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Ebrahimnezhad M, Valizadeh A, Majidinia M, Tabnak P, Yousefi B. Unveiling the potential of FOXO3 in lung cancer: From molecular insights to therapeutic prospects. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116833. [PMID: 38843589 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116833] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer poses a significant challenge regarding molecular heterogeneity, as it encompasses a wide range of molecular alterations and cancer-related pathways. Recent discoveries made it feasible to thoroughly investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying lung cancer, giving rise to the possibility of novel therapeutic strategies relying on molecularly targeted drugs. In this context, forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), a member of forkhead transcription factors, has emerged as a crucial protein commonly dysregulated in cancer cells. The regulation of the FOXO3 in reacting to external stimuli plays a key role in maintaining cellular homeostasis as a component of the molecular machinery that determines whether cells will survive or dies. Indeed, various extrinsic cues regulate FOXO3, affecting its subcellular location and transcriptional activity. These regulations are mediated by diverse signaling pathways, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and protein interactions that eventually drive post-transcriptional modification of FOXO3. Nevertheless, while it is no doubt that FOXO3 is implicated in numerous aspects of lung cancer, it is unclear whether they act as tumor suppressors, promotors, or both based on the situation. However, FOXO3 serves as an intriguing possible target in lung cancer therapeutics while widely used anti-cancer chemo drugs can regulate it. In this review, we describe a summary of recent findings on molecular mechanisms of FOXO3 to clarify that targeting its activity might hold promise in lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ebrahimnezhad
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Amir Valizadeh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Majidinia
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Peyman Tabnak
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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2
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Li T, Liu L, Li L, Yao X, Hu X, Cheng J, Chen Z, Guo J, Li R, Ge C, Lin MCM, Yao H. HGFK1 Enhances the Anti-Tumor Effects of Angiogenesis Inhibitors via Inhibition of CD90+ CSCs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:645. [PMID: 38794215 PMCID: PMC11125149 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050645] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The combination of anti-angiogenesis agents with immune-checkpoint inhibitors is a promising treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, therapeutic resistance caused by cancer stem cells present in tumor microenvironments remains to be overcome. In this study, we report for the first time that the Kringle 1 domain of human hepatocyte growth-factor α chain (HGFK1), a previously described anti-angiogenesis peptide, repressed the sub-population of CD90+ cancer stem cells (CSCs) and promoted their differentiation and chemotherapy sensitivity mainly through downregulation of pre-Met protein expression and inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin and Notch pathways. Furthermore, we showed that the i.p. injection of PH1 (a tumor-targeted and biodegradable co-polymer), medicated plasmids encoding Endostatin (pEndo), HGFK1 genes (pEndo), and a combination of 50% pEndo + 50% pHGFK1 all significantly suppressed tumor growth and prolonged the survival of the HCC-bearing mice. Importantly, the combined treatment produced a potent synergistic effect, with 25% of the mice showing the complete clearance of the tumor via a reduction in the microvessel density (MVD) and the number of CD90+ CSCs in the tumor tissues. These results suggest for the first time that HGFK1 inhibits the CSCs of HCC. Furthermore, the combination of two broad-spectrum anti-angiogenic factors, Endo and HGFK1, is the optimal strategy for the development of effective anti-HCC drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Li
- Cancer Biotherapy Center & Cancer Research Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650106, China; (T.L.)
| | - Ling Liu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Li Li
- Cancer Biotherapy Center & Cancer Research Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650106, China; (T.L.)
| | - Xiaoxuan Yao
- Cancer Biotherapy Center & Cancer Research Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650106, China; (T.L.)
| | - Xiaoyuan Hu
- Cancer Biotherapy Center & Cancer Research Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650106, China; (T.L.)
| | - Jiaxing Cheng
- Cancer Biotherapy Center & Cancer Research Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650106, China; (T.L.)
| | - Zhenpu Chen
- Cancer Biotherapy Center & Cancer Research Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650106, China; (T.L.)
| | - Jiyin Guo
- Cancer Biotherapy Center & Cancer Research Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650106, China; (T.L.)
| | - Ruilei Li
- Cancer Biotherapy Center & Cancer Research Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650106, China; (T.L.)
| | - Chunlei Ge
- Cancer Biotherapy Center & Cancer Research Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650106, China; (T.L.)
| | - Marie Chia-Mi Lin
- Cancer Biotherapy Center & Cancer Research Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650106, China; (T.L.)
| | - Hong Yao
- Cancer Biotherapy Center & Cancer Research Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650106, China; (T.L.)
