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Qi X, Wang W, Pan S, Liu G, Xia L, Duan S, He Y. Predictive value of triple negative breast cancer based on DCE-MRI multi-phase full-volume ROI clinical radiomics model. Acta Radiol 2024; 65:173-184. [PMID: 38017694 DOI: 10.1177/02841851231215145] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since no studies compared the value of radiomics features of distinct phases of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) for predicting triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). PURPOSE To identify the optimal phase of DCE-MRI for diagnosing TNBC and, in combination with clinical factors, to develop a clinical-radiomics model to well predict TNBC. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study included 158 patients with pathology-confirmed breast cancer, including 38 cases of TNBC. The patients were randomly divided into the training and validation set (7:3). Eight radiomics models were built based on eight DCE-MR phases, and their performances were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and DeLong's test. The Radscore derived from the best radiomics model was integrated with independent clinical risk factors to construct a clinical-radiomics predictive model, and evaluate its performance using ROC analysis, calibration, and decision curve analyses. RESULTS WHO classification, margin, and T2-weighted (T2W) imaging signals were significantly correlated with TNBC and independent risk factors for TNBC (P<0.05). The clinical model yielded areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.867 and 0.843 in the training and validation sets, respectively. The radiomics model based on DCEphase7 achieved the highest efficacy, with an AUC of 0.818 and 0.777. The AUC of the clinical-radiomics model was 0.936 and 0.886 in the training and validation sets, respectively. The decision curve showed the clinical utility of the clinical-radiomics model. CONCLUSION The radiomics features of DCE-MRI had the potential to predict TNBC and could improve the performance of clinical risk factors for preoperative personalized prediction of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Qi
- Department of Radiology, Ma'anshan People's Hospital, Maanshan, PR China
| | - Wuling Wang
- Department of Radiology, Ma'anshan People's Hospital, Maanshan, PR China
| | - Shuya Pan
- Department of Radiology, Ma'anshan People's Hospital, Maanshan, PR China
| | - Guangzhu Liu
- Ma'anshan Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Liang Xia
- Department of Radiology, Sir Run Run Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Shaofeng Duan
- Precision Health Institution, GE Healthcare China, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongsheng He
- Department of Radiology, Ma'anshan People's Hospital, Maanshan, PR China
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Favero A, Segatto I, Capuano A, Mattevi MC, Rampioni Vinciguerra GL, Musco L, D'Andrea S, Dall'Acqua A, Gava C, Perin T, Massarut S, Marchini C, Baldassarre G, Spessotto P, Belletti B. Loss of the extracellular matrix glycoprotein EMILIN1 accelerates Δ16HER2-driven breast cancer initiation in mice. NPJ Breast Cancer 2024; 10:5. [PMID: 38184660 PMCID: PMC10771445 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-023-00608-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important component of the tumor microenvironment and undergoes extensive remodeling during both initiation and progression of breast cancer (BC). EMILIN1 is an ECM glycoprotein, whose function has been linked to cancer and metastasis. However, EMILIN1 role during mammary gland and BC development has never been investigated. In silico and molecular analyses of human samples from normal mammary gland and BC showed that EMILIN1 expression was lower in tumors than in healthy mammary tissue and it predicted poor prognosis, particularly in HER2-positive BC. HER2+ BC accounts for 15-20% of all invasive BC and is characterized by high aggressiveness and poor prognosis. The Δ16HER2 isoform, a splice variant with very high oncogenic potential, is frequently expressed in HER2+ BC and correlates with metastatic disease. To elucidate the role of EMILIN1 in BC, we analyzed the phenotype of MMTV-Δ16HER2 transgenic mice, developing spontaneous multifocal mammary adenocarcinomas, crossed with EMILIN1 knock-out (KO) animals. We observed that Δ16HER2/EMILIN1 KO female mice exhibited an accelerated normal mammary gland development and a significantly anticipated appearance of palpable tumors (13.32 vs 15.28 weeks). This accelerated tumor initiation was corroborated by an increased number of tumor foci observed in mammary glands from Δ16HER2/EMILIN1 KO mice compared to the wild-type counterpart. Altogether our results underscore the centrality of ECM in the process of BC initiation and point to a role for EMILIN1 during normal mammary gland development and in protecting from HER2-driven breast tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Favero
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Ilenia Segatto
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Capuano
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Mattevi
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Rampioni Vinciguerra
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Santo Andrea Hospital, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorena Musco
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Sara D'Andrea
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dall'Acqua
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Chiara Gava
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
- Medical Department, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Tiziana Perin
- Unit of Pathology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Samuele Massarut
- Unit of Breast Surgery, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Cristina Marchini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, Biology Division, University of Camerino, via Gentile III da Varano, 62032, Camerino, Italy
| | - Gustavo Baldassarre
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Paola Spessotto
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Barbara Belletti
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy.
