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Niesen J, Hermans-Borgmeyer I, Krüger C, Schoof M, Modemann F, Schüller U. hGFAP-mediated GLI2 overexpression leads to early death and severe cerebellar malformations with rare tumor formation. iScience 2023; 26:107501. [PMID: 37608807 PMCID: PMC10440564 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The zinc-finger transcription factor GLI2 is frequently amplified in childhood medulloblastoma of the Sonic-hedgehog type (SHH-MB), with or without amplification of NMYC or deletion of TP53. Despite the aggressive tumor behavior, tumorigenesis is not well understood, and adequate mouse models are lacking. Therefore, we generated mice with a GLI2 overexpression under control of the hGFAP-promoter. These mice died within 150 days. The majority only survived until postnatal day 40. They displayed severe cerebellar hypoplasia, cortical malformations, but no brain tumors, except for one out of 23 animals with an undifferentiated hindbrain lesion. Additional loss of p53 did not result in cerebellar tumors, but partially rescued the cerebellar phenotype induced by GLI2 overexpression. Similarly, the combination of GLI2 and NMYC was neither sufficient for the development of SHH-MB. We therefore assume that the development of childhood SHH-MB in mice is either occurring in cellular origins outside the hGFAP-positive lineage or needs additional genetic drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Niesen
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Centre HaTriCS4, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Research Institute Children’s Cancer Centre, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Irm Hermans-Borgmeyer
- Scientific Service Group for Transgenic Animals, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christina Krüger
- Research Institute Children’s Cancer Centre, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Schoof
- Research Institute Children’s Cancer Centre, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Modemann
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Centre HaTriCS4, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, II. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schüller
- Research Institute Children’s Cancer Centre, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
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Grunberg N, Pevsner-Fischer M, Goshen-Lago T, Diment J, Stein Y, Lavon H, Mayer S, Levi-Galibov O, Friedman G, Ofir-Birin Y, Syu LJ, Migliore C, Shimoni E, Stemmer SM, Brenner B, Dlugosz AA, Lyden D, Regev-Rudzki N, Ben-Aharon I, Scherz-Shouval R. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Promote Aggressive Gastric Cancer Phenotypes via Heat Shock Factor 1-Mediated Secretion of Extracellular Vesicles. Cancer Res 2021; 81:1639-1653. [PMID: 33547159 PMCID: PMC8337092 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is the third most lethal cancer worldwide, and evaluation of the genomic status of gastric cancer cells has not translated into effective prognostic or therapeutic strategies. We therefore hypothesize that outcomes may depend on the tumor microenvironment (TME), in particular, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). However, very little is known about the role of CAFs in gastric cancer. To address this, we mapped the transcriptional landscape of human gastric cancer stroma by microdissection and RNA sequencing of CAFs from patients with gastric cancer. A stromal gene signature was associated with poor disease outcome, and the transcription factor heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) regulated the signature. HSF1 upregulated inhibin subunit beta A and thrombospondin 2, which were secreted in CAF-derived extracellular vesicles to the TME to promote cancer. Together, our work provides the first transcriptional map of human gastric cancer stroma and highlights HSF1 and its transcriptional targets as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets in the genomically stable tumor microenvironment. SIGNIFICANCE: This study shows how HSF1 regulates a stromal transcriptional program associated with aggressive gastric cancer and identifies multiple proteins within this program as candidates for therapeutic intervention. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/81/7/1639/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nil Grunberg
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Tal Goshen-Lago
- Division of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Judith Diment
- Department of Pathology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yaniv Stein
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Hagar Lavon
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shimrit Mayer
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Oshrat Levi-Galibov
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gil Friedman
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yifat Ofir-Birin
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Li-Jyun Syu
- Department of Dermatology, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Cristina Migliore
- University of Torino, Department of Oncology, Candiolo; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Eyal Shimoni
- Department of Chemical Research Support, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Salomon M Stemmer
- Institute of Oncology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Baruch Brenner
- Institute of Oncology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Andrzej A Dlugosz
- Department of Dermatology, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - David Lyden
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics, and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Neta Regev-Rudzki
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Irit Ben-Aharon
- Division of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ruth Scherz-Shouval
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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Zhang J, Fan J, Zeng X, Nie M, Luan J, Wang Y, Ju D, Yin K. Hedgehog signaling in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis and the gastrointestinal tumor microenvironment. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:609-620. [PMID: 33777671 PMCID: PMC7982428 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway plays important roles in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis and the gastrointestinal tumor microenvironment (TME). Aberrant HH signaling activation may accelerate the growth of gastrointestinal tumors and lead to tumor immune tolerance and drug resistance. The interaction between HH signaling and the TME is intimately involved in these processes, for example, tumor growth, tumor immune tolerance, inflammation, and drug resistance. Evidence indicates that inflammatory factors in the TME, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), macrophages, and T cell-dependent immune responses, play a vital role in tumor growth by affecting the HH signaling pathway. Moreover, inhibition of proliferating cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and inflammatory factors can normalize the TME by suppressing HH signaling. Furthermore, aberrant HH signaling activation is favorable to both the proliferation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the drug resistance of gastrointestinal tumors. This review discusses the current understanding of the role and mechanism of aberrant HH signaling activation in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis, the gastrointestinal TME, tumor immune tolerance and drug resistance and highlights the underlying therapeutic opportunities.
