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Khoshkhabar R, Yazdani M, Hoda Alavizadeh S, Saberi Z, Arabi L, Reza Jaafari M. Chemo-immunotherapy by nanoliposomal epacadostat and docetaxel combination to IDO1 inhibition and tumor microenvironment suppression. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 137:112437. [PMID: 38870880 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112437] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
The over-activation of tryptophan (Trp) metabolism to kynurenine (Kyn) catalyzed by Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) enzyme, is one of the main metabolic pathways involved in tumor microenvironment (TME) immune escape and cancer treatment failure. The most efficient of IDO1 inhibitors is Epacadostat (EPA). Since monotherapy with single-agent IDO1 inhibitor regimen has led to an insufficient anti-tumor activity, we examined the efficacy of simultaneous treatment by Liposomal epacadostat (Lip-EPA) as a potent IDO inhibitor, in combination with docetaxel (DTX) as a complement immunogenic cell death (ICD) agent against B16F10 model. First, the in vitro combination index (CI) of epacadostat (EPA) and DTX was investigated by using the unified theory. Then, the in vivo efficacy of the combination therapy was assessed. Results indicated the synergestic cytotoxic effect of the combination on B16F10 compared to normal fibroblast cells (NIH). The immune profiling demonstrated a significant increase in the percentage of infiltrated T lymphocytes and IFN-γ release, a significant decrease in the percentage of regulatory T cells (Treg) population and the subsequent low levels of IL-10 generation in mice treated with Lip-EPA + DTX. Further, a significant tumor growth delay (TGD = 69.15 %) and an increased life span (ILS > 47.83 %) was observed with the combination strategy. Histopathology analysis revealed a remarkable increase in the Trp concentration following combination treatment, while Kyn levels significantly decreased. Results showed that the nano-liposomal form of IDO1 inhibitor in combination with chemotherapy could significantly improve the imunity response and dominate the tumor immuno-suppressive micro-environment, which merits further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahimeh Khoshkhabar
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mona Yazdani
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Hoda Alavizadeh
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Zahra Saberi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Leila Arabi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Rajan RK, Engels M, Ramanathan M. Predicting phase-I metabolism of piceatannol: an in silico study. In Silico Pharmacol 2024; 12:52. [PMID: 38854674 PMCID: PMC11153392 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-024-00228-x] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Piceatannol is a natural compound found in plants and can be derived from resveratrol. While resveratrol has been extensively researched for its effects and how the body processes it, there are concerns about its use. These concerns include its limited absorption in the body, the need for specific dosages, potential interactions with other drugs, lack of standardization, and limited clinical evidence to support its benefits. Interestingly, Piceatannol, another compound derived from resveratrol, has received less attention from researchers but appears to offer advantages. It has better bioavailability and seems to have a more favorable therapeutic profile compared to resveratrol. Surprisingly, no previous attempts have been made to explore or predict the metabolites of piceatannol when it interacts with the enzyme cytochrome P450. This study aims to fill that gap by predicting how piceatannol is metabolized by cytochrome P450 and assessing any potential toxicity associated with its metabolites. This research is interesting because it's the first of its kind to investigate the metabolic fate of piceatannol, especially in the context of cytochrome P450. The findings have the potential to significantly contribute to the field of piceatannol research, particularly in the food industry where this compound has applications and implications. Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Kumar Rajan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Girijananda Chowdhury University, Tezpur Campus, Tezpur, Assam India
- Present Address: Department of Pharmacology, Himalayan Pharmacy Institute, Majitar, East Sikkim 737136 India
| | - Maida Engels
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, PSG College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu India
| | - Muthiah Ramanathan
- Department of Pharmacology, PSG College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu India
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3
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Monjé N, Dragomir MP, Sinn BV, Hoffmann I, Makhmut A, Simon T, Kunze CA, Ihlow J, Schmitt WD, Pohl J, Piwonski I, Marchenko S, Keunecke C, Calina TG, Tiso F, Kulbe H, Kreuzinger C, Cacsire Castillo-Tong D, Sehouli J, Braicu EI, Denkert C, Darb-Esfahani S, Kübler K, Capper D, Coscia F, Morkel M, Horst D, Sers C, Taube ET. AHRR and SFRP2 in primary versus recurrent high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma and their prognostic implication. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1249-1260. [PMID: 38361045 PMCID: PMC11014847 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02550-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to analyse transcriptomic differences between primary and recurrent high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) to identify prognostic biomarkers. METHODS We analysed 19 paired primary and recurrent HGSOC samples using targeted RNA sequencing. We selected the best candidates using in silico survival and pathway analysis and validated the biomarkers using immunohistochemistry on a cohort of 44 paired samples, an additional cohort of 504 primary HGSOCs and explored their function. RESULTS We identified 233 differential expressed genes. Twenty-three showed a significant prognostic value for PFS and OS in silico. Seven markers (AHRR, COL5A2, FABP4, HMGCS2, ITGA5, SFRP2 and WNT9B) were chosen for validation at the protein level. AHRR expression was higher in primary tumours (p < 0.0001) and correlated with better patient survival (p < 0.05). Stromal SFRP2 expression was higher in recurrent samples (p = 0.009) and protein expression in primary tumours was associated with worse patient survival (p = 0.022). In multivariate analysis, tumour AHRR and SFRP2 remained independent prognostic markers. In vitro studies supported the anti-tumorigenic role of AHRR and the oncogenic function of SFRP2. CONCLUSIONS Our results underline the relevance of AHRR and SFRP2 proteins in aryl-hydrocarbon receptor and Wnt-signalling, respectively, and might lead to establishing them as biomarkers in HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanna Monjé
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mihnea P Dragomir
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Bruno V Sinn
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Inga Hoffmann
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anuar Makhmut
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Spatial Proteomics Group, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tincy Simon
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Catarina A Kunze
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jana Ihlow
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang D Schmitt
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jonathan Pohl
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Iris Piwonski
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sofya Marchenko
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carlotta Keunecke
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department for Gynecology with the Center for Oncologic Surgery Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Francesca Tiso
- Center of Functional Genomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hagen Kulbe
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department for Gynecology with the Center for Oncologic Surgery Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Caroline Kreuzinger
- Translational Gynecology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dan Cacsire Castillo-Tong
- Translational Gynecology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jalid Sehouli
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department for Gynecology with the Center for Oncologic Surgery Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elena I Braicu
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department for Gynecology with the Center for Oncologic Surgery Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Denkert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Gießen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Silvia Darb-Esfahani
- Institute of Pathology, Berlin-Spandau, Stadtrandstraße 555, 13589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Kübler
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Center of Functional Genomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - David Capper
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabian Coscia
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Spatial Proteomics Group, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Morkel
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - David Horst
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Sers
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Eliane T Taube
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
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Sanchez Y, Vasquez Callejas MA, Miret NV, Rolandelli G, Costas C, Randi AS, Español A. Hexachlorobenzene as a differential modulator of the conventional and metronomic chemotherapy response in triple negative breast cancer cells. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:278-295. [PMID: 38745771 PMCID: PMC11090688 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is usually treated with high doses of paclitaxel, whose effectiveness may be modulated by the action of environmental contaminants such as hexachlorobenzene. High doses of paclitaxel cause adverse effects such as low cellular selectivity and the generation of resistance to treatment due to an increase in the expression of multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs). These effects can be reduced using a metronomic administration scheme with low doses. This study aimed to investigate whether hexachlorobenzene modulates the response of cells to conventional chemotherapy with paclitaxel or metronomic chemotherapy with paclitaxel plus carbachol, as well as to study the participation of the MRP ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2) in human TNBC MDA-MB231 cells. Methods Cells were treated with hexachlorobenzene alone or in combination with conventional or metronomic chemotherapies. The effects of treatments on cell viability were determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and the nuclear factor kappa B pathway participation was evaluated using a selective inhibitor. ABCG2 expression and its modulation were determined by western blot. Results Results confirmed that paclitaxel reduces MDA-MB231 cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Results also showed that both conventional and metronomic chemotherapies reduced cell viability with similar efficacy. Although hexachlorobenzene did not modify cell viability per se, it did reverse the effect induced by the conventional chemotherapy, without affecting the efficacy of the metronomic chemotherapy. Additionally, a differential modulation of ABCG2 expression was determined, mediated by the nuclear factor kappa B pathway, which was directly related to the modulation of cell sensitivity to another cycle of paclitaxel treatment. Conclusions The findings indicate that, in human TNBC MDA-MB231 cells, in the presence of hexachlorobenzene, the metronomic combination of paclitaxel plus carbachol is more effective in affecting the tumor biology than the conventional therapeutic administration scheme of paclitaxel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamila Sanchez
