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Lin Y, Yuan M, Wang G. Copper homeostasis and cuproptosis in gynecological disorders: Pathogenic insights and therapeutic implications. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 84:127436. [PMID: 38547725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127436] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
This review comprehensively explores the complex role of copper homeostasis in female reproductive system diseases. As an essential trace element, copper plays a crucial role in various biological functions. Its dysregulation is increasingly recognized as a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of gynecological disorders. We investigate how copper impacts these diseases, focusing on aspects like oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, immune function, estrogen levels, and angiogenesis. The review highlights significant changes in copper levels in diseases such as cervical, ovarian, endometrial cancer, and endometriosis, underscoring their potential roles in disease mechanisms and therapeutic exploration. The recent discovery of 'cuproptosis,' a novel cell death mechanism induced by copper ions, offers a fresh molecular perspective in understanding these diseases. The review also examines genes associated with cuproptosis, particularly those related to drug resistance, suggesting new strategies to enhance traditional therapy effectiveness. Additionally, we critically evaluate current therapeutic approaches targeting copper homeostasis, including copper ionophores, chelators, and nanoparticles, emphasizing their emerging potential in gynecological disease treatment. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of copper's role in female reproductive health, setting the stage for future research to elucidate its mechanisms and develop targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Jinan Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Gynecological Disease, Jinan, Shandong Province China; Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan Shandong Province, China; Gynecology Laboratory, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan Shandong Province, China
| | - Ming Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Jinan Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Gynecological Disease, Jinan, Shandong Province China; Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan Shandong Province, China; Gynecology Laboratory, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan Shandong Province, China
| | - Guoyun Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Jinan Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Gynecological Disease, Jinan, Shandong Province China; Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan Shandong Province, China; Gynecology Laboratory, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan Shandong Province, China.
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2
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Zeng M, Wu B, Wei W, Jiang Z, Li P, Quan Y, Hu X. Disulfiram: A novel repurposed drug for cancer therapy. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1389-1398. [PMID: 38275022 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002909] [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: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cancer is a major global health issue. Effective therapeutic strategies can prolong patients' survival and reduce the costs of treatment. Drug repurposing, which identifies new therapeutic uses for approved drugs, is a promising approach with the advantages of reducing research costs, shortening development time, and increasing efficiency and safety. Disulfiram (DSF), a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug used to treat chronic alcoholism, has a great potential as an anticancer drug by targeting diverse human malignancies. Several studies show the antitumor effects of DSF, particularly the combination of DSF and copper (DSF/Cu), on a wide range of cancers such as glioblastoma (GBM), breast cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma. In this review, we summarize the antitumor mechanisms of DSF/Cu, including induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and various cell death signaling pathways, and inhibition of proteasome activity, as well as inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. Furthermore, we highlight the ability of DSF/Cu to target cancer stem cells (CSCs), which provides a new approach to prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis. Strikingly, DSF/Cu inhibits several molecular targets associated with drug resistance, and therefore it is becoming a novel option to increase the sensitivity of chemo-resistant and radio-resistant patients. Studies of DSF/Cu may shed light on its improved application to clinical tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Baibei Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Wenjie Wei
- Institute of Biochemistry of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Zihan Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Peiqiang Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yuanting Quan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiaobo Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
- The Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
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3
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Han J, Luo J, Wang C, Kapilevich L, Zhang XA. Roles and mechanisms of copper homeostasis and cuproptosis in osteoarticular diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116570. [PMID: 38599063 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116570] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Copper is an essential trace element in the human body that is extensively distributed throughout various tissues. The appropriate level of copper is crucial to maintaining the life activities of the human body, and the excess and deficiency of copper can lead to various diseases. The copper levels in the human body are regulated by copper homeostasis, which maintains appropriate levels of copper in tissues and cells by controlling its absorption, transport, and storage. Cuproptosis is a distinct form of cell death induced by the excessive accumulation of intracellular copper. Copper homeostasis and cuproptosis has recently elicited increased attention in the realm of human health. Cuproptosis has emerged as a promising avenue for cancer therapy. Studies concerning osteoarticular diseases have elucidated the intricate interplay among copper homeostasis, cuproptosis, and the onset of osteoarticular diseases. Copper dysregulation and cuproptosis cause abnormal bone and cartilage metabolism, affecting related cells. This phenomenon assumes a critical role in the pathophysiological processes underpinning various osteoarticular diseases, with implications for inflammatory and immune responses. While early Cu-modulating agents have shown promise in clinical settings, additional research and advancements are warranted to enhance their efficacy. In this review, we summarize the effects and potential mechanisms of copper homeostasis and cuproptosis on bone and cartilage, as well as their regulatory roles in the pathological mechanism of osteoarticular diseases (e.g., osteosarcoma (OS), osteoarthritis (OA), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)). We also discuss the clinical-application prospects of copper-targeting strategy, which may provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoarticular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Han
- College of Exercise and Health, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang 110100, China
| | - Jiayi Luo
- College of Exercise and Health, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang 110100, China
| | - Cuijing Wang
- College of Exercise and Health, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang 110100, China
| | - Leonid Kapilevich
- Faculty of Physical Education, Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
| | - Xin-An Zhang
- College of Exercise and Health, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang 110100, China.
