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Subhan MA, Torchilin VP. Advances in siRNA Drug Delivery Strategies for Targeted TNBC Therapy. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:830. [PMID: 39199788 PMCID: PMC11351222 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11080830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Among breast cancers, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been recognized as the most aggressive type with a poor prognosis and low survival rate. Targeted therapy for TNBC is challenging because it lacks estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery are the common therapies for TNBC. Although TNBC is prone to chemotherapy, drug resistance and recurrence are commonly associated with treatment failure. Combination therapy approaches using chemotherapy, mAbs, ADC, and antibody-siRNA conjugates may be effective in TNBC. Recent advances with siRNA-based therapy approaches are promising for TNBC therapy with better prognosis and reduced mortality. This review discusses advances in nanomaterial- and nanobiomaterial-based siRNA delivery platforms for TNBC therapy exploring targeted therapy approaches for major genes, proteins, and TFs upregulated in TNBC tumors, which engage in molecular pathways associated with low TNBC prognosis. Bioengineered siRNA drugs targeting one or several genes simultaneously can downregulate desired genes, significantly reducing disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Abdus Subhan
- Division of Nephrology, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Vladimir P. Torchilin
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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2
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siRNA and targeted delivery systems in breast cancer therapy. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2022; 25:1167-1188. [PMID: 36562927 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-03043-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Recently, nucleic acid drugs have been considered as promising candidates in treatment of various diseases, especially cancer. Because of developing resistance to conventional chemotherapy, use of genetic tools in cancer therapy appears inevitable. siRNA is a RNAi tool with capacity of suppressing target gene. Owing to overexpression of oncogenic factors in cancer, siRNA can be used for suppressing those pathways. This review emphasizes the function of siRNA in treatment of breast tumor. The anti-apoptotic-related genes including Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and survivin can be down-regulated by siRNA in triggering cell death in breast cancer. STAT3, STAT8, Notch1, E2F3 and NF-κB are among the factors with overexpression in breast cancer that their silencing by siRNA paves the way for impairing tumor proliferation and invasion. The oncogenic mechanisms in drug resistance development in breast tumor such as lncRNAs can be suppressed by siRNA. Furthermore, siRNA reducing P-gp activity can increase drug internalization in tumor cells. Because of siRNA degradation at bloodstream and low accumulation at tumor site, nanoplatforms have been employed for siRNA delivery to suppress breast tumor progression via improving siRNA efficacy in gene silencing. Development of biocompatible and efficient nanostructures for siRNA delivery can make milestone progress in alleviation of breast cancer patients.
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Ulhaka K, Kanokwiroon K, Khongkow M, Bissanum R, Khunpitak T, Khongkow P. The Anticancer Effects of FDI-6, a FOXM1 Inhibitor, on Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6685. [PMID: 34206484 PMCID: PMC8269391 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents an important clinical challenge, as it does not respond to endocrine therapies or other available targeting agents. FOXM1, an oncogenic transcriptional factor, has reported to be upregulated and associated with poor clinical outcomes in TNBC patients. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of FDI-6, a FOXM1 inhibitor, as well as its molecular mechanisms, in TNBC cells. Two TNBC cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and HS578T, were used in this study. The anti-cancer activities of FDI-6 were evaluated using various 2D cell culture assays, including Sulforhodamine B (SRB), wound healing, and transwell invasion assays together with 3D spheroid assays, mimicking real tumour structural properties. After treatment with FDI-6, the TNBC cells displayed a significant inhibition in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Increased apoptosis was also observed in the treated cells. In addition, we found that FDI-6 lead to the downregulation of FOXM1 and its key oncogenic targets, including CyclinB1, Snail, and Slug. Interestingly, we also found that the FDI-6/Doxorubicin combination significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity and apoptotic properties, suggesting that FDI-6 might improve chemotherapy treatment efficacy and reduce unwanted side effects. Altogether, FDI-6 exhibited promising anti-tumour activities and could be developed as a newly effective treatment for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karan Ulhaka
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (K.U.); (T.K.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (K.K.); (R.B.)
| | - Kanyanatt Kanokwiroon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (K.K.); (R.B.)
| | - Mattaka Khongkow
- National Nanotechnology Centre (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand;
| | - Rassanee Bissanum
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (K.K.); (R.B.)
| | - Thanaporn Khunpitak
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (K.U.); (T.K.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (K.K.); (R.B.)
| | - Pasarat Khongkow
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (K.U.); (T.K.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (K.K.); (R.B.)
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
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Salimimoghadam S, Taefehshokr S, Loveless R, Teng Y, Bertoli G, Taefehshokr N, Musaviaroo F, Hajiasgharzadeh K, Baradaran B. The role of tumor suppressor short non-coding RNAs on breast cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 158:103210. [PMID: 33385514 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterized by remarkable levels of aggression and malignancy, BC remains one of the leading causes of death in females world wide. Accordingly, significant efforts have been made to develop early diagnostic tools, increase treatment efficacy, and improve patient prognosis. Hopefully, many of the molecular mechanisms underlying BC have been detected and show promising targeting potential. In particular, short and long non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of endogenous BC controllers and include a number of different species including microRNAs, Piwi-interacting RNAs, small nucleolar RNA, short interfering RNAs, and tRNA-derivatives. In this review, we discuss the tumor suppressing roles of ncRNAs in the context of BC, and the mechanisms by which ncRNAs target tumor hallmarks, including apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and cell cycle progression, in addition to their diagnostic and prognostic significance in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sina Taefehshokr
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Reid Loveless
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
| | - Gloria Bertoli
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Segrate, Milan, Italy.
| | - Nima Taefehshokr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Human Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | | | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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5
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Bioengineered siRNA-Based Nanoplatforms Targeting Molecular Signaling Pathways for the Treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Preclinical and Clinical Advancements. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12100929. [PMID: 33003468 PMCID: PMC7599839 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12100929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive types of breast cancer. Owing to the absenteeism of hormonal receptors expressed at the cancerous breast cells, hormonal therapies and other medications targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) are ineffective in TNBC patients, making traditional chemotherapeutic agents the only current appropriate regimen. Patients' predisposition to relapse and metastasis, chemotherapeutics' cytotoxicity and resistance and poor prognosis of TNBC necessitates researchers to investigate different novel-targeted therapeutics. The role of small interfering RNA (siRNA) in silencing the genes/proteins that are aberrantly overexpressed in carcinoma cells showed great potential as part of TNBC therapeutic regimen. However, targeting specificity, siRNA stability, and delivery efficiency cause challenges in the progression of this application clinically. Nanotechnology was highlighted as a promising approach for encapsulating and transporting siRNA with high efficiency-low toxicity profile. Advances in preclinical and clinical studies utilizing engineered siRNA-loaded nanotherapeutics for treatment of TNBC were discussed. Specific and selective targeting of diverse signaling molecules/pathways at the level of tumor proliferation and cell cycle, tumor invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis and tumor microenvironment, and chemotherapeutics' resistance demonstrated greater activity via integration of siRNA-complexed nanoparticles.