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Key Words
- 5-Fu, 5-fluorouracil
- ALK5, TGF-β receptor I kinase
- ATO, arsenic trioxide
- BCC, basal cell carcinoma
- BCL-2, B cell lymphoma 2
- BMI-1, B cell-specific moloney murine leukemia virus insertion region-1
- CAFs, cancer-associated fibroblasts
- CSCs, cancer stem cells
- Cancer stem cells
- Carcinogenesis
- DHH, Desert Hedgehog
- Drug resistance
- EGF, epidermal growth factor
- FOLFOX, oxaliplatin
- G protein coupled receptor kinase 2, HH
- Gastrointestinal cancer
- Hedgehog
- Hedgehog, HIF-1α
- IHH, Indian Hedgehog
- IL-10/6, interleukin 10/6
- ITCH, itchy E3 ubiquitin ligase
- MDSCs, myeloid-derived suppressor cells
- NK, natural killer
- NOX4, NADPH Oxidase 4
- PD-1, programmed cell death-1
- PD-L1, programmed cell death ligand-1
- PKA, protein kinase A
- PTCH, Patched
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- SHH, Sonic Hedgehog
- SMAD3, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3
- SMO, Smoothened
- SNF5, sucrose non-fermenting 5
- STAT3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
- SUFU, Suppressor of Fused
- TAMs, tumor-related macrophages
- TGF-β, transforming growth factor β
- TME, tumor microenvironment
- Tumor microenvironment
- VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor
- WNT, Wingless/Integrated
- and leucovorin, GLI
- ch5E1, chimeric monoclonal antibody 5E1
- glioma-associated oncogene homologue, GRK2
- hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, IFN-γ: interferon-γ
- βArr2, β-arrestin2
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Biological Medicines, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiajun Fan
- Department of Biological Medicines, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xian Zeng
- Department of Biological Medicines, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mingming Nie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jingyun Luan
- Department of Biological Medicines, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yichen Wang
- Department of Biological Medicines, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dianwen Ju
- Department of Biological Medicines, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Shanghai 201203, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 21 65349106 (Kai Yin); Tel.: +86 21 5198 0037; Fax +86 21 5198 0036 (Dianwen Ju).
| | - Kai Yin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 21 65349106 (Kai Yin); Tel.: +86 21 5198 0037; Fax +86 21 5198 0036 (Dianwen Ju).
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Ding L, Sontz EA, Saqui-Salces M, Merchant JL. Interleukin-1β Suppresses Gastrin via Primary Cilia and Induces Antral Hyperplasia. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 11:1251-1266. [PMID: 33347972 PMCID: PMC8005816 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2020.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Helicobacter pylori infection in humans typically begins with colonization of the gastric antrum. The initial Th1 response occasionally coincides with an increase in gastrin secretion. Subsequently, the gastritis segues to chronic atrophic gastritis, metaplasia, dysplasia and distal gastric cancer. Despite these well characterized clinical events, the link between inflammatory cytokines and non-cardia gastric cancer remains difficult to study in mouse models. Prior studies have demonstrated that overexpression of the Hedgehog (HH) effector GLI2 induces loss of gastrin (atrophy) and antral hyperplasia. To determine the link between specific cytokines, HH signaling and pre-neoplastic changes in the gastric antrum. METHODS Mouse lines were created to conditionally direct IL1β or IFN-γ to the antrum using the Gastrin-CreERT2 and Tet activator. Primary cilia, which transduces HH signaling, on G cells were disrupted by deleting the ciliary motor protein KIF3a. Phenotypic changes were assessed by histology and western blots. A subclone of GLUTag enteroendocrine cells selected for gastrin expression and the presence of primary cilia was treated with recombinant SHH, IL1β or IFN-γ with or without kif3a siRNA. RESULTS IFN-γ increased gastrin and induced antral hyperplasia. However, antral expression of IL1β suppressed tissue and serum gastrin, while also inducing antral hyperplasia. IFN-γ treatment of GLUTAg cells suppressed GLI2 and induced gastrin, without affecting cilia length. By contrast, IL1β treatment doubled primary cilia length, induced GLI2 and suppressed gastrin gene expression. Knocking down kif3a in GLUTAg cells mitigated SHH or IL1β suppression of gastrin. CONCLUSIONS Overexpression of IL1β in the antrum was sufficient to induce antral hyperplasia coincident with suppression of gastrin via primary cilia. ORCID: #0000-0002-6559-8184.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ding
- Department of Internal Medicine-Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Medicine-Gastroenterology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Erica A Sontz
- Department of Medicine-Gastroenterology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | | | - Juanita L Merchant
- Department of Internal Medicine-Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Medicine-Gastroenterology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.