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3
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Nejatollahi F, Nadimi E, Noorafshan A, Moazen S, Alizadeh AM, Khalighfard S, Sahebkar A. Reduced Tumor Volume and Increased Necrosis of Human Breast Tumor Xenograft in Mice Pretreated by a Cocktail of Three Specific Anti-HER2 scFvs. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2024; 25:409-418. [PMID: 38018211 DOI: 10.2174/0113892037269645231031095145] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to assess the effects of a cocktail comprising three specific anti- HER2 scFvs on breast tumor formation in a xenograft mouse model and to evaluate quantitative changes in the tumor using stereological analysis. METHODS Three specific anti-HER2 phage antibodies were produced from a scFv-library using phage display technology. The cell binding capacities of the antibodies were assessed via FACS analysis. Soluble forms of the antibodies were prepared by infecting HB2151-E. coli cells and purified using a centrifugal ultrafiltration method. The purification process was evaluated by SDSPAGE analysis. Two forms of scFv cocktails were prepared, soluble scFv and phage-scFv cocktail, which contained an equal amount/phage of each of the three antibodies. Inbred female BALB/c mice were pretreated with 5 and 20 mg/kg of the soluble scFv cocktail and 1011 phage-scFv cocktail/ kg. The mice were then injected with 2×106 SKBR-3 human breast cancer cells. Total tumor, inflammatory and non-inflammatory volumes were estimated using the Cavalieri principle after preparing photomicrograph slides. RESULTS The anti-HER2 scFvs showed significantly higher binding to SKBR-3 cells compared to the isotype control. SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed the high purification of the scFvs. Stereological analysis revealed that the group pretreated with 20 mg/kg of the soluble scFv cocktail exhibited the highest reductions in total tumor volume, non-inflammatory volume, and inflammatory volume, with reductions of 73%, 78%, and 72%, respectively, compared to PBS-pretreated mice (P-value < 0.0001). The volumetric ratio of necrotic tissue to total tumor volume increased by 2.2-fold and 2- fold in the 20 mg/kg of soluble scFv cocktail and phage-scFv cocktail groups, respectively, compared to the PBS-treated mice (P-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION Pre-treatment with a 20 mg/kg anti-HER2 scFv cocktail resulted in a significant reduction in tumor volume and increased necrotic area in a human breast cancer xenograft model, indicating the remarkable anti-tumor effect of the cocktail in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foroogh Nejatollahi
- Recombinant Antibody Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elham Nadimi
- Recombinant Antibody Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Noorafshan
- Department of Neuroscience, City University in Canada, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Setareh Moazen
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
| | | | - Solmaz Khalighfard
- Cancer Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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4
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Eliahiai I, Eljiar M, Chaib S, KHarmoum J, Chraïbi M. [HER2 epidermal growth factor receptor, tests used to look for its amplification in breast cancer: Principles and limitations]. Bull Cancer 2023; 110:1301-1310. [PMID: 37858426 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2023.08.012] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
HER2-positive breast cancer accounts for 20 % of all invasive breast cancers. It is associated with increased recurrence, a higher risk of brain metastases and a shorter overall survival than luminal A and B cancers. The presence of ERBB2 gene amplification is predictive of a good response to anti-HER2 therapies. Determining HER2 status is a hot topic, given recent studies on HER2-low subtypes. Although several techniques are available, the latest 2018 update from the American Society of Clinical Oncology and College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP) recommends a first immunohistochemical study followed by a fluorescence in situ hybridisation study indicated only for equivocal cases. This article summarises the different techniques used to determine HER2 status and provides a detailed review of the literature on pre-analytical factors and intrinsic tumour-specific factors that can distort or complicate the interpretation of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imane Eliahiai
- Laboratoire d'anatomie et cytologie pathologique, centre hospitalier universitaire Mohammed VI Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima (TTA), 90000 Tangier, Maroc; Université Abdelmalek-Essaadi, faculté de médecine et de pharmacie de Tangier, Tangier, Maroc.