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
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Thepthanee C, Ei ZZ, Benjakul S, Zou H, Petsri K, Innets B, Chanvorachote P. Shrimp Lipids Inhibit Migration, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, and Cancer Stem Cells via Akt/mTOR/c-Myc Pathway Suppression. Biomedicines 2024; 12:722. [PMID: 38672078 PMCID: PMC11048134 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040722] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Shrimp is a rich source of bioactive molecules that provide health benefits. However, the high cholesterol content in shrimp oil may pose a risk. We utilized the cholesterol elimination method to obtain cholesterol-free shrimp lipids (CLs) and investigated their anticancer potential, focusing on cancer stem cells (CSCs) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our study focused on CSCs and EMT, as these factors are known to contribute to cancer metastasis. The results showed that treatment with CLs at doses ranging from 0 to 500 µg/mL significantly suppressed the cell migration ability of human lung cancer (H460 and H292) cells, indicating its potential to inhibit cancer metastasis. The CLs at such concentrations did not cause cytotoxicity to normal human keratinocytes. Additionally, CL treatment was found to significantly reduce the levels of Snail, Slug, and Vimentin, which are markers of EMT. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of CLs on CSC-like phenotypes and found that CLs could significantly suppress the formation of a three-dimensional (3D) tumor spheroid in lung cancer cells. Furthermore, CLs induced apoptosis in the CSC-rich population and significantly depleted the levels of CSC markers CD133, CD44, and Sox2. A mechanistic investigation demonstrated that exposing lung cancer cells to CLs downregulated the phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR, as well as c-Myc expression. Based on these findings, we believe that CLs may have beneficial effects on health as they potentially suppress EMT and CSCs, as well as the cancer-potentiating pathway of Akt/mTOR/c-Myc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chorpaka Thepthanee
- Department of Food Science, School of Food Industry, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand;
| | - Zin Zin Ei
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (Z.Z.E.); (B.I.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Soottawat Benjakul
- International Center of Excellence in Seafood Science and Innovation, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Prince of Songkhla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand;
| | - Hongbin Zou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China;
| | - Korrakod Petsri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
| | - Bhurichaya Innets
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (Z.Z.E.); (B.I.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Pithi Chanvorachote
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (Z.Z.E.); (B.I.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Sheikhshabani SH, Modarres P, Ghafouri‐Fard S, Amini‐Farsani Z, Khodaee L, Shaygan N, Amini‐Farsani Z, Omrani MD. Meta-analysis of microarray data to determine gene indicators involved in cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e1970. [PMID: 38351531 PMCID: PMC10864718 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1970] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 22%. Cisplatin is one of the standard first-line chemotherapeutic agents for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but its efficacy is often limited by the development of resistance. Despite extensive research on the molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance, the underlying causes remain elusive and complex. AIMS We analyzed three microarray datasets to find the gene signature and key pathways related to cisplatin resistance in NSCLC. METHODS AND RESULTS We compared the gene expression of sensitive and resistant NSCLC cell lines treated with cisplatin. We found 274 DEGs, including 111 upregulated and 163 downregulated genes, in the resistant group. Gene set enrichment analysis showed the potential roles of several DEGs, such as TUBB2B, MAPK7, TUBAL3, MAP2K5, SMUG1, NTHL1, PARP3, NTRK1, G6PD, PDK1, HEY1, YTHDF2, CD274, and MAGEA1, in cisplatin resistance. Functional analysis revealed the involvement of pathways, such as gap junction, base excision repair, central carbon metabolism, and Notch signaling in the resistant cell lines. CONCLUSION We identified several molecular factors that contribute to cisplatin resistance in NSCLC cell lines, involving genes and pathways that regulate gap junction communication, DNA damage repair, ROS balance, EMT induction, and stemness maintenance. These genes and pathways could be targets for future studies to overcome cisplatin resistance in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paratoo Modarres
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and TechnologyUniversity of IsfahanIsfahanIran
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri‐Fard
- Department of Medical GeneticsShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Zeinab Amini‐Farsani
- Department of Medical GeneticsShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Lavin Khodaee
- Department of Biotechnology and Plant BreedingIslamic Azad University Science and Research BranchTehranIran
| | - Nasibeh Shaygan
- Department of Medical GeneticsShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Zahra Amini‐Farsani
- Bayesian Imaging and Spatial Statistics Group, Institute of StatisticsLudwig‐Maximilian‐Universität MünchenMunichGermany
- Department of StatisticsLorestan UniversityKhorramabadIran
| | - Mir Davood Omrani
- Urogenital Stem Cell Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Guo F, Zhang Y, Bai L, Cui J. Natural killer cell therapy targeting cancer stem cells: Old wine in a new bottle. Cancer Lett 2023; 570:216328. [PMID: 37499742 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
