumin treatment were analyzed to investigate the radiosensitization effects of curcumin. The results showed that curcumin could regulate the circRNA-miRNA-messenger RNA network and inhibit the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3), and growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2) to achieve radiosensitization. Thus, circRNA acted as a miRNA sponge and regulated the expression of miRNA, thereby affecting EGFR, STAT3, and GRB2 expression and radiosensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiabin Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Daoqi Zhu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shiya Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Meng Shao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Liu
- NanFang Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Aiwu Li
- NanFang Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Lv
- NanFang Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mu Huang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dandan Lou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qin Fan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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24
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Gunduz M, Gunduz E, Tamagawa S, Enomoto K, Hotomi M. Identification and chemoresistance of cancer stem cells in HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer. Oncol Lett 2019; 19:965-971. [PMID: 31897209 PMCID: PMC6924148 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.11127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The underlying mechanisms of resistance to chemoradiotherapy of human papilloma virus (HPV)-negative patients with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) remain unclear. The present study aimed to characterize cancer stem cells (CSC) of the HPV-negative OPC cell line in terms of chemotherapy resistance. CSCs were isolated through magnetic activated cell sorting using the CSC specific marker aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 antibody, and characterized by sphere formation capacity, immunofluorescence staining, and CSC marker expression. CSC response to cisplatin treatment was evaluated via XTT-assays. Spheres of CSCs of the HPV-negative UTSCC-60A cell line were highly dark holospheres. RNA expression levels of CSC markers OCT4, SOX2, Kruppel-like factor 4 and BMI1 were significantly higher in CSC. CSCs were significantly resistant to cisplatin treatment at various dosages compared with nonCSC. The present study suggested that the proportion of CSCs is very low in the tumor bulk, CSCs are resistant to cisplatin in HPV-negative OPC, which requires further investigation to define their mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Gunduz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Esra Gunduz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Shunji Tamagawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Keisuke Enomoto
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Muneki Hotomi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
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25
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Maennling AE, Tur MK, Niebert M, Klockenbring T, Zeppernick F, Gattenlöhner S, Meinhold-Heerlein I, Hussain AF. Molecular Targeting Therapy against EGFR Family in Breast Cancer: Progress and Future Potentials. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121826. [PMID: 31756933 PMCID: PMC6966464 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family contains four transmembrane tyrosine kinases (EGFR1/ErbB1, Her2/ErbB2, Her3/ErbB3 and Her4/ErbB4) and 13 secreted polypeptide ligands. EGFRs are overexpressed in many solid tumors, including breast, pancreas, head-and-neck, prostate, ovarian, renal, colon, and non-small-cell lung cancer. Such overexpression produces strong stimulation of downstream signaling pathways, which induce cell growth, cell differentiation, cell cycle progression, angiogenesis, cell motility and blocking of apoptosis.The high expression and/or functional activation of EGFRs correlates with the pathogenesis and progression of several cancers, which make them attractive targets for both diagnosis and therapy. Several approaches have been developed to target these receptors and/or the EGFR modulated effects in cancer cells. Most approaches include the development of anti-EGFRs antibodies and/or small-molecule EGFR inhibitors. This review presents the state-of-the-art and future prospects of targeting EGFRs to treat breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaia Eleonora Maennling
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Mehmet Kemal Tur
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Langhanssstr. 10, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology and Personalised Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Science, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcus Niebert
- Department of Molecular Cytology and Functional Genomics, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Langhanssstr. 10, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Torsten Klockenbring
- Department of Biological Sensing and Detection, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Felix Zeppernick
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Klinikstr. 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan Gattenlöhner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Langhanssstr. 10, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Ivo Meinhold-Heerlein
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Klinikstr. 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Ahmad Fawzi Hussain
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Klinikstr. 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-64199930570
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26
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Cancer Stem Cells: Powerful Targets to Improve Current Anticancer Therapeutics. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:9618065. [PMID: 31781251 PMCID: PMC6874936 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9618065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A frequent observation in several malignancies is the development of resistance to therapy that results in frequent tumor relapse and metastasis. Much of the tumor resistance phenotype comes from its heterogeneity that halts the ability of therapeutic agents to eliminate all cancer cells effectively. Tumor heterogeneity is, in part, controlled by cancer stem cells (CSC). CSC may be considered the reservoir of cancer cells as they exhibit properties of self-renewal and plasticity and the capability of reestablishing a heterogeneous tumor cell population. The endowed resistance mechanisms of CSC are mainly attributed to several factors including cellular quiescence, accumulation of ABC transporters, disruption of apoptosis, epigenetic reprogramming, and metabolism. There is a current need to develop new therapeutic drugs capable of targeting CSC to overcome tumor resistance. Emerging in vitro and in vivo studies strongly support the potential benefits of combination therapies capable of targeting cancer stem cell-targeting agents. Clinical trials are still underway to address the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of combination treatment. This review will address the main characteristics, therapeutic implications, and perspectives of targeting CSC to improve current anticancer therapeutics.