| | - Mohammed Eljiar
- Laboratoire d'anatomie et cytologie pathologique, centre hospitalier universitaire Mohammed VI Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima (TTA), 90000 Tangier, Maroc; Université Abdelmalek-Essaadi, faculté de médecine et de pharmacie de Tangier, Tangier, Maroc
| | - Sanae Chaib
- Laboratoire d'anatomie et cytologie pathologique, centre hospitalier universitaire Mohammed VI Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima (TTA), 90000 Tangier, Maroc; Université Abdelmalek-Essaadi, faculté de médecine et de pharmacie de Tangier, Tangier, Maroc
| | - Jinane KHarmoum
- Laboratoire d'anatomie et cytologie pathologique, centre hospitalier universitaire Mohammed VI Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima (TTA), 90000 Tangier, Maroc; Université Abdelmalek-Essaadi, faculté de médecine et de pharmacie de Tangier, Tangier, Maroc
| | - Mariame Chraïbi
- Laboratoire d'anatomie et cytologie pathologique, centre hospitalier universitaire Mohammed VI Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima (TTA), 90000 Tangier, Maroc; Université Abdelmalek-Essaadi, faculté de médecine et de pharmacie de Tangier, Tangier, Maroc
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5
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Behera RN, Bisht VS, Giri K, Ambatipudi K. Realm of proteomics in breast cancer management and drug repurposing to alleviate intricacies of treatment. Proteomics Clin Appl 2023; 17:e2300016. [PMID: 37259687 DOI: 10.1002/prca.202300016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer, a multi-networking heterogeneous disease, has emerged as a serious impediment to progress in clinical oncology. Although technological advancements and emerging cancer research studies have mitigated breast cancer lethality, a precision cancer-oriented solution has not been achieved. Thus, this review will persuade the acquiescence of proteomics-based diagnostic and therapeutic options in breast cancer management. Recently, the evidence of breast cancer health surveillance through imaging proteomics, single-cell proteomics, interactomics, and post-translational modification (PTM) tracking, to construct proteome maps and proteotyping for stage-specific and sample-specific cancer subtyping have outperformed conventional ways of dealing with breast cancer by increasing diagnostic efficiency, prognostic value, and predictive response. Additionally, the paradigm shift in applied proteomics for designing a chemotherapy regimen to identify novel drug targets with minor adverse effects has been elaborated. Finally, the potential of proteomics in alleviating the occurrence of chemoresistance and enhancing reprofiled drugs' effectiveness to combat therapeutic obstacles has been discussed. Owing to the enormous potential of proteomics techniques, the clinical recognition of proteomics in breast cancer management can be achievable and therapeutic intricacies can be surmountable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama N Behera
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Vinod S Bisht
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Kuldeep Giri
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Kiran Ambatipudi
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
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6
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Temaj G, Chichiarelli S, Saha S, Telkoparan-Akillilar P, Nuhii N, Hadziselimovic R, Saso L. An intricate rewiring of cancer metabolism via alternative splicing. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115848. [PMID: 37813165 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
All human genes undergo alternative splicing leading to the diversity of the proteins. However, in some cases, abnormal regulation of alternative splicing can result in diseases that trigger defects in metabolism, reduced apoptosis, increased proliferation, and progression in almost all tumor types. Metabolic dysregulations and immune dysfunctions are crucial factors in cancer. In this respect, alternative splicing in tumors could be a potential target for therapeutic cancer strategies. Dysregulation of alternative splicing during mRNA maturation promotes carcinogenesis and drug resistance in many cancer types. Alternative splicing (changing the target mRNA 3'UTR binding site) can result in a protein with altered drug affinity, ultimately leading to drug resistance.. Here, we will highlight the function of various alternative splicing factors, how it regulates the reprogramming of cancer cell metabolism, and their contribution to tumor initiation and proliferation. Also, we will discuss emerging therapeutics for treating tumors via abnormal alternative splicing. Finally, we will discuss the challenges associated with these therapeutic strategies for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gazmend Temaj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, College UBT, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Silvia Chichiarelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi-Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Sarmistha Saha
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura 00185, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Nexhibe Nuhii
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Tetovo, 1200 Tetovo, Macedonia
| | - Rifat Hadziselimovic
- Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", La Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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7