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Hu K, Xie W, Ni S, Yan S, Tian G, Qi W, Duan Y. Cadmium chloride enhances cisplatin sensitivity in osteosarcoma cells by reducing FOXM1 expression. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:650-660. [PMID: 32627005 PMCID: PMC7336512 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant disease and is associated with a poor patient prognosis and a high mortality rate. Disease prognosis significantly correlates with chemotherapeutic responses. Cadmium is a heavy metal with specific effects on bone, but its benefits for osteosarcoma treatment have not been characterized. In the present study, cadmium chloride was used to treat MG63 osteosarcoma cells, and their gene expression profiles were assessed by GeneChip technology. We found that forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) was downregulated by cadmium chloride, and lentiviral‑mediated silencing of FOXM1 confirmed a role for this factor in the cisplatin resistance of MG63 cells. In nude mice, cadmium chloride enhanced the sensitivity of osteosarcoma to cisplatin, an effect mediated by FOXM1. Collectively, these data indicate that cadmium chloride can alter the sensitivity of osteosarcoma cells to cisplatin through FOXM1, highlighting it as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic factor for osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konghe Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Yuebei People's Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, Guangdong 512025, P.R. China
| | - Wenquan Xie
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Yuebei People's Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, Guangdong 512025, P.R. China
| | - Songjia Ni
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, P.R. China
| | - Shumin Yan
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Yuebei People's Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, Guangdong 512025, P.R. China
| | - Gaoqiang Tian
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Yuebei People's Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, Guangdong 512025, P.R. China
| | - Weizhong Qi
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Weizhong Qi or Dr Yang Duan, Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, P.R. China, E-mail: , E-mail:
| | - Yang Duan
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Weizhong Qi or Dr Yang Duan, Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, P.R. China, E-mail: , E-mail:
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Ai C, Zhang J, Lian S, Ma J, Győrffy B, Qian Z, Han Y, Feng Q. FOXM1 functions collaboratively with PLAU to promote gastric cancer progression. J Cancer 2020; 11:788-794. [PMID: 31949481 PMCID: PMC6959008 DOI: 10.7150/jca.37323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the main mortality cause worldwide. Previously, we found Forkhead box protein (FOXM1) or Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU) are independent prognostic markers of GC. This study aims to explore the combining prognostic efficacy and the potential insights underlying additive effect of FOXM1 to PLAU in GC progression through in-silico analyses. Method: The expression of FOXM1 and PLAU were profiled in 33 cancer types using public data. A merged GC expression dataset containing 598 samples was used for evaluating prognostic significance of FOXM1/PLAU. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying FOXM1/PLAU promoted GC progression. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used for analyzing the association between FOXM1/PLAU and tumor immune infiltration. Genomic and proteomic differences between FOXM1+PLAU+ and FOXM1-PLAU- groups were also computed using TCGA GC data. Drugs targeting FOXM1/PLAU associated gene expression pattern was analyzed using LINCs database. Results: FOXM1 and PLAU are overexpressed in 17/33 cancer types including GC. Kaplan-Meier analyses indicate that the FOXM1+PLAU+ subgroup have the worst prognosis, while FOXM1-PLAU- subgroup have the best survival. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that FOXM1+PLAU+ associated genes are enriched in TGF-beta, DNA repair and drug resistance signaling pathways; FOXM1 and PLAU expression are negatively correlated with tumor immune infiltration. Genomic and proteomic differences between FOXM1+PLAU+ and FOXM1-PLAU- groups were presented. Data mining from LINCs suggested several chemicals or drugs that could target the gene expression pattern of FOXM1+PLAU+ patients. Conclusion: FOXM1+PLAU+ can serve as effective prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for GC. Due to the additive effect of these two genes, screening for drugs or chemicals that targeting the expression patterns PLAU+FOXM1+ subgroup may exert important clinical impact on GC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Ai
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, P. R. China
| | - Jixin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shenyi Lian
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital &Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- Momentum Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary; Second Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1094, Hungary
| | - Zhenyuan Qian
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yong Han
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qin Feng
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital &Institute, Beijing, China
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8
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Ring A, Nguyen C, Smbatyan G, Tripathy D, Yu M, Press M, Kahn M, Lang JE. CBP/β-Catenin/FOXM1 Is a Novel Therapeutic Target in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10120525. [PMID: 30572639 PMCID: PMC6315782 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10120525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are an aggressive BC subtype, characterized by high rates of drug resistance and a high proportion of cancer stem cells (CSC). CSCs are thought to be responsible for tumor initiation and drug resistance. cAMP-response element-binding (CREB) binding protein (CREBBP or CBP) has been implicated in CSC biology and may provide a novel therapeutic target in TNBC. Methods: RNA Seq pre- and post treatment with the CBP-binding small molecule ICG-001 was used to characterize CBP-driven gene expression in TNBC cells. In vitro and in vivo TNBC models were used to determine the therapeutic effect of CBP inhibition via ICG-001. Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were used to investigate the potential of CBP and associated proteins as biomarkers in TNBC. Results: The CBP/ß-catenin/FOXM1 transcriptional complex drives gene expression in TNBC and is associated with increased CSC numbers, drug resistance and poor survival outcome. Targeting of CBP/β-catenin/FOXM1 with ICG-001 eliminated CSCs and sensitized TNBC tumors to chemotherapy. Immunohistochemistry of TMAs demonstrated a significant correlation between FOXM1 expression and TNBC subtype. Conclusion: CBP/β-catenin/FOXM1 transcriptional activity plays an important role in TNBC drug resistance and CSC phenotype. CBP/β-catenin/FOXM1 provides a molecular target for precision therapy in triple negative breast cancer and could form a rationale for potential clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ring
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, 0832 Zürich 1, The Netherlands.
| | - Cu Nguyen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Goar Smbatyan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Debu Tripathy
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, UT-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Michael Press
- University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Michael Kahn
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Julie E Lang
- University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
- Department of Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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9
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FoxM1 is an independent poor prognostic marker and therapeutic target for advanced Middle Eastern breast cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 9:17466-17482. [PMID: 29707121 PMCID: PMC5915129 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer-related death in females in Saudi Arabia. BC in Saudi women tend to behave more aggressively than breast cancer in the West. Therefore, identification of new molecular targets and treatment strategies are highly warranted to improve patient outcome. FoxM1 has been shown to play a critical role in pathogenesis of various malignancies. In this study, we explored the prevalence and clinical implication of FoxM1 overexpression in Saudi breast cancer. FoxM1 protein overexpression was seen in 79% (770/975) of BC tissues and was associated with aggressive clinical parameters such as younger age (< 30 yrs) (p = 0.0172), high grade (p < 0.0001), mucinous histology (p < 0.0001) and triple negative phenotype (p < 0.0001). Overexpression of FoxM1 was significantly associated with activated AKT (p < 0.0001), Ki67 expression (p < 0.0001), VEGF (p < 0.0001), MMP-9 (p < 0.0001), XIAP (p < 0.0001) and Bcl-xL (p = 0.0300). Importantly, FoxM1 overexpression is found to be an independent prognostic marker in multivariate analysis in advanced stage (Stage III and IV) breast cancer (p = 0.0298). In vitro data using BC cell lines showed that down-regulation of FoxM1 using specific inhibitor, thiostrepton or siRNA inhibited cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis. In addition, treatment of BC cell lines with thiostrepton resulted in inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, thiostrepton treatment regressed MDA-MB-231 cells generated xenografts via down-regulation of FoxM1 and its downstream targets. Our results suggest that FoxM1 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of aggressive breast cancers.