A small proportion of cancer cells that have stem cell-like properties are known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). They can be used to identify malignant tumor phenotypes and patients with poor prognosis. Targeting these cells has been shown to improve the effectiveness of cancer therapies. Owing to the nature of CSCs, they are resistant to conventional treatment methods such as radio- and chemotherapy. Therefore, more effective anti-CSC therapies are required. Immunotherapy, including natural killer (NK) and T cell therapy, has demonstrated the ability to eliminate CSCs. NK cells have demonstrated superior anti-CSC capabilities compared to T cells in recognizing low levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression. However, CSC escape also occurs during NK cell therapy. It is important to determine CSC-specific immune evasion mechanisms and find out potential solutions to optimize NK cell function. Therefore, this review discusses promising strategies that can improve the efficiency of NK cell therapy in treating CSCs, and aims to provide a reference for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Guo
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Ling Bai
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
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6
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Grajek J, Poleszczuk J. Carbonic Anhydrase IX Suppression Shifts Partial Response to Checkpoint Inhibitors into Complete Tumor Eradication: Model-Based Investigation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10068. [PMID: 37373220 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of solid malignancies, including non-small-cell lung cancer. However, immunotherapy resistance constitutes a significant challenge. To investigate carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) as a driver of resistance, we built a differential equation model of tumor-immune interactions. The model considers treatment with the small molecule CAIX inhibitor SLC-0111 in combination with ICIs. Numerical simulations showed that, given an efficient immune response, CAIX KO tumors tended toward tumor elimination in contrast to their CAIX-expressing counterparts, which stabilized close to the positive equilibrium. Importantly, we demonstrated that short-term combination therapy with a CAIX inhibitor and immunotherapy could shift the asymptotic behavior of the original model from stable disease to tumor eradication. Finally, we calibrated the model with data from murine experiments on CAIX suppression and combination therapy with anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4. Concluding, we have developed a model that reproduces experimental findings and enables the investigation of combination therapies. Our model suggests that transient CAIX inhibition may induce tumor regression, given a sufficient immune infiltrate in the tumor, which can be boosted with ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Grajek
- Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Poleszczuk
- Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
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7
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Galetta D. Advances in Lung Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2671. [PMID: 37345008 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer, including both small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), remains one of the most aggressive types of cancer, and the prognosis for individuals diagnosed with this neoplasm has, for the most part, been insufficient [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Galetta
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hematology-Oncology-DIPO, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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8
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An J, Hu X, Liu F. Current understanding of cancer stem cells: Immune evasion and targeted immunotherapy in gastrointestinal malignancies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1114621. [PMID: 36910604 PMCID: PMC9996315 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1114621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As a relatively rare population of cancer cells existing in the tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess properties of immune privilege to evade the attack of immune system, regulated by the microenvironment of CSCs, the so-called CSCs niche. The bidirectional interaction of CSCs with tumor microenvironment (TME) components favors an immunosuppressive shelter for CSCs' survival and maintenance. Gastrointestinal cancer stem cells (GCSCs) are broadly regarded to be intimately involved in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis and recurrence, with elevated tumor resistance to conventional therapies, which pose a major hindrance to the clinical efficacy for treated patients with gastrointestinal malignancies. Thus, a multitude of efforts have been made to combat and eradicate GCSCs within the tumor mass. Among diverse methods of targeting CSCs in gastrointestinal malignancies, immunotherapy represents a promising strategy. And the better understanding of GCSCs immunomodulation and immunoresistance mechanisms is beneficial to guide and design novel GCSCs-specific immunotherapies with enhanced immune response and clinical efficacy. In this review, we have gathered available and updated information to present an overview of the immunoevasion features harbored by cancer stem cells, and we focus on the description of immune escape strategies utilized by CSCs and microenvironmental regulations underlying CSCs immuno-suppression in the context of gastrointestinal malignancies. Importantly, this review offers deep insights into recent advances of CSC-targeting immunotherapeutic approaches in gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi An
