1
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Nakatsuji M, Fujimori K. Adipocyte-conditioned medium induces tamoxifen resistance by activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119821. [PMID: 39159684 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Resistance to endocrine therapy is a major clinical challenge in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. Obesity is associated with the clinical response to ER-positive breast cancers; however, the mechanism underlying obesity-induced resistance to endocrine therapy in ER-positive breast cancers remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying obesity-induced resistance to tamoxifen (TAM), an anti-estrogen agent, in the ER-positive breast cancer cell line MCF-7 using differentiated adipocyte-conditioned medium (D-CM). Treatment of the cells with D-CM promoted TAM resistance by reducing TAM-induced apoptosis. The expression levels of the ERα target genes were higher in D-CM-treated cells than those in untreated ones. In contrast, when the cells were cultured in the presence of TAM, the expression levels were decreased, with or without D-CM. Moreover, the expression of the markers for cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and mammosphere formation was enhanced by co-treating with D-CM and TAM, compared with TAM alone. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway was activated in MCF-7 cells by D-CM treatment, even in the presence of TAM. Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway decreased the expression levels of the CSC markers, suppressed mammosphere formation, and resensitized to TAM via inducing apoptosis in D-CM-treated cells. These results indicate that the conditioned medium of differentiated adipocytes promoted TAM resistance by inducing the CSC phenotype through activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in ER-positive breast cancer cells. Thus, the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway may be a therapeutic target in obese patients with ER-positive breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Nakatsuji
- Department of Pathobiochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1094, Japan
| | - Ko Fujimori
- Department of Pathobiochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1094, Japan.
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2
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Hariri A, Mirian M, Khosravi A, Zarepour A, Iravani S, Zarrabi A. Intersecting pathways: The role of hybrid E/M cells and circulating tumor cells in cancer metastasis and drug resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 76:101119. [PMID: 39111134 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101119] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis and therapy resistance are intricately linked with the dynamics of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs). EMT hybrid cells, characterized by a blend of epithelial and mesenchymal traits, have emerged as pivotal in metastasis and demonstrate remarkable plasticity, enabling transitions across cellular states crucial for intravasation, survival in circulation, and extravasation at distal sites. Concurrently, CTCs, which are detached from primary tumors and travel through the bloodstream, are crucial as potential biomarkers for cancer prognosis and therapeutic response. There is a significant interplay between EMT hybrid cells and CTCs, revealing a complex, bidirectional relationship that significantly influences metastatic progression and has a critical role in cancer drug resistance. This resistance is further influenced by the tumor microenvironment, with factors such as tumor-associated macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and hypoxic conditions driving EMT and contributing to therapeutic resistance. It is important to understand the molecular mechanisms of EMT, characteristics of EMT hybrid cells and CTCs, and their roles in both metastasis and drug resistance. This comprehensive understanding sheds light on the complexities of cancer metastasis and opens avenues for novel diagnostic approaches and targeted therapies and has significant advancements in combating cancer metastasis and overcoming drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirali Hariri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Mina Mirian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran.
| | - Arezoo Khosravi
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul Okan University, Istanbul 34959, Turkiye
| | - Atefeh Zarepour
- Department of Research Analytics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600 077, India
| | - Siavash Iravani
- Independent Researcher, W Nazar ST, Boostan Ave, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul 34396, Turkiye; Graduate School of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan 320315, Taiwan.
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3
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Liu YJ, Li JX, Li JP, Hu YD, Ma ZB, Huang W, Liu SL, Zou X. Endoplasmic Reticulum Membrane Protein Complex Regulates Cancer Stem Cells and is Associated with Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:1519-1539. [PMID: 39139735 PMCID: PMC11321348 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s474343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, underscoring the need for novel therapeutic targets. This study aimed to elucidate the role of endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein complex subunit 1 (EMC1) in HCC progression and its therapeutic potential. Methods Publicly available sequencing data and biopsy specimens were analyzed to assess EMC's clinical value and functions in HCC. In vitro experiments validated EMC functions, and multiplex immunofluorescence analysis examined EMC-associated sorafenib resistance mechanisms. EMC1 expression was knocked down in HCC cell lines, followed by cell viability, wound healing, and transwell migration assays. Tumor growth and response to sorafenib treatment were evaluated in mouse models. Metabolomic analysis assessed changes in the TCA cycle. Results EMC genes were aberrantly expressed in HCC, and high EMC1 expression correlated with poorer survival rates. EMC1 disruption enhanced HCC cells' sensitivity to sorafenib, reducing cell viability, increasing apoptosis, and decreasing tumor size and weight. EMC1 maintained cancer cell stemness and promoted M2 macrophage infiltration. Metabolomic analysis revealed significant changes in the TCA cycle, indicating EMC1's role in HCC metabolic reprogramming. Importantly, EMC1 is highly associated with sorafenib resistance, potentially linked to CTNNB1 mutation or activation. Conclusion EMC1 plays a critical role in regulating the sorafenib resistance in HCC. Targeting EMC1 may improve HCC treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Jie Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing-Xiao Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie-Pin Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-Dou Hu
- Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu, 215600, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Bin Ma
- Nanjing YOUMENG Biology Science and Technology Co. Ltd, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Huang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shen-Lin Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Zou
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People’s Republic of China
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4
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Barathan M, Zulpa AK, Ng SL, Lokanathan Y, Ng MH, Law JX. Innovative Strategies to Combat 5-Fluorouracil Resistance in Colorectal Cancer: The Role of Phytochemicals and Extracellular Vesicles. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7470. [PMID: 39000577 PMCID: PMC11242358 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant public health challenge, with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance being a major obstacle to effective treatment. Despite advancements, resistance to 5-FU remains formidable due to complex mechanisms such as alterations in drug transport, evasion of apoptosis, dysregulation of cell cycle dynamics, tumor microenvironment (TME) interactions, and extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated resistance pathways. Traditional chemotherapy often results in high toxicity, highlighting the need for alternative approaches with better efficacy and safety. Phytochemicals (PCs) and EVs offer promising CRC therapeutic strategies. PCs, derived from natural sources, often exhibit lower toxicity and can target multiple pathways involved in cancer progression and drug resistance. EVs can facilitate targeted drug delivery, modulate the immune response, and interact with the TME to sensitize cancer cells to treatment. However, the potential of PCs and engineered EVs in overcoming 5-FU resistance and reshaping the immunosuppressive TME in CRC remains underexplored. Addressing this gap is crucial for identifying innovative therapies with enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicities. This review explores the multifaceted mechanisms of 5-FU resistance in CRC and evaluates the synergistic effects of combining PCs with 5-FU to improve treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Additionally, it investigates engineered EVs in overcoming 5-FU resistance by serving as drug delivery vehicles and modulating the TME. By synthesizing the current knowledge and addressing research gaps, this review enhances the academic understanding of 5-FU resistance in CRC, highlighting the potential of interdisciplinary approaches involving PCs and EVs for revolutionizing CRC therapy. Further research and clinical validation are essential for translating these findings into improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muttiah Barathan
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Khusairy Zulpa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Sook Luan Ng
- Department of Craniofacial Diagnostics and Biosciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Yogeswaran Lokanathan
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Min Hwei Ng
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Jia Xian Law
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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5
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You MH. Mechanism of DAPK1 for Regulating Cancer Stem Cells in Thyroid Cancer. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:7086-7096. [PMID: 39057063 PMCID: PMC11275583 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) is a calcium/calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM)-dependent serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) protein kinase and is characteristically downregulated in metastatic cancer. Several studies showed that DAPK1 is involved in both the early and late stages of cancer. DAPK1 downregulation is elaborately controlled by epigenetic, transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and posttranslational processes. DAPK1 is known to regulate not only cancer cells but also stromal cells. Recent studies showed that DAPK1 was involved not only in tumor suppression but also in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell (CSC) formation in colon and thyroid cancers. CSCs are major factors in determining cancer aggressiveness in cancer metastasis and treatment prognosis by influencing EMT. However, the molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of cancer cells by DAPK1 remains unclear. In particular, little is known about the existence of CSCs and how they are regulated in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) among thyroid cancers. In this review, we describe the molecular mechanism of CSC regulation by DAPK1 in PTC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Hyeon You
- Department of Anatomy, Konkuk University College of Medicine, 50-1, 268 Chungwon-daero, Cungju-si 27478, Republic of Korea
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6
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Ibrahim HM, Abdelrahman AE, Elwan A, Gharieb SA, Refaat M, Elmesallamy W, Salem AA. Clinicopathological Impact of FOXM1 and MMP-9 Immunohistochemical Expression in Different Grades of Intracranial Meningioma. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2024; 32:292-304. [PMID: 38863278 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000001205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To find predictive biomarkers for recurrence and progression of meningioma. BACKGROUND Despite great advances in meningioma treatment, the prognosis remained unfavorable due to the high recurrence rate. METHODS In this study, we evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of FOXM1, MMP-9, and Ki67 in 50 cases of intracranial meningioma to detect its potential role in meningioma progression, recurrence, and patients' survival. RESULTS Strong FOXM1 expression was detected in 20% of the cases and was significantly associated with meningioma grade ( P = 0.002) and peritumoral brain edema (PTBE; P <0.001). Strong MMP-9 expression was noted in 32% of the cases and was significantly associated with meningioma grade and PTBE ( P <0.001, P <0.001, respectively). High Ki67 was noted in 50% and significantly associated with tumor grade and PTBE ( P <0.001, P = 0.002, respectively). The follow-up period revealed that meningiomas with strong FOXM1, strong MMP-9, and high Ki67 expression were associated with tumor recurrence, shorter OS, and recurrence-free survival. Furthermore, up-regulation of FOXM1 and MMP-9 expression had a significant relation with poor clinical response to the therapy ( P = 0.010, P = 0. 001, respectively). However, high Ki67 cases were more sensitive to clinical therapy ( P = 0.005). CONCLUSION Strong FOXM1, strong MMP-9, and high Ki67 in meningiomas indicate highly aggressive tumors with a shortened survival rate, dismal outcome, and high risk of recurrence after the standard protocol of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amira Elwan
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine
| | | | | | - Wael Elmesallamy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt
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7