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Han S, Ma X, Zhao Y, Zhao H, Batista A, Zhou S, Zhou X, Yang Y, Wang T, Bi J, Xia Z, Bai Z, Garkavtsev I, Zhang Z. Identification of Glypican-3 as a potential metastasis suppressor gene in gastric cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 7:44406-44416. [PMID: 27259271 PMCID: PMC5190106 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a prevalent tumor that is usually detected at an advanced metastatic stage. Currently, standard therapies are mostly ineffective. Here, we report that Glypican-3 (GPC3) is absent in invasive tumors and metastatic lymph nodes, in particular in aggressive and highly disseminated signet ring cell carcinomas. We demonstrate that loss of GPC3 correlates with poor overall survival in patients. Moreover, we show that absence of GPC3 causes up-regulation of MAPK/FoxM1 signaling and that blockade of this pathway alters cellular invasion. An inverse correlation between GPC3 and FoxM1 is also shown in patient samples. These data identify GPC3 as a potential metastasis suppressor gene and suggest its value as a prognostic marker in gastric cancer. Development of therapies targeting signaling downstream of GPC3 are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Han
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research & National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xuemei Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research & National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yanxia Zhao
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongying Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ana Batista
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sheng Zhou
- Institute of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaona Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research & National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research & National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research & National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jingtao Bi
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, The Fourth Medical College of Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Xia
- Department of Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhigang Bai
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research & National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Igor Garkavtsev
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhongtao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research & National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
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11
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Halasi M, Hitchinson B, Shah BN, Váraljai R, Khan I, Benevolenskaya EV, Gaponenko V, Arbiser JL, Gartel AL. Honokiol is a FOXM1 antagonist. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:84. [PMID: 29367668 PMCID: PMC5833612 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-017-0156-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Honokiol is a natural product and an emerging drug for a wide variety of malignancies, including hematopoietic malignancies, sarcomas, and common epithelial tumors. The broad range of activity of honokiol against numerous malignancies with diverse genetic backgrounds suggests that honokiol is inhibiting an activity that is common to multiple malignancies. Oncogenic transcription factor FOXM1 is one of the most overexpressed oncoproteins in human cancer. Here we found that honokiol inhibits FOXM1-mediated transcription and FOXM1 protein expression. More importantly, we found that honokiol’s inhibitory effect on FOXM1 is a result of binding of honokiol to FOXM1. This binding is specific to honokiol, a dimerized allylphenol, and was not observed in compounds that either were monomeric allylphenols or un-substituted dihydroxy phenols. This indicates that both substitution and dimerization of allylphenols are required for physical interaction with FOXM1. We thus demonstrate a novel and specific mechanism for FOXM1 inhibition by honokiol, which partially may explain its anticancer activity in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Halasi
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ben Hitchinson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Binal N Shah
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Renáta Váraljai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Irum Khan
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Vadim Gaponenko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jack L Arbiser
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Andrei L Gartel
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA.
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12
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Abdeljaoued S, Bettaieb L, Nasri M, Adouni O, Goucha A, Bouzaiene H, Boussen H, Rahal K, Gamoudi A. Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) expression predicts disease free survival and may mediate resistance to chemotherapy and hormonotherapy in male breast cancer. Breast Dis 2018; 37:109-114. [PMID: 29504520 DOI: 10.3233/bd-170315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare and neglected disease. Prognostic and predictive factors in MBC are extrapoled from trials conducted on its female counterpart. OBJECTIVE Since the relationship between the transcription factor Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) expression and the clinical response to chemotherapy and hormonotherapy in MBC remains unknown, we sought to investigate the predictive value of FOXM1 in MBC. METHODS FOXM1 expression was assessed in 130 MBC cases. Clinical significance was analyzed by Kaplan Meier curves, log-rank test and multivariate Cox regression analyses. RESULTS Patients with high FOXM1 expression had a significantly lower response rate to chemotherapy (P = 0.045) and hormonotherapy (P = 0.029) than those with low FOXM1 expression. Multivariate analyses indicated that FOXM1 was an independent prognostic factor for disease free survival in MBC patients (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS FOXM1 may have a reliable predictive significance in male breast cancer and thus may become an important target for male breast cancer therapy in the near future.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal/therapeutic use
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Breast Neoplasms, Male/drug therapy
- Breast Neoplasms, Male/genetics
- Breast Neoplasms, Male/pathology
- Breast Neoplasms, Male/surgery
- Disease-Free Survival
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Forkhead Box Protein M1/genetics
- Forkhead Box Protein M1/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genetic Association Studies
- Humans
- Kaplan-Meier Estimate
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Prognosis
- Tamoxifen/therapeutic use
- Tunisia
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Affiliation(s)
- Syrine Abdeljaoued
- Department of Immuno-Histo-Cytology, Salah Azaïz Cancer Institute, Bab Saadoun, 1006 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Lhem Bettaieb
- Department of Immuno-Histo-Cytology, Salah Azaïz Cancer Institute, Bab Saadoun, 1006 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Meher Nasri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Salah Azaïz Cancer Institute, Bab Saadoun, 1006 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Olfa Adouni
- Department of Immuno-Histo-Cytology, Salah Azaïz Cancer Institute, Bab Saadoun, 1006 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Aida Goucha
- Department of Immuno-Histo-Cytology, Salah Azaïz Cancer Institute, Bab Saadoun, 1006 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hatem Bouzaiene
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Salah Azaïz Cancer Institute, Bab Saadoun, 1006 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hamouda Boussen
- Department of Oncology, Abderrahmen Mami Hospital, 2080 Ariana, Tunisia
| | - Khaled Rahal
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Salah Azaïz Cancer Institute, Bab Saadoun, 1006 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amor Gamoudi
- Department of Immuno-Histo-Cytology, Salah Azaïz Cancer Institute, Bab Saadoun, 1006 Tunis, Tunisia
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13
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Hamurcu Z, Ashour A, Kahraman N, Ozpolat B. FOXM1 regulates expression of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase and promotes proliferation, invasion and tumorgenesis of human triple negative breast cancer cells. Oncotarget 2017; 7:16619-35. [PMID: 26918606 PMCID: PMC4941339 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K), an emerging molecular target for cancer therapy, contributes to cancer proliferation, cell survival, tumorigenesis, and invasion, disease progression and drug resistance. Although eEF2K is highly up-regulated in various cancers, the mechanism of gene regulation has not been elucidated. In this study, we examined the role of Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) proto-oncogenic transcription factor in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and the regulation of eEF2K. We found that FOXM1 is highly upregulated in TNBC and its knockdown by RNA interference (siRNA) significantly inhibited eEF2K expression and suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion and induced apoptotic cell death, recapitulating the effects of eEF2K inhibition. Knockdown of FOXM1 inhibited regulators of cell cycle, migration/invasion and survival, including cyclin D1, Src and MAPK-ERK signaling pathways, respectively. We also demonstrated that FOXM1 (1B and 1C isoforms) directly binds to and transcriptionally regulates eEF2K gene expression by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase gene reporter assays. Furthermore, in vivo inhibition of FOXM1 by liposomal siRNA-nanoparticles suppressed growth of MDA-MB-231 TNBC tumor xenografts in orthotopic models. In conclusion, our study provides the first evidence about the transcriptional regulation of eEF2K in TNBC and the role of FOXM1 in mediating breast cancer cell proliferation, survival, migration/invasion, progression and tumorgenesis and highlighting the potential of FOXM1/eEF2K axis as a molecular target in breast and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuhal Hamurcu