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Xia L, Bouamar H, Gu X, Zeballos C, Qin T, Wang B, Zhou Y, Wang Y, Yang J, Zhu H, Zhang W, Houghton PJ, Sun LZ. Gli2 mediates the development of castration‑resistant prostate cancer. Int J Oncol 2020; 57:100-112. [PMID: 32319599 PMCID: PMC7252461 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma‑associated oncogene family zinc finger 2 (Gli2), a key component of the hedgehog signaling pathway, has been previously demonstrated to promote the malignant properties of prostate cancer in vitro. However, the role of Gli2 in the development of castration‑resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has yet to be fully elucidated. In the present study, Gli2 expression was knocked down in androgen‑responsive prostate cancer cells using an inducible Gli2 short hairpin RNA. Suppression of Gli2 expression resulted in significant reduction of cell viability, increased the proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phases of the cell cycle and reduced the expression of genes associated with cell cycle progression. Gli2 knockdown sensitized both androgen‑dependent and ‑independent prostate cancer cells to the antiandrogen drug Casodex and prevented the outgrowth of LNCaP prostate cancer cells. In addition, Gli2 knockdown significantly suppressed the development of CRPC in a LNCaP xenograft mouse model, which was reversed by the re‑expression of Gli2. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, the present study was the first occasion in which the essential role of Gli2 in the development of CRPC was demonstrated, providing a potential therapeutic target for the intervention of CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Xia
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Hakim Bouamar
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Xiang Gu
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Carla Zeballos
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Tai Qin
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Bingzhi Wang
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - You Zhou
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yuhui Wang
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Junhua Yang
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Haiyan Zhu
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Weishe Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital and Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Peter J Houghton
- Greehey Children Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Lu-Zhe Sun
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Phase 1 trial of Vismodegib and Erlotinib combination in metastatic pancreatic cancer. Pancreatology 2020; 20:101-109. [PMID: 31787526 PMCID: PMC7195700 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2019.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Interplay between the Hedgehog (HH) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways modulating the outcome of their signaling activity have been reported in various cancers including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Therefore, simultaneous targeting of these pathways may be clinically beneficial. This Phase I study combined HH and EGFR inhibition in metastatic PDAC patients. METHODS Combined effects of HH and EGFR inhibition using Vismodegib and Erlotinib with or without gemcitabine in metastatic solid tumors were assessed by CT. Another cohort of patients with metastatic PDAC was evaluated by FDG-PET and tumor biopsies-derived biomarkers. RESULTS Treatment was well tolerated with the maximum tolerated dose cohort experiencing no grade 4 toxicities though 25% experienced grade 3 adverse effects. Recommended phase II dose of Vismodegib and Erlotinib were each 150 mg daily. No tumor responses were observed although 16 patients achieved stable disease for 2-7 cycles. Paired biopsy analysis before and after first cycle of therapy in PDAC patients showed reduced GLI1 mRNA, phospho-GLI1 and associated HH target genes in all cases. However, only half of the cases showed reduced levels of desmoplasia or changes in fibroblast markers. Most patients had decreased phospho-EGFR levels. CONCLUSIONS Vismodegib and Erlotinib combination was well-tolerated although overall outcome in patients with metastatic PDAC was not significantly impacted by combination treatment. Biomarker analysis suggests direct targets inhibition without significantly affecting the stromal compartment. These findings conflict with pre-clinical mouse models, and thus warrant further investigation into how upstream inhibition of these pathways is circumvented in PDAC.
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Peer E, Tesanovic S, Aberger F. Next-Generation Hedgehog/GLI Pathway Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040538. [PMID: 30991683 PMCID: PMC6520835 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog/Glioma-associated oncogene homolog (HH/GLI) signaling pathway regulates self-renewal of rare and highly malignant cancer stem cells (CSC), which have been shown to account for the initiation and maintenance of tumor growth as well as for drug resistance, metastatic spread and relapse. Efficacious therapeutic approaches targeting CSC pathways, such as HH/GLI signaling in combination with chemo, radiation or immunotherapy are, therefore, of high medical need. Pharmacological inhibition of HH/GLI pathway activity represents a promising approach to eliminate malignant CSC. Clinically approved HH/GLI pathway inhibitors target the essential pathway effector Smoothened (SMO) with striking therapeutic efficacy in skin and brain cancer patients. However, multiple genetic and molecular mechanisms resulting in de novo and acquired resistance to SMO inhibitors pose major limitations to anti-HH/GLI therapies and, thus, the eradication of CSC. In this review, we summarize reasons for clinical failure of SMO inhibitors, including mechanisms caused by genetic alterations in HH pathway effectors or triggered by additional oncogenic signals activating GLI transcription factors in a noncanonical manner. We then discuss emerging novel and rationale-based approaches to overcome SMO-inhibitor resistance, focusing on pharmacological perturbations of enzymatic modifiers of GLI activity and on compounds either directly targeting oncogenic GLI factors or interfering with synergistic crosstalk signals known to boost the oncogenicity of HH/GLI signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Peer
- Department of Biosciences, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Suzana Tesanovic