- Center of Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CEFYBO)-National Council for Science and Technology (CONICET)-University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Mariana Abigail Vasquez Callejas
- Center of Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CEFYBO)-National Council for Science and Technology (CONICET)-University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Noelia Victoria Miret
- Laboratory of Biological Effects of Environmental Pollutants, Department of Human Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Gabino Rolandelli
- Center of Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CEFYBO)-National Council for Science and Technology (CONICET)-University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Catalina Costas
- Center of Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CEFYBO)-National Council for Science and Technology (CONICET)-University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Andrea Silvana Randi
- Laboratory of Biological Effects of Environmental Pollutants, Department of Human Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Español
- Center of Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CEFYBO)-National Council for Science and Technology (CONICET)-University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
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Soltani-Asl M, Azimnasab-Sorkhabi P, Yoshinaga TT, de Oliveira Massoco C, Kfoury JR. The combination of IDO and AHR blockers reduces the migration and clonogenicity of breast cancer cells. Immunol Res 2023:10.1007/s12026-023-09450-9. [PMID: 38153625 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-023-09450-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) enzyme causes immunosuppressive consequences in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition, the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in the TME is under discussion. The current study evaluated the role of the IDO and AHR blockers on cell migration, clonogenic, and IDO expression of murine breast cancer cells. The cell migration and clonogenic abilities of breast cancer cells are evaluated by wound‑healing assay (cell migration assay) and Colony formation assay (clonogenic assay). Also, flow cytometry analysis was used to detect the IDO-positive breast cancer cells. The results showed that treating cells with a combination of IDO and AHR blockers dramatically reduced breast cancer cells' migration and clonogenic capacities. Treating cells with only AHR blockade suppressed the clonogenic rate. Since both IDO and AHR are involved in their complex molecular networks, blocking both IDO and AHR might cause alterations in their molecular networks resulting in diminishing the migration and clonogenic abilities of breast cancer cells. However, further investigations are required to confirm our findings within in vivo models as a novel therapy for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Soltani-Asl
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Parviz Azimnasab-Sorkhabi
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tulio Teruo Yoshinaga
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina de Oliveira Massoco
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Roberto Kfoury
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Chatterjee P, Banerjee S. Unveiling the mechanistic role of the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor in environmentally induced Breast cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115866. [PMID: 37863327 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a crucial cytosolic evolutionary conserved ligand-activated transcription factor and a pleiotropic signal transducer. The biosensor activity of the AhR is attributed to the promiscuity of its ligand-binding domain. Evidence suggests exposure to environmental toxins such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls and halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons activates the AhR signaling pathway. The constitutive activation of the receptor signaling system leads to multiple health adversities and enhances the risk of several cancers, including breast cancer (BC). This review evaluates several mechanisms that integrate the tumor-inducing property of such environmental contaminants with the AhR pathway assisting in BC tumorigenesis, progress and metastasis. Intriguingly, immune evasion is identified as a prominent hallmark in BC. Several emerging pieces of evidence have identified AhR as a potent immunosuppressive effector in several cancers. Through AhR signaling pathways, some tumors can avoid immune detection. Thus the relevance of AhR in the immunomodulation of breast tumors and its putative mode of action in the breast tumor microenvironment are discussed in this review. Additionally, the work also explores BC stemness and its associated inflammation in response to several environmental cues. The review elucidates the context-dependent ambiguous behavior of AhR either as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor with respect to its ligand. Conclusively, this holistic piece of literature attempts to potentiate AhR as a promising pharmacological target in BC and updates on the therapeutic manipulation of its various exogenous and endogenous ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prarthana Chatterjee