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.,Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ahmed Ashour
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nermin Kahraman
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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14
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Yao S, Fan LYN, Lam EWF. The FOXO3-FOXM1 axis: A key cancer drug target and a modulator of cancer drug resistance. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 50:77-89. [PMID: 29180117 PMCID: PMC6565931 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The FOXO3 and FOXM1 forkhead box transcription factors, functioning downstream of the essential PI3K-Akt, Ras-ERK and JNK/p38MAPK signalling cascades, are crucial for cell proliferation, differentiation, cell survival, senescence, DNA damage repair and cell cycle control. The development of resistance to both conventional and newly emerged molecularly targeted therapies is a major challenge confronting current cancer treatment in the clinic. Intriguingly, the mechanisms of resistance to ‘classical’ cytotoxic chemotherapeutics and to molecularly targeted therapies are invariably linked to deregulated signalling through the FOXO3 and FOXM1 transcription factors. This is owing to the involvement of FOXO3 and FOXM1 in the regulation of genes linked to crucial drug action-related cellular processes, including stem cell renewal, DNA repair, cell survival, drug efflux, and deregulated mitosis. A better understanding of the mechanisms regulating the FOXO3-FOXM1 axis, as well as their downstream transcriptional targets and functions, may render these proteins reliable and early diagnostic/prognostic factors as well as crucial therapeutic targets for cancer treatment and importantly, for overcoming chemotherapeutic drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang Yao
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Lavender Yuen-Nam Fan
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Eric Wing-Fai Lam
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK.
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15
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He J, Zhou Z, Reed M, Califano A. Accelerated parallel algorithm for gene network reverse engineering. BMC SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2017; 11:83. [PMID: 28950860 PMCID: PMC5615246 DOI: 10.1186/s12918-017-0458-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background The Algorithm for the Reconstruction of Accurate Cellular Networks (ARACNE) represents one of the most effective tools to reconstruct gene regulatory networks from large-scale molecular profile datasets. However, previous implementations require intensive computing resources and, in some cases, restrict the number of samples that can be used. These issues can be addressed elegantly in a GPU computing framework, where repeated mathematical computation can be done efficiently, but requires extensive redesign to apply parallel computing techniques to the original serial algorithm, involving detailed optimization efforts based on a deep understanding of both hardware and software architecture. Result Here, we present an accelerated parallel implementation of ARACNE (GPU-ARACNE). By taking advantage of multi-level parallelism and the Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) parallel kernel-call library, GPU-ARACNE successfully parallelizes a serial algorithm and simplifies the user experience from multi-step operations to one step. Using public datasets on comparable hardware configurations, we showed that GPU-ARACNE is faster than previous implementations and is able to reconstruct equally valid gene regulatory networks. Conclusion Given that previous versions of ARACNE are extremely resource demanding, either in computational time or in hardware investment, GPU-ARACNE is remarkably valuable for researchers who need to build complex regulatory networks from large expression datasets, but with limited budget on computational resources. In addition, our GPU-centered optimization of adaptive partitioning for Mutual Information (MI) estimation provides lessons that are applicable to other domains. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12918-017-0458-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing He
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, 168th Street, New York, 10032, NY, USA.,Department of Systems Biology, 1130 St Nicholas Street, New York, 10032, NY, USA
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Department of Computer Science, New York, 10027, NY, USA
| | - Michael Reed
- Department of Computer Science, New York, 10027, NY, USA
| | - Andrea Califano
- Department of Systems Biology, 1130 St Nicholas Street, New York, 10032, NY, USA.
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16
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Abstract
Forkhead box (Fox) transcription factors are evolutionarily conserved in organisms ranging from yeast to humans. They regulate diverse biological processes both during development and throughout adult life. Mutations in many Fox genes are associated with human disease and, as such, various animal models have been generated to study the function of these transcription factors in mechanistic detail. In many cases, the absence of even a single Fox transcription factor is lethal. In this Primer, we provide an overview of the Fox family, highlighting several key Fox transcription factor families that are important for mammalian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Golson
- Department of Genetics and Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Klaus H Kaestner
- Department of Genetics and Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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17
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FOXM1: A novel drug target in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Oncotarget 2016; 6:8185-99. [PMID: 25797272 PMCID: PMC4480744 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) are heterogeneous tumors that need to be molecularly defined to obtain novel therapeutic options. Forkheadbox protein M1 (FOXM1) is a crucial transcription factor in neoplastic cells and has been associated with differentiation and proliferation. We found that FOXM1 is strongly associated with tumor differentiation and occurrence of metastases in gastrointestinal NENs. In vitro inhibition by the FOXM1 inhibitor siomycin A led to down-regulation of mitotic proteins and resulted in a strong inhibitory effect. Siomycin A decreased mitosis rate, induced apoptosis in GEP-NEN cell lines and exerts synergistic effects with chemotherapy. FOXM1 is associated with clinical outcome and FOXM1 inhibition impairs survival in vitro. We therefore propose FOXM1 as novel therapeutic target in GEP-NENs.
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18
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Li LQ, Pan D, Chen H, Zhang L, Xie WJ. F-box protein FBXL2 inhibits gastric cancer proliferation by ubiquitin-mediated degradation of forkhead box M1. FEBS Lett 2016; 590:445-52. [PMID: 26790640 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
F-box/LRR-repeat protein 2 (FBXL2), a component of Skp-Cullin-F box (SCF) ubiquitin E3 ligase, has been shown to inhibit tumorigenesis by targeting and ubiquitinating several oncoproteins. However, its role in gastric cancer remains poorly understood. Here, by tandem mass spectrometry, we show that FBXL2 interacts with forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) transcription factor. As a result, FBXL2 promotes ubiquitination and degradation of FoxM1 in gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, overexpression of FBXL2 inhibits, while its deficiency promotes cell proliferation and invasion. Expression levels of cell-cycle regulators (Cdc25B and p27), which are down-stream target effectors of FoxM1, are also regulated by FBXL2. Therefore, our results uncover a previous unknown network involving FBXL2 and FoxM1 in the regulation of gastric cancer growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-qing Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Dun Pan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wen-jun Xie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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19
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The Role of Forkhead Box Protein M1 in Breast Cancer Progression and Resistance to Therapy. Int J Breast Cancer 2016; 2016:9768183. [PMID: 26942015 PMCID: PMC4752991 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9768183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is a transcription factor that has been implicated in normal cell growth and proliferation through control of cell cycle transition and mitotic spindle. It is implicated in carcinogenesis of various malignancies where it is activated by either amplification, increased stability, enhanced transcription, dysfunction of regulatory pathways, or activation of PI3K/AKT, epidermal growth factor receptor, Raf/MEK/MAPK, and Hedgehog pathways. This review describes the role of FOXM1 in breast cancer. This includes how FOXM1 impacts on different subtypes of breast cancer, that is, luminal/estrogen receptor positive (ER+), expressing human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), basal-like breast cancer (BBC), and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The review also describes different tested preclinical therapeutic strategies targeting FOXM1. Developing clinically applicable therapies that specifically inhibit FOXM1 activity is a logical next step in biomarker-driven approaches against breast cancer but will not be without its challenges due to the unique properties of this transcription factor.