- Department of Biosciences, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Fritz Aberger
- Department of Biosciences, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
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Chakrabarti J, Holokai L, Syu L, Steele NG, Chang J, Wang J, Ahmed S, Dlugosz A, Zavros Y. Hedgehog signaling induces PD-L1 expression and tumor cell proliferation in gastric cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 9:37439-37457. [PMID: 30647844 PMCID: PMC6324774 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells expressing programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) interact with PD-1 on CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to inhibit CTL effector function. In gastric cancer, the mechanism regulating PD-L1 is unclear. The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is reactivated in various cancers including gastric. Here we tested the hypothesis that Hh-induced PD-L1 inactivates effector T cell function and allows gastric cancer cell proliferation. Mouse organoids were generated from tumors of a triple-transgenic mouse model engineered to express an activated GLI2 allele, GLI2A, in Lgr5-expressing stem cells, (mTGOs) or normal mouse stomachs (mGOs). Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) were pulsed with conditioned media collected from normal (mGOCM) or cancer (mTGOCM) organoids. Pulsed DCs and CTLs were then co-cultured with either mGOs or mTGOs in the presence of PD-L1 neutralizing antibody (PD-L1Ab). Human-derived gastric cancer organoids (huTGOs) were used in drug and xenograft assays. Hh/Gli inhibitor, GANT-61 significantly reduced the expression of PD-L1 and tumor cell proliferation both in vivo and in vitro. PD-L1Ab treatment induced tumor cell apoptosis in mTGO/immune cell co-cultures. GANT-61 treatment sensitized huTGOs to standard-of-care chemotherapeutic drugs both in vivo and in vitro. Thus, Hh signaling mediates PD-L1 expression in gastric cancer cells and subsequently promotes tumor proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayati Chakrabarti
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Loryn Holokai
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - LiJyun Syu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nina G. Steele
- Division of Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Julie Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jiang Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Syed Ahmed
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati Cancer Institute, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Andrzej Dlugosz
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yana Zavros
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Xu T, Denton D, Kumar S. Hedgehog and Wingless signaling are not essential for autophagy-dependent cell death. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 162:3-13. [PMID: 30879494 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy-dependent cell death is a distinct mode of regulated cell death required in a context specific manner. One of the best validated genetic models of autophagy-dependent cell death is the removal of the Drosophila larval midgut during larval-pupal transition. We have previously shown that down-regulation of growth signaling is essential for autophagy induction and larval midgut degradation. Sustained growth signaling through Ras and PI3K blocks autophagy and consequently inhibits midgut degradation. In addition, the morphogen Dpp plays an important role in regulating the correct timing of midgut degradation. Here we explore the potential roles of Hh and Wg signaling in autophagy-dependent midgut cell death. We demonstrate that Hh and Wg signaling are not involved in the regulation of autophagy-dependent cell death. However, surprisingly we found that one key component of these pathways, the Drosophila Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3, Shaggy (Sgg), may regulate midgut cell size independent of Hh and Wg signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Xu
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia & SA Pathology, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Donna Denton
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia & SA Pathology, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Sharad Kumar
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia & SA Pathology, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
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Cerrizuela S, Vega-López GA, Palacio MB, Tríbulo C, Aybar MJ. Gli2 is required for the induction and migration of Xenopus laevis neural crest. Mech Dev 2018; 154:219-239. [PMID: 30086335 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The neural crest (NC) is a multipotent migratory embryonic population that is formed during late gastrulation and gives rise to a wide array of derivatives, including cells from the peripheral nervous system (PNS), the craniofacial bones and cartilages, peripheral glial cells, and melanocyte cells, among others. In this work we analyzed the role of the Hedgehog signaling pathway effector gli2 in Xenopus NC. We provide evidence that the gli2 gene is expressed in the prospective, premigratory and migratory NC. The use of a specific morpholino against gli2 and the pharmacological specific inhibitor GANT61 in different experimental approaches allowed us to determine that gli2 is required for the induction and specification of NC cells as a transcriptional activator. Moreover, gli2 also acts by reducing apoptosis in the NC without affecting its cell proliferation status. We also demonstrated that gli2 is required cell-autonomously for NC migration, and for the formation of NC derivatives such as the craniofacial cartilages, melanocytes and the cranial ganglia. Altogether, our results showed that gli2 is a key transcriptional activator to accomplish the proper specification and development of Xenopus NC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Cerrizuela
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.
| | - Guillermo A Vega-López
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina; Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.
| | - María Belén Palacio
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Celeste Tríbulo
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina; Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.
| | - Manuel J Aybar
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina; Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.