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Wang Y, Chen Y, Zhang J, Yang Y, Fleishman JS, Wang Y, Wang J, Chen J, Li Y, Wang H. Cuproptosis: A novel therapeutic target for overcoming cancer drug resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 72:101018. [PMID: 37979442 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.101018] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Cuproptosis is a newly identified form of cell death driven by copper. Recently, the role of copper and copper triggered cell death in the pathogenesis of cancers have attracted attentions. Cuproptosis has garnered enormous interest in cancer research communities because of its great potential for cancer therapy. Copper-based treatment exerts an inhibiting role in tumor growth and may open the door for the treatment of chemotherapy-insensitive tumors. In this review, we provide a critical analysis on copper homeostasis and the role of copper dysregulation in the development and progression of cancers. Then the core molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis and its role in cancer is discussed, followed by summarizing the current understanding of copper-based agents (copper chelators, copper ionophores, and copper complexes-based dynamic therapy) for cancer treatment. Additionally, we summarize the emerging data on copper complexes-based agents and copper ionophores to subdue tumor chemotherapy resistance in different types of cancers. We also review the small-molecule compounds and nanoparticles (NPs) that may kill cancer cells by inducing cuproptosis, which will shed new light on the development of anticancer drugs through inducing cuproptosis in the future. Finally, the important concepts and pressing questions of cuproptosis in future research that should be focused on were discussed. This review article suggests that targeting cuproptosis could be a novel antitumor therapy and treatment strategy to overcome cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing 100049, PR China.
| | - Yongming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Junjing Zhang
- Department of Hepato-Biliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, Huhhot First Hospital, Huhhot 010030, PR China
| | - Yihui Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Joshua S Fleishman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research & Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, PR China
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Jichao Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yuanfang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Hongquan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, PR China.
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Conforti RA, Delsouc MB, Zorychta E, Telleria CM, Casais M. Copper in Gynecological Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17578. [PMID: 38139406 PMCID: PMC10743751 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417578] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for the correct development of eukaryotic organisms. This metal plays a key role in many cellular and physiological activities, including enzymatic activity, oxygen transport, and cell signaling. Although the redox activity of Cu is crucial for enzymatic reactions, this property also makes it potentially toxic when found at high levels. Due to this dual action of Cu, highly regulated mechanisms are necessary to prevent both the deficiency and the accumulation of this metal since its dyshomeostasis may favor the development of multiple diseases, such as Menkes' and Wilson's diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. As the relationship between Cu and cancer has been the most studied, we analyze how this metal can affect three fundamental processes for tumor progression: cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Gynecological diseases are characterized by high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality, depending on the case, and mainly include benign and malignant tumors. The cellular processes that promote their progression are affected by Cu, and the mechanisms that occur may be similar. We analyze the crosstalk between Cu deregulation and gynecological diseases, focusing on therapeutic strategies derived from this metal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío A. Conforti
- Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis (UNSL), Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis (IMIBIO-SL-CONICET), San Luis CP D5700HHW, Argentina; (R.A.C.); (M.B.D.)
| | - María B. Delsouc
- Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis (UNSL), Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis (IMIBIO-SL-CONICET), San Luis CP D5700HHW, Argentina; (R.A.C.); (M.B.D.)
| | - Edith Zorychta
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
| | - Carlos M. Telleria
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Marilina Casais
- Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis (UNSL), Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis (IMIBIO-SL-CONICET), San Luis CP D5700HHW, Argentina; (R.A.C.); (M.B.D.)
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Xu L, Liu K, Wang F, Su Y. Cuproptosis and its application in different cancers: an overview. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:2683-2693. [PMID: 36914880 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04693-4] [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: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal ions are essential micronutrients for human health. They are also indispensable to maintaining health and regular operation of organs. Increasing or decreasing these metal ions will lead to cell death, such as ferroptosis. Tsvetkov et al. have recently proposed a novel cell death method called "Cuproptosis". Many researchers have linked this form of death to the diagnosis, prognosis, microenvironment infiltration, and prediction of immunotherapeutic efficacy of various tumors to better understand these tumors. Similarly, with the proposal of this mechanism, the killing effect of copper ionophores on cancer cells has come to our attention again. We introduced the mechanism of cuproptosis in detail and described the establishment of the corresponding prognostic model and risk score for uveal melanoma through cuproptosis. In addition, we describe the current progress in the study of cancer in other organs through cuproptosis and summarize the treatment of tumours by copper ionophore and its future research direction. With further research, the concept of cuproptosis may help us understand cancer and guide its clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Ying Su
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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7
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Gao J, Wu X, Huang S, Zhao Z, He W, Song M. Novel insights into anticancer mechanisms of elesclomol: More than a prooxidant drug. Redox Biol 2023; 67:102891. [PMID: 37734229 PMCID: PMC10518591 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
As an essential micronutrient for humans, the metabolism of copper is fine-tuned by evolutionarily conserved homeostatic mechanisms. Copper toxicity occurs when its concentration exceeds a certain threshold, which has been exploited in the development of copper ionophores, such as elesclomol, for anticancer treatment. Elesclomol has garnered recognition as a potent anticancer drug and has been evaluated in numerous clinical trials. However, the mechanisms underlying elesclomol-induced cell death remain obscure. The discovery of cuproptosis, a novel form of cell death triggered by the targeted accumulation of copper in mitochondria, redefines the significance of elesclomol in cancer therapy. Here, we provide an overview of copper homeostasis and its associated pathological disorders, especially copper metabolism in carcinogenesis. We summarize our current knowledge of the tumor suppressive mechanisms of elesclomol, with emphasis on cuproptosis. Finally, we discuss the strategies that may contribute to better application of elesclomol in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Gao
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Xiaoxue Wu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Shuting Huang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Ziyi Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Weiling He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361000, China.