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Hui San S, Ching Ngai S. E-cadherin re-expression: Its potential in combating TRAIL resistance and reversing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Gene 2024; 909:148293. [PMID: 38373660 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The major limitation of conventional chemotherapy drugs is their lack of specificity for cancer cells. As a selective apoptosis-inducing agent, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has emerged as an attractive alternative. However, most of the cancer cells are found to be either intrinsically resistant to the TRAIL protein or may develop resistance after multiple treatments, and TRAIL resistance can induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) at a later stage, promoting cancer invasion and migration. Interestingly, E-cadherin loss has been linked to TRAIL resistance and initiation of EMT, making E-cadherin re-expression a potential target to overcome these obstacles. Recent research suggests that re-expressing E-cadherin may reduce TRAIL resistance by enhancing TRAIL-induced apoptosis and preventing EMT by modulating EMT signalling factors. This reversal of EMT, can also aid in improving TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Therefore, this review provides remarkable insights into the mechanisms underlying E-cadherin re-expression, clinical implications, and potentiation, as well as the research gaps of E-cadherin re-expression in the current cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ser Hui San
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siew Ching Ngai
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
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8
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González-Callejo P, García-Astrain C, Herrero-Ruiz A, Henriksen-Lacey M, Seras-Franzoso J, Abasolo I, Liz-Marzán LM. 3D Bioprinted Tumor-Stroma Models of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Stem Cells for Preclinical Targeted Therapy Evaluation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:27151-27163. [PMID: 38764168 PMCID: PMC11145592 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c04135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a pivotal role in therapy resistance and tumor relapse, emphasizing the need for reliable in vitro models that recapitulate the complexity of the CSC tumor microenvironment to accelerate drug discovery. We present a bioprinted breast CSC tumor-stroma model incorporating triple-negative breast CSCs (TNB-CSCs) and stromal cells (human breast fibroblasts), within a breast-derived decellularized extracellular matrix bioink. Comparison of molecular signatures in this model with different clinical subtypes of bioprinted tumor-stroma models unveils a unique molecular profile for artificial CSC tumor models. We additionally demonstrate that the model can recapitulate the invasive potential of TNB-CSC. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering imaging allowed us to monitor the invasive potential of tumor cells in deep z-axis planes, thereby overcoming the depth-imaging limitations of confocal fluorescence microscopy. As a proof-of-concept application, we conducted high-throughput drug testing analysis to assess the efficacy of CSC-targeted therapy in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic compounds. The results highlight the usefulness of tumor-stroma models as a promising drug-screening platform, providing insights into therapeutic efficacy against CSC populations resistant to conventional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clara García-Astrain
- CIC
biomaGUNE, Basque Research
and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián 20014, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Ada Herrero-Ruiz
- CIC
biomaGUNE, Basque Research
and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián 20014, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Malou Henriksen-Lacey
- CIC
biomaGUNE, Basque Research
and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián 20014, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Joaquín Seras-Franzoso
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Clinical
Biochemistry, Drug Delivery and Therapy Group (CB-DDT), Vall d’Hebron
Research Institute (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron
University Hospital, Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Department
of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat
Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra 08193, Spain
| | - Ibane Abasolo
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Clinical
Biochemistry, Drug Delivery and Therapy Group (CB-DDT), Vall d’Hebron
Research Institute (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron
University Hospital, Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Clinical
Biochemistry Service, Vall d’Hebron
University Hospital, Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Luis M. Liz-Marzán
- CIC
biomaGUNE, Basque Research
and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián 20014, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao 48009, Spain
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9
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Stewart R, Sharma S, Wu T, Okuda S, Xie G, Zhou XZ, Shilton B, Lu KP. The role of the master cancer regulator Pin1 in the development and treatment of cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1343938. [PMID: 38745861 PMCID: PMC11091292 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1343938] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This review examines the complex role of Pin1 in the development and treatment of cancer. Pin1 is the only peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) that can recognize and isomerize phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro peptide bonds. Pin1 catalyzes a structural change in phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro motifs that can modulate protein function and thereby impact cell cycle regulation and tumorigenesis. The molecular mechanisms by which Pin1 contributes to oncogenesis are reviewed, including Pin1 overexpression and its correlation with poor cancer prognosis, and the contribution of Pin1 to aggressive tumor phenotypes involved in therapeutic resistance is discussed, with an emphasis on cancer stem cells, the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and immunosuppression. The therapeutic potential of Pin1 inhibition in cancer is discussed, along with the promise and the difficulties in identifying potent, drug-like, small-molecule Pin1 inhibitors. The available evidence supports the efficacy of targeting Pin1 as a novel cancer therapeutic by analyzing the role of Pin1 in a complex network of cancer-driving pathways and illustrating the potential of synergistic drug combinations with Pin1 inhibitors for treating aggressive and drug-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Stewart
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Shaunik Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Timothy Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sho Okuda
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - George Xie
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Xiao Zhen Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Brian Shilton
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kun Ping Lu
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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10
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Panda M, Biswal S, Biswal BK. Evodiamine potentiates cisplatin-induced cell death and overcomes cisplatin resistance in non-small-cell lung cancer by targeting SOX9-β-catenin axis. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:523. [PMID: 38630183 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09477-7] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent decades, phytotherapy has remained as a key therapeutic option for the treatment of various cancers. Evodiamine, an excellent phytocompound from Evodia fructus, exerts anticancer activity in several cancers by modulating drug resistance. However, the role of evodiamine in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells is not clear till now. Therefore, we have used evodiamine as a chemosensitizer to overcome cisplatin resistance in NSCLC. METHODS Here, we looked into SOX9 expression and how it affects the cisplatin sensitivity of cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells. MTT and clonogenic assays were performed to check the cell proliferation. AO/EtBr and DAPI staining, ROS measurement assay, transfection, Western blot analysis, RT-PCR, Scratch & invasion, and comet assay were done to check the role of evodiamine in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells. RESULTS SOX9 levels were observed to be higher in cisplatin-resistant A549 (A549CR) and NCI-H522 (NCI-H522CR) compared to parental A549 and NCI-H522. It was found that SOX9 promotes cisplatin resistance by regulating β-catenin. Depletion of SOX9 restores cisplatin sensitivity by decreasing cell proliferation and cell migration and inducing apoptosis in A549CR and NCI-H522CR. After evodiamine treatment, it was revealed that evodiamine increases cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in A549CR and NCI-H522CR cells through increasing intracellular ROS generation. The combination of both drugs also significantly inhibited cell migration by inhibiting epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mechanistic investigation revealed that evodiamine resensitizes cisplatin-resistant cells toward cisplatin by decreasing the expression of SOX9 and β-catenin. CONCLUSION The combination of evodiamine and cisplatin may be a novel strategy for combating cisplatin resistance in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munmun Panda
- Cancer Drug Resistance Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha,, 769008, India
| | - Stuti Biswal
- Cancer Drug Resistance Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha,, 769008, India
| | - Bijesh K Biswal
- Cancer Drug Resistance Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha,, 769008, India.
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11
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Lotia S, Patel S, Patel A, Patel V, Shah K, Tanavde V. Unravelling the role of Silibinin in targeting CD44+ cancer stem cells: Therapeutic implications, effective strategies and approaches. Phytother Res 2024; 38:1830-1837. [PMID: 38353369 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8150] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
CD44+ cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed to account for drug resistance and tumour recurrence due to their potential to self-renew and differentiate into heterogeneous lineages. Therefore, efficient treatment strategies targeting and eliminating these CSCs are required. The flavonolignan, Silibinin, has gained immense attention in targeting CD44+ CSCs as it alters functional properties like cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, inhibition of invasion and metastasis and also inhibits a range of molecular pathways. However, its limited bioavailability is a major hurdle in asserting Silibinin as a translational therapeutic agent. Combinatorial therapy of Silibinin with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs is an alternative approach in targeting CD44+ CSCs as it increases the efficacy and reduces the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs, thus preventing drug resistance. Certain Silibinin-conjugated nano-formulations have also been successfully developed, through which there is improved absorptivity/bioavailability of Silibinin and a decrease in the concentration of therapeutic drugs leading to reduced cytotoxicity. In this review, we summarise the effectiveness of the synergistic therapeutic approach for Silibinin in targeting the molecular mechanisms of CD44+ CSCs and emphasise the potential role of Silibinin as a novel therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Lotia
- Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Shanaya Patel
- Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Aditi Patel
- Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Vaishnavi Patel
- Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Kanisha Shah
- Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Vivek Tanavde
- Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, India
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
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12
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Wang XY, Li HM, Xia R, Li X, Zhang X, Jin TZ, Zhang HS. KDM4B down-regulation facilitated breast cancer cell stemness via PHGDH upregulation in H3K36me3-dependent manner. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:915-928. [PMID: 37249813 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04777-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent advances have been made in clinical treatments of breast cancer, the general prognosis of patients remains poor. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a more effective therapeutic strategy. Lysine demethylase 4B (KDM4B) has been reported to participate in breast cancer development recently, but its exact biological role in breast cancer remains unclear. Here, we observed that KDM4B was down-regulated in human primary BRCA tissues and the low levels of KDM4B expression were correlated with poor survival. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments showed that KDM4B inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Besides, knockdown of KDM4B promoted the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell stemness in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, KDM4B down-regulates PHGDH by decreasing the enrichment of H3K36me3 on the promoter region of PHGDH. Knockdown of PHGDH could significantly reversed proliferation, migration, EMT, and cell stemness induced by KDM4B silencing in breast cancer cells. Collectively, we propose a model for a KDM4B/PHGDH axis that provides novel insight into breast cancer development, which may serve as a potential factor for predicting prognosis and a therapeutic target for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Wang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100#, District of Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Hong-Ming Li
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100#, District of Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Ran Xia
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100#, District of Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100#, District of Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100#, District of Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Tong-Zhao Jin
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100#, District of Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Hong-Sheng Zhang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100#, District of Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China.