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12
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Choi W, Kim J, Park J, Lee DH, Hwang D, Kim JH, Ashktorab H, Smoot D, Kim SY, Choi C, Koh GY, Lim DS. YAP/TAZ Initiates Gastric Tumorigenesis via Upregulation of MYC. Cancer Res 2018; 78:3306-3320. [PMID: 29669762 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-3487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
YAP and TAZ play oncogenic roles in various organs, but the role of YAP/TAZ in gastric cancer remains unclear. Here, we show that YAP/TAZ activation initiates gastric tumorigenesis in vivo and verify its significance in human gastric cancer. In mice, YAP/TAZ activation in the pyloric stem cell led to step-wise tumorigenesis. RNA sequencing identified MYC as a decisive target of YAP, which controls MYC at transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. These mechanisms tightly regulated MYC in homeostatic conditions, but YAP activation altered this balance by impeding miRNA processing, causing a shift towards MYC upregulation. Pharmacologic inhibition of MYC suppressed YAP-dependent phenotypes in vitro and in vivo, verifying its functional role as a key mediator. Human gastric cancer samples also displayed a significant correlation between YAP and MYC. We reanalyzed human transcriptome data to verify enrichment of YAP signatures in a subpopulation of gastric cancers and found that our model closely reflected the molecular pattern of patients with high YAP activity. Overall, these results provide genetic evidence of YAP/TAZ as oncogenic initiators and drivers for gastric tumors with MYC as the key downstream mediator. These findings are also evident in human gastric cancer, emphasizing the significance of YAP/TAZ signaling in gastric carcinogenesis.Significance: YAP/TAZ activation initiates gastric carcinogenesis with MYC as the key downstream mediator. Cancer Res; 78(12); 3306-20. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonyoung Choi
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongsik Kim
- National Creative Research Initiatives Center for Cell Division and Differentiation, Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeoh Park
- National Creative Research Initiatives Center for Cell Division and Differentiation, Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Hye Lee
- National Creative Research Initiatives Center for Cell Division and Differentiation, Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Daehee Hwang
- National Creative Research Initiatives Center for Cell Division and Differentiation, Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hwan Kim
- Medical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hassan Ashktorab
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC
| | - Duane Smoot
- Department of Internal Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Seon-Young Kim
- Medical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Choi
- Department of Pathology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Jeonnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Gou Young Koh
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Center for Vascular Research, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Sik Lim
- National Creative Research Initiatives Center for Cell Division and Differentiation, Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Zavros Y. The Novel Role of Lgr5 as a Regulator of Cell Homeostasis and Disease of the Gastric Oxyntic Mucosa. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 5:645-646. [PMID: 29713667 PMCID: PMC5924750 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yana Zavros
- Correspondence Address correspondence to: Yana Zavros, PhD, Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert B. Sabin Way, Room 4255 MSB, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0576. fax: (513) 558-5738.
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14
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Chakrabarti J, Holokai L, Syu L, Steele N, Chang J, Dlugosz A, Zavros Y. Mouse-Derived Gastric Organoid and Immune Cell Co-culture for the Study of the Tumor Microenvironment. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1817:157-168. [PMID: 29959712 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8600-2_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between the receptor, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and ligand, programmed cell death 1 (PD-L1) is known to inhibit CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte proliferation, survival, and effector function. The result of this interaction leads to evasion of immune surveillance by tumors and subsequently cancer cell proliferation. Immunotherapy via PD-L1 blockade is used for a variety of malignancies, yet the prognostic value of immune checkpoint inhibition for the treatment of gastric cancer remains controversial. Thus, preclinical models that would predict the efficacy of such therapy in a subgroup of gastric cancer patients would be an advancement in the personalized treatment of this disease. Three-dimensional organoid cultures have not only been used to investigate the mechanisms regulating development and disease, but have also been used for high-throughput drug screening for targeted personalized therapy. Here we present the methodology for the co-culture of mouse-derived gastric cancer organoids with autologous immune cells specifically for the study of PD-L1/PD-1 interactions within the tumor microenvironment in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayati Chakrabarti
- Department of Pharmacology and System Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Loryn Holokai
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - LiJyun Syu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nina Steele
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Julie Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Andrzej Dlugosz
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yana Zavros
- Department of Pharmacology and System Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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15
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Wu CC, Hou S, Orr BA, Kuo BR, Youn YH, Ong T, Roth F, Eberhart CG, Robinson GW, Solecki DJ, Taketo MM, Gilbertson RJ, Roussel MF, Han YG. mTORC1-Mediated Inhibition of 4EBP1 Is Essential for Hedgehog Signaling-Driven Translation and Medulloblastoma. Dev Cell 2017; 43:673-688.e5. [PMID: 29103956 PMCID: PMC5736446 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR) cooperates with Hedgehog (HH) signaling, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here we provide genetic, biochemical, and pharmacologic evidence that MTOR complex 1 (mTORC1)-dependent translation is a prerequisite for HH signaling. The genetic loss of mTORC1 function inhibited HH signaling-driven growth of the cerebellum and medulloblastoma. Inhibiting translation or mTORC1 blocked HH signaling. Depleting 4EBP1, an mTORC1 target that inhibits translation, alleviated the dependence of HH signaling on mTORC1. Consistent with this, phosphorylated 4EBP1 levels were elevated in HH signaling-driven medulloblastomas in mice and humans. In mice, an mTORC1 inhibitor suppressed medulloblastoma driven by a mutant SMO that is inherently resistant to existing SMO inhibitors, prolonging the survival of the mice. Our study reveals that mTORC1-mediated translation is a key component of HH signaling and an important target for treating medulloblastoma and other cancers driven by HH signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Chih Wu
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Shirui Hou
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Brent A Orr
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Bryan R Kuo
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Yong Ha Youn
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Taren Ong
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Fanny Roth
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Paris 06, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Myologie (CRM), GH Pitié Salpêtrière, 47 Boulevard de l'hôpital, Paris 13, Paris, France
| | - Charles G Eberhart
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Ross Building 558, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Giles W Robinson
- Department of Oncology, Division of Neuro-Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - David J Solecki
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Makoto M Taketo
- Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoé-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Richard J Gilbertson
- Department of Oncology and CRUK Cambridge Institute, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, England
| | - Martine F Roussel
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Young-Goo Han