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Vengoji R, Ponnusamy MP, Rachagani S, Mahapatra S, Batra SK, Shonka N, Macha MA. Novel therapies hijack the blood-brain barrier to eradicate glioblastoma cancer stem cells. Carcinogenesis 2019; 40:2-14. [PMID: 30475990 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgy171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is amongst the most aggressive brain tumors with a dismal prognosis. Despite significant advances in the current multimodality therapy including surgery, postoperative radiotherapy (RT) and temozolomide (TMZ)-based concomitant and adjuvant chemotherapy (CT), tumor recurrence is nearly universal with poor patient outcomes. These limitations are in part due to poor drug penetration through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and resistance to CT and RT by a small population of cancer cells recognized as tumor-initiating cells or cancer stem cells (CSCs). Though CT and RT kill the bulk of the tumor cells, they fail to affect CSCs, resulting in their enrichment and their development into more refractory tumors. Therefore, identifying the mechanisms of resistance and developing therapies that specifically target CSCs can improve response, prevent the development of refractory tumors and increase overall survival of GBM patients. Small molecule inhibitors that can breach the BBB and selectively target CSCs are emerging. In this review, we have summarized the recent advancements in understanding the GBM CSC-specific signaling pathways, the CSC-tumor microenvironment niche that contributes to CT and RT resistance and the use of novel combination therapies of small molecule inhibitors that may be used in conjunction with TMZ-based chemoradiation for effective management of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghupathy Vengoji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Satyanarayana Rachagani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sidharth Mahapatra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Nicole Shonka
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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28
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Mashima T, Iwasaki R, Kawata N, Kawakami R, Kumagai K, Migita T, Sano T, Yamaguchi K, Seimiya H. In silico chemical screening identifies epidermal growth factor receptor as a therapeutic target of drug-tolerant CD44v9-positive gastric cancer cells. Br J Cancer 2019; 121:846-856. [PMID: 31607750 PMCID: PMC6889183 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0600-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tumours consist of heterogeneous cancer cells and are likely to contain drug-tolerant cell subpopulations, causing early relapse. However, treatment strategies to eliminate these cells have not been established. Methods We established gastric cancer patient-derived cells (PDCs) to examine the contribution of CD44 splicing variant 9 (CD44v9)-positive cells in gastric cancer drug tolerance. We performed gene expression signature-based in silico screening using JFCR_LinCAGE, our anticancer compound gene expression database and subsequent validation in BALB/c-nu/nu mouse xenograft to identify agents targeting the drug-tolerant cancer cells. Results CD44v9-positive cancer cells were enriched among residual cancer cells after treatment with SN-38, an active metabolic of irinotecan. CD44v9 protein was responsible for this drug resistance. We identified epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors as agents that can target CD44v9-positive cell populations in gastric cancer PDCs. CD44v9 promoted cell proliferation, and EGFR inhibition attenuated CD44v9 protein expression through downregulation of the AKT and the ERK signalling pathways, leading to preferential suppression of CD44v9-positive cells. Importantly, EGFR inhibitors significantly reduced the number of residual cancer cells after cytotoxic anticancer drug treatment and enhanced the antitumor effect of irinotecan in vivo. Conclusions EGFR inhibitors could be potential agents to eradicate cytotoxic anticancer drug-tolerant gastric cancer cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Mashima
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Risa Iwasaki
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naomi Kawata
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.,Gastroenterological Medicine, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryuhei Kawakami
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koshi Kumagai
- Gastroenterological Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiro Migita
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sano
- Gastroenterological Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kensei Yamaguchi
- Gastroenterological Medicine, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Seimiya
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan. .,Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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29
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Margalit DN, Haddad RI, Tishler RB, Chau NG, Schoenfeld JD, Bakst RL, Misiukiewicz KJ, Gupta V, Posner M, Hanna GJ, Mahmood U, Rawal B, Catalano PJ, Rath L, Bacay A, McHugh P, Rabinowits G. A Phase 1 Study of Afatinib in Combination with Postoperative Radiation Therapy with and Without Weekly Docetaxel in Intermediate- and High-Risk Patients with Resected Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2019; 105:132-139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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30