- School of BioSciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore- 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Satarupa Banerjee
- School of BioSciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore- 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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7
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Kado SY, Bein K, Castaneda AR, Pouraryan AA, Garrity N, Ishihara Y, Rossi A, Haarmann-Stemmann T, Sweeney CA, Vogel CFA. Regulation of IDO2 by the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) in Breast Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:1433. [PMID: 37408267 PMCID: PMC10216785 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (IDO2) is a tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme and a homolog of IDO1 with a distinct expression pattern compared with IDO1. In dendritic cells (DCs), IDO activity and the resulting changes in tryptophan level regulate T-cell differentiation and promote immune tolerance. Recent studies indicate that IDO2 exerts an additional, non-enzymatic function and pro-inflammatory activity, which may play an important role in diseases such as autoimmunity and cancer. Here, we investigated the impact of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation by endogenous compounds and environmental pollutants on the expression of IDO2. Treatment with AhR ligands induced IDO2 in MCF-7 wildtype cells but not in CRISPR-cas9 AhR-knockout MCF-7 cells. Promoter analysis with IDO2 reporter constructs revealed that the AhR-dependent induction of IDO2 involves a short-tandem repeat containing four core sequences of a xenobiotic response element (XRE) upstream of the start site of the human ido2 gene. The analysis of breast cancer datasets revealed that IDO2 expression increased in breast cancer compared with normal samples. Our findings suggest that the AhR-mediated expression of IDO2 in breast cancer could contribute to a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Y. Kado
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (S.Y.K.); (K.B.); (A.R.C.); (A.A.P.); (N.G.)
| | - Keith Bein
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (S.Y.K.); (K.B.); (A.R.C.); (A.A.P.); (N.G.)
| | - Alejandro R. Castaneda
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (S.Y.K.); (K.B.); (A.R.C.); (A.A.P.); (N.G.)
| | - Arshia A. Pouraryan
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (S.Y.K.); (K.B.); (A.R.C.); (A.A.P.); (N.G.)
| | - Nicole Garrity
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (S.Y.K.); (K.B.); (A.R.C.); (A.A.P.); (N.G.)
| | - Yasuhiro Ishihara
- Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan;
| | - Andrea Rossi
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (A.R.); (T.H.-S.)
| | - Thomas Haarmann-Stemmann
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (A.R.); (T.H.-S.)
| | - Colleen A. Sweeney
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Christoph F. A. Vogel
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (S.Y.K.); (K.B.); (A.R.C.); (A.A.P.); (N.G.)
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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8
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Elson DJ, Kolluri SK. Tumor-Suppressive Functions of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) and AhR as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040526. [PMID: 37106727 PMCID: PMC10135996 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor involved in regulating a wide range of biological responses. A diverse array of xenobiotics and endogenous small molecules bind to the receptor and drive unique phenotypic responses. Due in part to its role in mediating toxic responses to environmental pollutants, AhR activation has not been traditionally viewed as a viable therapeutic approach. Nonetheless, the expression and activation of AhR can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and survival of cancer cells, and many clinically approved drugs transcriptionally activate AhR. Identification of novel select modulators of AhR-regulated transcription that promote tumor suppression is an active area of investigation. The development of AhR-targeted anticancer agents requires a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving tumor suppression. Here, we summarized the tumor-suppressive mechanisms regulated by AhR with an emphasis on the endogenous functions of the receptor in opposing carcinogenesis. In multiple different cancer models, the deletion of AhR promotes increased tumorigenesis, but a precise understanding of the molecular cues and the genetic targets of AhR involved in this process is lacking. The intent of this review was to synthesize the evidence supporting AhR-dependent tumor suppression and distill insights for development of AhR-targeted cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Elson
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Siva K. Kolluri
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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9
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Targeted Therapy and Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041320. [PMID: 36831661 PMCID: PMC9954028 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Multidrug resistance (MDR) has been a large hurdle in reducing BC death rates. The drug resistance mechanisms include increased drug efflux, enhanced DNA repair, senescence escape, epigenetic alterations, tumor heterogeneity, tumor microenvironment (TME), and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which make it challenging to overcome. This review aims to explain the mechanisms of resistance in BC further, identify viable drug targets, and elucidate how those targets relate to the progression of BC and drug resistance.
