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Vallés-Martí A, de Goeij-de Haas RR, Henneman AA, Piersma SR, Pham TV, Knol JC, Verheij J, Dijk F, Halfwerk H, Giovannetti E, Jiménez CR, Bijlsma MF. Kinase activities in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with prognostic and therapeutic avenues. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38650175 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13625] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a limited number of known driver mutations but considerable cancer cell heterogeneity. Phosphoproteomics provides a direct read-out of aberrant signaling and the resultant clinically relevant phenotype. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics and phosphoproteomics were applied to 42 PDAC tumors. Data encompassed over 19 936 phosphoserine or phosphothreonine (pS/T; in 5412 phosphoproteins) and 1208 phosphotyrosine (pY; in 501 phosphoproteins) sites and a total of 3756 proteins. Proteome data identified three distinct subtypes with tumor intrinsic and stromal features. Subsequently, three phospho-subtypes were apparent: two tumor intrinsic (Phos1/2) and one stromal (Phos3), resembling known PDAC molecular subtypes. Kinase activity was analyzed by the Integrative iNferred Kinase Activity (INKA) scoring. Phospho-subtypes displayed differential phosphorylation signals and kinase activity, such as FGR and GSK3 activation in Phos1, SRC kinase family and EPHA2 in Phos2, and EGFR, INSR, MET, ABL1, HIPK1, JAK, and PRKCD in Phos3. Kinase activity analysis of an external PDAC cohort supported our findings and underscored the importance of PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways, among others. Interestingly, unfavorable patient prognosis correlated with higher RTK, PAK2, STK10, and CDK7 activity and high proliferation, whereas long survival was associated with MYLK and PTK6 activity, which was previously unknown. Subtype-associated activity profiles can guide therapeutic combination approaches in tumor and stroma-enriched tissues, and emphasize the critical role of parallel signaling pathways. In addition, kinase activity profiling identifies potential disease markers with prognostic significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vallés-Martí
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard R de Goeij-de Haas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alex A Henneman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sander R Piersma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thang V Pham
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaco C Knol
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne Verheij
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Frederike Dijk
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Halfwerk
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, San Giuliano Terme, Italy
| | - Connie R Jiménez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten F Bijlsma
- Cancer Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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2
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Ashrafizadeh M, Luo K, Zhang W, Reza Aref A, Zhang X. Acquired and intrinsic gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer therapy: Environmental factors, molecular profile and drug/nanotherapeutic approaches. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117443. [PMID: 37863168 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
A high number of cancer patients around the world rely on gemcitabine (GEM) for chemotherapy. During local metastasis of cancers, surgery is beneficial for therapy, but dissemination in distant organs leads to using chemotherapy alone or in combination with surgery to prevent cancer recurrence. Therapy failure can be observed as a result of GEM resistance, threatening life of pancreatic cancer (PC) patients. The mortality and morbidity of PC in contrast to other tumors are increasing. GEM chemotherapy is widely utilized for PC suppression, but resistance has encountered its therapeutic impacts. The purpose of current review is to bring a broad concept about role of biological mechanisms and pathways in the development of GEM resistance in PC and then, therapeutic strategies based on using drugs or nanostructures for overcoming chemoresistance. Dysregulation of the epigenetic factors especially non-coding RNA transcripts can cause development of GEM resistance in PC and miRNA transfection or using genetic tools such as siRNA for modulating expression level of these factors for changing GEM resistance are suggested. The overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins and survival genes can contribute to GEM resistance in PC. Moreover, supportive autophagy inhibits apoptosis and stimulates GEM resistance in PC cells. Increase in metabolism, glycolysis induction and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) stimulation are considered as other factors participating in GEM resistance in PC. Drugs can suppress tumorigenesis in PC and inhibit survival factors and pathways in increasing GEM sensitivity in PC. More importantly, nanoparticles can increase pharmacokinetic profile of GEM and promote its blood circulation and accumulation in cancer site. Nanoparticles mediate delivery of GEM with genes and drugs to suppress tumorigenesis in PC and increase drug sensitivity. The basic research displays significant connection among dysregulated pathways and GEM resistance, but the lack of clinical application is a drawback that can be responded in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China; International Association for Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China; Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Kuo Luo
- Department of Oncology, Chongqing Hyheia Hospital, Chongqing, 4001331, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xianbin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China.