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Vengoji R, Macha MA, Nimmakayala RK, Rachagani S, Siddiqui JA, Mallya K, Gorantla S, Jain M, Ponnusamy MP, Batra SK, Shonka N. Afatinib and Temozolomide combination inhibits tumorigenesis by targeting EGFRvIII-cMet signaling in glioblastoma cells. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:266. [PMID: 31215502 PMCID: PMC6582495 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1264-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with universal recurrence and poor prognosis. The recurrence is largely driven by chemoradiation resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs). Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its mutant EGFRvIII are amplified in ~ 60% and ~ 30% of GBM patients, respectively; however, therapies targeting EGFR have failed to improve disease outcome. EGFRvIII-mediated cross-activation of tyrosine kinase receptor, cMET, regulates GBM CSC maintenance and promote tumor recurrence. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of pan-EGFR inhibitor afatinib and Temozolomide (TMZ) combination on GBM in vitro and in vivo. Methods We analyzed the effect of afatinib and temozolomide (TMZ) combination on GBM cells U87MG and U251 engineered to express wild type (WT) EGFR, EGFRvIII or EGFRvIII dead kinase, CSCs isolated from U87 and U87EGFRvIII in vitro. The therapeutic utility of the drug combination was investigated on tumor growth and progression using intracranially injected U87EGFRvIII GBM xenografts. Results Afatinib and TMZ combination synergistically inhibited the proliferation, clonogenic survival, motility, invasion and induced senescence of GBM cells compared to monotherapy. Mechanistically, afatinib decreased U87EGFRvIII GBM cell proliferation and motility/invasion by inhibiting EGFRvIII/AKT, EGFRvIII/JAK2/STAT3, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling pathways respectively. Interestingly, afatinib specifically inhibited EGFRvIII-cMET crosstalk in CSCs, resulting in decreased expression of Nanog and Oct3/4, and in combination with TMZ significantly decreased their self-renewal property in vitro. More interestingly, afatinib and TMZ combination significantly decreased the xenograft growth and progression compared to single drug alone. Conclusion Our study demonstrated significant inhibition of GBM tumorigenicity, CSC maintenance in vitro, and delayed tumor growth and progression in vivo by combination of afatinib and TMZ. Our results warrant evaluation of this drug combination in EGFR and EGFRvIII amplified GBM patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1264-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghupathy Vengoji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Rama Krishna Nimmakayala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Satyanarayana Rachagani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Jawed A Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Kavita Mallya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Santhi Gorantla
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.,Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA. .,Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA. .,Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Disease, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
| | - Nicole Shonka
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA. .,Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Disease, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Oncology and Hematology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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31
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The Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Microenvironment as a Potential Target for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040440. [PMID: 30925774 PMCID: PMC6520833 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Similarly to other types of malignant tumours, the incidence of head and neck cancer is increasing globally. It is frequently associated with smoking and alcohol abuse, and in a broader sense also with prolonged exposure to these factors during ageing. A higher incidence of tumours observed in younger populations without a history of alcohol and tobacco abuse may be due to HPV infection. Malignant tumours form an intricate ecosystem of cancer cells, fibroblasts, blood/lymphatic capillaries and infiltrating immune cells. This dynamic system, the tumour microenvironment, has a significant impact on the biological properties of cancer cells. The microenvironment participates in the control of local aggressiveness of cancer cells, their growth, and their consequent migration to lymph nodes and distant organs during metastatic spread. In cancers originating from squamous epithelium, a similarity was demonstrated between the cancer microenvironment and healing wounds. In this review, we focus on the specificity of the microenvironment of head and neck cancer with emphasis on the mechanism of intercellular crosstalk manipulation for potential therapeutic application.