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13
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Fatma H, Siddique HR. Cancer cell plasticity, stem cell factors, and therapy resistance: how are they linked? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:423-440. [PMID: 37796391 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10144-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Cellular plasticity can occur naturally in an organism and is considered an adapting mechanism during the developmental stage. However, abnormal cellular plasticity is observed in different diseased conditions, including cancer. Cancer cell plasticity triggers the stimuli of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), abnormal epigenetic changes, expression of stem cell factors and implicated signaling pathways, etc., and helps in the maintenance of CSC phenotype. Conversely, CSC maintains the cancer cell plasticity, EMT, and epigenetic plasticity. EMT contributes to increased cell migration and greater diversity within tumors, while epigenetic changes, stem cell factors (OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2), and various signaling pathways allow cancer cells to maintain various phenotypes, giving rise to intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity. The intricate relationships between cancer cell plasticity and stem cell factors help the tumor cells adopt drug-tolerant states, evade senescence, and successfully acquire drug resistance with treatment dismissal. Inhibiting molecules/signaling pathways involved in promoting CSCs, cellular plasticity, EMT, and epigenetic plasticity might be helpful for successful cancer therapy management. This review discussed the role of cellular plasticity, EMT, and stem cell factors in tumor initiation, progression, reprogramming, and therapy resistance. Finally, we discussed how the intervention in this axis will help better manage cancers and improve patient survivability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Fatma
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, 202002, India
| | - Hifzur R Siddique
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, 202002, India.
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14
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Al-Hawary SIS, Rodrigues P, Bangali H, Hassan ZF, Elawady A. The role of long noncoding RNA DGCR5 in cancers: Focus on molecular targets. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3949. [PMID: 38379219 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3949] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are major components of cellular transcripts that are emerging as important players in various biological pathways. Due to their specific expression and functional diversity in a variety of cancers, lncRNAs have promising applications in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. Studies have shown that lncRNA DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 5 (DGCR5) with high specificity and accuracy has the potential to become biomarkers in cancers. LncRNA DGCR5 can be noninvasively extracted from body fluids, tissues, and cells, and can be used as independent or auxiliary biomarkers to improve the accuracy of diagnosis or prognosis. Now, the underlying mechanisms of lncRNAs such as DGCR5 were explored as therapeutic targets, which have been investigated in clinical trials of several cancers. The DGCR5 lacks an appropriate animal model, which is necessary to gain greater knowledge of their functions. While some studies on the uses of DGCR5 have been carried out, the small sample size makes them unreliable. In this review, we presented a compilation of recent publications addressing the potential of lncRNA DGCR5 that could be considered as biomarkers or therapeutic targets, with the hopes of providing promised implications for future cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Rodrigues
- Department of Computer Engineering, College of Computer Science, King Khalid University, Al-Faraa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Harun Bangali
- Department of Computer Engineering, College of Computer Science, King Khalid University, Al-Faraa, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ahmed Elawady
- College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
- College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
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15
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Ambrosini G, Cordani M, Zarrabi A, Alcon-Rodriguez S, Sainz RM, Velasco G, Gonzalez-Menendez P, Dando I. Transcending frontiers in prostate cancer: the role of oncometabolites on epigenetic regulation, CSCs, and tumor microenvironment to identify new therapeutic strategies. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:36. [PMID: 38216942 PMCID: PMC10790277 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01462-0] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer, as one of the most prevalent malignancies in males, exhibits an approximate 5-year survival rate of 95% in advanced stages. A myriad of molecular events and mutations, including the accumulation of oncometabolites, underpin the genesis and progression of this cancer type. Despite growing research demonstrating the pivotal role of oncometabolites in supporting various cancers, including prostate cancer, the root causes of their accumulation, especially in the absence of enzymatic mutations, remain elusive. Consequently, identifying a tangible therapeutic target poses a formidable challenge. In this review, we aim to delve deeper into the implications of oncometabolite accumulation in prostate cancer. We center our focus on the consequential epigenetic alterations and impacts on cancer stem cells, with the ultimate goal of outlining novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ambrosini
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Cordani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, 34396, Turkey
- Department of Research Analytics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600 077, India
| | - Sergio Alcon-Rodriguez
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, School of Medicine, Julián Claveria 6, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Rosa M Sainz
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, School of Medicine, Julián Claveria 6, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Guillermo Velasco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Gonzalez-Menendez
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, School of Medicine, Julián Claveria 6, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Ilaria Dando
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy.
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16
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Huang Z, Byrd O, Tan S, Hu K, Knight B, Lo G, Taylor L, Wu Y, Berchuck A, Murphy SK. Periostin facilitates ovarian cancer recurrence by enhancing cancer stemness. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21382. [PMID: 38049490 PMCID: PMC10695946 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48485-8] [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: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The lethality of epithelial ovarian cancer (OC) is largely due to a high rate of recurrence and development of chemoresistance, which requires synergy between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) and is thought to involve cancer stem cells. Our analysis of gene expression microarray data from paired primary and recurrent OC tissues revealed significantly elevated expression of the gene encoding periostin (POSTN) in recurrent OC compared to matched primary tumors (p = 0.015). Secreted POSTN plays a role in the extracellular matrix, facilitating epithelial cell migration and tissue regeneration. We therefore examined how elevated extracellular POSTN, as we found is present in recurrent OC, impacts OC cell functions and phenotypes, including stemness. OC cells cultured with conditioned media with high levels of periostin (CMPOSTNhigh) exhibited faster migration (p = 0.0044), enhanced invasiveness (p = 0.006), increased chemoresistance (p < 0.05), and decreased apoptosis as compared to the same cells cultured with control medium (CMCTL). Further, CMPOSTNhigh-cultured OC cells exhibited an elevated stem cell side population (p = 0.027) along with increased expression of cancer stem cell marker CD133 relative to CMCTL-cultured cells. POSTN-transfected 3T3-L1 cells that were used to generate CMPOSTNhigh had visibly enhanced intracellular and extracellular lipids, which was also linked to increased OC cell expression of fatty acid synthetase (FASN) that functions as a central regulator of lipid metabolism and plays a critical role in the growth and survival of tumors. Additionally, POSTN functions in the TME were linked to AKT pathway activities. The mean tumor volume in mice injected with CMPOSTNhigh-cultured OC cells was larger than that in mice injected with CMCTL-cultured OC cells (p = 0.0023). Taken together, these results show that elevated POSTN in the extracellular environment leads to more aggressive OC cell behavior and an increase in cancer stemness, suggesting that increased levels of stromal POSTN during OC recurrence contribute to more rapid disease progression and may be a novel therapeutic target. Furthermore, they also demonstrate the utility of having matched primary-recurrent OC tissues for analysis and support the need for better understanding of the molecular changes that occur with OC recurrence to develop ways to undermine those processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqing Huang
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, 701 West Main Street, Suite 510, Duke, PO Box 90534, Durham, NC, 27701, USA.
| | - Olivia Byrd
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Sarah Tan
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Katrina Hu
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Bailey Knight
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Gaomong Lo
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Lila Taylor
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Yuan Wu
- Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Division of Biostatistics, Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, USA
| | - Andrew Berchuck
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
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17
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Gulia S, Chandra P, Das A. The Prognosis of Cancer Depends on the Interplay of Autophagy, Apoptosis, and Anoikis within the Tumor Microenvironment. Cell Biochem Biophys 2023; 81:621-658. [PMID: 37787970 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-023-01179-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Within the tumor microenvironment, the fight between the immune system and cancer influences tumor transformation. Metastasis formation is an important stage in the progression of cancer. This process is aided by cellular detachment and resistance to anoikis, which are achieved by altering intercellular signaling. Autophagy, specifically pro-survival autophagy, aids cancer cells in developing treatment resistance. Numerous studies have shown that autophagy promotes tumor growth and resistance to anoikis. To regulate protective autophagy, cancer-related genes phosphorylate both pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins. Apoptosis, a type of controlled cell death, eliminates damaged or unwanted cells. Anoikis is a type of programmed cell death in which cells lose contact with the extracellular matrix. The dysregulation of these cellular pathways promotes tumor growth and spread. Apoptosis, anoikis, and autophagy interact meticulously and differently depending on the cellular circumstances. For instance, autophagy can protect cancer cells from apoptosis by removing cellular components that are damaged and might otherwise trigger apoptotic pathways. Similarly, anoikis dysregulation can trigger autophagy by causing cellular harm and metabolic stress. In order to prevent or treat metastatic disease, specifically, targeting these cellular mechanisms may present a promising prospect for cancer therapy. This review discourses the state of our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying tumor transformation and the establishment of metastatic tumors. To enhance the prognosis for cancer, we highlight and discuss potential therapeutic approaches that target these processes and genes involved in them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Gulia
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Main Bawana Road, Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Prakash Chandra
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Main Bawana Road, Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Asmita Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Main Bawana Road, Delhi, 110042, India.
