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Nöltner L, Engeland K, Kohler R. CeDaD-a novel assay for simultaneous tracking of cell death and division in a single population. Cell Death Discov 2025; 11:86. [PMID: 40038265 PMCID: PMC11880512 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-025-02370-7] [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: 10/30/2024] [Revised: 01/21/2025] [Accepted: 02/20/2025] [Indexed: 03/06/2025] Open
Abstract
The cell division cycle and the various forms of programmed cell death are interconnected. A prominent example is the tumor suppressor p53, which not only induces apoptosis but also plays an important role in the arrest of the cell cycle. Consequently, simultaneous analysis of cell division and cell death is frequently of significant interest in cell biology research. Traditionally, these processes require distinct assays, making concurrent analysis challenging. To address this, we present a novel combined assay, called CeDaD assay-Cell Death and Division assay-which allows for the simultaneous quantification of cell division and cell death within a single-cell population. This assay utilizes a straightforward flow cytometric approach, combining a staining based on carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) to monitor cell division with an annexin V-derived staining to assess the extent of cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Nöltner
- Molecular Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kurt Engeland
- Molecular Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robin Kohler
- Molecular Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
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Gong Y, Li H. CDK7 in breast cancer: mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:226. [PMID: 38605321 PMCID: PMC11010440 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01577-y] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) serves as a pivotal regulator in orchestrating cellular cycle dynamics and gene transcriptional activity. Elevated expression levels of CDK7 have been ubiquitously documented across a spectrum of malignancies and have been concomitantly correlated with adverse clinical outcomes. This review delineates the biological roles of CDK7 and explicates the molecular pathways through which CDK7 exacerbates the oncogenic progression of breast cancer. Furthermore, we synthesize the extant literature to provide a comprehensive overview of the advancement of CDK7-specific small-molecule inhibitors, encapsulating both preclinical and clinical findings in breast cancer contexts. The accumulated evidence substantiates the conceptualization of CDK7 as a propitious therapeutic target in breast cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gong
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Breast Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Huiping Li
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Breast Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China.
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Rossini E, Tamburello M, Abate A, Zini S, Ribaudo G, Gianoncelli A, Calza S, Valcamonico F, Suardi NR, Mirabella G, Berruti A, Sigala S. The CDK Inhibitor Dinaciclib Improves Cisplatin Response in Nonseminomatous Testicular Cancer: A Preclinical Study. Cells 2024; 13:368. [PMID: 38474332 PMCID: PMC10931172 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050368] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most patients with testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) are treated with cisplatin (CP)-based chemotherapy. However, some of them may develop CP resistance and therefore represent a clinical challenge. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) is involved in chemotherapy resistance in different types of cancer. Here, we investigated the possible role of CDK5 and other CDKs targeted by dinaciclib in nonseminoma cell models (both CP-sensitive and CP-resistant), evaluating the potential of the CDK inhibitor dinaciclib as a single/combined agent for the treatment of advanced/metastatic testicular cancer (TC). METHODS The effects of dinaciclib and CP on sensitive and resistant NT2/D1 and NCCIT cell viability and proliferation were evaluated using MTT assays and direct count methods. Flow cytometry cell-cycle analysis was performed. The protein expression was assessed via Western blotting. The in vivo experiments were conducted in zebrafish embryos xenografted with TC cells. RESULTS Among all the CDKs analyzed, CDK5 protein expression was significantly higher in CP-resistant models. Dinaciclib reduced the cell viability and proliferation in each cell model, inducing changes in cell-cycle distribution. In drug combination experiments, dinaciclib enhances the CP effect both in vitro and in the zebrafish model. CONCLUSIONS Dinaciclib, when combined with CP, could be useful for improving nonseminoma TC response to CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rossini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.R.); (A.A.); (S.Z.); (G.R.); (A.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Mariangela Tamburello
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.R.); (A.A.); (S.Z.); (G.R.); (A.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Andrea Abate
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.R.); (A.A.); (S.Z.); (G.R.); (A.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Zini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.R.); (A.A.); (S.Z.); (G.R.); (A.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Giovanni Ribaudo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.R.); (A.A.); (S.Z.); (G.R.); (A.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.R.); (A.A.); (S.Z.); (G.R.); (A.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Stefano Calza
- Unit of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Francesca Valcamonico
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (F.V.); (A.B.)
| | - Nazareno R. Suardi
- Urology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (N.R.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Mirabella
- Urology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (N.R.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (F.V.); (A.B.)