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10
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Sondermann NC, Faßbender S, Hartung F, Hätälä AM, Rolfes KM, Vogel CFA, Haarmann-Stemmann T. Functions of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) beyond the canonical AHR/ARNT signaling pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115371. [PMID: 36528068 PMCID: PMC9884176 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor regulating adaptive and maladaptive responses toward exogenous and endogenous signals. Research from various biomedical disciplines has provided compelling evidence that the AHR is critically involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases and disorders, including autoimmunity, inflammatory diseases, endocrine disruption, premature aging and cancer. Accordingly, AHR is considered an attractive target for the development of novel preventive and therapeutic measures. However, the ligand-based targeting of AHR is considerably complicated by the fact that the receptor does not always follow the beaten track, i.e. the canonical AHR/ARNT signaling pathway. Instead, AHR might team up with other transcription factors and signaling molecules to shape gene expression patterns and associated physiological or pathophysiological functions in a ligand-, cell- and micromilieu-dependent manner. Herein, we provide an overview about some of the most important non-canonical functions of AHR, including crosstalk with major signaling pathways involved in controlling cell fate and function, immune responses, adaptation to low oxygen levels and oxidative stress, ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Further research on these diverse and exciting yet often ambivalent facets of AHR biology is urgently needed in order to exploit the full potential of AHR modulation for disease prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Sondermann
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sonja Faßbender
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Frederick Hartung
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna M Hätälä
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina M Rolfes
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christoph F A Vogel
- Department of Environmental Toxicology and Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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11
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Sweeney C, Lazennec G, Vogel CFA. Environmental exposure and the role of AhR in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1095289. [PMID: 36588678 PMCID: PMC9797527 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1095289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) through environmental exposure to chemicals including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) can lead to severe adverse health effects and increase the risk of breast cancer. This review considers several mechanisms which link the tumor promoting effects of environmental pollutants with the AhR signaling pathway, contributing to the development and progression of breast cancer. We explore AhR's function in shaping the tumor microenvironment, modifying immune tolerance, and regulating cancer stemness, driving breast cancer chemoresistance and metastasis. The complexity of AhR, with evidence for both oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles is discussed. We propose that AhR functions as a "molecular bridge", linking disproportionate toxin exposure and policies which underlie environmental injustice with tumor cell behaviors which drive poor patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Sweeney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Gwendal Lazennec
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, SYS2DIAG-ALCEN, Cap Delta, Montpellier, France
| | - Christoph F. A. Vogel
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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12
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The Role of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) and Its Ligands in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225574. [PMID: 36428667 PMCID: PMC9688153 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a complex disease which is defined by numerous cellular and molecular markers that can be used to develop more targeted and successful therapies. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is overexpressed in many breast tumor sub-types, including estrogen receptor -positive (ER+) tumors; however, the prognostic value of the AhR for breast cancer patient survival is not consistent between studies. Moreover, the functional role of the AhR in various breast cancer cell lines is also variable and exhibits both tumor promoter- and tumor suppressor- like activity and the AhR is expressed in both ER-positive and ER-negative cells/tumors. There is strong evidence demonstrating inhibitory AhR-Rα crosstalk where various AhR ligands induce ER degradation. It has also been reported that different structural classes of AhR ligands, including halogenated aromatics, polynuclear aromatics, synthetic drugs and other pharmaceuticals, health promoting phytochemical-derived natural products and endogenous AhR-active compounds inhibit one or more of breast cancer cell proliferation, survival, migration/invasion, and metastasis. AhR-dependent mechanisms for the inhibition of breast cancer by AhR agonists are variable and include the downregulation of multiple genes/gene products such as CXCR4, MMPs, CXCL12, SOX4 and the modulation of microRNA levels. Some AhR ligands, such as aminoflavone, have been investigated in clinical trials for their anticancer activity against breast cancer. In contrast, several publications have reported that AhR agonists and antagonists enhance and inhibit mammary carcinogenesis, respectively, and differences between the anticancer activities of AhR agonists in breast cancer may be due in part to cell context and ligand structure. However, there are reports showing that the same AhR ligand in the same breast cancer cell line gives opposite results. These differences need to be resolved in order to further develop and take advantage of promising agents that inhibit mammary carcinogenesis by targeting the AhR.