| | - Mei Song
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
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Liu X, Luo B, Wu X, Tang Z. Cuproptosis and cuproptosis-related genes: Emerging potential therapeutic targets in breast cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189013. [PMID: 37918452 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189013] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women worldwide, and thus, it is important to enhance its treatment efficacy [1]. Copper has emerged as a critical trace element that affects various intracellular signaling pathways, gene expression, and biological metabolic processes [2], thereby playing a crucial role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Recent studies have identified cuproptosis, a newly discovered type of cell death, as an emerging therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment, thereby offering new hope for breast cancer patients. Tsvetkov's research has elucidated the mechanism of cuproptosis and uncovered the critical genes involved in its regulation [3]. Manipulating the expression of these genes could potentially serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment. Additionally, using copper ionophores and copper complexes combined with nanomaterials to induce cuproptosis may provide a potential approach to eliminating drug-resistant breast cancer cells, thus improving the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy and eventually eradicating breast tumors. This review aims to highlight the practical significance of cuproptosis-related genes and the induction of cuproptosis in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. We examine the potential of cuproptosis as a novel therapeutic target for breast cancer, and we explore the present challenges and limitations of this approach. Our objective is to provide innovative ideas and references for the development of breast cancer treatment strategies based on cuproptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy Center, Hubei Cancer Hospital, The Seventh Clinical School Affiliated of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Breast Cancer, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Breast Cancer, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Bo Luo
- Department of Radiotherapy Center, Hubei Cancer Hospital, The Seventh Clinical School Affiliated of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Breast Cancer, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Breast Cancer, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Xinhong Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Breast Cancer, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Breast Cancer, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Zijian Tang
- College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
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Tarin M, Babaie M, Eshghi H, Matin MM, Saljooghi AS. Elesclomol, a copper-transporting therapeutic agent targeting mitochondria: from discovery to its novel applications. J Transl Med 2023; 21:745. [PMID: 37864163 PMCID: PMC10589935 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04533-5] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper (Cu) is an essential element that is involved in a variety of biochemical processes. Both deficiency and accumulation of Cu are associated with various diseases; and a high amount of accumulated Cu in cells can be fatal. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress, and cuproptosis are among the proposed mechanisms of copper toxicity at high concentrations. Elesclomol (ELC) is a mitochondrion-targeting agent discovered for the treatment of solid tumors. In this review, we summarize the synthesis of this drug, its mechanisms of action, and the current status of its applications in the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and other copper-associated disorders. We also provide some detailed information about future directions to improve its clinical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Tarin
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Babaie
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Eshghi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam M. Matin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
- Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Sh. Saljooghi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
- Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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10
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Harrington BS, Kamdar R, Ning F, Korrapati S, Caminear MW, Hernandez LF, Butcher D, Edmondson EF, Traficante N, Hendley J, Gough M, Rogers R, Lourie R, Shetty J, Tran B, Elloumi F, Abdelmaksoud A, Nag ML, Mazan-Mamczarz K, House CD, Hooper JD, Annunziata CM. UGDH promotes tumor-initiating cells and a fibroinflammatory tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:270. [PMID: 37858159 PMCID: PMC10585874 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02820-z] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a global health burden, with the poorest five-year survival rate of the gynecological malignancies due to diagnosis at advanced stage and high recurrence rate. Recurrence in EOC is driven by the survival of chemoresistant, stem-like tumor-initiating cells (TICs) that are supported by a complex extracellular matrix and immunosuppressive microenvironment. To target TICs to prevent recurrence, we identified genes critical for TIC viability from a whole genome siRNA screen. A top hit was the cancer-associated, proteoglycan subunit synthesis enzyme UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UGDH). METHODS Immunohistochemistry was used to characterize UGDH expression in histological and molecular subtypes of EOC. EOC cell lines were subtyped according to the molecular subtypes and the functional effects of modulating UGDH expression in vitro and in vivo in C1/Mesenchymal and C4/Differentiated subtype cell lines was examined. RESULTS High UGDH expression was observed in high-grade serous ovarian cancers and a distinctive survival prognostic for UGDH expression was revealed when serous cancers were stratified by molecular subtype. High UGDH was associated with a poor prognosis in the C1/Mesenchymal subtype and low UGDH was associated with poor prognosis in the C4/Differentiated subtype. Knockdown of UGDH in the C1/mesenchymal molecular subtype reduced spheroid formation and viability and reduced the CD133 + /ALDH high TIC population. Conversely, overexpression of UGDH in the C4/Differentiated subtype reduced the TIC population. In co-culture models, UGDH expression in spheroids affected the gene expression of mesothelial cells causing changes to matrix remodeling proteins, and fibroblast collagen production. Inflammatory cytokine expression of spheroids was altered by UGDH expression. The effect of UGDH knockdown or overexpression in the C1/ Mesenchymal and C4/Differentiated subtypes respectively was tested on mouse intrabursal xenografts and showed dynamic changes to the tumor stroma. Knockdown of UGDH improved survival and reduced tumor burden in C1/Mesenchymal compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS These data show that modulation of UGDH expression in ovarian cancer reveals distinct roles for UGDH in the C1/Mesenchymal and C4/Differentiated molecular subtypes of EOC, influencing the tumor microenvironmental composition. UGDH is a strong potential therapeutic target in TICs, for the treatment of EOC, particularly in patients with the mesenchymal molecular subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittney S Harrington
- Women's Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Rahul Kamdar
- Women's Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Franklin Ning
- Women's Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Soumya Korrapati
- Women's Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Michael W Caminear
- Women's Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Lidia F Hernandez
- Women's Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Donna Butcher
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, NCI, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Elijah F Edmondson
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, NCI, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Nadia Traficante
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Joy Hendley
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Madeline Gough
- Mater Brisbane Hospital, Mater Health Services, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Rebecca Rogers
- Mater Brisbane Hospital, Mater Health Services, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Rohan Lourie
- Mater Brisbane Hospital, Mater Health Services, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Jyoti Shetty
- CCR Sequencing Facility, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Bao Tran
- CCR Sequencing Facility, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Fathi Elloumi
- Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource (CCBR), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Abdalla Abdelmaksoud
- Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource (CCBR), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Madhu Lal Nag
- Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource (CCBR), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Krystyna Mazan-Mamczarz
- Functional Genomics Lab, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Carrie D House
- Women's Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Present address: Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | - John D Hooper
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Christina M Annunziata
- Women's Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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11
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Guo J, Sun Y, Liu G. The mechanism of copper transporters in ovarian cancer cells and the prospect of cuproptosis. J Inorg Biochem 2023; 247:112324. [PMID: 37481825 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112324] [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: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Copper transporters can not only carry copper (Cu) to maintain the homeostasis of Cu in cells but also transport platinum-based chemotherapy drugs. The effect of copper transporters on chemosensitivity has been demonstrated in a variety of malignancies. In addition, recent studies have reported that copper transporters can act as vectors to induce cuproptosis. Therefore, copper transporters can act on cells through different mechanisms to achieve different purposes. This review mainly describes the current research progress of the intracellular transport mechanism of copper transporters and cuproptosis, and prospects for the application of them in the treatment of ovarian cancer (OC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahuan Guo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy of Tianjin, Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Guoyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy of Tianjin, Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China.