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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16
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Wu Z, Song W, Cheng Z, Yang D, Yu L. Expression of LGR5 in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its correlation to vasculogenic mimicry. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2017; 10:11267-11275. [PMID: 31966480 PMCID: PMC6965846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND LGR5, also named as GPR49, is considered as a biomarker of cancer stem cells which have been responsible for the initiation, progression, metastasis, and recurrence of cancers. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) which defines the formation of fluid-conducting tubes by highly progressive and genetically dysregulated cancer cells has been considered as useful biomarker for metastasis and prognosis in various cancers. In this study, we analyzed associations between LGR5 and VM in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and their association with clinicopathological characters in OSCC. METHODS Positive rates of LGR5 and VM in 190 OSCC tissue samples and correspondence normal tissues were detected by immunohistochemical and histochemical staining. Patients' clinical data were also collected. RESULTS Positive rates of LGR5 and VM were significantly higher in OSCC tissues than those in normal tissues. Positive rates of LGR5 and VM were positively related to tumor size, grades, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stages, and inversely with patients overall survival time. And there was a positive association between the expression of LGR5 and positive rate of VM. In multivariate analysis, high expression of LGR5 and positive VM and lymph node metastasis, as well as TNM stages were to be considered as independent prognosis factors for overall survival time in patients with OSCC. CONCLUSIONS The expression of LGR5 and VM represent potential biomarkers for metastasis and prognosis, as well as therapeutic targets for OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Wu
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui Province, China
| | - Wenqing Song
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui Province, China
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui Province, China
| | - Zenong Cheng
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui Province, China
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui Province, China
| | - Dongkun Yang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui Province, China
| | - Lan Yu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui Province, China
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui Province, China
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17
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Zavros Y. Initiation and Maintenance of Gastric Cancer: A Focus on CD44 Variant Isoforms and Cancer Stem Cells. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 4:55-63. [PMID: 28560289 PMCID: PMC5439237 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death. Although the incidence of gastric cancer in the United States is relatively low, it remains significantly higher in some countries, including Japan and Korea. Interactions between cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment can have a substantial impact on tumor characteristics and contribute to heterogeneity. The mechanisms responsible for maintaining malignant cancer stem cells within the tumor microenvironment in human gastric cancer are largely unknown. Tumor cell and genetic heterogeneity contribute to either de novo intrinsic or the therapy-induced emergence of drug-resistant clones and eventual tumor recurrence. Although chemotherapy often is capable of inducing cell death in tumors, many cancer patients experience recurrence because of failure to effectively target the cancer stem cells, which are believed to be key tumor-initiating cells. Among the population of stem cells within the stomach that may be targeted during chronic Helicobacter pylori infection and altered into tumor-initiating cells are those cells marked by the cluster-of-differentiation (CD)44 cell surface receptor. CD44 variable isoforms (CD44v) have been implicated as key players in malignant transformation whereby their expression is highly restricted and specific, unlike the canonical CD44 standard isoform. Overall, CD44v, in particular CD44v9, are believed to mark the gastric cancer cells that contribute to increased resistance for chemotherapy- or radiation-induced cell death. This review focuses on the following: the alteration of the gastric stem cell during bacterial infection, and the role of CD44v in the initiation, maintenance, and growth of tumors associated with gastric cancer.
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Key Words
- CD, cluster-of-differentiation
- CD44v6
- CD44v9
- CD44v9, CD44 variant isoform containing exon v9
- CSC, cancer stem cell
- Cag, cytotoxin-associated gene
- Helicobacter pylori
- Inflammation
- Lgr5, leucine-rich, repeat-containing, G-protein–coupled receptor 5
- MDSC, myeloid-derived suppressor cell
- PDL1, programmed cell death 1 ligand
- PDTX, patient-derived tumor xenograft
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- SPEM, spasmolytic polypeptide expressing metaplasia
- xCT, SLC7A11
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Zavros
- Correspondence Address correspondence to: Yana Zavros, PhD, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert B. Sabin Way, Room 4255 MSB, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0576. fax: (513) 558-5738.Department of Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyUniversity of Cincinnati College of Medicine231 Albert B. Sabin WayRoom 4255 MSBCincinnatiOhio 45267-0576
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18
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Hayakawa Y, Fox JG, Wang TC. The Origins of Gastric Cancer From Gastric Stem Cells: Lessons From Mouse Models. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 3:331-338. [PMID: 28462375 PMCID: PMC5404024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The cellular origin of digestive cancers has been a long-standing question in the cancer field. Mouse models have identified long-lived stem cells in most organ systems, including the luminal gastrointestinal tract, and numerous studies have pointed to tissue resident stem cells as the main cellular origin of cancer. During gastric carcinogenesis, chronic inflammation induces genetic and epigenetic alterations in long-lived stem cells, along with expansion of stem cell niches, eventually leading to invasive cancer. The gastric corpus and antrum have distinct stem cells and stem cell niches, suggesting differential regulation of cancer initiation at the 2 sites. In this short review, we discuss recent experimental models and human studies, which provide important insights into the pathogenesis of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoku Hayakawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - James G. Fox
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Timothy C. Wang
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Timothy C. Wang, MD, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Irving Cancer Research Center, Columbia University Medical Center, 1130 St Nicholas Avenue, Room 925, New York, New York 10032-3802. fax: (212) 851-4590.Division of Digestive and Liver DiseasesDepartment of Medicine and Irving Cancer Research CenterColumbia University Medical Center1130 St Nicholas AvenueRoom 925New YorkNew York 10032-3802
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19
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Gao YH, Ma LG, Cai AZ, Xi HQ, Chen L. Gastric cancer stem cells: Signal pathways and targeted therapies. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2017; 25:351-357. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v25.i4.351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is still one of the most common malignant neoplasms worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Therefore, it is of great significance to clarify the mechanism of gastric cancer oncogenesis. In the past decades, the theory of cancer stem cell has enhanced our knowledge of gastric cancer. Cancer stem cells are defined as cells within a tumor that possess the capacity to self-renew and to cause the heterogeneous lineages of cancer cells that comprise the tumor. The dysregulation of certain signal pathways occurs during tumor formation. Recently, the research on gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) and related signal pathways has provided a new theoretical basis for clarifying the mechanism of gastric cancer and treating this malignancy. This review will discuss the role of related signal pathways in GCSCs and therapies targeting the key molecules of these pathways.