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32
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Longton E, Schmit K, Fransolet M, Clement F, Michiels C. Appropriate Sequence for Afatinib and Cisplatin Combination Improves Anticancer Activity in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2018; 8:432. [PMID: 30345256 PMCID: PMC6182255 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a better understanding in head and neck tumors pathogenesis as well as improvements in radiotherapy and surgery, locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains of poor prognosis. One promising target is the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is overexpressed in the majority of HNSCC and is associated to tumor progression and resistance to treatment. However, in several clinical trials, the combination of EGFR inhibitors with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy generates moderate results. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor activity of afatinib, an irreversible pan-EGFR inhibitor, combined to cisplatin in different schedules of exposure. For that, we used two human EGFR wild-type HNSCC cell lines and we evaluated the cytotoxicity of the two drugs combined in different sequences. The efficiency of each strategy was assessed by evaluating the effects on cell cycle distribution, DNA damage, cell death and downstream pathways of ErbB family receptors. We demonstrated that cisplatin treatment followed by afatinib exposure displayed more cytotoxic effects than the opposite timing or than simultaneous association. This higher anticancer activity is probably due to afatinib-induced cell cycle arrest, which prevents the repair of cisplatin-induced DNA damage and promotes cell death by various mechanisms including apoptosis. These data suggest the importance of an appropriate timing administration between an EGFR inhibitor and a conventional chemotherapy in order to obtain the best clinical benefit for patients with a head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonore Longton
- Unit of Biochemistry and cellular Biology, Namur Research Institut for LIfe Sciences, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Kathleen Schmit
- Unit of Biochemistry and cellular Biology, Namur Research Institut for LIfe Sciences, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Maude Fransolet
- Unit of Biochemistry and cellular Biology, Namur Research Institut for LIfe Sciences, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - François Clement
- Unit of Biochemistry and cellular Biology, Namur Research Institut for LIfe Sciences, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Carine Michiels
- Unit of Biochemistry and cellular Biology, Namur Research Institut for LIfe Sciences, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
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33
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Bhattacharya P, Shetake NG, Pandey BN, Kumar A. Receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in cancer radiotherapy and its targeting for tumor radiosensitization. Int J Radiat Biol 2018; 94:628-644. [DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2018.1478160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Poushali Bhattacharya
- Radiation Signaling and Cancer Biology Section, Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Neena G. Shetake
- Radiation Signaling and Cancer Biology Section, Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Badri N. Pandey
- Radiation Signaling and Cancer Biology Section, Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Radiation Signaling and Cancer Biology Section, Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
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Jahan R, Macha MA, Rachagani S, Das S, Smith LM, Kaur S, Batra SK. Axed MUC4 (MUC4/X) aggravates pancreatic malignant phenotype by activating integrin-β1/FAK/ERK pathway. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:2538-2549. [PMID: 29777904 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing is evolving as an eminent player of oncogenic signaling for tumor development and progression. Mucin 4 (MUC4), a type I membrane-bound mucin, is differentially expressed in pancreatic cancer (PC) and plays a critical role in its progression and metastasis. However, the molecular implications of MUC4 splice variants during disease pathogenesis remain obscure. The present study delineates the pathological and molecular significance of a unique splice variant of MUC4, MUC4/X, which lacks the largest exon 2, along with exon 3. Exon 2 encodes for the highly glycosylated tandem repeat (TR) domain of MUC4 and its absence creates MUC4/X, which is devoid of TR. Expression analysis from PC clinical samples revealed significant upregulation of MUC4/X in PC tissues with most differential expression in poorly differentiated tumors. In vitro studies suggest that overexpression of MUC4/X in wild-type-MUC4 (WT-MUC4) null PC cell lines markedly enhanced PC cell proliferation, invasion, and adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Furthermore, MUC4/X overexpression leads to an increase in the tumorigenic potential of PC cells in orthotopic transplantation studies. In line with these findings, doxycycline-induced expression of MUC4/X in an endogenous WT-MUC4 expressing PC cell line (Capan-1) also displayed enhanced cell proliferation, invasion, and adhesion to ECM, compared to WT-MUC4 alone, emphasizing its direct involvement in the aggressive behavior of PC cells. Investigation into the molecular mechanism suggested that MUC4/X facilitated PC tumorigenesis via integrin-β1/FAK/ERK signaling pathway. Overall, these findings revealed the novel role of MUC4/X in promoting and sustaining the oncogenic features of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahat Jahan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE-68198, USA
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE-68198, USA; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE-68198, USA
| | - Satyanarayana Rachagani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE-68198, USA
| | - Srustidhar Das
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE-68198, USA
| | - Lynette M Smith
- Department of Biostatistics, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE-68198, USA
| | - Sukhwinder Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE-68198, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE-68198, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE-68198, USA.