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20
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Miyashita A, Fukushima S, Nakahara S, Yamashita J, Tokuzumi A, Aoi J, Ichihara A, Kanemaru H, Jinnin M, Ihn H. Investigation of FOXM1 as a Potential New Target for Melanoma. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144241. [PMID: 26640950 PMCID: PMC4671728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that immunotherapies and molecular targeted therapies are effective for advanced melanoma. Non-antigen-specific immunotherapies such as immunocheckpoint blockades have been shown to be effective in the treatment of advanced melanoma. However, the response rates remain low. To improve their efficacy, they should be combined with antigen-specific immunotherapy. Elevated expression of the transcription factor, Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), has been reported in various human cancers, and it has been shown to have potential as a target for immunotherapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the FOXM1 expression in human melanoma samples and cell lines, to evaluate the relationship between the FOXM1 expression and the clinical features of melanoma patients and to investigate the association between the FOXM1 and MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways in melanoma cell lines. We conducted the quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting analyses of melanoma cell lines, and investigated melanoma and nevus tissue samples by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. We performed MEK siRNA and PI3K/AKT inhibitor studies and FOXM1 siRNA studies in melanoma cell lines. We found that FOXM1 was expressed in all of the melanoma cell lines, and was expressed in 49% of primary melanomas, 67% of metastatic melanomas and 10% of nevi by performing immunohistochemical staining. Metastatic melanoma samples exhibited significantly higher mRNA levels of FOXM1 (p = 0.004). Primary melanomas thicker than 2 mm were also more likely to express FOXM1. Patients whose primary melanoma expressed FOXM1 had a significantly poorer overall survival compared to patients without FOXM1 expression (p = 0.024). Downregulation of FOXM1 by siRNA significantly inhibited the proliferation of melanoma cells, and blockade of the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways decreased the FOXM1 expression in melanoma cell lines. In conclusion, FOXM1 is considered to be a new therapeutic target for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azusa Miyashita
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Satoshi Fukushima
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Satoshi Nakahara
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Junji Yamashita
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Aki Tokuzumi
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Jun Aoi
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Asako Ichihara
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hisashi Kanemaru
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Jinnin
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hironobu Ihn
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
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21
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A Gene Regulatory Program in Human Breast Cancer. Genetics 2015; 201:1341-8. [PMID: 26510790 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.115.180125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular heterogeneity in human breast cancer has challenged diagnosis, prognosis, and clinical treatment. It is well known that molecular subtypes of breast tumors are associated with significant differences in prognosis and survival. Assuming that the differences are attributed to subtype-specific pathways, we then suspect that there might be gene regulatory mechanisms that modulate the behavior of the pathways and their interactions. In this study, we proposed an integrated methodology, including machine learning and information theory, to explore the mechanisms. Using existing data from three large cohorts of human breast cancer populations, we have identified an ensemble of 16 master regulator genes (or MR16) that can discriminate breast tumor samples into four major subtypes. Evidence from gene expression across the three cohorts has consistently indicated that the MR16 can be divided into two groups that demonstrate subtype-specific gene expression patterns. For example, group 1 MRs, including ESR1, FOXA1, and GATA3, are overexpressed in luminal A and luminal B subtypes, but lowly expressed in HER2-enriched and basal-like subtypes. In contrast, group 2 MRs, including FOXM1, EZH2, MYBL2, and ZNF695, display an opposite pattern. Furthermore, evidence from mutual information modeling has congruently indicated that the two groups of MRs either up- or down-regulate cancer driver-related genes in opposite directions. Furthermore, integration of somatic mutations with pathway changes leads to identification of canonical genomic alternations in a subtype-specific fashion. Taken together, these studies have implicated a gene regulatory program for breast tumor progression.
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22
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Zhang M, Liu Y, Gao Y, Li S. Silibinin-induced glioma cell apoptosis by PI3K-mediated but Akt-independent downregulation of FoxM1 expression. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 765:346-54. [PMID: 26342429 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.08.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2015] [Revised: 08/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The oncogenic transcription factor Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) is overexpressed in many human tumors, including glioma. As a critical regulator of the cell cycle and apoptosis-related genes, FoxM1 is a potential therapeutic target against human malignant glioma. Silibinin, a flavonoid isolated from Silybum marianum, dose-dependently reduced glioma cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and downregulated FoxM1 expression. Knockdown of FoxM1 by small hairpin RNA (shRNA) transfection also promoted glioma cell apoptosis and augmented the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic properties of silibinin. Moreover, silibinin increased caspase-3 activation, upregulated pro-apoptotic Bax, and suppressed anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression, effects enhanced by FoxM1 knockdown. Silibinin treatment suppressed U87 cell PI3K phospho-activation, and simultaneous silibinin exposure, FoxM1 knockdown, and PI3K inhibition additively increased U87 cell apoptosis. Furthermore, PI3K inhibition reduced FoxM1 expression. Akt activity was also suppressed by FoxM1 downregulation but Akt inhibition did not alter FoxM1 expression. Thus, silibinin likely inhibited glioma cell proliferation and induced apoptosis through inactivation of PI3K and FoxM1, leading to activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. FoxM1 may be a novel target for chemotherapy against human glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110004, PR China
| | - Yunhui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110004, PR China.
| | - Yun Gao
- He University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110163, PR China
| | - Shaoyi Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110004, PR China
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23
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Deregulation of the EGFR/PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTORC1 pathway in breast cancer: possibilities for therapeutic intervention. Oncotarget 2015; 5:4603-50. [PMID: 25051360 PMCID: PMC4148087 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The EGFR/PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTORC1/GSK-3 pathway plays prominent roles in malignant transformation, prevention of apoptosis, drug resistance and metastasis. The expression of this pathway is frequently altered in breast cancer due to mutations at or aberrant expression of: HER2, ERalpha, BRCA1, BRCA2, EGFR1, PIK3CA, PTEN, TP53, RB as well as other oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In some breast cancer cases, mutations at certain components of this pathway (e.g., PIK3CA) are associated with a better prognosis than breast cancers lacking these mutations. The expression of this pathway and upstream HER2 has been associated with breast cancer initiating cells (CICs) and in some cases resistance to treatment. The anti-diabetes drug metformin can suppress the growth of breast CICs and herceptin-resistant HER2+ cells. This review will discuss the importance of the EGFR/PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTORC1/GSK-3 pathway primarily in breast cancer but will also include relevant examples from other cancer types. The targeting of this pathway will be discussed as well as clinical trials with novel small molecule inhibitors. The targeting of the hormone receptor, HER2 and EGFR1 in breast cancer will be reviewed in association with suppression of the EGFR/PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTORC1/GSK-3 pathway.