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13
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Fujiwara Y, Kato S, Nesline MK, Conroy JM, DePietro P, Pabla S, Kurzrock R. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitors and cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2022; 110:102461. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2022.102461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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14
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Chen Z, Xia X, Chen H, Huang H, An X, Sun M, Yao Q, Kim K, Zhang H, Chu M, Chen R, Bhutia YD, Ganapathy V, Kou L. Carbidopa suppresses estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer via AhR-mediated proteasomal degradation of ERα. Invest New Drugs 2022; 40:1216-1230. [PMID: 36070108 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-022-01289-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor-α (ERα) promotes breast cancer, and ER-positive cancer accounts for ~ 80% of breast cancers. This subtype responds positively to hormone/endocrine therapies involving either inhibition of estrogen synthesis or blockade of estrogen action. Carbidopa, a drug used to potentiate the therapeutic efficacy of L-DOPA in Parkinson's disease, is an agonist for aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Pharmacotherapy in Parkinson's disease decreases the risk for cancers, including breast cancer. The effects of carbidopa on ER-positive breast cancer were evaluated in cell culture and in mouse xenografts. The assays included cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration/invasion, subcellular localization of AhR, proteasomal degradation, and tumor growth in xenografts. Carbidopa decreased proliferation and migration of ER-positive human breast cancer cells in vitro with no significant effect on ER-negative breast cancer cells. Treatment of ER-positive cells with carbidopa promoted nuclear localization of AhR and expression of AhR target genes; it also decreased cellular levels of ERα via proteasomal degradation in an AhR-dependent manner. In vivo, carbidopa suppressed the growth of ER-positive breast cancer cells in mouse xenografts; this was associated with increased apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation. Carbidopa has therapeutic potential for ER-positive breast cancer either as a single agent or in combination with other standard chemotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Korea
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Xing Xia
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Heyan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huirong Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xingsi An
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meng Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qing Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kwonseop Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Korea
| | - Hailin Zhang
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Children's Respiration Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Maoping Chu
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China.
- Pediatric Research Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
| | - Ruijie Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yangzom D Bhutia
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA
| | - Vadivel Ganapathy
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA
| | - Longfa Kou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China.
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15
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Vogeley C, Sondermann NC, Woeste S, Momin AA, Gilardino V, Hartung F, Heinen M, Maaß SK, Mescher M, Pollet M, Rolfes KM, Vogel CFA, Rossi A, Lang D, Arold ST, Nakamura M, Haarmann-Stemmann T. Unraveling the differential impact of PAHs and dioxin-like compounds on AKR1C3 reveals the EGFR extracellular domain as a critical determinant of the AHR response. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 158:106989. [PMID: 34991250 PMCID: PMC8852774 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) and structurally-related environmental pollutants may contribute to the pathogenesis of various diseases and disorders, primarily by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and modulating downstream cellular responses. Accordingly, AHR is considered an attractive molecular target for preventive and therapeutic measures. However, toxicological risk assessment of AHR-modulating compounds as well as drug development is complicated by the fact that different ligands elicit remarkably different AHR responses. By elucidating the differential effects of PAHs and DLCs on aldo-keto reductase 1C3 expression and associated prostaglandin D2 metabolism, we here provide evidence that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) substantially shapes AHR ligand-induced responses in human epithelial cells, i.e. primary and immortalized keratinocytes and breast cancer cells. Exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 126 resulted in a rapid c-Src-mediated phosphorylation of EGFR. Moreover, both AHR agonists stimulated protein kinase C activity and enhanced the ectodomain shedding of cell surface-bound EGFR ligands. However, only upon B[a]P treatment, this process resulted in an auto-/paracrine activation of EGFR and a subsequent induction of aldo-keto reductase 1C3 and 11-ketoreduction of prostaglandin D2. Receptor binding and internalization assays, docking analyses and mutational amino acid exchange confirmed that DLCs, but not B[a]P, bind to the EGFR extracellular domain, thereby blocking EGFR activation by growth factors. Finally, nanopore long-read RNA-seq revealed hundreds of genes, whose expression is regulated by B[a]P, but not by PCB126, and sensitive towards pharmacological EGFR inhibition. Our data provide novel mechanistic insights into the ligand response of AHR signaling and identify EGFR as an effector of environmental chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Vogeley
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Natalie C Sondermann