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18
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Lee YS, Kim HS, Kim HJ, Kang HW, Lee DE, Kim MJ, Hong WC, Kim JH, Kim M, Cheong JH, Park JS. The role of LOXL2 induced by glucose metabolism-activated NF-κB in maintaining drug resistance through EMT and cancer stemness in gemcitabine-resistant PDAC. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:1449-1464. [PMID: 37737908 PMCID: PMC10663195 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02369-6] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Gemcitabine is considered a standard treatment for pancreatic cancer, but developing drug resistance greatly limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy and increases the rate of recurrence. Lysyl oxide-like 2 (LOXL2) is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer and is involved in carcinogenesis and EMT regulation. However, studies on the role of LOXL2 in drug resistance are limited. Here, we investigated the mechanism of LOXL2 induction and the effect of LOXL2 on EMT and CSC in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer. Glucose metabolism was activated in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells, and NF-κB signaling was regulated accordingly. Activated NF-κB directly induces transcription by binding to the promoters of LOXL2 and ZEB1. The EMT process was significantly inhibited by the coregulation of ZEB1 and LOXL2. In addition, LOXL2 inhibition reduced the expression of cancer stemness markers and stemness by regulating MAPK signaling activity. LOXL2 inhibits tumor growth of gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells and increases the sensitivity to gemcitabine in mouse models. KEY MESSAGES: We identified a specific mechanism for inducing LOXL2 overexpression in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer. Taken together, our results suggest LOXL2 has an important regulatory role in maintaining gemcitabine resistance and may be an effective therapeutic target to treat pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Sun Lee
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyung Sun Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyeon Woong Kang
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Da Eun Lee
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Myeong Jin Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Woosol Chris Hong
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minsoo Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Cheong
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Joon Seong Park
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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19
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Jeong YG, Katuwal NB, Kang MS, Ghosh M, Hong SD, Park SM, Kim SG, Kim TH, Moon YW. Combined PI3K Inhibitor and Eribulin Enhances Anti-Tumor Activity in Preclinical Models of Paclitaxel-Resistant, PIK3CA-Mutated Endometrial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4887. [PMID: 37835582 PMCID: PMC10571568 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer stands as the predominant gynecological malignancy in developed nations. For advanced or recurrent disease, paclitaxel-based chemotherapy is the standard front-line therapy. However, paclitaxel resistance eternally develops. Based on the high prevalence of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) mutation, reaching 50%, in endometrial cancer, we preclinically investigated the effectiveness of a combination of a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor with eribulin, a post-paclitaxel therapy for breast cancer, in treating paclitaxel-resistant, PIK3CA-mutated endometrial cancer. We generated paclitaxel-resistant cell lines from PIK3CA-mutated endometrial cancer cell lines by gradually increasing the concentration of paclitaxel in cell cultures. We observed that the PI3K/AKT and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways in paclitaxel-resistant cells were significantly upregulated compared with those in parental cells. Then, we demonstrated that the combination of alpelisib (a PI3K inhibitor) and eribulin more effectively suppressed the cellular growth of paclitaxel-resistant cells in in vitro and in vivo xenograft models. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that the effect of the combination could be enhanced by inhibiting both the PI3K/AKT and EMT pathways. Therefore, we suggest that paclitaxel resistance is associated with the activation of the PIK3/AKT pathway in PIK3CA-mutated endometrial cancer, and the combination of a PI3K inhibitor and eribulin merits further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeong Gyu Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea (M.S.K.)
| | - Nar Bahadur Katuwal
- Department of Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea (M.S.K.)
| | - Min Sil Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea (M.S.K.)
| | - Mithun Ghosh
- Department of Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea (M.S.K.)
| | - Sa Deok Hong
- Department of Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea (M.S.K.)
| | - Seong Min Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea (M.S.K.)
| | - Seul-Gi Kim
- Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea;
| | - Tae Hoen Kim
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Wha Moon
- Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea;
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20
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Gohlke L, Alahdab A, Oberhofer A, Worf K, Holdenrieder S, Michaelis M, Cinatl J, Ritter CA. Loss of Key EMT-Regulating miRNAs Highlight the Role of ZEB1 in EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Resistant NSCLC. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14742. [PMID: 37834189 PMCID: PMC10573279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), acquired drug resistance to targeted therapy remains a major obstacle. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been identified as a key resistance mechanism in NSCLC. Here, we investigated the mechanistic role of key EMT-regulating small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) in sublines of the NSCLC cell line HCC4006 adapted to afatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, or osimertinib. The most differentially expressed miRNAs derived from extracellular vesicles were associated with EMT, and their predicted target ZEB1 was significantly overexpressed in all resistant cell lines. Transfection of a miR-205-5p mimic partially reversed EMT by inhibiting ZEB1, restoring CDH1 expression, and inhibiting migration in erlotinib-resistant cells. Gene expression of EMT-markers, transcription factors, and miRNAs were correlated during stepwise osimertinib adaptation of HCC4006 cells. Temporally relieving cells of osimertinib reversed transition trends, suggesting that the implementation of treatment pauses could provide prolonged benefits for patients. Our results provide new insights into the contribution of miRNAs to drug-resistant NSCLC harboring EGFR-activating mutations and highlight their role as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linus Gohlke
- Institute of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy, University Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Ahmad Alahdab
- Institute of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy, University Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Angela Oberhofer
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Center, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany; (A.O.); (K.W.); (S.H.)
| | - Karolina Worf
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Center, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany; (A.O.); (K.W.); (S.H.)
| | - Stefan Holdenrieder
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Center, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany; (A.O.); (K.W.); (S.H.)
| | - Martin Michaelis
- School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK;
| | - Jindrich Cinatl
- Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Christoph A Ritter
- Institute of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy, University Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489 Greifswald, Germany;
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21
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Garimella SV, Gampa SC, Chaturvedi P. Mitochondria in Cancer Stem Cells: From an Innocent Bystander to a Central Player in Therapy Resistance. Stem Cells Cloning 2023; 16:19-41. [PMID: 37641714 PMCID: PMC10460581 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s417842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer continues to rank among the world's leading causes of mortality despite advancements in treatment. Cancer stem cells, which can self-renew, are present in low abundance and contribute significantly to tumor recurrence, tumorigenicity, and drug resistance to various therapies. The drug resistance observed in cancer stem cells is attributed to several factors, such as cellular quiescence, dormancy, elevated aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, apoptosis evasion mechanisms, high expression of drug efflux pumps, protective vascular niche, enhanced DNA damage response, scavenging of reactive oxygen species, hypoxic stability, and stemness-related signaling pathways. Multiple studies have shown that mitochondria play a pivotal role in conferring drug resistance to cancer stem cells, through mitochondrial biogenesis, metabolism, and dynamics. A better understanding of how mitochondria contribute to tumorigenesis, heterogeneity, and drug resistance could lead to the development of innovative cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sireesha V Garimella
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, 530045, India
| | - Siri Chandana Gampa
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, 530045, India
| | - Pankaj Chaturvedi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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22
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Joshi G, Basu A. Epigenetic control of cell signalling in cancer stem cells. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 383:67-88. [PMID: 38359971 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent one of the distinct cell populations occurring in a tumour that can differentiate into multiple lineages. This group of sparsely abundant cells play a vital role in tumour survival and resistance to different treatments during cancer. The lack of exclusive markers associated with CSCs makes diagnosis and prognosis in cancer patients extremely difficult. This calls for the identification of unique regulators and markers for CSCs. Various signalling pathways like the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, Hedgehog pathway, Notch pathway, and TGFβ/BMP play a major role in the regulation and maintenance of CSCs. Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms add another layer of complexity to control these signalling pathways. In this chapter, we discuss about the role of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating the cellular signalling pathways in CSCs. The epigenetic regulatory mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modification and microRNAs can modulate the diverse effectors of signalling pathways and consequently the growth, differentiation and tumorigenicity of CSCs. In the end, we briefly discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting these epigenetic regulators and their target genes in CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Joshi
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany.
| | - Amitava Basu
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany.
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23
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Liu Y, Jiang L, Song W, Wang C, Yu S, Qiao J, Wang X, Jin C, Zhao D, Bai X, Zhang P, Wang S, Liu M. Ginsenosides on stem cells fate specification-a novel perspective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1190266. [PMID: 37476154 PMCID: PMC10354371 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1190266] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that stem cells have attracted much attention due to their special abilities of proliferation, differentiation and self-renewal, and are of great significance in regenerative medicine and anti-aging research. Hence, finding natural medicines that intervene the fate specification of stem cells has become a priority. Ginsenosides, the key components of natural botanical ginseng, have been extensively studied for versatile effects, such as regulating stem cells function and resisting aging. This review aims to summarize recent progression regarding the impact of ginsenosides on the behavior of adult stem cells, particularly from the perspective of proliferation, differentiation and self-renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Leilei Jiang
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Wenbo Song
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Chenxi Wang
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Shiting Yu
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Juhui Qiao
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Xinran Wang
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Chenrong Jin
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Daqing Zhao
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Xueyuan Bai
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Peiguang Zhang
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences Changchun, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Siming Wang
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Meichen Liu
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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24
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Yan C, Li Y, Liu H, Chen D, Wu J. Antitumor mechanism of cannabidiol hidden behind cancer hallmarks. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188905. [PMID: 37164234 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids have been utilized for recreational and therapeutic purposes for over 4,000 years. As the primary ingredient in exogenous cannabinoids, Cannabidiol (CBD) has drawn a lot of interest from researchers due to its negligible psychotropic side effects and potential tumor-suppressing properties. However, the obscure mechanisms that underlie them remain a mystery. Complex biological mechanisms are involved in the progression of cancer, and malignancies have a variety of acquired biological capabilities, including sustained proliferation, death evasion, neovascularization, tissue invasion and metastasis, immune escape, metabolic reprogramming, induction of tumor-associated inflammation, cancerous stemness and genomic instability. Nowadays, the role of CBD hidden in these hallmarks is gradually revealed. Nevertheless, flaws or inconsistencies in the recent studies addressing the anti-cancer effects of CBD still exist. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the potential mechanisms underlying the role of CBD in a range of tumor-acquired biological capabilities. We propose potential drugs that may have a synergistic effect with CBD and provide optional directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaobiao Yan
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, China; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences(2019RU019), China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Yu Li
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, China; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences(2019RU019), China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Hanqing Liu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, China; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences(2019RU019), China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Diyu Chen
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, China; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences(2019RU019), China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Jian Wu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, China; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences(2019RU019), China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China.