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12
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Kamdar RD, Harrington BS, Attar E, Korrapati S, Shetty J, Zhao Y, Tran B, Wong N, House CD, Annunziata CM. NF-κB Signaling Modulates miR-452-5p and miR-335-5p Expression to Functionally Decrease Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Progression in Tumor-Initiating Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7826. [PMID: 37175530 PMCID: PMC10178396 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097826] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide, partly due to the survival of chemoresistant, stem-like tumor-initiating cells (TICs) that promote disease relapse. We previously described a role for the NF-κB pathway in promoting TIC chemoresistance and survival through NF-κB transcription factors (TFs) RelA and RelB, which regulate genes important for the inflammatory response and those associated with cancer, including microRNAs (miRNAs). We hypothesized that NF-κB signaling differentially regulates miRNA expression through RelA and RelB to support TIC persistence. Inducible shRNA was stably expressed in OV90 cells to knockdown RELA or RELB; miR-seq analyses identified differentially expressed miRNAs hsa-miR-452-5p and hsa-miR-335-5p in cells grown in TIC versus adherent conditions. We validated the miR-seq findings via qPCR in TIC or adherent conditions with RELA or RELB knocked-down. We confirmed decreased expression of hsa-miR-452-5p when either RELA or RELB were depleted and increased expression of hsa-miR-335-5p when RELA was depleted. Either inhibiting miR-452-5p or mimicking miR-335-5p functionally decreased the stem-like potential of the TICs. These results highlight a novel role of NF-κB TFs in modulating miRNA expression in EOC cells, thus opening a better understanding toward preventing recurrence of EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul D. Kamdar
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Brittney S. Harrington
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Emma Attar
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Soumya Korrapati
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jyoti Shetty
- CCR Sequencing Facility, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Yongmei Zhao
- CCR Sequencing Facility, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Bao Tran
- CCR Sequencing Facility, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Nathan Wong
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Carrie D. House
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christina M. Annunziata
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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13
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Holmberg R, Robinson M, Gilbert SF, Lujano-Olazaba O, Waters JA, Kogan E, Velasquez CLR, Stevenson D, Cruz LS, Alexander LJ, Lara J, Mu EM, Camillo JR, Bitler BG, Huxford T, House CD. TWEAK-Fn14-RelB Signaling Cascade Promotes Stem Cell-like Features that Contribute to Post-Chemotherapy Ovarian Cancer Relapse. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:170-186. [PMID: 36214671 PMCID: PMC9890141 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0486] [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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Disease recurrence in high-grade serous ovarian cancer may be due to cancer stem-like cells (CSC) that are resistant to chemotherapy and capable of reestablishing heterogeneous tumors. The alternative NF-κB signaling pathway is implicated in this process; however, the mechanism is unknown. Here we show that TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and its receptor, Fn14, are strong inducers of alternative NF-κB signaling and are enriched in ovarian tumors following chemotherapy treatment. We further show that TWEAK enhances spheroid formation ability, asymmetric division capacity, and expression of SOX2 and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition genes VIM and ZEB1 in ovarian cancer cells, phenotypes that are enhanced when TWEAK is combined with carboplatin. Moreover, TWEAK in combination with chemotherapy induces expression of the CSC marker CD117 in CD117- cells. Blocking the TWEAK-Fn14-RelB signaling cascade with a small-molecule inhibitor of Fn14 prolongs survival following carboplatin chemotherapy in a mouse model of ovarian cancer. These data provide new insights into ovarian cancer CSC biology and highlight a signaling axis that should be explored for therapeutic development. IMPLICATIONS This study identifies a unique mechanism for the induction of ovarian cancer stem cells that may serve as a novel therapeutic target for preventing relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryne Holmberg
- Department of Chemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Mikella Robinson
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Samuel F. Gilbert
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | | | - Jennifer A. Waters
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Emily Kogan
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | | | - Denay Stevenson
- Department of Chemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Luisjesus S. Cruz
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Logan J. Alexander
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Jacqueline Lara
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Emily M. Mu
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | | | - Benjamin G. Bitler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Tom Huxford
- Department of Chemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Carrie D. House
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California.,Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Corresponding Author: Carrie D. House, Biology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, Shiley Bioscience Center 2104, San Diego, CA 92182. Phone: 619-594-3053; E-mail:
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14
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Yao Y, Li J, Qu K, Wang Y, Wang Z, Lu W, Yu Y, Wang L. Immunotherapy for lung cancer combining the oligodeoxynucleotides of TLR9 agonist and TGF-β2 inhibitor. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 72:1103-1120. [PMID: 36326892 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03315-0] [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: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapies have shown promising antitumor effects, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, only 12.46% of the patients benefit from the ICIs, the rest of them shows limited effects on ICIs or even accelerates the tumor progression due to the lack of the immune cell infiltration and activation in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we administrated a combination of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist CpG ODN and Transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) antisense oligodeoxynucleotide TIO3 to mice intraperitoneally once every other day for a total of four injections, and the first injection was 24 h after LLC cell inoculation. We found that the combination induced the formation of TME toward the enrichment and activation of CD8+ T cells and NK cells, accompanied with a marked decrease of TGF-β2. The combined therapy also effectively inhibited the tumor growth and prolonged the survival of the mice, even protected the tumor-free mice from the tumor re-challenge. Both of CpG ODN and TIO3 are indispensable, because replacing CpG ODN with TLR9 inhibitor CCT ODN showed no antitumor effect, CpG ODN or TIO3 alone did not lead to ideal antitumor results. This effect was possibly initiated by the activation of dendritic cells at the tumor site. This systemic antitumor immunotherapy with a combination of the two oligonucleotides (an immune stimulant and an immunosuppressive cytokine inhibitor) before the tumor formation may provide a novel strategy for clinical prevention of the postoperative tumor recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunpeng Yao