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3
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Gulia S, Chandra P, Das A. The Prognosis of Cancer Depends on the Interplay of Autophagy, Apoptosis, and Anoikis within the Tumor Microenvironment. Cell Biochem Biophys 2023; 81:621-658. [PMID: 37787970 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-023-01179-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Within the tumor microenvironment, the fight between the immune system and cancer influences tumor transformation. Metastasis formation is an important stage in the progression of cancer. This process is aided by cellular detachment and resistance to anoikis, which are achieved by altering intercellular signaling. Autophagy, specifically pro-survival autophagy, aids cancer cells in developing treatment resistance. Numerous studies have shown that autophagy promotes tumor growth and resistance to anoikis. To regulate protective autophagy, cancer-related genes phosphorylate both pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins. Apoptosis, a type of controlled cell death, eliminates damaged or unwanted cells. Anoikis is a type of programmed cell death in which cells lose contact with the extracellular matrix. The dysregulation of these cellular pathways promotes tumor growth and spread. Apoptosis, anoikis, and autophagy interact meticulously and differently depending on the cellular circumstances. For instance, autophagy can protect cancer cells from apoptosis by removing cellular components that are damaged and might otherwise trigger apoptotic pathways. Similarly, anoikis dysregulation can trigger autophagy by causing cellular harm and metabolic stress. In order to prevent or treat metastatic disease, specifically, targeting these cellular mechanisms may present a promising prospect for cancer therapy. This review discourses the state of our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying tumor transformation and the establishment of metastatic tumors. To enhance the prognosis for cancer, we highlight and discuss potential therapeutic approaches that target these processes and genes involved in them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Gulia
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Main Bawana Road, Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Prakash Chandra
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Main Bawana Road, Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Asmita Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Main Bawana Road, Delhi, 110042, India.
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4
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Sahni S, Nahm C, Ahadi MS, Sioson L, Byeon S, Chou A, Maloney S, Moon E, Pavlakis N, Gill AJ, Samra J, Mittal A. Gene expression profiling of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas in response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Cancer Med 2023; 12:18050-18061. [PMID: 37533202 PMCID: PMC10523964 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has the lowest survival rate of all major cancers. Chemotherapy is the mainstay systemic therapy for PDAC, and chemoresistance is a major clinical problem leading to therapeutic failure. This study aimed to identify key differences in gene expression profile in tumors from chemoresponsive and chemoresistant patients. METHODS Archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue samples from patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy were obtained during surgical resection. Specimens were macrodissected and gene expression analysis was performed. Multi- and univariate statistical analysis was performed to identify differential gene expression profile of tumors from good (0%-30% residual viable tumor [RVT]) and poor (>30% RVT) chemotherapy-responders. RESULTS Initially, unsupervised multivariate modeling was performed by principal component analysis, which demonstrated a distinct gene expression profile between good- and poor-chemotherapy responders. There were 396 genes that were significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated (200 genes) or upregulated (196 genes) in tumors from good responders compared to poor responders. Further supervised multivariate analysis of significant genes by partial least square (PLS) demonstrated a highly distinct gene expression profile between good- and poor responders. A gene biomarker of panel (IL18, SPA17, CD58, PTTG1, MTBP, ABL1, SFRP1, CHRDL1, IGF1, and CFD) was selected based on PLS model, and univariate regression analysis of individual genes was performed. The identified biomarker panel demonstrated a very high ability to diagnose good-responding PDAC patients (AUROC: 0.977, sensitivity: 82.4%; specificity: 87.0%). CONCLUSION A distinct tumor biological profile between PDAC patients who either respond or not respond to chemotherapy was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Sahni
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Northern Clinical School, Kolling Institute of Medical ResearchUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Australian Pancreatic CentreSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Christopher Nahm
- Western Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Mahsa S. Ahadi
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Northern Clinical School, Kolling Institute of Medical ResearchUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health PathologyRoyal North Shore HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Loretta Sioson
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Northern Clinical School, Kolling Institute of Medical ResearchUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health PathologyRoyal North Shore HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Sooin Byeon
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Northern Clinical School, Kolling Institute of Medical ResearchUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Angela Chou
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Northern Clinical School, Kolling Institute of Medical ResearchUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health PathologyRoyal North Shore HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Sarah Maloney
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Northern Clinical School, Kolling Institute of Medical ResearchUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Elizabeth Moon