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25
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Jiang Z, Zhou J, Deng J, Li L, Wang R, Han Y, Zhou J, Tao R, Peng L, Wang D, Huang T, Yu Y, Zhou Z, Li J, Ousmane D, Wang J. Emerging roles of ferroptosis-related miRNAs in tumor metastasis. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:193. [PMID: 37369681 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01486-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis, a novel mode of cell death dependent on iron and reactive oxygen species, has been extensively explored during malignant tumors metastasis. Ferroptosis can interact with multiple components of the tumor microenvironment to regulate metastasis. These interactions generally include the following aspects: (1) Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, which can help cancer cells increase their sensitivity to ferroptosis while they have multiple mechanisms to fight against it; (2) Disorder of iron metabolism in cancer stem cells which maintains their stem characteristics; (3) Polarization of M0 macrophages to M2. (4) The paradoxical effects of iron metabolism and CD8 + T cells induced by ferroptosis (5) Regulation of angiogenesis. In addition, ferroptosis can be regulated by miRNAs through the reprogramming of various intracellular metabolism processes, including the regulation of the glutathione- glutathione peroxidase 4 pathway, glutamic acid/cystine transport, iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress. Therefore, there are many potential interactions between ferroptosis-related miRNAs and tumor metastasis, including interaction with cancer cells and immune cells, regulating cytokines, and angiogenesis. This review focuses on the role of ferroptosis-related miRNA in tumor metastasis, aiming to help readers understand their relationship and provide a new perspective on the potential treatment strategies of malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyi Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Ultrapathology (Biomedical electron microscopy) Center, Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Ultrapathology (Biomedical electron microscopy) Center, Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Junqi Deng
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Luohong Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ruifeng Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yingying Han
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Junyu Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Rui Tao
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lushan Peng
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yupei Yu
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zongjiang Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jinghe Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Diabate Ousmane
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Junpu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China.
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China.
- Ultrapathology (Biomedical electron microscopy) Center, Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China.
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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26
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Novoa Díaz MB, Carriere P, Gentili C. How the interplay among the tumor microenvironment and the gut microbiota influences the stemness of colorectal cancer cells. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:281-301. [PMID: 37342226 PMCID: PMC10277969 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i5.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the third most prevalent cancer disease and involves a multi-step process in which intestinal cells acquire malignant characteristics. It is well established that the appearance of distal metastasis in CRC patients is the cause of a poor prognosis and treatment failure. Nevertheless, in the last decades, CRC aggressiveness and progression have been attributed to a specific cell population called CRC stem cells (CCSC) with features like tumor initiation capacity, self-renewal capacity, and acquired multidrug resistance. Emerging data highlight the concept of this cell subtype as a plastic entity that has a dynamic status and can be originated from different types of cells through genetic and epigenetic changes. These alterations are modulated by complex and dynamic crosstalk with environmental factors by paracrine signaling. It is known that in the tumor niche, different cell types, structures, and biomolecules coexist and interact with cancer cells favoring cancer growth and development. Together, these components constitute the tumor microenvironment (TME). Most recently, researchers have also deepened the influence of the complex variety of microorganisms that inhabit the intestinal mucosa, collectively known as gut microbiota, on CRC. Both TME and microorganisms participate in inflammatory processes that can drive the initiation and evolution of CRC. Since in the last decade, crucial advances have been made concerning to the synergistic interaction among the TME and gut microorganisms that condition the identity of CCSC, the data exposed in this review could provide valuable insights into the biology of CRC and the development of new targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Belén Novoa Díaz
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)- Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pedro Carriere
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)- Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Gentili
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)- Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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27
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Kim JH, Park S, Jung E, Shin J, Kim YJ, Kim JY, Sessler JL, Seo JH, Kim JS. A dual-action niclosamide-based prodrug that targets cancer stem cells and inhibits TNBC metastasis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304081120. [PMID: 37186828 PMCID: PMC10214212 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304081120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy typically destroys the tumor mass but rarely eradicates the cancer stem cells (CSCs) that can drive metastatic recurrence. A key current challenge is finding ways to eradicate CSCs and suppress their characteristics. Here, we report a prodrug, Nic-A, created by combining a carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) inhibitor, acetazolamide, with a signal transducer and transcriptional activator 3 (STAT3) inhibitor, niclosamide. Nic-A was designed to target triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) CSCs and was found to inhibit both proliferating TNBC cells and CSCs via STAT3 dysregulation and suppression of CSC-like properties. Its use leads to a decrease in aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 activity, CD44high/CD24low stem-like subpopulations, and tumor spheroid-forming ability. TNBC xenograft tumors treated with Nic-A exhibited decreased angiogenesis and tumor growth, as well as decreased Ki-67 expression and increased apoptosis. In addition, distant metastases were suppressed in TNBC allografts derived from a CSC-enriched population. This study thus highlights a potential strategy for addressing CSC-based cancer recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyeon Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul02841, Korea
| | - Soeun Park
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul02841, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul02841, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University, Seoul08308, Korea
| | - Eunsun Jung
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul02841, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul02841, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University, Seoul08308, Korea
| | - Jinwoo Shin
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul02841, Korea
| | - Yoon-Jae Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul02841, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul02841, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University, Seoul08308, Korea
| | - Ji Young Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul02841, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul02841, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University, Seoul08308, Korea
| | - Jonathan L. Sessler
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX78712-1224
| | - Jae Hong Seo
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul02841, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul02841, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University, Seoul08308, Korea
| | - Jong Seung Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul02841, Korea
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28
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Sharma R, Balta S, Raza A, Escalona RM, Kannourakis G, Prithviraj P, Ahmed N. In Vitro and In Silico Analysis of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Cancer Stemness as Prognostic Markers of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092586. [PMID: 37174052 PMCID: PMC10177434 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) involves the phenotypic transformation of cells from epithelial to mesenchymal status. The cells exhibiting EMT contain features of cancer stem cells (CSC), and the dual processes are responsible for progressive cancers. Activation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) is fundamental to the pathogenesis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), and their role in promoting EMT and CSCs is crucial for ccRCC tumour cell survival, disease progression, and metastatic spread. In this study, we explored the status of HIF genes and their downstream targets, EMT and CSC markers, by immunohistochemistry on in-house accrued ccRCC biopsies and adjacent non-tumorous tissues from patients undergoing partial or radical nephrectomy. In combination, we comprehensively analysed the expression of HIF genes and its downstream EMT and CSC-associated targets relevant to ccRCC by using publicly available datasets, the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and the clinical proteome tumour analysis consortium (CPTAC). The aim was to search for novel biological prognostic markers that can stratify high-risk patients likely to experience metastatic disease. Using the above two approaches, we report the development of novel gene signatures that may help to identify patients at a high risk of developing metastatic and progressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revati Sharma
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia
- Health Innovation and Transformation Centre, Mt Helen Campus, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
| | - Showan Balta
- Dorevitch Pathology, Ballarat Base Hospital, Drummond Street, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
| | - Ali Raza
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia
- Health Innovation and Transformation Centre, Mt Helen Campus, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
| | - Ruth M Escalona
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia
- Centre for Reproductive Health, The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - George Kannourakis
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia
- Health Innovation and Transformation Centre, Mt Helen Campus, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
| | - Prashanth Prithviraj
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia
- Health Innovation and Transformation Centre, Mt Helen Campus, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
| | - Nuzhat Ahmed
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia
- Health Innovation and Transformation Centre, Mt Helen Campus, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
- Centre for Reproductive Health, The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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29
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Verstappe J, Berx G. A role for partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in enabling stemness in homeostasis and cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 90:15-28. [PMID: 36773819 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells have self-renewal capacities and the ability to give rise to differentiated cells thereby sustaining tissues during homeostasis and injury. This structural hierarchy extends to tumours which harbor stem-like cells deemed cancer stem cells that propagate the tumour and drive metastasis and relapse. The process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which plays an important role in development and cancer cell migration, was shown to be correlated with stemness in both homeostasis and cancer indicating that stemness can be acquired and is not necessarily an intrinsic trait. Nowadays it is experimentally proven that the activation of an EMT program does not necessarily drive cells towards a fully mesenchymal phenotype but rather to hybrid E/M states. This review offers the latest advances in connecting the EMT status and stem-cell state of both non-transformed and cancer cells. Recent literature clearly shows that hybrid EMT states have a higher probability of acquiring stem cell traits. The position of a cell along the EMT-axis which coincides with a stem cell-like state is known as the stemness window. We show how the original EMT-state of a cell dictates the EMT/MET inducing programmes required to reach stemness. Lastly we present the mechanism of stemness regulation and the regulatory feedback loops which position cells at a certain EMT state along the EMT axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Verstappe
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Berx
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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30
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Liu J, Smith S, Wang C. Photothermal Attenuation of Cancer Cell Stemness, Chemoresistance, and Migration Using CD44-Targeted MoS 2 Nanosheets. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:1989-1999. [PMID: 36827209 PMCID: PMC10497231 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) play key roles in chemoresistance, tumor metastasis, and clinical relapse. However, current CSC inhibitors lack specificity, efficacy, and applicability to different cancers. Herein, we introduce a nanomaterial-based approach to photothermally induce the differentiation of CSCs, termed "photothermal differentiation", leading to the attenuation of cancer cell stemness, chemoresistance, and metastasis. MoS2 nanosheets and a moderate photothermal treatment were applied to target a CSC surface receptor (i.e., CD44) and modulate its downstream signaling pathway. This treatment forces the more stem-like cancer cells to lose the mesenchymal phenotype and adopt an epithelial, less stem-like state, which shows attenuated self-renewal capacity, more response to anticancer drugs, and less invasiveness. This approach could be applicable to various cancers due to the broad availability of the CD44 biomarker. The concept of using photothermal nanomaterials to regulate specific cellular activities driving the differentiation of CSCs offers a new avenue for treating refractory cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyuan Liu