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Wojtyś W, Oroń M. How Driver Oncogenes Shape and Are Shaped by Alternative Splicing Mechanisms in Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15112918. [PMID: 37296881 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of RNA sequencing methods has allowed us to study and better understand the landscape of aberrant pre-mRNA splicing in tumors. Altered splicing patterns are observed in many different tumors and affect all hallmarks of cancer: growth signal independence, avoidance of apoptosis, unlimited proliferation, invasiveness, angiogenesis, and metabolism. In this review, we focus on the interplay between driver oncogenes and alternative splicing in cancer. On one hand, oncogenic proteins-mutant p53, CMYC, KRAS, or PI3K-modify the alternative splicing landscape by regulating expression, phosphorylation, and interaction of splicing factors with spliceosome components. Some splicing factors-SRSF1 and hnRNPA1-are also driver oncogenes. At the same time, aberrant splicing activates key oncogenes and oncogenic pathways: p53 oncogenic isoforms, the RAS-RAF-MAPK pathway, the PI3K-mTOR pathway, the EGF and FGF receptor families, and SRSF1 splicing factor. The ultimate goal of cancer research is a better diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. In the final part of this review, we discuss present therapeutic opportunities and possible directions of further studies aiming to design therapies targeting alternative splicing mechanisms in the context of driver oncogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Wojtyś
- Laboratory of Human Disease Multiomics, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Oroń
- Laboratory of Human Disease Multiomics, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
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8
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Targeted Therapy and Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041320. [PMID: 36831661 PMCID: PMC9954028 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Multidrug resistance (MDR) has been a large hurdle in reducing BC death rates. The drug resistance mechanisms include increased drug efflux, enhanced DNA repair, senescence escape, epigenetic alterations, tumor heterogeneity, tumor microenvironment (TME), and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which make it challenging to overcome. This review aims to explain the mechanisms of resistance in BC further, identify viable drug targets, and elucidate how those targets relate to the progression of BC and drug resistance.
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9
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Gámez-Chiachio M, Sarrió D, Moreno-Bueno G. Novel Therapies and Strategies to Overcome Resistance to Anti-HER2-Targeted Drugs. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4543. [PMID: 36139701 PMCID: PMC9496705 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis and quality of life of HER2 breast cancer patients have significantly improved due to the crucial clinical benefit of various anti-HER2 targeted therapies. However, HER2 tumors can possess or develop several resistance mechanisms to these treatments, thus leaving patients with a limited set of additional therapeutic options. Fortunately, to overcome this problem, in recent years, multiple different and complementary approaches have been developed (such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)) that are in clinical or preclinical stages. In this review, we focus on emerging strategies other than on ADCs that are either aimed at directly target the HER2 receptor (i.e., novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors) or subsequent intracellular signaling (e.g., PI3K/AKT/mTOR, CDK4/6 inhibitors, etc.), as well as on innovative approaches designed to attack other potential tumor weaknesses (such as immunotherapy, autophagy blockade, or targeting of other genes within the HER2 amplicon). Moreover, relevant technical advances such as anti-HER2 nanotherapies and immunotoxins are also discussed. In brief, this review summarizes the impact of novel therapeutic approaches on current and future clinical management of aggressive HER2 breast tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Gámez-Chiachio
- Biochemistry Department, Medicine Faculty, Universidad Autónoma Madrid-CSIC, IdiPaz, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Oncología (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Sarrió
- Biochemistry Department, Medicine Faculty, Universidad Autónoma Madrid-CSIC, IdiPaz, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Oncología (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Moreno-Bueno
- Biochemistry Department, Medicine Faculty, Universidad Autónoma Madrid-CSIC, IdiPaz, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Oncología (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- MD Anderson International Foundation, 28033 Madrid, Spain
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10
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Gahete MD, Herman-Sanchez N, Fuentes-Fayos AC, Lopez-Canovas JL, Luque RM. Dysregulation of splicing variants and spliceosome components in breast cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2022; 29:R123-R142. [PMID: 35728261 DOI: 10.1530/erc-22-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The dysregulation of the splicing process has emerged as a novel hallmark of metabolic and tumor pathologies. In breast cancer (BCa), which represents the most diagnosed cancer type among women worldwide, the generation and/or dysregulation of several oncogenic splicing variants have been described. This is the case of the splicing variants of HER2, ER, BRCA1, or the recently identified by our group, In1-ghrelin and SST5TMD4, which exhibit oncogenic roles, increasing the malignancy, poor prognosis, and resistance to treatment of BCa. This altered expression of oncogenic splicing variants has been closely linked with the dysregulation of the elements belonging to the macromolecular machinery that controls the splicing process (spliceosome components and the associated splicing factors). In this review, we compile the current knowledge demonstrating the altered expression of splicing variants and spliceosomal components in BCa, showing the existence of a growing body of evidence supporting the close implication of the alteration in the splicing process in mammary tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel D Gahete
- Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Natalia Herman-Sanchez
- Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio C Fuentes-Fayos
- Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan L Lopez-Canovas
- Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Raúl M Luque
- Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain
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11
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Fourie C, du Plessis M, Mills J, Engelbrecht AM. The effect of HIF-1α inhibition in breast cancer cells prior to doxorubicin treatment under conditions of normoxia and hypoxia. Exp Cell Res 2022; 419:113334. [PMID: 36044939 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxygen deprivation is a key hallmark within solid tumours that contributes to breast-tumour pathophysiology. Under these conditions, neoplastic cells activate several genes, regulated by the HIF-1 transcription factor, which alters the tumour microenvironment to promote survival - including resistance to cell death in therapeutic attempts such as doxorubicin (Dox) treatment. METHODS We investigated HIF-1ɑ as a therapeutic target to sensitize breast cancer cells to Dox treatment. Under both normoxic (21% O2) and hypoxic (∼0.1% O2) conditions, the HIF-1 inhibitor, 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME), was investigated as an adjuvant for its ability to alter MCF-7 cell viability, apoptosis, autophagy and molecular pathways which are often associated with increased cell survival. RESULTS Here we observed that an inverse relationship between HIF-1ɑ and apoptosis exists and that Dox promotes autophagy under hypoxic conditions. Although adjuvant therapy with 2-ME induced an antagonistic effect in breast cancer cells, upregulated HIF-1ɑ expression in a hypoxic environment promotes treatment resistance and this was attenuated once HIF-1ɑ gene expression was silenced. CONCLUSION Therefore, highlighting the identification of possible hypoxia-targeting therapies for breast cancer patients can be beneficial by promoting more favourable treatment responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Fourie
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
| | - Manisha du Plessis
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
| | - Justin Mills
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
| | - Anna-Mart Engelbrecht
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa; African Cancer Institute (ACI), Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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12
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Tashiro D, Suetaka S, Sato N, Ooka K, Kunihara T, Kudo H, Inatomi J, Hayashi Y, Arai M. Intron-Encoded Domain of Herstatin, An Autoinhibitor of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors, Is Intrinsically Disordered. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:862910. [PMID: 35573740 PMCID: PMC9100580 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.862910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptors (HER/ERBB) form dimers that promote cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation, but overexpression of HER proteins results in cancer. Consequently, inhibitors of HER dimerization may function as effective antitumor drugs. An alternatively spliced variant of HER2, called herstatin, is an autoinhibitor of HER proteins, and the intron 8-encoded 79-residue domain of herstatin, called Int8, binds HER family receptors even in isolation. However, the structure of Int8 remains poorly understood. Here, we revealed by circular dichroism, NMR, small-angle X-ray scattering, and structure prediction that isolated Int8 is largely disordered but has a residual helical structure. The radius of gyration of Int8 was almost the same as that of fully unfolded states, although the conformational ensemble of Int8 was less flexible than random coils. These results demonstrate that Int8 is intrinsically disordered. Thus, Int8 is an interesting example of an intrinsically disordered region with tumor-suppressive activity encoded by an intron. Furthermore, we show that the R371I mutant of Int8, which is defective in binding to HER2, is prone to aggregation, providing a rationale for the loss of function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Tashiro
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunji Suetaka
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nao Sato
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Ooka
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kunihara
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisashi Kudo
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junichi Inatomi
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuuki Hayashi
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Munehito Arai
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Munehito Arai,
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13