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.R.); (A.A.); (S.Z.); (G.R.); (A.G.); (S.S.)
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Funke K, Einsfelder U, Hansen A, Arévalo L, Schneider S, Nettersheim D, Stein V, Schorle H. Genome-scale CRISPR screen reveals neddylation to contribute to cisplatin resistance of testicular germ cell tumours. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:2270-2282. [PMID: 37024667 PMCID: PMC10241889 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02247-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type II testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT) are the most prevalent tumours in young men. Patients suffering from cisplatin-resistant TGCTs are facing very poor prognosis demanding novel therapeutic options. Neddylation is a known posttranslational modification mediating many important biological processes, including tumorigenesis. Overactivation of the neddylation pathway promotes carcinogenesis and tumour progression in various entities by inducing proteasomal degradation of tumour suppressors (e.g., p21, p27). METHODS We used a genome-scale CRISPR/Cas9 activation screen to identify cisplatin resistance factors. TGCT cell lines were treated with the neddylation inhibitor (MLN4924)/cisplatin/combination and investigated for changes in viability (XTT assay), apoptosis/cell cycle (flow cytometry) as well as in the transcriptome (3'mRNA sequencing). RESULTS NAE1 overexpression was detected in cisplatin-resistant colonies from the CRISPR screen. Inhibition of neddylation using MLN4924 increased cisplatin cytotoxicity in TGCT cell lines and sensitised cisplatin-resistant cells towards cisplatin. Apoptosis, G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest, γH2A.X/P27 accumulation and mesoderm/endoderm differentiation were observed in TGCT cells, while fibroblast cells were unaffected. CONCLUSIONS We identified overactivation of neddylation as a factor for cisplatin resistance in TGCTs and highlighted the additive effect of NAE1 inhibition by MLN4924 in combination with cisplatin as a novel treatment option for TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Funke
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ulf Einsfelder
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Aylin Hansen
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Valentin Stein
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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von Eyben FE, Kristiansen K, Kapp DS, Hu R, Preda O, Nogales FF. Epigenetic Regulation of Driver Genes in Testicular Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044148. [PMID: 36835562 PMCID: PMC9966837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In testicular germ cell tumor type II (TGCT), a seminoma subtype expresses an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) panel with four upregulated genes, OCT4/POU5F1, SOX17, KLF4, and MYC, and embryonal carcinoma (EC) has four upregulated genes, OCT4/POU5F1, SOX2, LIN28, and NANOG. The EC panel can reprogram cells into iPSC, and both iPSC and EC can differentiate into teratoma. This review summarizes the literature on epigenetic regulation of the genes. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as methylations of cytosines on the DNA string and methylations and acetylations of histone 3 lysines, regulate expression of these driver genes between the TGCT subtypes. In TGCT, the driver genes contribute to well-known clinical characteristics and the driver genes are also important for aggressive subtypes of many other malignancies. In conclusion, epigenetic regulation of the driver genes are important for TGCT and for oncology in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finn E. von Eyben
- Center for Tobacco Control Research, Birkevej 17, 5230 Odense, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-66145862
| | - Karsten Kristiansen
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biomedicine, August Krogh Building Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- BGI-Research, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518120, China
- Institute of Metagenomics, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, Qingdao 166555, China
| | - Daniel S. Kapp
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Ovidiu Preda
- Department of Pathology, San Cecilio University Hospital, 18071 Granada, CP, Spain
| | - Francisco F. Nogales
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University Granada, 18071 Granada, CP, Spain
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