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohua Hu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Wu J, Feng J, Zhang Q, He Y, Xu C, Wang C, Li W. Epigenetic regulation of stem cells in lung cancer oncogenesis and therapy resistance. Front Genet 2023; 14:1120815. [PMID: 37144123 PMCID: PMC10151750 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1120815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics plays an important role in regulating stem cell signaling, as well as in the oncogenesis of lung cancer and therapeutic resistance. Determining how to employ these regulatory mechanisms to treat cancer is an intriguing medical challenge. Lung cancer is caused by signals that cause aberrant differentiation of stem cells or progenitor cells. The different pathological subtypes of lung cancer are determined by the cells of origin. Additionally, emerging studies have demonstrated that the occurrence of cancer treatment resistance is connected to the hijacking of normal stem cell capability by lung cancer stem cells, especially in the processes of drug transport, DNA damage repair, and niche protection. In this review, we summarize the principles of the epigenetic regulation of stem cell signaling in relation to the emergence of lung cancer and resistance to therapy. Furthermore, several investigations have shown that the tumor immune microenvironment in lung cancer affects these regulatory pathways. And ongoing experiments on epigenetics-related therapeutic strategies provide new insight for the treatment of lung cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayang Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Med-X Center for Manufacturing, Center of Precision Medicine, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiaming Feng
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiran Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Med-X Center for Manufacturing, Center of Precision Medicine, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yazhou He
- Department of oncology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Chengdi Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Med-X Center for Manufacturing, Center of Precision Medicine, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Weimin Li, ; Chengdi Wang,
| | - Weimin Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Med-X Center for Manufacturing, Center of Precision Medicine, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Weimin Li, ; Chengdi Wang,
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Fu J, Peng S. Triple-negative mouse breast cancer initiating cells show high expression of beta1 integrin and increased malignant features. Open Life Sci 2023; 18:20220510. [PMID: 36879644 PMCID: PMC9985445 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0510] [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: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that exhibits aggressive tumor phenotypes, including rapid metastasis and tumor recurrence. Integrins belong to the family of transmembrane glycoproteins involved in regulating cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation through cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Aberrant β1 integrin signaling has been implicated in cancer invasion and metastasis processes. The present work aimed to investigate the role of β1 integrin in TNBC cancer progression using a mouse 4T1 cell line as a model system. We have sorted a subset of tumor-initiating cells (TICs) from the 4T1 cell line based on CD133 positivity by flow cytometry. RT-PCR and protein analysis studies showed the transcriptional upregulation of β1 integrin and its downstream target focal adhesion kinase in 4T1-TICs compared to parental 4T1 cells. In addition, the expression of β1 receptors in TICs is significantly higher than in parental population cells. Furthermore, in vitro cellular assays revealed that CD133+ TICs have higher clonogenic ability, invasion, and sphere formation potential. These findings suggest that β1 integrin has a potential role in TNBC invasion and metastasis. Hence, β1 integrin could be a possible factor for future targeted cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Fu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610000, China
| | - Shengkun Peng
- Department of Radiology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, No. 32 of West Section 1st Ring Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610000, China
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11
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A Gold Nanoparticle Bioconjugate Delivery System for Active Targeted Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer and Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194558. [PMID: 36230480 PMCID: PMC9559518 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194558] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also called tumor-initiating cells, are a subpopulation of cancer cells believed to be the leading cause of cancer initiation, growth, metastasis, and recurrence. Presently there are no effective treatments targeted at eliminating CSCs. Hence, an urgent need to develop measures to target CSCs to eliminate potential recurrence and metastasis associated with CSCs. Cancer stem cells have inherent and unique features that differ from other cancer cells, which they leverage to resist conventional therapies. Targeting such features with photodynamic therapy (PDT) could be a promising treatment for drug-resistant cancer stem cells. Photodynamic therapy is a light-mediated non-invasive treatment modality. However, PDT alone is unable to eliminate cancer stem cells effectively, hence the need for a targeted approach. Gold nanoparticle bioconjugates with PDT could be a potential approach for targeted photodynamic therapy of cancer and CSCs. This approach has the potential for enhanced drug delivery, selective and specific attachment to target tumor cells/CSCs, as well as the ability to efficiently generate ROS. This review examines the impact of a smart gold nanoparticle bioconjugate coupled with a photosensitizer (PS) in promoting targeted PDT of cancer and CSC.