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35
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Zhang T, Xu J, Deng S, Zhou F, Li J, Zhang L, Li L, Wang QE, Li F. Core signaling pathways in ovarian cancer stem cell revealed by integrative analysis of multi-marker genomics data. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196351. [PMID: 29723215 PMCID: PMC5933740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor recurrence occurs in more than 70% of ovarian cancer patients, and the majority eventually becomes refractory to treatments. Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells (OCSCs) are believed to be responsible for the tumor relapse and drug resistance. Therefore, eliminating ovarian CSCs is important to improve the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. However, there is a lack of effective drugs to eliminate OCSCs because the core signaling pathways regulating OCSCs remain unclear. Also it is often hard for biologists to identify a few testable targets and infer driver signaling pathways regulating CSCs from a large number of differentially expression genes in an unbiased manner. In this study, we propose a straightforward and integrative analysis to identify potential core signaling pathways of OCSCs by integrating transcriptome data of OCSCs isolated based on two distinctive markers, ALDH and side population, with regulatory network (Transcription Factor (TF) and Target Interactome) and signaling pathways. We first identify the common activated TFs in two OCSC populations integrating the gene expression and TF-target Interactome; and then uncover up-stream signaling cascades regulating the activated TFs. In specific, 22 activated TFs are identified. Through literature search validation, 15 of them have been reported in association with cancer stem cells. Additionally, 10 TFs are found in the KEGG signaling pathways, and their up-stream signaling cascades are extracted, which also provide potential treatment targets. Moreover, 40 FDA approved drugs are identified to target on the up-stream signaling cascades, and 15 of them have been reported in literatures in cancer stem cell treatment. In conclusion, the proposed approach can uncover the activated up-stream signaling, activated TFs and up-regulated target genes that constitute the potential core signaling pathways of ovarian CSC. Also drugs and drug combinations targeting on the core signaling pathways might be able to eliminate OCSCs. The proposed approach can also be applied for identifying potential activated signaling pathways of other types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Zhang
- Department of BioMedical Informatics (BMI), The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Jielin Xu
- Department of BioMedical Informatics (BMI), The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Siyuan Deng
- Department of BioMedical Informatics (BMI), The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Fengqi Zhou
- Department of BioMedical Informatics (BMI), The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jin Li
- Department of BioMedical Informatics (BMI), The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Liwei Zhang
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Lang Li
- Department of BioMedical Informatics (BMI), The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Qi-En Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Fuhai Li
- Department of BioMedical Informatics (BMI), The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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36
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De Pauw I, Lardon F, Van den Bossche J, Baysal H, Fransen E, Deschoolmeester V, Pauwels P, Peeters M, Vermorken JB, Wouters A. Simultaneous targeting of EGFR, HER2, and HER4 by afatinib overcomes intrinsic and acquired cetuximab resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Mol Oncol 2018; 12:830-854. [PMID: 29603584 PMCID: PMC5983215 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, HER1) is a therapeutic target in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). After initial promising results with EGFR-targeted therapies such as cetuximab, therapeutic resistance has become a major clinical problem, and new treatment options are therefore necessary. Moreover, the relationship between HER receptors, anti-EGFR therapies, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) status in HNSCC is not fully understood. In contrast to first-generation EGFR inhibitors, afatinib irreversibly inhibits multiple HER receptors simultaneously. Therefore, treatment with afatinib might result in a more pronounced therapeutic benefit, even in patients experiencing cetuximab resistance. In this study, the cytotoxic effect of afatinib as single agent and in combination with cisplatin was investigated in cetuximab-sensitive, intrinsically cetuximab-resistant, and acquired cetuximab-resistant HNSCC cell lines with different HPV status under normoxia and hypoxia. Furthermore, the influence of cetuximab resistance, HPV, and hypoxia on the expression of HER receptors was investigated. Our results demonstrated that afatinib was able to establish cytotoxicity in cetuximab-sensitive, intrinsically cetuximab-resistant, and acquired cetuximab-resistant HNSCC cell lines, independent of the HPV status. However, cross-resistance between cetuximab and afatinib might be possible. Treatment with afatinib caused a G0 /G1 cell cycle arrest as well as induction of apoptotic cell death. Additive to antagonistic interactions between afatinib and cisplatin could be observed. Neither cetuximab resistance nor HPV status significantly influenced the expression of HER receptors in HNSCC cell lines. In contrast, the expression of EGFR, HER2, and HER3 was significantly altered under hypoxia. Oxygen deficiency is a common characteristic of HNSCC tumors, and these hypoxic tumor regions often contain cells that are more resistant to treatment. However, we observed that afatinib maintained its cytotoxic effect under hypoxia. In conclusion, our preclinical data support the hypothesis that afatinib might be a promising therapeutic strategy to treat patients with HNSCC experiencing intrinsic or acquired cetuximab resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines De Pauw