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20
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Wang D, Hu G, Du Y, Zhang C, Lu Q, Lv N, Luo S. Aberrant activation of hedgehog signaling promotes cell proliferation via the transcriptional activation of forkhead Box M1 in colorectal cancer cells. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2017; 36:23. [PMID: 28148279 PMCID: PMC5288899 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-017-0491-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence suggests that the aberrant activation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling by Gli transcription factors is characteristic of a variety of aggressive human carcinomas, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) controls the expression of a number of cell cycle regulatory proteins, and FoxM1 expression is elevated in a broad range of human malignancies, which suggests that it plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis. However, the mechanisms underlying FoxM1 expression are not fully understood. Here, we aim to further investigate the molecular mechanism by which Gli1 regulates FoxM1 in CRC. METHODS Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to evaluate FoxM1 and Gli1 protein expression, respectively, in CRC tissues and matched adjacent normal mucosa. BrdU (5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine) and clone formation assays were used to clarify the influence of FoxM1 on CRC cell growth and proliferation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase experiments were performed to explore the potential mechanisms by which Gli1 regulates FoxM1. Additionally, the protein and mRNA expression levels of Gli1 and FoxM1 in six CRC cell lines were measured using Western blotting and real-time PCR. Finally, the effect of Hh signaling on the expression of FoxM1 was studied in cell biology experiments, and the effects of Hh signaling activation and FoxM1 inhibition on the distribution of CRC cells among cell cycle phases was assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS Gli1 and FoxM1 were abnormally elevated in human CRC tissues compared with matched adjacent normal mucosa samples, and FoxM1 is a downstream target gene of the transcription factor Gli1 in CRC and promoted CRC cell growth and proliferation. Moreover, the aberrant activation of Hh signaling promoted CRC cell proliferation by directly binding to the promoter of FoxM1 and transactivating the activity of FoxM1 in CRC cells. CONCLUSION The dysregulation of the Hh-Gli1-FoxM1 axis is essential for the proliferation and growth of human CRC cells and offers a potent target for therapeutic intervention in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- DeJie Wang
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Guohui Hu
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.,Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Precision Medicine, Nancahng, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Ying Du
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.,Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Precision Medicine, Nancahng, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.,Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Precision Medicine, Nancahng, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Quqin Lu
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Nonghua Lv
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.
| | - Shiwen Luo
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China. .,Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Precision Medicine, Nancahng, Jiangxi, 330006, China.
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21
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Merchant JL, Ding L. Hedgehog Signaling Links Chronic Inflammation to Gastric Cancer Precursor Lesions. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 3:201-210. [PMID: 28275687 PMCID: PMC5331830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Since its initial discovery in Drosophila, Hedgehog (HH) signaling has long been associated with foregut development. The mammalian genome expresses 3 HH ligands, with sonic hedgehog (SHH) levels highest in the mucosa of the embryonic foregut. More recently, interest in the pathway has shifted to improving our understanding of its role in gastrointestinal cancers. The use of reporter mice proved instrumental in our ability to probe the expression pattern of SHH ligand and the cell types responding to canonical HH signaling during homeostasis, inflammation, and neoplastic transformation. SHH is highly expressed in parietal cells and is required for these cells to produce gastric acid. Furthermore, myofibroblasts are the predominant cell type responding to HH ligand in the uninfected stomach. Chronic infection caused by Helicobacter pylori and associated inflammation induces parietal cell atrophy and the expansion of metaplastic cell types, a precursor to gastric cancer in human subjects. During Helicobacter infection in mice, canonical HH signaling is required for inflammatory cells to be recruited from the bone marrow to the stomach and for metaplastic development. Specifically, polarization of the invading myeloid cells to myeloid-derived suppressor cells requires the HH-regulated transcription factor GLI1, thereby creating a microenvironment favoring wound healing and neoplastic transformation. In mice, GLI1 mediates the phenotypic shift to gastric myeloid-derived suppressor cells by directly inducing Schlafen 4 (slfn4). However, the human homologs of SLFN4, designated SLFN5 and SLFN12L, also correlate with intestinal metaplasia and could be used as biomarkers to predict the subset of individuals who might progress to gastric cancer and benefit from treatment with HH antagonists.