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12
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Selenium Yeast and Fish Oil Combination Diminishes Cancer Stem Cell Traits and Reverses Cisplatin Resistance in A549 Sphere Cells. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14153232. [PMID: 35956408 PMCID: PMC9370110 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153232] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin is a prevalent chemotherapeutic agent used for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is difficult to treat by targeted therapy, but the emergence of resistance severely limits its efficacy. Thus, an effective strategy to combat cisplatin resistance is required. This study demonstrated that, at clinically achievable concentrations, the combination of selenium yeast (Se-Y) and fish oil (FO) could synergistically induce the apoptosis of cancer stem cell (CSC)-like A549 NSCLC sphere cells, accompanied by a reversal of their resistance to cisplatin. Compared to parental A549 cells, sphere cells have higher cisplatin resistance and possess elevated CSC markers (CD133 and ABCG2), epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers (anexelekto (AXL), vimentin, and N-cadherin), and cytoprotective endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress marker (glucose-regulated protein 78) and increased oncogenic drivers, such as yes-associated protein, transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif, β-catenin, and cyclooxygenase-2. In contrast, the proapoptotic ER stress marker CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity were reduced in sphere cells. The Se-Y and FO combination synergistically counteracted the above molecular features of A549 sphere cells and diminished their elevated CSC-like side population. AMPK inhibition by compound C restored the side population proportion diminished by this nutrient combination. The results suggest that the Se-Y and FO combination can potentially improve the outcome of cisplatin-treated NSCLC with phenotypes such as A549 cells.
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Safa AR. Drug and apoptosis resistance in cancer stem cells: a puzzle with many pieces. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 5:850-872. [PMID: 36627897 PMCID: PMC9771762 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to anticancer agents and apoptosis results in cancer relapse and is associated with cancer mortality. Substantial data have provided convincing evidence establishing that human cancers emerge from cancer stem cells (CSCs), which display self-renewal and are resistant to anticancer drugs, radiation, and apoptosis, and express enhanced epithelial to mesenchymal progression. CSCs represent a heterogeneous tumor cell population and lack specific cellular targets, which makes it a great challenge to target and eradicate them. Similarly, their close relationship with the tumor microenvironment creates greater complexity in developing novel treatment strategies targeting CSCs. Several mechanisms participate in the drug and apoptosis resistance phenotype in CSCs in various cancers. These include enhanced expression of ATP-binding cassette membrane transporters, activation of various cytoprotective and survival signaling pathways, dysregulation of stemness signaling pathways, aberrant DNA repair mechanisms, increased quiescence, autophagy, increased immune evasion, deficiency of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, upregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins including c-FLIP [cellular FLICE (FADD-like IL-1β-converting enzyme)-inhibitory protein], Bcl-2 family members, inhibitors of apoptosis proteins, and PI3K/AKT signaling. Studying such mechanisms not only provides mechanistic insights into these cells that are unresponsive to drugs, but may lead to the development of targeted and effective therapeutics to eradicate CSCs. Several studies have identified promising strategies to target CSCs. These emerging strategies may help target CSC-associated drug resistance and metastasis in clinical settings. This article will review the CSCs drug and apoptosis resistance mechanisms and how to target CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad R. Safa
- Correspondence to: Dr. Ahmad R. Safa, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 635 Barnhill Dr. MS A416, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. E-mail:
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