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Northern Clinical School, Kolling Institute of Medical ResearchUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Nick Pavlakis
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Northern Clinical School, Kolling Institute of Medical ResearchUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Northern Sydney Cancer Center, Royal North Shore HospitalSt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Northern Cancer InstituteSt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Anthony J. Gill
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Northern Clinical School, Kolling Institute of Medical ResearchUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health PathologyRoyal North Shore HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jaswinder Samra
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Northern Clinical School, Kolling Institute of Medical ResearchUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Australian Pancreatic CentreSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Upper Gastrointestinal Surgical UnitRoyal North Shore Hospital and North Shore Private HospitalSt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Anubhav Mittal
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Northern Clinical School, Kolling Institute of Medical ResearchUniversity of SydneySt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Australian Pancreatic CentreSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Upper Gastrointestinal Surgical UnitRoyal North Shore Hospital and North Shore Private HospitalSt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- The University of Notre Dame AustraliaSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Ashrafizadeh M, Zhang W, Zou R, Sethi G, Klionsky DJ, Zhang X. A bioinformatics analysis, pre-clinical and clinical conception of autophagy in pancreatic cancer: Complexity and simplicity in crosstalk. Pharmacol Res 2023; 194:106822. [PMID: 37336429 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a serious gastrointestinal tract disease for which the 5-year survival rate is less than 10%, even in developed countries such as the USA. The genomic profile alterations and dysregulated biological mechanisms commonly occur in PC. Macroautophagy/autophagy is a cell death process that is maintained at a basal level in physiological conditions, whereas its level often changes during tumorigenesis. The function of autophagy in human cancers is dual and can be oncogenic and onco-suppressor. Autophagy is a potent controller of tumorigenesis in PC. The supportive autophagy in PC escalates the growth rate of PC cells and its suppression can mediate cell death. Autophagy also determines the metastasis of PC cells, and it can control the EMT in affecting migration. Moreover, starvation and hypoxia can stimulate glycolysis, and glycolysis induction can be mediated by autophagy in enhancing tumorigenesis in PC. Furthermore, protective autophagy stimulates drug resistance and gemcitabine resistance in PC cells, and its inhibition can enhance radiosensitivity. Autophagy can degrade MHC-I to mediate immune evasion and also regulates polarization of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Modulation of autophagy activity is provided by silibinin, ursolic acid, chrysin and huaier in the treatment of PC. Non-coding RNAs are also controllers of autophagy in PC and its inhibition can improve therapy response in patients. Moreover, mitophagy shows dysregulation in PC, which can enhance the proliferation of PC cells. Therefore, a bioinformatics analysis demonstrates the dysregulation of autophagy-related proteins and genes in PC as biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Rongjun Zou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong, China
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology and NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Daniel J Klionsky
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xianbin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
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6
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Marin-Muller C, Li D, Lü JM, Liang Z, Vega-Martínez O, Crawford SE, Estes MK, Fisher WE, Chen C, Yao Q. Nanoparticle-Mediated Therapy with miR-198 Sensitizes Pancreatic Cancer to Gemcitabine Treatment through Downregulation of VCP-Mediated Autophagy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2038. [PMID: 37631252 PMCID: PMC10457905 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082038] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains an extremely aggressive disease characterized by rapidly acquired multi-drug resistance, including to first-line chemotherapeutic agent gemcitabine. Autophagy is a process that is often exploited by cancer and is one of several intrinsic factors associated with resistance to gemcitabine. We have previously found that miR-198 acts as a tumor suppressor in PDAC through the targeting of factors including Valosin-containing protein (VCP). VCP has been reported to play an important role in autophagic flux. In this study, we investigated whether the repression of VCP through miR-198 administration disrupts the autophagy process and sensitizes PDAC cells to gemcitabine treatment in vitro. Moreover, we used LGA-PEI (LPNP) nanoparticles to effectively administer miR-198 to tumors in vivo, inducing tumor sensitization to gemcitabine and leading to a significant reduction in tumor burden and metastases and a concomitant downregulation of VCP expression and autophagy maturation. Our results indicate a potential therapeutic strategy for targeting gemcitabine resistant PDAC and establishes the use of LPNPs for effective therapeutic delivery of nucleic acids in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Marin-Muller
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.M.-M.)
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Speratum Biopharma, Inc., Dover, DE 19901, USA
| | - Dali Li
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.M.-M.)
| | - Jian-Ming Lü
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.M.-M.)
| | - Zhengdong Liang
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.M.-M.)
| | | | - Sue E. Crawford
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mary K. Estes
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - William E. Fisher
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.M.-M.)
| | - Changyi Chen
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.M.-M.)
| | - Qizhi Yao
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.M.-M.)