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Wynn CS, Tang SC. Anti-HER2 therapy in metastatic breast cancer: many choices and future directions. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:193-209. [PMID: 35142964 PMCID: PMC8924093 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10021-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic HER2 + breast cancer is an expanding area of drug development and research, with three new drugs approved in 2020 alone. While first-line therapy is well-established for metastatic HER2 + breast cancer, the standard of care for second-line therapy will likely be changing soon based on the results of the DESTINY-Breast03 trial. In the third-line setting, many options are available. Considerations in choosing between regimens in the third-line include resistance to trastuzumab, the presence of brain metastases, and tolerability. High rates of resistance exist in this setting particularly due to expression of p95, a truncated form of HER2 that constitutively activates downstream signaling pathways. We suggest a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-based regimen because of the activity of TKIs in brain metastases and in p95-expressing tumors. Attempts to overcome resistance to anti-HER2 therapies with PI3K inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and CDK 4/6 inhibitors are an active area of research. In the future, biomarkers are needed to help predict which therapies patients may benefit from the most. We review the many new drugs in development, including those with novel mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie S Wynn
- Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Guyton Research Building, G-651-07, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Shou-Ching Tang
- Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Guyton Research Building, G-651-07, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
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14
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Campbell MR, Ruiz-Saenz A, Peterson E, Agnew C, Ayaz P, Garfinkle S, Littlefield P, Steri V, Oeffinger J, Sampang M, Shan Y, Shaw DE, Jura N, Moasser MM. Targetable HER3 functions driving tumorigenic signaling in HER2-amplified cancers. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110291. [PMID: 35108525 PMCID: PMC8889928 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective inactivation of the HER2-HER3 tumor driver has remained elusive because of the challenging attributes of the pseudokinase HER3. We report a structure-function study of constitutive HER2-HER3 signaling to identify opportunities for targeting. The allosteric activation of the HER2 kinase domain (KD) by the HER3 KD is required for tumorigenic signaling and can potentially be targeted by allosteric inhibitors. ATP binding within the catalytically inactive HER3 KD provides structural rigidity that is important for signaling, but this is mimicked, not opposed, by small molecule ATP analogs, reported here in a bosutinib-bound crystal structure. Mutational disruption of ATP binding and molecular dynamics simulation of the apo KD of HER3 identify a conformational coupling of the ATP pocket with a hydrophobic AP-2 pocket, analogous to EGFR, that is critical for tumorigenic signaling and feasible for targeting. The value of these potential target sites is confirmed in tumor growth assays using gene replacement techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia R Campbell
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ana Ruiz-Saenz
- Departments of Cell Biology & Medical Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elliott Peterson
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Christopher Agnew
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Pelin Ayaz
- D. E. Shaw Research, New York, NY 10036, USA
| | | | - Peter Littlefield
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Veronica Steri
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Julie Oeffinger
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Maryjo Sampang
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Yibing Shan
- D. E. Shaw Research, New York, NY 10036, USA
| | - David E Shaw
- D. E. Shaw Research, New York, NY 10036, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Natalia Jura
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Mark M Moasser
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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15
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Androgen Receptor as an Emerging Feasible Biomarker for Breast Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12010072. [PMID: 35053220 PMCID: PMC8774219 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers can be used for diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction in targeted therapy. The estrogen receptor α (ERα) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) are standard biomarkers used in breast cancer for guiding disease treatment. The androgen receptor (AR), a nuclear hormone receptor, contributes to the development and progression of prostate tumors and other cancers. With increasing evidence to support that AR plays an essential role in breast cancer, AR has been considered a useful biomarker in breast cancer, depending on the context of breast cancer sub-types. The existing survival analyses suggest that AR acts as a tumor suppressor in ER + ve breast cancers, serving as a favorable prognostic marker. However, AR functions as a tumor promoter in ER-ve breast cancers, including HER2 + ve and triple-negative (TNBC) breast cancers, serving as a poor prognostic factor. AR has also been shown to be predictive of the potential of response to adjuvant hormonal therapy in ER + ve breast cancers and to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in TNBC. However, conflicting results do exist due to intrinsic molecular differences between tumors and the scoring method for AR positivity. Applying AR expression status to guide treatment in different breast cancer sub-types has been suggested. In the future, AR will be a feasible biomarker for breast cancer. Clinical trials using AR antagonists in breast cancer are active. Targeting AR alone or other therapeutic agents provides alternatives to existing therapy for breast cancer. Therefore, AR expression will be necessary if AR-targeted treatment is to be used.