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24
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Segovia N, Pont M, Oliva N, Ramos V, Borrós S, Artzi N. Hydrogel doped with nanoparticles for local sustained release of siRNA in breast cancer. Adv Healthc Mater 2015; 4:271-80. [PMID: 25113263 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201400235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Revised: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Of all the much hyped and pricy cancer drugs, the benefits from the promising siRNA small molecule drugs are limited. Lack of efficient delivery vehicles that would release the drug locally, protect it from degradation, and ensure high transfection efficiency, precludes it from fulfilling its full potential. This work presents a novel platform for local and sustained delivery of siRNA with high transfection efficiencies both in vitro and in vivo in a breast cancer mice model. siRNA protection and high transfection efficiency are enabled by their encapsulation in oligopeptide-terminated poly(β-aminoester) (pBAE) nanoparticles. Sustained delivery of the siRNA is achieved by the enhanced stability of the nanoparticles when embedded in a hydrogel scaffold based on polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer cross-linked with dextran aldehyde. The combination of oligopeptide-terminated pBAE polymers and biodegradable hydrogels shows improved transfection efficiency in vivo even when compared with the most potent commercially available transfection reagents. These results highlight the advantage of using composite materials for successful delivery of these highly promising small molecules to combat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaly Segovia
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (GEMAT); Institut Quimic de Sarrià; Universidad Ramon Llul; Barcelona 08017 Spain
| | - Maria Pont
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (GEMAT); Institut Quimic de Sarrià; Universidad Ramon Llul; Barcelona 08017 Spain
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Sciences; MIT; Cambridge 02139 MA USA
| | - Nuria Oliva
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Sciences; MIT; Cambridge 02139 MA USA
| | - Victor Ramos
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (GEMAT); Institut Quimic de Sarrià; Universidad Ramon Llul; Barcelona 08017 Spain
| | - Salvador Borrós
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (GEMAT); Institut Quimic de Sarrià; Universidad Ramon Llul; Barcelona 08017 Spain
| | - Natalie Artzi
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Sciences; MIT; Cambridge 02139 MA USA
- Department of Anesthesiology; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston 02115 MA USA
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25
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Rotblat B, Grunewald TGP, Leprivier G, Melino G, Knight RA. Anti-oxidative stress response genes: bioinformatic analysis of their expression and relevance in multiple cancers. Oncotarget 2014; 4:2577-90. [PMID: 24342878 PMCID: PMC3926850 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells mount a transcriptional anti-oxidative stress (AOS) response program to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) that arise from chemical, physical, and metabolic challenges. This protective program has been shown to reduce carcinogenesis triggered by chemical and physical insults. However, it is also hijacked by established cancers to thrive and proliferate within the hostile tumor microenvironment and to gain resistance against chemo- and radiotherapies. Therefore, targeting the AOS response proteins that are exploited by cancer cells is an attractive therapeutic strategy. In order to identify the AOS genes that are suspected to support cancer progression and resistance, we analyzed the expression patterns of 285 genes annotated for being involved in oxidative stress in 994 tumors and 353 normal tissues. Thereby we identified a signature of 116 genes that are highly overexpressed in multiple carcinomas while being only minimally expressed in normal tissues. To establish which of these genes are more likely to functionally drive cancer resistance and progression, we further identified those whose overexpression correlates with negative patient outcome in breast and lung carcinoma. Gene-set enrichment, GO, network, and pathway analyses revealed that members of the thioredoxin and glutathione pathways are prominent components of this oncogenic signature and that activation of these pathways is common feature of many cancer entities. Interestingly, a large fraction of these AOS genes are downstream targets of the transcription factors NRF2, NF-kappaB and FOXM1, and relay on NADPH for their enzymatic activities highlighting promising drug targets. We discuss these findings and propose therapeutic strategies that may be applied to overcome cancer resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barak Rotblat
- Medical Research Council, Toxicology Unit, Leicester University, Leicester, UK
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Zhang J, Li X, Huang L. Non-viral nanocarriers for siRNA delivery in breast cancer. J Control Release 2014; 190:440-50. [PMID: 24874288 PMCID: PMC4142098 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in American women. While significant progress has been made in the development of modern diagnostic tools and surgical treatments, only marginal improvements have been achieved with relapsed metastatic breast cancer. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) mediate gene silencing of a target protein by disrupting messenger RNAs in an efficient and sequence-specific manner. One application of this technology is the knockdown of genes responsible for tumorigenesis, including those driving oncogenesis, survival, proliferation and death of cells, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, and resistance to treatment. Non-viral nanocarriers have attracted attention based on their potential for targeted delivery of siRNA and efficient gene silencing without toxicity. Here, we review promising, non-viral delivery strategies employing liposomes, nanoparticles and inorganic materials in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330004, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330004, China
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Center of Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Peake BF, Nahta R. Resistance to HER2-targeted therapies: a potential role for FOXM1. BREAST CANCER MANAGEMENT 2014; 3:423-431. [PMID: 25598845 DOI: 10.2217/bmt.14.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the tremendous efficacy of trastuzumab against HER2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancers, a significant fraction of women demonstrate progressive disease during treatment. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed to mediate trastuzumab resistance. In this mini-review, we discuss the evidence supporting FOXM1 as a mediator of resistance and potential new therapeutic target in trastuzumab-refractory breast cancer. FOXM1 expression is significantly elevated in multiple breast cancer data sets. Some studies suggest a direct correlation between FOXM1 and HER2 expression levels. In addition, overexpression of FOXM1 reduces the sensitivity of HER2-positive breast cancer cells to trastuzumab or lapatinib. Conversely, knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of FOXM1 rescues resistance to HER2-targeted therapies. Current pre-clinical information supports further investigation of the role of FOXM1 in trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgette F Peake
- Molecular & Systems Pharmacology Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University
| | - Rita Nahta
- Molecular & Systems Pharmacology Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University ; Cancer Biology Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University ; Department of Pharmacology, Emory University ; Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University ; Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University
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Ballarín-González B, Ebbesen MF, Howard KA. Polycation-based nanoparticles for RNAi-mediated cancer treatment. Cancer Lett 2014; 352:66-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Gartel AL. Suppression of the Oncogenic Transcription Factor FOXM1 by Proteasome Inhibitors. SCIENTIFICA 2014; 2014:596528. [PMID: 25093142 PMCID: PMC4095980 DOI: 10.1155/2014/596528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The oncogenic transcription factor FOXM1 is one of the key regulators of tumorigenesis. We found that FOXM1 upregulates its own transcription and its protein stability depends on its interaction with the chaperone nucleophosmin. We also determined that FOXM1 is negatively regulated by the tumor suppressor p53. We identified the thiazole antibiotics Siomycin A and thiostrepton as inhibitors of transcriptional activity and FOXM1 expression via proteasome inhibition. In addition, we found that all tested proteasome inhibitors target FOXM1. We showed synergy between thiostrepton and bortezomib in different human cancer cell lines and in vivo. We generated isogenic human cancer cell lines of different origin with wild-type p53 or p53 knockdown and we demonstrated that proteasome inhibitors induce p53-independent apoptosis in these cells. Using RNA-interference or proteasome inhibitors to inhibit FOXM1 we found that suppression of FOXM1 sensitized human cancer cells to apoptosis induced by DNA-damaging agents or oxidative stress. We encapsulated thiostrepton into micelle-nanoparticles and after injection we detected accumulation of nanoparticles in tumors and in the livers of treated mice. This treatment led to inhibition of human xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. Our data indicate that targeting FOXM1 increases apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei L. Gartel