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Filip Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Hasan Baysal
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Erik Fransen
- StatUa Center for Statistics, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Deschoolmeester
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Patrick Pauwels
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Marc Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Jan Baptist Vermorken
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - An Wouters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Chang HP, Lu CC, Chiang JH, Tsai FJ, Juan YN, Tsao JW, Chiu HY, Yang JS. Pterostilbene modulates the suppression of multidrug resistance protein 1 and triggers autophagic and apoptotic mechanisms in cisplatin-resistant human oral cancer CAR cells via AKT signaling. Int J Oncol 2018; 52:1504-1514. [PMID: 29512708 PMCID: PMC5873834 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pterostilbene is a natural polyphenolic compound that is primarily found in fruits, such as blueberries and has a similar structure to resveratrol. Pterostilbene exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity but the effects of pterostilbene on drug-resistant oral cancer cells and its underlying mechanisms of action have not yet been explored. Therefore, the present study was performed to clarify the anticancer effects of pterostilbene on cisplatin-resistant human oral cancer CAR cells. The results demonstrated that CAR cells exhibited marked shrinkage, cell membrane breakage and autophagic vacuole formation following treatment with pterostilbene. Pterostilbene also effectively inhibited cell viability and suppressed cell confluence in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Probing with acridine orange, monodansylcadaverine and LysoTracker Red demonstrated that the number of acidic vesicular organelles was increased, indicating increased autophagy. Furthermore, Heochst 33342 staining determined that DNA condensation, a characteristic of apoptosis, was enhanced following treatment with pterostilbene. Furthermore, pterostilbene upregulated mRNA levels of LC3-II and Atg12, as well as the expression of Atgs/Beclin-1/LC3-associated signaling, suggesting that it enhances autophagy. The autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine and chloroquine were used to confirm that pterostilbene induces autophagy. It was also determined that pterostilbene triggered caspase-dependent apoptosis by directly testing DNA breakage and using the pan-caspase inhibitor carbobenzoxyvalyl-alanyl-aspartyl fluoromethyl ketone. The results demonstrated that pterostilbene mediates the apoptosis of CAR cells via the intrinsic apoptotic cascade. In addition, pterostilbene inhibited MDR1 expression and the phosphorylation of AKT on the Ser473 site in CAR cells. Therefore, pterostilbene may elicit an oral anticancer response in drug-resistant cells and may be used as a chemotherapeutic adjuvant to treat patients with oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ping Chang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tainan Municipal Hospital (Managed by Show Chwan Medical Care Corporation), Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chi-Cheng Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 970, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jo-Hua Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chung Jen Catholic Junior College, Chiayi 622, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- Human Genetics Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Ning Juan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Je-Wei Tsao
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hong-Yi Chiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 970, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Hartmann S, Zwick L, Maurus K, Fuchs AR, Brands RC, Seher A, Kübler AC, Müller-Richter UD. Melanoma-associated antigen A11 reduces erlotinib and afatinib efficacy in head and neck cancer. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 2018; 46:492-497. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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39
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Yeudall A, Patel V. EPS8 signaling as a therapeutic target in oral cancer. Oral Dis 2018; 24:128-131. [DOI: 10.1111/odi.12766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Yeudall
- Department of Oral Biology; The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University; Augusta GA USA
| | - V Patel
- Department of Oral Biology; The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University; Augusta GA USA
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