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16
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Marima R, Francies FZ, Hull R, Molefi T, Oyomno M, Khanyile R, Mbatha S, Mabongo M, Owen Bates D, Dlamini Z. MicroRNA and Alternative mRNA Splicing Events in Cancer Drug Response/Resistance: Potent Therapeutic Targets. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1818. [PMID: 34944633 PMCID: PMC8698559 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multifaceted disease that involves several molecular mechanisms including changes in gene expression. Two important processes altered in cancer that lead to changes in gene expression include altered microRNA (miRNA) expression and aberrant splicing events. MiRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that play a central role in regulating RNA silencing and gene expression. Alternative splicing increases the diversity of the proteome by producing several different spliced mRNAs from a single gene for translation. MiRNA expression and alternative splicing events are rigorously regulated processes. Dysregulation of miRNA and splicing events promote carcinogenesis and drug resistance in cancers including breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal, ovarian and leukemia. Alternative splicing may change the target mRNA 3'UTR binding site. This alteration can affect the produced protein and may ultimately affect the drug affinity of target proteins, eventually leading to drug resistance. Drug resistance can be caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The interplay between miRNA and alternative splicing is largely due to splicing resulting in altered 3'UTR targeted binding of miRNAs. This can result in the altered targeting of these isoforms and altered drug targets and drug resistance. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of cancer drug resistance poses a substantial challenge in the management of the disease. Henceforth, molecular alterations have become highly attractive drug targets to reverse the aberrant effects of miRNAs and splicing events that promote malignancy and drug resistance. While the miRNA-mRNA splicing interplay in cancer drug resistance remains largely to be elucidated, this review focuses on miRNA and alternative mRNA splicing (AS) events in breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal and ovarian cancer, as well as leukemia, and the role these events play in drug resistance. MiRNA induced cancer drug resistance; alternative mRNA splicing (AS) in cancer drug resistance; the interplay between AS and miRNA in chemoresistance will be discussed. Despite this great potential, the interplay between aberrant splicing events and miRNA is understudied but holds great potential in deciphering miRNA-mediated drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahaba Marima
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
| | - Flavia Zita Francies
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
| | - Rodney Hull
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
| | - Thulo Molefi
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Meryl Oyomno
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
- Department of Surgery, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Richard Khanyile
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Sikhumbuzo Mbatha
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
- Department of Surgery, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Mzubanzi Mabongo
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
- Department of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - David Owen Bates
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
- Centre for Cancer Sciences, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Zodwa Dlamini
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
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17
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Metsiou DN, Kozaniti FK, Deligianni DD. Engineering Breast Cancer Cells and hUMSCs Microenvironment in 2D and 3D Scaffolds: A Mechanical Study Approach of Stem Cells in Anticancer Therapy. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:bioengineering8110189. [PMID: 34821755 PMCID: PMC8615245 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8110189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell biomechanics plays a major role as a promising biomarker for early cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In the present study, alterations in modulus of elasticity, cell membrane roughness, and migratory potential of MCF-7 (ER+) and SKBR-3 (HER2+) cancer cells were elucidated prior to and post treatment with conditioned medium from human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs-CM) during static and dynamic cell culture. Moreover, the therapeutic potency of hUMSCs-CM on cancer cell’s viability, migratory potential, and F-actin quantified intensity was addressed in 2D surfaces and 3D scaffolds. Interestingly, alterations in ER+ cancer cells showed a positive effect of treatment upon limiting cell viability, motility, and potential for migration. Moreover, increased post treatment cell stiffness indicated rigid cancer cells with confined cell movement and cytoskeletal alterations with restricted lamellipodia formation, which enhanced these results. On the contrary, the cell viability and the migratory potential were not confined post treatment with hUMSCs-CM on HER2+ cells, possibly due to their intrinsic aggressiveness. The increased post treatment cell viability and the decreased cell stiffness indicated an increased potency for cell movement. Hence, the therapy had no efficacy on HER2+ cells.