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 606012, USA
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Wierstra I. The transcription factor FOXM1 (Forkhead box M1): proliferation-specific expression, transcription factor function, target genes, mouse models, and normal biological roles. Adv Cancer Res 2013; 118:97-398. [PMID: 23768511 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407173-5.00004-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
FOXM1 (Forkhead box M1) is a typical proliferation-associated transcription factor, which stimulates cell proliferation and exhibits a proliferation-specific expression pattern. Accordingly, both the expression and the transcriptional activity of FOXM1 are increased by proliferation signals, but decreased by antiproliferation signals, including the positive and negative regulation by protooncoproteins or tumor suppressors, respectively. FOXM1 stimulates cell cycle progression by promoting the entry into S-phase and M-phase. Moreover, FOXM1 is required for proper execution of mitosis. Accordingly, FOXM1 regulates the expression of genes, whose products control G1/S-transition, S-phase progression, G2/M-transition, and M-phase progression. Additionally, FOXM1 target genes encode proteins with functions in the execution of DNA replication and mitosis. FOXM1 is a transcriptional activator with a forkhead domain as DNA binding domain and with a very strong acidic transactivation domain. However, wild-type FOXM1 is (almost) inactive because the transactivation domain is repressed by three inhibitory domains. Inactive FOXM1 can be converted into a very potent transactivator by activating signals, which release the transactivation domain from its inhibition by the inhibitory domains. FOXM1 is essential for embryonic development and the foxm1 knockout is embryonically lethal. In adults, FOXM1 is important for tissue repair after injury. FOXM1 prevents premature senescence and interferes with contact inhibition. FOXM1 plays a role for maintenance of stem cell pluripotency and for self-renewal capacity of stem cells. The functions of FOXM1 in prevention of polyploidy and aneuploidy and in homologous recombination repair of DNA-double-strand breaks suggest an importance of FOXM1 for the maintenance of genomic stability and chromosomal integrity.
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Grant GD, Brooks L, Zhang X, Mahoney JM, Martyanov V, Wood TA, Sherlock G, Cheng C, Whitfield ML. Identification of cell cycle-regulated genes periodically expressed in U2OS cells and their regulation by FOXM1 and E2F transcription factors. Mol Biol Cell 2013; 24:3634-50. [PMID: 24109597 PMCID: PMC3842991 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e13-05-0264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterization of the cell cycle–regulated transcripts in U2OS cells yielded 1871 unique genes. FOXM1 targets were identified via ChIP-seq, and novel targets in G2/M and S phases were verified using a real-time luciferase assay. ChIP-seq data were used to map cell cycle transcriptional regulators of cell cycle–regulated gene expression in U2OS cells. We identify the cell cycle–regulated mRNA transcripts genome-wide in the osteosarcoma-derived U2OS cell line. This results in 2140 transcripts mapping to 1871 unique cell cycle–regulated genes that show periodic oscillations across multiple synchronous cell cycles. We identify genomic loci bound by the G2/M transcription factor FOXM1 by chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) and associate these with cell cycle–regulated genes. FOXM1 is bound to cell cycle–regulated genes with peak expression in both S phase and G2/M phases. We show that ChIP-seq genomic loci are responsive to FOXM1 using a real-time luciferase assay in live cells, showing that FOXM1 strongly activates promoters of G2/M phase genes and weakly activates those induced in S phase. Analysis of ChIP-seq data from a panel of cell cycle transcription factors (E2F1, E2F4, E2F6, and GABPA) from the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements and ChIP-seq data for the DREAM complex finds that a set of core cell cycle genes regulated in both U2OS and HeLa cells are bound by multiple cell cycle transcription factors. These data identify the cell cycle–regulated genes in a second cancer-derived cell line and provide a comprehensive picture of the transcriptional regulatory systems controlling periodic gene expression in the human cell division cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin D Grant
- Department of Genetics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755 Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
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Koenig O, Walker T, Perle N, Zech A, Neumann B, Schlensak C, Wendel HP, Nolte A. New aspects of gene-silencing for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2013; 6:881-914. [PMID: 24276320 PMCID: PMC3816708 DOI: 10.3390/ph6070881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Revised: 06/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronary heart disease (CHD), mainly caused by atherosclerosis, represents the single leading cause of death in industrialized countries. Besides the classical interventional therapies new applications for treatment of vascular wall pathologies are appearing on the horizon. RNA interference (RNAi) represents a novel therapeutic strategy due to sequence-specific gene-silencing through the use of small interfering RNA (siRNA). The modulation of gene expression by short RNAs provides a powerful tool to theoretically silence any disease-related or disease-promoting gene of interest. In this review we outline the RNAi mechanisms, the currently used delivery systems and their possible applications to the cardiovascular system. Especially, the optimization of the targeting and transfection procedures could enhance the efficiency of siRNA delivery drastically and might open the way to clinical applicability. The new findings of the last years may show the techniques to new innovative therapies and could probably play an important role in treating CHD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Koenig
- Clinical Research Laboratory, Dept. of Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Calwerstr. 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
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Systemic delivery of sticky siRNAs targeting the cell cycle for lung tumor metastasis inhibition. J Control Release 2013; 170:183-90. [PMID: 23727288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2013.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Revised: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference allows the design of new inhibitors that target deregulated pathways in cancer. However systemic delivery of siRNA for the treatment of solid tumors still remains an issue. In our study, in order to suppress the progression of lung cancer metastasis in mice, we developed sticky siRNA (ssiRNA) to inhibit survivin and cyclin B1, two candidates involved in cell survival and proliferation. We exploited the linear polyethylenimine (PEI) as potent non-viral carrier to efficiently deliver our inhibitors. As a proof of concept, we have chosen a very aggressive mammary adenocarcinoma model (TSA-Luc cells), which forms lung metastases upon systemic cell injection. We confirmed in vitro, that the ssiRNAs delivered with PEI are not only able to inhibit our target genes at the mRNA and protein levels, but are also able to block the cell cycle and cell proliferation through a mechanism of RNA interference. More importantly, we showed in vivo by luciferase dosage, bioimaging and tissue section, an inhibition of lung tumor metastases after systemic delivery of cyclin B1 and survivin ssiRNA complexed with PEI. Alternating treatment with cisplatin and ssiRNA/PEI showed an additive effect between the two anticancer drugs on lung tumor inhibition leading to a significant increase in animal survival. Moreover a promising window between activity (IC₅₀) and toxicity (LD₅₀), essential for therapeutic application, was observed. Our data show that systemic delivery of ssiRNA/PEI complexes targeting the cell cycle is a valuable strategy for the treatment of lung tumor metastasis and that it can be combined with chemotherapy.