- Nanoscience and Biomedical Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701, United States
- BioSystems Networks & Translational Research (BioSNTR), 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701, United States
| | - Steve Smith
- Nanoscience and Biomedical Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701, United States
- BioSystems Networks & Translational Research (BioSNTR), 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701, United States
| | - Congzhou Wang
- Nanoscience and Biomedical Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701, United States
- BioSystems Networks & Translational Research (BioSNTR), 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701, United States
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31
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Li D, Xia L, Huang P, Wang Z, Guo Q, Huang C, Leng W, Qin S. Heterogeneity and plasticity of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer metastasis: Focusing on partial EMT and regulatory mechanisms. Cell Prolif 2023:e13423. [PMID: 36808651 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) or mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) plays critical roles in cancer metastasis. Recent studies, especially those based on single-cell sequencing, have revealed that EMT is not a binary process, but a heterogeneous and dynamic disposition with intermediary or partial EMT states. Multiple double-negative feedback loops involved by EMT-related transcription factors (EMT-TFs) have been identified. These feedback loops between EMT drivers and MET drivers finely regulate the EMT transition state of the cell. In this review, the general characteristics, biomarkers and molecular mechanisms of different EMT transition states were summarized. We additionally discussed the direct and indirect roles of EMT transition state in tumour metastasis. More importantly, this article provides direct evidence that the heterogeneity of EMT is closely related to the poor prognosis in gastric cancer. Notably, a seesaw model was proposed to explain how tumour cells regulate themselves to remain in specific EMT transition states, including epithelial state, hybrid/intermediate state and mesenchymal state. Additionally, this article also provides a review of the current status, limitations and future perspectives of EMT signalling in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Li
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Academy of Bio-medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Lingyun Xia
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Pan Huang
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Academy of Bio-medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zidi Wang
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Academy of Bio-medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Qiwei Guo
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Academy of Bio-medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Congcong Huang
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Academy of Bio-medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Weidong Leng
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Shanshan Qin
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Academy of Bio-medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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32
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CD44 and CD133 aptamer directed nanocarriers for cancer stem cells targeting. Eur Polym J 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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33
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Cheng T, Zhang S, Xia T, Zhang Y, Ji Y, Pan S, Xie H, Ren Q, You Y, You B. EBV promotes vascular mimicry of dormant cancer cells by potentiating stemness and EMT. Exp Cell Res 2022; 421:113403. [PMID: 36336028 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Vascular mimicry (VM) is defined as a vascular channel-like structure composed of tumor cells that correlates with the growth of cancer cells by providing blood circulation. However, whether VM can be formed in dormant cancer cells remains unclear. Our previous research revealed that polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) are specific dormant cells related to the poor prognosis of head and neck cancer. Here, we demonstrated that EBV could promote VM formation by PGCCs in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we revealed that the activation of the ERK pathway partly mediated by LMP2A is responsible for stemness, and the acquisition of the stemness phenotype is crucial to the malignant biological behavior of PGCCs. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process plays a considerable role in PGCCs, and EMT progression is vital for EBV-positive PGCCs to form VM. This is the first study to reveal that EBV creates plasticity in PGCC-VM and provide a new strategy for targeted anti-tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Cheng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Siyu Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yanshu Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yan Ji
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Si Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haijing Xie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qianqian Ren
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yiwen You
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Bo You
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China.
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34
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Li J, Tang M, Wu J, Qu H, Tu M, Pan Z, Gao C, Yang Y, Qu C, Huang W, Hong J. NUSAP1, a novel stemness-related protein, promotes early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:4165-4180. [PMID: 36106345 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Early recurrence (within 2 years after resection) is the primary cause of poor outcomes among hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and liver cancer stem cells are the main contributors to postsurgical HCC recurrence. Nucleolar and spindle-associated protein 1 (NUSAP1) has been reported to be involved in tumor progression. We investigated the function and clinical value of NUSAP1 in early recurrence of HCC. Data from public datasets and our cohort were used to assess the association between NUSAP1 expression and early HCC recurrence. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were carried out in vivo and in vitro. The predictive effect of NUSAP1 on early HCC recurrence was further evaluated by a validation cohort. We found that elevated NUSAP1 expression in HCC specimens was correlated with poor outcome, especially in cases with postoperative early recurrence. Functional studies indicated that NUSAP1 significantly promotes HCC progression. A postsurgical recurrence murine model further revealed that upregulated NUSAP1 dramatically increased the likelihood of HCC early recurrence. RNA sequencing data revealed that the gene sets of cancer stemness and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway were enriched by NUSAP1 overexpression. Mechanistically, NUSAP1 enhanced cancer stemness through stimulating STAT3 nuclear translocation and activation through receptor of activated protein C kinase 1 (RACK1). In a validation cohort with 112 HCC patients, NUSAP1 effectively predicted HCC early recurrence. Our results indicated that NUSAP1 promotes early recurrence of HCC by sustaining cancer stemness and could serve as a valuable predictive indicator for postsurgical intervention in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinying Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junru Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hengdong Qu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengxian Tu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaojie Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chongqing Gao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuping Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Qu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Hong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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35
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Shayan S, Arashkia A, Azadmanesh K. Modifying oncolytic virotherapy to overcome the barrier of the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Where do we stand? Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:370. [PMID: 36424577 PMCID: PMC9686061 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02774-w] [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: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses are completely dependent on host cell machinery for their reproduction. As a result, factors that influence the state of cells, such as signaling pathways and gene expression, could determine the outcome of viral pathogenicity. One of the important factors influencing cells or the outcome of viral infection is the level of oxygen. Recently, oncolytic virotherapy has attracted attention as a promising approach to improving cancer treatment. However, it was shown that tumor cells are mostly less oxygenated compared with their normal counterparts, which might affect the outcome of oncolytic virotherapy. Therefore, knowing how oncolytic viruses could cope with stressful environments, particularly hypoxic environments, might be essential for improving oncolytic virotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Shayan
- grid.420169.80000 0000 9562 2611Department of Molecular Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, No. 69, Pasteur Ave, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Arashkia
- grid.420169.80000 0000 9562 2611Department of Molecular Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, No. 69, Pasteur Ave, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kayhan Azadmanesh
- grid.420169.80000 0000 9562 2611Department of Molecular Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, No. 69, Pasteur Ave, Tehran, Iran
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36
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Scicchitano S, Montalcini Y, Lucchino V, Melocchi V, Gigantino V, Chiarella E, Bianchi F, Weisz A, Mesuraca M. Enhanced ZNF521 expression induces an aggressive phenotype in human ovarian carcinoma cell lines. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274785. [PMID: 36191006 PMCID: PMC9529122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is the most lethal gynecological tumor, that almost inevitably relapses and develops chemo-resistance. A better understanding of molecular events underlying the biological behavior of this tumor, as well as identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets are the prerequisite to improve its clinical management. ZNF521 gene amplifications are present in >6% of OCs and its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis, suggesting that it may play an important role in OC. Increased ZNF521 expression resulted in an enhancement of OC HeyA8 and ES-2 cell growth and motility. Analysis of RNA isolated from transduced cells by RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR revealed that several genes involved in growth, proliferation, migration and tumor invasiveness are differentially expressed following increased ZNF521 expression. The data illustrate a novel biological role of ZNF521 in OC that, thanks to the early and easy detection by RNA-Seq, can be used as biomarker for identification and treatment of OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Scicchitano
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy
- * E-mail: (SS); (MM)
| | - Ylenia Montalcini
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valeria Lucchino
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Melocchi
- Unit of Cancer Biomarkers, Fondazione IRCCS–Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Valerio Gigantino
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Emanuela Chiarella
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Unit of Cancer Biomarkers, Fondazione IRCCS–Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Alessandro Weisz
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health, University of Salerno Campus, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy
- * E-mail: (SS); (MM)
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37
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Evodiamine as an anticancer agent: a comprehensive review on its therapeutic application, pharmacokinetic, toxicity, and metabolism in various cancers. Cell Biol Toxicol 2022; 39:1-31. [PMID: 36138312 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-022-09772-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Evodiamine is a major alkaloid component found in the fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa. It shows the anti-proliferative potential against a wide range of cancers by suppressing cell growth, invasion, and metastasis and inducing apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Evodiamine shows its anticancer potential by modulating aberrant signaling pathways. Additionally, the review focuses on several therapeutic implications of evodiamine, such as epigenetic modification, cancer stem cells, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Moreover, combinatory drug therapeutics along with evodiamine enhances the anticancer efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs in various cancers by overcoming the chemo resistance and radio resistance shown by cancer cells. It has been widely used in preclinical trials in animal models, exhibiting very negligible side effects against normal cells and effective against cancer cells. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics-based collaborations of evodiamine are also included. Due to its poor bioavailability, synthetic analogs of evodiamine and its nano capsule have been formulated to enhance its bioavailability and reduce toxicity. In addition, this review summarizes the ongoing research on the mechanisms behind the antitumor potential of evodiamine, which proposes an exciting future for such interests in cancer biology.
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38
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Ghazimoradi MH, Babashah S. The role of CircRNA/miRNA/mRNA axis in breast cancer drug resistance. Front Oncol 2022; 12:966083. [PMID: 36132137 PMCID: PMC9484461 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.966083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance is one of the major obstacles in the treatment of cancers. This undesirable feature increases the mortality rate of cancers, including breast cancer. Circular RNA (CircRNA)/microRNA (miRNA)/messenger RNA (mRNA) is one of the important axes with major roles in the promotion and resistance of breast cancer. This heterogeneous pathway includes mRNA of oncogenes and tumor suppressors, which are controlled by miRNAs and CircRNAs. Unfortunately, this network could be easily deregulated, resulting in drug resistance and tumor development. Therefore, understanding these dysregulations may thus help to identify effective therapeutic targets. On this basis, we try to review the latest findings in the field, which could help us to better comprehend this significant axis in breast cancer.