- Department of Molecular Biology in College of Basic Medical Sciences and Institute of Pediatrics in The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Department of Molecular Biology in College of Basic Medical Sciences and Institute of Pediatrics in The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Kuo Qu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangeng Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology in College of Basic Medical Sciences and Institute of Pediatrics in The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenting Lu
- Department of Molecular Biology in College of Basic Medical Sciences and Institute of Pediatrics in The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongli Yu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
| | - Liying Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology in College of Basic Medical Sciences and Institute of Pediatrics in The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Zheng P, Zhou C, Lu L, Liu B, Ding Y. Elesclomol: a copper ionophore targeting mitochondrial metabolism for cancer therapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:271. [PMID: 36089608 PMCID: PMC9465867 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02485-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Elesclomol is an anticancer drug that targets mitochondrial metabolism. In the past, elesclomol was recognized as an inducer of oxidative stress, but now it has also been found to suppress cancer by inducing cuproptosis. Elesclomol’s anticancer activity is determined by the dependence of cancer on mitochondrial metabolism. The mitochondrial metabolism of cancer stem cells, cancer cells resistant to platinum drugs, proteasome inhibitors, molecularly targeted drugs, and cancer cells with inhibited glycolysis was significantly enhanced. Elesclomol exhibited tremendous toxicity to all three kinds of cells. Elesclomol's toxicity to cells is highly dependent on its transport of extracellular copper ions, a process involved in cuproptosis. The discovery of cuproptosis has perfected the specific cancer suppressor mechanism of elesclomol. For some time, elesclomol failed to yield favorable results in oncology clinical trials, but its safety in clinical application was confirmed. Research progress on the relationship between elesclomol, mitochondrial metabolism and cuproptosis provides a possibility to explore the reapplication of elesclomol in the clinic. New clinical trials should selectively target cancer types with high mitochondrial metabolism and attempt to combine elesclomol with platinum, proteasome inhibitors, molecularly targeted drugs, or glycolysis inhibitors. Herein, the particular anticancer mechanism of elesclomol and its relationship with mitochondrial metabolism and cuproptosis will be presented, which may shed light on the better application of elesclomol in clinical tumor treatment.
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16
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Almeida-Silva J, Menezes DS, Fernandes JMP, Almeida MC, Vasco-Dos-Santos DR, Saraiva RM, Viçosa AL, Perez SAC, Andrade SG, Suarez-Fontes AM, Vannier-Santos MA. The repositioned drugs disulfiram/diethyldithiocarbamate combined to benznidazole: Searching for Chagas disease selective therapy, preventing toxicity and drug resistance. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:926699. [PMID: 35967878 PMCID: PMC9372510 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.926699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) affects at least 6 million people in 21 South American countries besides several thousand in other nations all over the world. It is estimated that at least 14,000 people die every year of CD. Since vaccines are not available, chemotherapy remains of pivotal relevance. About 30% of the treated patients cannot complete the therapy because of severe adverse reactions. Thus, the search for novel drugs is required. Here we tested the benznidazole (BZ) combination with the repositioned drug disulfiram (DSF) and its derivative diethyldithiocarbamate (DETC) upon Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro and in vivo. DETC-BZ combination was synergistic diminishing epimastigote proliferation and enhancing selective indexes up to over 10-fold. DETC was effective upon amastigotes of the BZ- partially resistant Y and the BZ-resistant Colombiana strains. The combination reduced proliferation even using low concentrations (e.g., 2.5 µM). Scanning electron microscopy revealed membrane discontinuities and cell body volume reduction. Transmission electron microscopy revealed remarkable enlargement of endoplasmic reticulum cisternae besides, dilated mitochondria with decreased electron density and disorganized kinetoplast DNA. At advanced stages, the cytoplasm vacuolation apparently impaired compartmentation. The fluorescent probe H2-DCFDA indicates the increased production of reactive oxygen species associated with enhanced lipid peroxidation in parasites incubated with DETC. The biochemical measurement indicates the downmodulation of thiol expression. DETC inhibited superoxide dismutase activity on parasites was more pronounced than in infected mice. In order to approach the DETC effects on intracellular infection, peritoneal macrophages were infected with Colombiana trypomastigotes. DETC addition diminished parasite numbers and the DETC-BZ combination was effective, despite the low concentrations used. In the murine infection, the combination significantly enhanced animal survival, decreasing parasitemia over BZ. Histopathology revealed that low doses of BZ-treated animals presented myocardial amastigote, not observed in combination-treated animals. The picrosirius collagen staining showed reduced myocardial fibrosis. Aminotransferase de aspartate, Aminotransferase de alanine, Creatine kinase, and urea plasma levels demonstrated that the combination was non-toxic. As DSF and DETC can reduce the toxicity of other drugs and resistance phenotypes, such a combination may be safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Almeida-Silva
- Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Diego Silva Menezes
- Parasite Biology Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Juan Mateus Pereira Fernandes
- Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Márcio Cerqueira Almeida
- Parasite Biology Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Deyvison Rhuan Vasco-Dos-Santos
- Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Roberto Magalhães Saraiva
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Chagas Disease, Evandro Chagas Infectious Disease Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Lifsitch Viçosa
- Experimental Pharmacotechnics Laboratory, Department of Galenic Innovation, Institute of Drug Technology - Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sandra Aurora Chavez Perez
- Project Management Technical Assistance, Institute of Drug Technology - Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sônia Gumes Andrade