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Wu S, Lao XY, Sun TT, Ren LL, Kong X, Wang JL, Wang YC, Du W, Yu YN, Weng YR, Hong J, Fang JY. Knockdown of ZFX inhibits gastric cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo via downregulating the ERK-MAPK pathway. Cancer Lett 2013; 337:293-300. [PMID: 23587796 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Zinc finger protein X-linked (ZFX) is a zinc finger transcription factor encoded on the X chromosome. Here, we found that ZFX expression was significantly upregulated in gastric cancer (GC) cell lines and tissues. Knockdown of ZFX induced significant apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in SGC7901 and MGC803 cells. Moreover, we demonstrated for the first time that knockdown of ZFX inhibited gastric cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo via downregulating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK-MAPK) pathway. Therefore, ZFX play a prominent role in GC tumorigenicity and may have potential applications in the diagnosis or treatment of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wu
- GI Division, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine Renji Hospital, Shanghai Institution of Digestive Disease, Shanghai 200001, China
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Huang Y, Kesselman D, Kizub D, Guerrero-Preston R, Ratovitski EA. Phospho-ΔNp63α/microRNA feedback regulation in squamous carcinoma cells upon cisplatin exposure. Cell Cycle 2013; 12:684-97. [PMID: 23343772 DOI: 10.4161/cc.23598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous reports showed that the cisplatin exposure induced the ATM-dependent phosphorylation of ΔNp63a, which is subsequently involved in transcriptional regulation of gene promoters encoding mRNAs and microRNAs in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells upon cisplatin-induced cell death. We showed that phosphorylated (p)-ΔNp63a plays a role in upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins, while non-p-ΔNp63a is implicated in pro-survival signaling. In contrast to non-p-ΔNp63a, p-ΔNp63a modulated expression of specific microRNAs in SCC cells exposed to cisplatin. These microRNAs were shown to attenuate the expression of several proteins involved in cell death/survival, suggesting the critical role for p-ΔNp63a in regulation of tumor cell resistance to cisplatin. Here, we studied the function of ΔNp63a in transcriptional activation and repression of the specific microRNA promoters whose expression is affected by cisplatin treatment of SCC cells. We quantitatively studied chromatin-associated proteins bound to tumor protein (TP) p63-responsive element, we found that p-ΔNp63a along with certain transcription coactivators (e.g., CARM1, KAT2B, TFAP2A, etc.) necessary to induce gene promoters for microRNAs (630 and 885-3p) or with transcription corepressors (e.g., EZH2, CTBP1, HDACs, etc.) needed to repress promoters for microRNAs (181a-5p, 374a-5p and 519a-3p) in SCC cells exposed to cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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36
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Inhibition of FOXM1 transcription factor suppresses cell proliferation and tumor growth of breast cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2013; 20:117-24. [PMID: 23306612 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2012.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) transcription factor regulates the expression of genes essential for cell proliferation and transformation and is implicated in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. FOXM1 has been considered as a potential target for the prevention and/or therapeutic intervention in human carcinomas. In this study, we observed a strong expression of FOXM1 in clinical tissue specimens and cell lines of human breast cancer and a correlation between FOXM1 levels and the proliferation ability in the tested MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and ZR-75-30 cells. By using an adenovirus vector (named AdFOXM1shRNA) that expresses a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to downregulate FOXM1 expression specifically, we found that the knockdown of FOXM1 expression diminished the proliferation and anchorage-independent growth of the breast cancer cells. The FOXM1 silencing in ZR-75-30 cells dramatically prevented the tumorigenicity of the AdFOXM1shRNA-treated cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the efficacy of AdFOXM1shRNA for tumor gene therapy was assessed with the breast cancer xenograft mouse model and the tumor growth was significantly suppressed when inoculated mice were injected with AdFOXM1shRNA in the tumors. Together, our results suggest that FOXM1 is a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer and AdFOXM1shRNA may be an additional gene therapeutic intervention for breast cancer treatment.
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37
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Mazzoletti M, Texidó G. In vivo target validation by inducible RNAi in human xenograft mouse models. Methods Mol Biol 2013; 986:325-337. [PMID: 23436421 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-311-4_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Proper target selection and validation are crucial to the discovery of new anti-cancer agents. Since tumors depend on a suitable microenvironment for their growth, once a putative target has been identified, its validation should be performed whenever possible in vivo. This chapter deals with the generation of human xenograft mouse models genetically modified to induce the modulation of cancer-related genes as an approach to validate oncology targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mazzoletti
- Pharmacology Department of BU Oncology, Nerviano Medical Sciences, Nerviano, MI, Italy
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38
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Halasi M, Gartel AL. Targeting FOXM1 in cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2012; 85:644-652. [PMID: 23103567 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2012.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 364] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic transcription factor FOXM1 is overexpressed in the majority of human cancers. In addition, FOXM1 has been implicated in cell migration, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. The important role of FOXM1 in cancer affirms its significance for therapeutic intervention. Current data suggest that targeting FOXM1 in mono- or combination therapy may have promising therapeutic benefits for the treatment of cancer. However, challenges with the delivery of anti-FOXM1 siRNA to tumors and the absence of small molecules, which specifically inhibit FOXM1, are delaying the development of FOXM1 inhibitors as feasible anticancer drugs. In this review, we describe and summarize the efforts that have been made to target FOXM1 in cancer and the consequences of FOXM1 suppression in human cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Halasi
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Andrei L Gartel
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America.
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Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) gene is a new STAT3 transcriptional factor target and is essential for proliferation, survival and DNA repair of K562 cell line. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48160. [PMID: 23110199 PMCID: PMC3480485 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The forkhead box (Fox) M1 gene belongs to a superfamily of evolutionarily conserved transcriptional regulators that are involved in a wide range of biological processes, and its deregulation has been implicated in cancer survival, proliferation and chemotherapy resistance. However, the role of FoxM1, the signaling involved in its activation and its role in leukemia are poorly known. Here, we demonstrate by gene promoter analysis, Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays that FoxM1 is a new target of the STAT3 transcriptional activator. Additionally, FoxM1 is transcriptionally dependent on STAT3 signaling activation. Furthermore, we verified that FoxM1 is crucial for K562 cell proliferation, cell cycle checkpoints and viability and could be related to chemotherapeutic resistance. By microarray analysis, we determined the signaling pathways related to FoxM1 expression and its role in DNA repair using K562 cells. Our results revealed new signaling involved in FoxM1 expression and its role in leukemic cells that elucidate cellular mechanisms associated with the development of leukemia and disease progression.
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40
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