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Key Words
- ATPase, adenosine triphosphatase
- DAMP, damage-associated molecular pattern
- DAMPs
- GLI, glioma-associated protein
- GLI1
- Gr-MDSC, granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cell
- HH, hedgehog
- HHIP, hedgehog-interacting protein
- IFN, interferon
- IL, interleukin
- MDSC, myeloid-derived suppressor cell
- MDSCs
- Metaplasia
- Mo-MDSC, monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cell
- PTCH, Patched
- SHH
- SHH, sonic hedgehog
- SLFN4, Schlafen 4
- SMO, Smoothened
- SP, spasmolytic polypeptide
- SPEM
- SPEM, spasmolytic polypeptide–expressing mucosa
- SST, somatostatin
- TLR, Toll-like receptor
- mRNA, messenger RNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanita L. Merchant
- Department of Internal Medicine-Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan,Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Juanita L. Merchant, MD, PhD, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200. fax: (734) 763-4686.University of Michigan109 Zina Pitcher PlaceAnn ArborMichigan 48109-2200
| | - Lin Ding
- Department of Internal Medicine-Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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22
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Konstantinou D, Bertaux-Skeirik N, Zavros Y. Hedgehog signaling in the stomach. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2016; 31:76-82. [PMID: 27750091 PMCID: PMC5154826 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway not only plays a key part in controlling embryonic development, but in the adult stomach governs important cellular events such as epithelial cell differentiation, proliferation, gastric disease, and regeneration. In particular, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling has been well studied for its role in gastric physiology and pathophysiology. Shh is secreted from the gastric parietal cells and contributes to the regeneration of the epithelium in response to injury, or the development of gastritis during Helicobacter pylori infection. Dysregulation of the Shh signaling pathway leads to the disruption of gastric differentiation, loss of gastric acid secretion and the development of cancer. In this chapter, we will review the most recent findings that reveal the role of Shh as a regulator of gastric physiology, regeneration, and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Konstantinou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nina Bertaux-Skeirik
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Yana Zavros
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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23
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Zhang Y, Chen Z, Li MJ, Guo HY, Jing NC. Long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 regulates the expression of Gli2 by miR-202 to strengthen gastric cancer progression. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 85:264-271. [PMID: 27887846 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies and ranks the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Some studies had reported the tumor-promoting effects of long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging to microRNAs. However, the molecular mechanism of ceRNA regulatory pathway involving MALAT1 in GC remains unclear. METHODS MALAT1 and miR -202 expression was detected by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) in 60 gastric cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues, CCK8 cell proliferation assays, cell cycle analysis and cell apoptosis assays were performed to detect the GC cell proliferation and apoptosis. The mRNA and protein levels of Gli2 were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting assays. Furthermore, using online software, luciferase reporter assays, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pulldown assays demonstrated miR-202 was a target of MALAT1. RESULTS We found that MALAT1 was upregulated in GC tissues and higher MALAT1 expression was correlated with larger tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage. Moreover, we revealed that MALAT1 was a direct target of miR-202 and knockdown of MALAT1 significantly decreased the expression of Gli2 through negatively regulating miR-202. In addition, knockdown of Malat1 inhibited GC cells proliferation, S-phase cell number, and induced cell apoptosis via negatively regulating miR-202 in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Our results elucidated MALAT1/miR-202/Gli2 regulatory pathway, which maybe contribute to a novel therapeutic strategy for GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Province Tumor Hospital, Ji Lin, China.
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Province Tumor Hospital, Ji Lin, China.
| | - Ming-Jing Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Province Tumor Hospital, Ji Lin, China.
| | - Huan-Yu Guo
- Department of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Province Tumor Hospital, Ji Lin, China.
| | - Nian-Cai Jing
- Department of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Province Tumor Hospital, Ji Lin, China.
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24
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Huang H, Chen Z, Ni X. Tissue transglutaminase-1 promotes stemness and chemoresistance in gastric cancer cells by regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2016; 242:194-202. [PMID: 27660242 DOI: 10.1177/1535370216670541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a common malignancy, and is one of the most frequent causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Recently, members of the transglutaminases (TGM) family, especially TGM2, have been implicated in the progression and drug resistance of cancers, but the function of TGM1 in cancer development has been largely overlooked. In this study, we demonstrate the roles of TGM1 in development of gastric cancer. We found that expression levels of TGM1 were upregulated in both gastric cancer tissues and cultured gastric cancer cells, and that TGM1 expression levels were correlated with patient survival. In cultured gastric cancer cells, loss of TGM1 expression inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis, as well increased gastric cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs and reducing stemness. These results strongly supported the participation of TGM1 in the regulation of gastric cancer development. In addition, we found evidence that the mechanism of action of TGM1 in regulating gastric cancer cell might involve the Wnt signaling pathway, as loss of TGM1 expression in gastric cancer cells led to a significant suppression of Wnt signaling activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Huang
- 1 Department of General Surgery, Oilfield General Hospital of Daqing, Daqing 163001, China
| | - Zhiqi Chen
- 1 Department of General Surgery, Oilfield General Hospital of Daqing, Daqing 163001, China
| | - Xiuqin Ni
- 2 Department of Anatomy, Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing 163319, China
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