- Experimental Chagas Disease Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Ana Márcia Suarez-Fontes
- Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcos André Vannier-Santos
- Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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17
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Li Y, Yang J, Zhang Q, Xu S, Sun W, Ge S, Xu X, Jager MJ, Jia R, Zhang J, Fan X. Copper ionophore elesclomol selectively targets GNAQ/11-mutant uveal melanoma. Oncogene 2022; 41:3539-3553. [PMID: 35697803 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02364-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Unlike cutaneous melanoma, uveal melanoma (UM) is characterized by mutations in GNAQ and GNA11 and remains a fatal disease because there is essentially no effective targeted therapy or immunotherapy available. We report the discovery of the copper ionophore elesclomol as a GNAQ/11-specific UM inhibitor. Elesclomol was identified in a differential cytotoxicity screen of an in-house tool compound library, and its in vivo pharmacological efficacy was further confirmed in zebrafish and mouse UM models. Mechanistically, elesclomol transports copper to mitochondria and produces a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as Cu(II) is reduced to Cu(I) in GNAQ/11-mutant UM cells, which selectively activates LATS1 kinase in the Hippo signaling pathway and consequently promotes YAP phosphorylation and inhibits its nuclear accumulation. The inactivation of YAP downregulates the expression of SNAI2, which in turn suppresses the migration of UM cells. These findings were cross validated by our clinical observation that YAP activation was found specifically in UM samples with a GNAQ/11 mutation. Furthermore, addition of binimetinib, a MEK inhibitor, to elesclomol increased its synthetic lethality to GNAQ/11-mutant UM cells, thereby overriding drug resistance. This effect was confirmed in an orthotopic xenograft model and in a patient-derived xenograft model of UM. These studies reveal a novel mechanistic basis for repurposing elesclomol by showing that copper homeostasis is a GNAQ/11-specific vulnerability in UM. Elesclomol may provide a new therapeutic path for selectively targeting malignant GNAQ/11-mutant UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiqiong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Sun
- National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Martine J Jager
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jianming Zhang
- National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
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18
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Sun F, Wang H, Nie J, Hong B. Repurposing disulfiram as a chemo-therapeutic sensitizer: molecular targets and mechanisms. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2022; 22:2920-2926. [PMID: 35430981 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666220415102553] [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: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Currently, chemo-therapy is still the main strategy for cancer treatment. However, chemo-therapy resistance remains its main challenge. Disulfiram [DSF] is a drug approved by FDA for the treatment of alcohol addiction, but it is later discovered that it has the anticancer activity. Importantly, there have been many literatures reporting that DSF can be used as a chemo-therapeutic sensitizer to enhance the anticancer activity of chemo-drugs in a variety of cancers. Furthermore, the combinations of DSF and chemo-drugs have been tested in clinic trials. In the review, we summarized the possible molecular targets and mechanisms of DSF to reverse chemo-resistance. We also further discussed the opportunities and challenges of DSF as a chemo-therapeutic sensitizer. In conclusion, DSF could be a potential repurposed drug to sensitize cancer cells to chemo-therapy in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feilong Sun
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China.,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hongzhi Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jinfu Nie
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Bo Hong
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
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19
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Caminear MW, Harrington BS, Kamdar RD, Kruhlak MJ, Annunziata CM. Disulfiram Transcends ALDH Inhibitory Activity When Targeting Ovarian Cancer Tumor-Initiating Cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:762820. [PMID: 35372040 PMCID: PMC8967967 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.762820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a global health burden and remains the fifth leading cause of cancer related death in women worldwide with the poorest five-year survival rate of the gynecological malignancies. EOC recurrence is considered to be driven by the survival of chemoresistant, stem-like tumor-initiating cells (TICs). We previously showed that disulfiram, an ALDH inhibitor, effectively targeted TICs compared to adherent EOC cells in terms of viability, spheroid formation, oxidative stress and also prevented relapse in an in vivo model of EOC. In this study we sought to determine whether specific targeting of ALDH isoenzyme ALDH1A1 would provide similar benefit to broader pathway inhibition by disulfiram. NCT-505 and NCT-506 are isoenzyme-specific ALDH1A1 inhibitors whose activity was compared to the effects of disulfiram. Following treatment with both the NCTs and disulfiram, the viability of TICs versus adherent cells, sphere formation, and cell death in our in vitro relapse model were measured and compared in EOC cell lines. We found that disulfiram decreased the viability of TICs significantly more effectively versus adherent cells, while no consistent trend was observed when the cells were treated with the NCTs. Disulfiram also affected the expression of proteins associated with NFκB signaling. Comparison of disulfiram to the direct targeting of ALDH1A1 with the NCTs suggests that the broader cellular effects of disulfiram are more suitable as a therapeutic to eradicate TICs from tumors and prevent EOC relapse. In addition to providing insight into a fitting treatment for TICs, the comparison of disulfiram to NCT-505 and -506 has increased our understanding of the mechanism of action of disulfiram. Further elucidation of the mechanism of disulfiram has the potential to reveal additional targets to treat EOC TICs and prevent disease recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W. Caminear
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Brittney S. Harrington
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Rahul D. Kamdar
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Michael J. Kruhlak
- Center for Cancer Research (CCR) Confocal Microscopy Core Facility, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Christina M. Annunziata
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Christina M. Annunziata,
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20