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Li H, Wang B, Qi B, Jiang G, Qin M, Yu M. Connexin32 regulates expansion of liver cancer stem cells via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Oncol Rep 2022; 48:166. [PMID: 35894130 PMCID: PMC9351005 DOI: 10.3892/or.2022.8381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) are responsible for liver cancer recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Previous studies by the authors demonstrated that upregulated expression of connexin 32 (Cx32) reversed doxorubicin resistance and reduced invasion and metastasis of liver cancer cells. However, the role of Cx32 in expansion of LCSCs remains unclear. A total of 85 patients were enrolled in the present study and followed-up for 5 years. The expression of Cx32 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and corresponding paracancerous tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Cx32 was silenced in HepG2 cells and overexpressed in HCCLM3 cells and the stemness of liver cells was examined by detecting the expression of LCSC markers (EpCAM, CD133, Nanog, Oct4, Sox9, c-Myc), sphere formation, and xenograft tumorigenesis. Finally, the effect of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway on Cx32-regulated LCSC expansion was investigated. Cx32 was downregulated in LCSCs and HCC tissues, and predicted poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Overexpression of Cx32 in HCCLM3 cells significantly inhibited LCSC expansion, tumorigenesis, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway activity. By contrast, silencing of Cx32 in HepG2 cells upregulated expansion of LCSCs and PI3K/Akt pathway activity. Modulating the activity of the PI3K/Akt pathway by SC-79 and LY294002 in HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells, respectively, confirmed that Cx32 could affect the expansion of LCSCs through PI3K/Akt signaling. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that Cx32 regulated the expansion of LCSCs, and increased expression of Cx32 significantly inhibited the expansion of LCSCs, suggesting that Cx32 may be an optimal target for intervention of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Boying Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Benquan Qi
- Department of Emergency Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Guojun Jiang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Min Qin
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Meiling Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
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40
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Anti-Cancer Activity of Cannabis sativa Phytocannabinoids: Molecular Mechanisms and Potential in the Fight against Ovarian Cancer and Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174299. [PMID: 36077833 PMCID: PMC9454933 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy, with about 70% of cases diagnosed only at an advanced stage. Cannabis sativa, which produces more than 150 phytocannabinoids, is used worldwide to alleviate numerous symptoms associated with various medical conditions. Recently, studies across a range of cancer types have demonstrated that the phytocannabinoids Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have anti-cancer activity in vitro and in vivo, but also the potential to increase other drugs’ adverse effects. THC and CBD act via several different biological and signaling pathways, including receptor-dependent and receptor-independent pathways. However, very few studies have examined the effectiveness of cannabis compounds against OC. Moreover, little is known about the effectiveness of cannabis compounds against cancer stem cells (CSCs) in general and OC stem cells (OCSCs) in particular. CSCs have been implicated in tumor initiation, progression, and invasion, as well as tumor recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Several hallmarks and concepts describe CSCs. OCSCs, too, are characterized by several markers and specific drug-resistance mechanisms. While there is no peer-reviewed information regarding the effect of cannabis and cannabis compounds on OCSC viability or development, cannabis compounds have been shown to affect genetic pathways and biological processes related to CSCs and OCSCs. Based on evidence from other cancer-type studies, the use of phytocannabinoid-based treatments to disrupt CSC homeostasis is suggested as a potential intervention to prevent chemotherapy resistance. The potential benefits of the combination of chemotherapy with phytocannabinoid treatment should be examined in ovarian cancer patients.
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Piorecka K, Kurjata J, Stanczyk WA. Acriflavine, an Acridine Derivative for Biomedical Application: Current State of the Art. J Med Chem 2022; 65:11415-11432. [PMID: 36018000 PMCID: PMC9469206 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Acriflavine (ACF) has been known for years as an antibacterial
drug. The identification of key oncogenic mechanisms has brought,
in recent years, a significant increase in studies on ACF as a multipurpose
drug that would improve the prognosis for cancer patients. ACF interferes
with the expression of the hypoxia inducible factor, thus acting on
metastatic niches of tumors and significantly enhancing the effects
of other anticancer therapies. It has been recognized as the most
potent HIF-1 inhibitor out of the 336 drugs approved by the FDA. This
work presents up-to-date knowledge about the mechanisms of action
of ACF and its related prodrug systems in the context of anticancer
and SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory properties. It explains the multitask nature
of this drug and suggests mechanisms of ACF’s action on the
coronavirus. Other recent reports on ACF-based systems as potential
antibacterial and antiviral drugs are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Piorecka
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences,Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jan Kurjata
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences,Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
| | - Wlodzimierz A Stanczyk
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences,Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
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42
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Henriques DG, Lamback EB, Dezonne RS, Kasuki L, Gadelha MR. MicroRNA in Acromegaly: Involvement in the Pathogenesis and in the Response to First-Generation Somatostatin Receptor Ligands. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158653. [PMID: 35955787 PMCID: PMC9368811 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acromegaly is a chronic and systemic disease due to excessive growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor type I caused, in the vast majority of cases, by a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma. About 40% of these tumors have somatic mutations in the stimulatory G protein alpha-subunit 1 gene. The pathogenesis of the remaining tumors, however, is still not fully comprehended. Surgery is the first-line therapy for these tumors, and first-generation somatostatin receptor ligands (fg-SRL) are the most prescribed medications in patients who are not cured by surgery. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs that control the translation of many mRNAs, and are involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Differentially expressed miRNAs can explain differences in the pathogenesis of acromegaly and tumor resistance. In this review, we focus on the most validated miRNAs, which are mainly involved in acromegaly’s tumorigenesis and fg-SRL resistance, as well as in circulating miRNAs in acromegaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G. Henriques
- Neuroendocrinology Research Center, Endocrinology Division, Medical School and Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Elisa B. Lamback
- Neuroendocrinology Research Center, Endocrinology Division, Medical School and Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
- Neuropathology and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rio de Janeiro 20231-092, Brazil
- Neuroendocrinology Division, Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rio de Janeiro 20231-092, Brazil
| | - Romulo S. Dezonne
- Neuropathology and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rio de Janeiro 20231-092, Brazil
| | - Leandro Kasuki
- Neuroendocrinology Research Center, Endocrinology Division, Medical School and Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
- Neuropathology and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rio de Janeiro 20231-092, Brazil
- Neuroendocrinology Division, Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rio de Janeiro 20231-092, Brazil
- Endocrinology Division, Hospital Federal de Bonsucesso, Rio de Janeiro 21041-020, Brazil
| | - Monica R. Gadelha
- Neuroendocrinology Research Center, Endocrinology Division, Medical School and Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
- Neuropathology and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rio de Janeiro 20231-092, Brazil
- Neuroendocrinology Division, Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rio de Janeiro 20231-092, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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Lo UG, Chen YA, Cen J, Deng S, Luo J, Zhau H, Ho L, Lai CH, Mu P, Chung LWK, Hsieh JT. The driver role of JAK-STAT signalling in cancer stemness capabilities leading to new therapeutic strategies for therapy- and castration-resistant prostate cancer. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e978. [PMID: 35908276 PMCID: PMC9339240 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lineage plasticity in prostate cancer (PCa) has emerged as an important mechanism leading to the onset of therapy- and castration-resistant PCa (t-CRPC), which is closely associated with cancer stem cell (CSC) activity. This study is to identify critical driver(s) with mechanism of action and explore new targeting strategy. METHODS Various PCa cell lines with different genetic manipulations were subjected to in vitro prostasphere assay, cell viability assay and in vivo stemness potential. In addition, bioinformatic analyses such as Ingenuity pathway and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis were carried out to determine clinical relevance. The in vivo anti-tumour activity of JAK or STAT1 inhibitors was examined in clinically relevant t-CRPC model. RESULTS We demonstrated the role of interferon-related signalling pathway in promoting PCa stemness, which correlated with significant elevation of interferon related DNA damage resistance signature genes in metastatic PCa. Inhibition of JAK-STAT1 signalling suppresses the in vitro and in vivo CSC capabilities. Mechanistically, IFIT5, a unique downstream effector of JAK-STAT1 pathway, can facilitate the acquisition of stemness properties in PCa by accelerating the turnover of specific microRNAs (such as miR-128 and -101) that can target several CSC genes (such as BMI1, NANOG, and SOX2). Consistently, knocking down IFIT5 in t-CRPC cell can significantly reduce in vitro prostasphere formation as well as decrease in vivo tumour initiating capability. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a critical role of STAT1-IFIT5 in the acquisition of PCSC and highlights clinical translation of JAK or STAT1 inhibitors to prevent the outgrowth of t-CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- U-Ging Lo
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Yu-An Chen
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Junjie Cen
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Su Deng
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Junghang Luo
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Haiyen Zhau
- Uro-Oncology Research, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lin Ho
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ho Lai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ping Mu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Leland W K Chung
- Uro-Oncology Research, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jer-Tsong Hsieh
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Regulation of the Cancer Stem Phenotype by Long Non-Coding RNAs. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152352. [PMID: 35954194 PMCID: PMC9367355 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are a cell population within malignant tumors that are characterized by the ability to self-renew, the presence of specific molecules that define their identity, the ability to form malignant tumors in vivo, resistance to drugs, and the ability to invade and migrate to other regions of the body. These characteristics are regulated by various molecules, such as lncRNAs, which are transcripts that generally do not code for proteins but regulate multiple biological processes through various mechanisms of action. LncRNAs, such as HOTAIR, H19, LncTCF7, LUCAT1, MALAT1, LINC00511, and FMR1-AS1, have been described as key regulators of stemness in cancer, allowing cancer cells to acquire this phenotype. It has been proposed that cancer stem cells are clinically responsible for the high recurrence rates after treatment and the high frequency of metastasis in malignant tumors, so understanding the mechanisms that regulate the stem phenotype could have an impact on the improvement of cancer treatments.