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18
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Impact of alternative splicing on mechanisms of resistance to anticancer drugs. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114810. [PMID: 34673012 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A shared characteristic of many tumors is the lack of response to anticancer drugs. Multiple mechanisms of pharmacoresistance (MPRs) are involved in permitting cancer cells to overcome the effect of these agents. Pharmacoresistance can be primary (intrinsic) or secondary (acquired), i.e., triggered or enhanced in response to the treatment. Moreover, MPRs usually result in the lack of sensitivity to several agents, which accounts for diverse multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes. MPRs are based on the dynamic expression of more than one hundred genes, constituting the so-called resistome. Alternative splicing (AS) during pre-mRNA maturation results in changes affecting proteins involved in the resistome. The resulting splicing variants (SVs) reduce the efficacy of anticancer drugs by lowering the intracellular levels of active agents, altering molecular targets, enhancing both DNA repair ability and defensive mechanism of tumors, inducing changes in the balance between pro-survival and pro-apoptosis signals, modifying interactions with the tumor microenvironment, and favoring malignant phenotypic transitions. Reasons accounting for cancer-associated aberrant splicing include mutations that create or disrupt splicing sites or splicing enhancers or silencers, abnormal expression of splicing factors, and impaired signaling pathways affecting the activity of the splicing machinery. Here we have reviewed the impact of AS on MPR in cancer cells.
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19
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Mehterov N, Kazakova M, Sbirkov Y, Vladimirov B, Belev N, Yaneva G, Todorova K, Hayrabedyan S, Sarafian V. Alternative RNA Splicing-The Trojan Horse of Cancer Cells in Chemotherapy. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12071085. [PMID: 34356101 PMCID: PMC8306420 DOI: 10.3390/genes12071085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost all transcribed human genes undergo alternative RNA splicing, which increases the diversity of the coding and non-coding cellular landscape. The resultant gene products might have distinctly different and, in some cases, even opposite functions. Therefore, the abnormal regulation of alternative splicing plays a crucial role in malignant transformation, development, and progression, a fact supported by the distinct splicing profiles identified in both healthy and tumor cells. Drug resistance, resulting in treatment failure, still remains a major challenge for current cancer therapy. Furthermore, tumor cells often take advantage of aberrant RNA splicing to overcome the toxicity of the administered chemotherapeutic agents. Thus, deciphering the alternative RNA splicing variants in tumor cells would provide opportunities for designing novel therapeutics combating cancer more efficiently. In the present review, we provide a comprehensive outline of the recent findings in alternative splicing in the most common neoplasms, including lung, breast, prostate, head and neck, glioma, colon, and blood malignancies. Molecular mechanisms developed by cancer cells to promote oncogenesis as well as to evade anticancer drug treatment and the subsequent chemotherapy failure are also discussed. Taken together, these findings offer novel opportunities for future studies and the development of targeted therapy for cancer-specific splicing variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Mehterov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (N.M.); (M.K.); (Y.S.)
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Kazakova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (N.M.); (M.K.); (Y.S.)
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (N.M.); (M.K.); (Y.S.)
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Boyan Vladimirov
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Nikolay Belev
- Medical Simulation and Training Center, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Galina Yaneva
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Varna, 9002 Varna, Bulgaria;
| | - Krassimira Todorova
- Laboratory of Reproductive OMICs Technologies, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (K.T.); (S.H.)
| | - Soren Hayrabedyan
- Laboratory of Reproductive OMICs Technologies, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (K.T.); (S.H.)
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (N.M.); (M.K.); (Y.S.)
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +359-882-512-952
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20
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HER2-PI9 and HER2-I12: two novel and functionally active splice variants of the oncogene HER2 in breast cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:2893-2912. [PMID: 34136934 PMCID: PMC8397700 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03689-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In this study, two novel alternative splice variants of HER2, named HER2-PI9 and HER2-I12, were identified in breast cancer cell lines and breast tumour tissues. Whilst HER2-P19 arises from the inclusion of an 117 bp cassette-exon of intron 9 of HER2, HER2-I12 results from intron 12 inclusion. In silico analyses were performed to predict the amino acid sequences of these two HER2 novel variants. To confirm their protein expression, plasmid vectors were generated and transfected into the HER2 negative breast cancer cell line, MCF-7. Additionally, their functional properties in oncogenic signalling were confirmed. Expression of HER2-PI9 and HER2-I12 was successful and matched the in silico predictions. Importantly, these splice variants can modulate the phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and Akt/protein kinase B (Akt) signalling in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Enhanced cellular proliferation, migration and invasion were observed in the case of the HER2-I12 expressing model. In human tissues and breast carcinoma tumours both variants were present. This study reveals two novel splice variants of HER2. Additionally, the potential biological activity for HER2-PI9 and HER2-I12 in breast cancer cells is also reported..
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