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Gong Z, Han S, Zhang C, Zhao H, Xu J, Sun X. Value of serum miR-21, HE4 and CA125 in surveillance for postoperative recurrent or metastatic ovarian cancer. Pak J Med Sci 2022; 38:939-945. [PMID: 35634597 PMCID: PMC9121976 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.38.4.5158] [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: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To study the value of serum miR21, human epididymal secretory protein 4 (HE4) and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) in the surveillance for postoperative recurrent or metastatic ovarian cancer. Methods A total of 169 patients diagnosed with ovarian conditions in Luanzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine during January 2016 and March 2019 were divided into a benign lesion (BL) group and an ovarian cancer (OC) group by pathological findings and assigned to a good prognosis (GP) group and a poor prognosis (PP) group according to the follow-up results. A real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-fqPCR) system was utilized to detect the serum level of miR-21; an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to determine the serum level of HE4; electrochemiluminescence (ECL)-based imaging analysis was performed to measure serum CA125. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was depicted to analyze the predictive value of serum miR-21, HE4, and CA125 for poor postoperative prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. Results Compared with the control group, the BL and OC groups had substantially elevated expression of miR-21, HE4, and CA125 in serum, and the serum levels of miR-21, HE4, and CA125 in the OC group were significantly higher than in the BL group. In the OC group, the serum levels of miR-21, HE4, and CA125 were independent of age and pathological patterns and associated with the clinical staging, degree of transformation and lymphatic metastasis of ovarian cancer; after laparoscopic ovarian tumorectomy, the serum levels of miR-21, HE4, and CA125 were markedly reduced in comparison with the preoperative levels. Compared with the GP group, the PP group experienced a dramatic increase in serum miR-21, HE4, and CA125 expression. The ROC curve showed that the detection of miR-21, HE4, and CA125 was a highly sensitive and specific method to predict the poor prognosis in ovarian cancer; a patient with ovarian cancer was at high risk of a poor prognosis when the serum levels of miR-21, HE4, and CA125 exceeded 1.536, 157.004 pmol/L and 175.243 kU/L, respectively, in which case early intervention should be made to prevent recurrent or metastatic ovarian cancer. Conclusion Elevated expression of miR-21, HE4, and CA125 in serum is closely associated with the disease status of ovarian cancer. Therefore, the simultaneous detection of these tumor markers has some diagnostic value for postoperative recurrence and metastasis of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenying Gong
- Zhenying Gong, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Luanzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, China
| | - Sugui Han
- Sugui Han, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tangshan People’s Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, China
| | - Chunlei Zhang
- Chunlei Zhang, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tangshan People’s Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, China
| | - Honghuan Zhao
- Honghuan Zhao, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tangshan People’s Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, China
| | - Jinxia Xu
- Jinxia Xu, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tangshan People’s Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, China
| | - Xing Sun
- Xing Sun, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tangshan People’s Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, China
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21
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Silva VR, Santos LDS, Dias RB, Quadros CA, Bezerra DP. Emerging agents that target signaling pathways to eradicate colorectal cancer stem cells. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2021; 41:1275-1313. [PMID: 34791817 PMCID: PMC8696218 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The modern concept of cancer biology indicates that cancer is formed of a small population of cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs), which present both pluripotency and self-renewal properties. These cells are considered responsible for the progression of the disease, recurrence and tumor resistance. Interestingly, some cell signaling pathways participate in CRC survival, proliferation, and self-renewal properties, and most of them are dysregulated in CSCs, including the Wingless (Wnt)/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad pathways. In this review, we summarize the strategies for eradicating CRC stem cells by modulating these dysregulated pathways, which will contribute to the study of potential therapeutic schemes, combining conventional drugs with CSC-targeting drugs, and allowing better cure rates in anti-CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valdenizia R Silva
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Luciano de S Santos
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Rosane B Dias
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Claudio A Quadros
- São Rafael Hospital, Rede D'Or/São Luiz, Salvador, Bahia, 41253-190, Brazil.,Bahia State University, Salvador, Bahia, 41150-000, Brazil
| | - Daniel P Bezerra
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
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22
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Robinson M, Gilbert SF, Waters JA, Lujano-Olazaba O, Lara J, Alexander LJ, Green SE, Burkeen GA, Patrus O, Sarwar Z, Holmberg R, Wang C, House CD. Characterization of SOX2, OCT4 and NANOG in Ovarian Cancer Tumor-Initiating Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020262. [PMID: 33445692 PMCID: PMC7828139 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of tumor-initiating cells (TICs) has traditionally relied on surface markers including CD133, CD44, CD117, and the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzyme, which have diverse expression across samples. A more reliable indication of TICs may include the expression of embryonic transcription factors that support long-term self-renewal, multipotency, and quiescence. We hypothesize that SOX2, OCT4, and NANOG will be enriched in ovarian TICs and may indicate TICs with high relapse potential. We evaluated a panel of eight ovarian cancer cell lines grown in standard 2-D culture or in spheroid-enriching 3-D culture, and correlated expression with growth characteristics, TIC marker expression, and chemotherapy resistance. RNA-sequencing showed that cell cycle regulation pathways involving SOX2 were elevated in 3-D conditions. HGSOC lines had longer doubling-times, greater chemoresistance, and significantly increased expression of SOX2, OCT4, and NANOG in 3-D conditions. CD117+ or ALDH+/CD133+ cells had increased SOX2, OCT4, and NANOG expression. Limiting dilution in in vivo experiments implicated SOX2, but not OCT4 or NANOG, with early tumor-initiation. An analysis of patient data suggested a stronger role for SOX2, relative to OCT4 or NANOG, for tumor relapse potential. Overall, our findings suggest that SOX2 may be a more consistent indicator of ovarian TICs that contribute to tumor repopulation following chemotherapy. Future studies evaluating SOX2 in TIC biology will increase our understanding of the mechanisms that drive ovarian cancer relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikella Robinson
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92106, USA; (M.R.); (S.F.G.); (J.A.W.); (O.L.-O.); (J.L.); (L.J.A.); (S.E.G.); (G.A.B.); (O.P.); (Z.S.); (R.H.); (C.W.)