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Panda M, Biswal BK. Evodiamine inhibits stemness and metastasis by altering the SOX9-β-catenin axis in non-small-cell lung cancer. J Cell Biochem 2022; 123:1454-1466. [PMID: 35788981 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Evodiamine (EVO), a natural dietary alkaloid extracted from the roots of the Evodia rutaecarpa, has shown anticancer activities. Here, we have investigated EVO's role in inhibiting cell proliferation and migration in A549 and NCI-H522 lung cancer cells. EVO decreased the cell viability in A549 and NCI-H522 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It also induced apoptosis by downregulating the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and upregulating the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and PARP. In addition, the treatment of EVO elevated the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation inside the cells to induce the cell death pathways. In contrast, the pretreatment of ROS scavenger, N-acetyl cysteine, reverses the effect of EVO and attenuates cell death. Moreover, excess ROS generation in response to EVO resulted in the depletion of mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, it induced DNA damage and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase in A549 and NCI-H522 cells. Our study also investigated that EVO significantly suppressed tumorigenicity by inhibiting colony formation and tumorsphere formation. However, the treatment of EVO downregulated the cancer stem cell markers CD44 and CD133 in non-small-cell lung cancer. The inhibitory effect of EVO on cell invasion was mediated by altering the expression of E-cadherin, ZO-1, N-cadherin, and Vimentin. Additionally, we have revealed that EVO treatment showed downregulation of SOX9, an upstream component of β-catenin. Lastly, we have demonstrated that EVO targets the SOX9-β-catenin axis by reducing SOX9 and β-catenin expression. These findings suggested that EVO could be a promising agent for treating human lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munmun Panda
- Department of Life Science, Cancer Drug Resistance Laboratory, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Bijesh K Biswal
- Department of Life Science, Cancer Drug Resistance Laboratory, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, India
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Breast Cancer Metastasis: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126806. [PMID: 35743249 PMCID: PMC9224686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. Metastasis is the leading cause of high mortality in most cancers. Although predicting the early stage of breast cancer before metastasis can increase the survival rate, breast cancer is often discovered or diagnosed after metastasis has occurred. In general, breast cancer has a poor prognosis because it starts as a local disease and can spread to lymph nodes or distant organs, contributing to a significant impediment in breast cancer treatment. Metastatic breast cancer cells acquire aggressive characteristics from the tumor microenvironment (TME) through several mechanisms including epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and epigenetic regulation. Therefore, understanding the nature and mechanism of breast cancer metastasis can facilitate the development of targeted therapeutics focused on metastasis. This review discusses the mechanisms leading to metastasis and the current therapies to improve the early diagnosis and prognosis in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
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Chen X, Yang M, Yin J, Li P, Zeng S, Zheng G, He Z, Liu H, Wang Q, Zhang F, Chen D. Tumor-associated macrophages promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the cancer stem cell properties in triple-negative breast cancer through CCL2/AKT/β-catenin signaling. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:92. [PMID: 35715860 PMCID: PMC9205034 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00888-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer with poor prognosis and limited treatment. As a major component of the tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in facilitating the aggressive behavior of TNBC. This study aimed to explore the novel mechanism of TAMs in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell (CSC) properties in TNBC. METHODS Expression of the M2-like macrophage marker CD163 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in human breast cancer tissues. The phenotype of M2 macrophages polarized from Tohoku-Hospital-Pediatrics-1 (THP1) cells was verified by flow cytometry. Transwell assays, wound healing assays, western blotting, flow cytometry, ELISA, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), luciferase reporter gene assays, and immunofluorescence assays were conducted to investigate the mechanism by which TAMs regulate EMT and CSC properties in BT549 and HCC1937 cells. RESULTS Clinically, we observed a high infiltration of M2-like tumor-associated macrophages in TNBC tissues and confirmed that TAMs were associated with unfavorable prognosis in TNBC patients. Moreover, we found that conditioned medium from M2 macrophages (M2-CM) markedly promoted EMT and CSC properties in BT549 and HCC1937 cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) secretion by TAMs activated Akt signaling, which in turn increased the expression and nuclear localization of β-catenin. Furthermore, β-catenin knockdown reversed TAM-induced EMT and CSC properties. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a novel mechanism by which TAMs promote EMT and enhance CSC properties in TNBC via activation of CCL2/AKT/β-catenin signaling, which may offer new strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangzhou Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingqiang Yang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiang Yin
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Pan Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Shanshan Zeng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Guopei Zheng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhimin He
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China.
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No.99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuhan, 430000, Hubei, China.
| | - Danyang Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China.
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Zhu J, Zhao J, Luo C, Zhu Z, Peng X, Zhu X, Lin K, Bu F, Zhang W, Li Q, Wang K, Hu Z, Yu X, Chen L, Yuan R. FAT10 promotes chemotherapeutic resistance in pancreatic cancer by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition via stabilization of FOXM1 expression. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:497. [PMID: 35614040 PMCID: PMC9132907 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04960-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest malignant tumors, and its resistance to gemcitabine chemotherapy is the primary reason for poor prognosis in patients. Ubiquitin-like protein FAT10 has recently been reported to promote tumor chemotherapy resistance. In this study, the expression of FAT10 in PC was significantly higher than that in adjacent noncancerous tissues. Increased expression of FAT10 in PC was related to a late TNM stage and decreased overall survival. Functional experiments revealed that downregulating the expression of FAT10 inhibits the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PC cells, promotes the apoptosis of PC cells, and enhances sensitivity to gemcitabine chemotherapy. In addition, upregulation of FAT10 increased the expression of FOXM1 protein. The effect of downregulating FAT10 was reversed by FOXM1 overexpression, and FOXM1 knockdown inhibited EMT driven by FAT10 overexpression. Mechanistically, FAT10 stabilized the expression of FOXM1 by competing with ubiquitin to bind FOXM1 and inhibiting the ubiquitination-mediated degradation of FOXM1. In conclusion, the FAT10-FOXM1 axis is a pivotal driver of PC proliferation and gemcitabine resistance, and the results provide novel insights into chemotherapy resistance in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jiefeng Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Chen Luo
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhengming Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xingyu Peng
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xiaojian Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Kang Lin
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Fanqin Bu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Pathology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Clinical Research Center for General Surgery Disease, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhigang Hu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xin Yu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Clinical Research Center for General Surgery Disease, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Leifeng Chen
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
| | - Rongfa Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
- Jiangxi Provincial Clinical Research Center for General Surgery Disease, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
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Giuli MV, Mancusi A, Giuliani E, Screpanti I, Checquolo S. Notch signaling in female cancers: a multifaceted node to overcome drug resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 4:805-836. [PMID: 35582386 PMCID: PMC8992449 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2021.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistance is one of the main challenges in cancer therapy, including in the treatment of female-specific malignancies, which account for more than 60% of cancer cases among women. Therefore, elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms is an urgent need in gynecological cancers to foster novel therapeutic approaches. Notably, Notch signaling, including either receptors or ligands, has emerged as a promising candidate given its multifaceted role in almost all of the hallmarks of cancer. Concerning the connection between Notch pathway and drug resistance in the afore-mentioned tumor contexts, several studies focused on the Notch-dependent regulation of the cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulation or the induction of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), both features implicated in either intrinsic or acquired resistance. Indeed, the present review provides an up-to-date overview of the published results on Notch signaling and EMT- or CSC-driven drug resistance. Moreover, other drug resistance-related mechanisms are examined such as the involvement of the Notch pathway in drug efflux and tumor microenvironment. Collectively, there is a long way to go before every facet will be fully understood; nevertheless, some small pieces are falling neatly into place. Overall, the main aim of this review is to provide strong evidence in support of Notch signaling inhibition as an effective strategy to evade or reverse resistance in female-specific cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Giuli
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Angelica Mancusi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Eugenia Giuliani
- Scientific Direction, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnology, Sapienza University, Latina 04100, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
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Filipiak-Duliban A, Brodaczewska K, Majewska A, Kieda C. Spheroid culture models adequately imitate distinctive features of the renal cancer or melanoma microenvironment. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2022; 58:349-364. [PMID: 35536385 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-022-00685-8] [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: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Tumor development studies should adapt to cancer cells' specific mechanisms in connection with their microenvironment. Standard two-dimensional cultures and gas composition are not relevant to the real cancer environment. Existing three-dimensional models are often requiring sophisticated conditions. Here, we propose and characterize, in two cancer models, melanoma (B16F10) and kidney cancer (RenCa), a three-dimensional culture method, reporting the presence of hypoxia-related genes/proteins and aggressiveness mechanisms (epithelial mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells). We validate the designed three-dimensional method by comparing it with in vivo growing tumors. The developed method brings simplicity and data reproducibility. Melanoma spheroid-growing cells reached a cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and showed induction of hypoxia. Spheroid-recovered RenCa cells were enriched in proliferating cells and displayed delayed hypoxia. Moreover, the responses to hypoxia observed in spheroids were validated by in vivo tumor studies for both lines. Three-dimensional shapes induced cancer stem cells in renal cancer, whereas epithelial to mesenchymal transition occurred in the melanoma model. Such distinction in the use of different aggressiveness-leading pathways was observed in in vivo melanoma vs kidney tumors. Thus, this 3D culture model approach is adequate to uncover crucial molecular pathways using distinct mechanisms to reach aggressiveness; i.e., B16F10 cells perform epithelial to mesenchymal transition while RenCa cells dedifferentiate into cancer stem cells. Such three-dimensional models help mimic the in vivo tumor features, i.e., hypoxia and aggressiveness mechanisms as validated here by next-generation sequencing analysis, and are proposed for further alternative methods to in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Filipiak-Duliban
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland. .,Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Klaudia Brodaczewska
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Majewska
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland.,Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Claudine Kieda
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland.,Center for Molecular Biophysics UPR 4301 CNRS, 45071, Orleans, France
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