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Selina Woeste
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Afaque A Momin
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Viola Gilardino
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Frederick Hartung
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Markus Heinen
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sophia K Maaß
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Melina Mescher
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marius Pollet
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina M Rolfes
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christoph F A Vogel
- Department of Environmental Toxicology and Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Andrea Rossi
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dieter Lang
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Stefan T Arold
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS), INSERM, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, F-34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Motoki Nakamura
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; Department of Environmental and Geriatric Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
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16
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Camalexin, an indole phytoalexin, inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and mammosphere formation in breast cancer cells via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. J Nat Med 2021; 76:110-118. [PMID: 34463909 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-021-01560-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. Despite a variety of drugs available for the treatment of patients with breast cancer, drug resistance remains a significant clinical problem. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop drugs with new mechanisms of action. Camalexin is the main indole phytoalexin in Arabidopsis thaliana and other crucifers. Camalexin inhibits the proliferation of various cancer cells. However, the mechanism by which camalexin inhibits cell proliferation remains unclear. In this study, we found that camalexin inhibited cell proliferation and migration of breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, camalexin also suppressed breast cancer stem cell-derived mammosphere formation. We previously reported that the ligand-activated transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist suppresses mammosphere formation. Several compounds with indole structures are known to act as AhR agonists. Therefore, we hypothesized that the inhibition of mammosphere formation by camalexin may involve AhR activation. We found that camalexin increased the nuclear translocation of AhR, AhR-mediated transcriptional activation, and expression of AhR target genes. In addition, camalexin suppressed mammosphere formation in AhR-expressing breast cancer cells more than in the breast cancer cells that lacked AhR expression. Taken together, the data demonstrate that camalexin is a novel AhR agonist and that the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and mammosphere formation by camalexin involves the activation of AhR. Our findings suggest that camalexin, an AhR agonist, may be a novel therapeutic agent for breast cancer.
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17
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Yamashita N, Yoshizuka A, Kase A, Ozawa M, Taga C, Sanada N, Kanno Y, Nemoto K, Kizu R. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor by 3-methylcholanthrene, but not by indirubin, suppresses mammosphere formation via downregulation of CDC20 expression in breast cancer cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 570:131-136. [PMID: 34280616 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates various toxicological and biological functions. We reported previously that 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC), an exogenous AhR agonist, inhibited tumorsphere (mammosphere) formation from breast cancer cell lines, while the endogenous AhR agonist, indirubin, very weakly inhibited this process. However, the difference in inhibition mechanism of mammosphere formation by 3MC or indirubin is still unknown. In this study, we established AhR-re-expressing (KOTR-AhR) cells from AhR knockout MCF-7 cells using the tetracycline (Tet)-inducible gene expression systems. To identify any difference in inhibition of mammosphere formation by 3MC or indirubin, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) experiments were performed using KOTR-AhR cells. RNA-seq experiments revealed that cell division cycle 20 (CDC20), which regulates the cell cycle and mitosis, was decreased by 3MC, but not by indirubin, in the presence of AhR expression. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of CDC20 were decreased by 3MC in MCF-7 cells via the AhR. In addition, mammosphere formation was suppressed by small interfering RNA-mediated CDC20 knockdown compared to the negative control in MCF-7 cells. These results suggest that AhR activation by 3MC suppresses mammosphere formation via downregulation of CDC20 expression in breast cancer cells. This study provides useful information for the development of AhR-targeted anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Yamashita
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan.
| | - Arika Yoshizuka
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan
| | - Arisa Kase
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan
| | - Moeno Ozawa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan
| | - Chiharu Taga
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan
| | - Noriko Sanada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Kanno
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8526, Japan
| | - Kiyomitsu Nemoto
- Department of Molecular Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Miyama 2-2-1, Funabashi, Chiba, 274-8510, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Kizu
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan
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