| | - Samuel F. Gilbert
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92106, USA; (M.R.); (S.F.G.); (J.A.W.); (O.L.-O.); (J.L.); (L.J.A.); (S.E.G.); (G.A.B.); (O.P.); (Z.S.); (R.H.); (C.W.)
| | - Jennifer A. Waters
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92106, USA; (M.R.); (S.F.G.); (J.A.W.); (O.L.-O.); (J.L.); (L.J.A.); (S.E.G.); (G.A.B.); (O.P.); (Z.S.); (R.H.); (C.W.)
| | - Omar Lujano-Olazaba
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92106, USA; (M.R.); (S.F.G.); (J.A.W.); (O.L.-O.); (J.L.); (L.J.A.); (S.E.G.); (G.A.B.); (O.P.); (Z.S.); (R.H.); (C.W.)
| | - Jacqueline Lara
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92106, USA; (M.R.); (S.F.G.); (J.A.W.); (O.L.-O.); (J.L.); (L.J.A.); (S.E.G.); (G.A.B.); (O.P.); (Z.S.); (R.H.); (C.W.)
| | - Logan J. Alexander
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92106, USA; (M.R.); (S.F.G.); (J.A.W.); (O.L.-O.); (J.L.); (L.J.A.); (S.E.G.); (G.A.B.); (O.P.); (Z.S.); (R.H.); (C.W.)
| | - Samuel E. Green
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92106, USA; (M.R.); (S.F.G.); (J.A.W.); (O.L.-O.); (J.L.); (L.J.A.); (S.E.G.); (G.A.B.); (O.P.); (Z.S.); (R.H.); (C.W.)
| | - Gregory A. Burkeen
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92106, USA; (M.R.); (S.F.G.); (J.A.W.); (O.L.-O.); (J.L.); (L.J.A.); (S.E.G.); (G.A.B.); (O.P.); (Z.S.); (R.H.); (C.W.)
| | - Omid Patrus
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92106, USA; (M.R.); (S.F.G.); (J.A.W.); (O.L.-O.); (J.L.); (L.J.A.); (S.E.G.); (G.A.B.); (O.P.); (Z.S.); (R.H.); (C.W.)
| | - Zinia Sarwar
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92106, USA; (M.R.); (S.F.G.); (J.A.W.); (O.L.-O.); (J.L.); (L.J.A.); (S.E.G.); (G.A.B.); (O.P.); (Z.S.); (R.H.); (C.W.)
| | - Ryne Holmberg
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92106, USA; (M.R.); (S.F.G.); (J.A.W.); (O.L.-O.); (J.L.); (L.J.A.); (S.E.G.); (G.A.B.); (O.P.); (Z.S.); (R.H.); (C.W.)
| | - Christine Wang
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92106, USA; (M.R.); (S.F.G.); (J.A.W.); (O.L.-O.); (J.L.); (L.J.A.); (S.E.G.); (G.A.B.); (O.P.); (Z.S.); (R.H.); (C.W.)
| | - Carrie D. House
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92106, USA; (M.R.); (S.F.G.); (J.A.W.); (O.L.-O.); (J.L.); (L.J.A.); (S.E.G.); (G.A.B.); (O.P.); (Z.S.); (R.H.); (C.W.)
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(619)-594-3053
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23
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Lu C, Li X, Ren Y, Zhang X. Disulfiram: a novel repurposed drug for cancer therapy. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2021; 87:159-172. [PMID: 33426580 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-020-04216-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a major health issue worldwide and the global burden of cancer is expected to reduce the costs of treatment as well as prolong the survival time. One of the promising approaches is drug repurposing, because it reduces costs and shortens the production cycle of research and development. Disulfiram (DSF), which was originally approved as an anti-alcoholism drug, has been proven safe and shows the potential to target tumours. Its anti-tumour effect has been reported in many preclinical studies and recently on seven types of cancer in humans: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), liver cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma (GBM) and melanoma and has a successful breakthrough in the treatment of NSCLC and GBM. The mechanisms, particularly the intracellular signalling pathways, still remain to be completely elucidated. As shown in our previous study, DSF inhibits NF-kB signalling, proteasome activity, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. It induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy and has been used as an adjuvant therapy with irradiation or chemotherapy drugs. On the other hand, DSF not only kills the normal cancer cells but also has the ability to target cancer stem cells, which provides a new approach to prevent tumour recurrence and metastasis. Furthermore, other researchers have reported the ability of DSF to bind to nuclear protein localization protein 4 (NPL4), induce its immobilization and dysfunction, ultimately leading to cell death. Here, we provide an overview of DSF repurposing as a treatment in preclinical studies and clinical trials, and review studies describing the mechanisms underlying its anti-neoplastic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lu
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyan Li
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongya Ren
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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