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CTRID), Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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7
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Tsekoura G, Agathangelidis A, Kontandreopoulou CN, Taliouraki A, Mporonikola G, Stavropoulou M, Diamantopoulos PT, Viniou NA, Aleporou V, Papassideri I, Kollia P. Deregulation of Autophagy and Apoptosis in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Implications for Disease Development and Progression. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:4135-4150. [PMID: 37232732 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45050263] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDSs) consist of a group of blood malignancies with a complex biological background. In this context, we investigated the role of autophagy and apoptosis in the pathogenesis and progression of MDSs. (2) Methods: To address this issue, we performed a systematic expression analysis on a total of 84 genes in patients with different types of MDSs (low/high risk of malignancy) versus healthy individuals. Furthermore, real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to validate significantly upregulated or downregulated genes in a separate cohort of MDS patients and healthy controls. (3) Results: MDS patients were characterized by lower expression levels for a large series of genes involved in both processes compared to healthy individuals. Of importance, deregulation was more pronounced in patients with higher-risk MDS. Results from the qRT-PCR experiments displayed a high level of concordance with the PCR array, strengthening the relevance of our findings. (4) Conclusions: Our results indicate a clear effect of autophagy and apoptosis on MDS development, which becomes more pronounced as the disease progresses. The results from the present study are expected to assist in our understanding of the biological background of MDSs as well as in the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Tsekoura
- Division of Genetics & Biotechnology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Agathangelidis
- Division of Genetics & Biotechnology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina-Nefeli Kontandreopoulou
- Hematology Unit, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Angeliki Taliouraki
- Division of Genetics & Biotechnology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Mporonikola
- Division of Genetics & Biotechnology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Stavropoulou
- Division of Genetics & Biotechnology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis T Diamantopoulos
- Hematology Unit, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nora-Athina Viniou
- Hematology Unit, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Aleporou
- Division of Genetics & Biotechnology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Issidora Papassideri
- Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagoula Kollia
- Division of Genetics & Biotechnology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
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8
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Bhoopathi P, Mannangatti P, Das SK, Fisher PB, Emdad L. Chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Overcoming resistance to therapy. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:285-341. [PMID: 37268399 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a prominent cause of cancer deaths worldwide, is a highly aggressive cancer most frequently detected at an advanced stage that limits treatment options to systemic chemotherapy, which has provided only marginal positive clinical outcomes. More than 90% of patients with PDAC die within a year of being diagnosed. PDAC is increasing at a rate of 0.5-1.0% per year, and it is expected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality by 2030. The resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, which can be innate or acquired, is the primary factor contributing to the ineffectiveness of cancer treatments. Although many PDAC patients initially responds to standard of care (SOC) drugs they soon develop resistance caused partly by the substantial cellular heterogeneity seen in PDAC tissue and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which are considered key factors contributing to resistance to therapy. A deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in PDAC progression and metastasis development, and the interplay of the TME in all these processes is essential to better comprehend the etiology and pathobiology of chemoresistance observed in PDAC. Recent research has recognized new therapeutic targets ushering in the development of innovative combinatorial therapies as well as enhancing our comprehension of several different cell death pathways. These approaches facilitate the lowering of the therapeutic threshold; however, the possibility of subsequent resistance development still remains a key issue and concern. Discoveries, that can target PDAC resistance, either alone or in combination, have the potential to serve as the foundation for future treatments that are effective without posing undue health risks. In this chapter, we discuss potential causes of PDAC chemoresistance and approaches for combating chemoresistance by targeting different pathways and different cellular functions associated with and mediating resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Bhoopathi
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Padmanabhan Mannangatti
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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9
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Rahman MA, Saikat ASM, Rahman MS, Islam M, Parvez MAK, Kim B. Recent Update and Drug Target in Molecular and Pharmacological Insights into Autophagy Modulation in Cancer Treatment and Future Progress. Cells 2023; 12:458. [PMID: 36766800 PMCID: PMC9914570 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that autophagy is a governed catabolic framework enabling the recycling of nutrients from injured organelles and other cellular constituents via a lysosomal breakdown. This mechanism has been associated with the development of various pathologic conditions, including cancer and neurological disorders; however, recently updated studies have indicated that autophagy plays a dual role in cancer, acting as a cytoprotective or cytotoxic mechanism. Numerous preclinical and clinical investigations have shown that inhibiting autophagy enhances an anticancer medicine's effectiveness in various malignancies. Autophagy antagonists, including chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, have previously been authorized in clinical trials, encouraging the development of medication-combination therapies targeting the autophagic processes for cancer. In this review, we provide an update on the recent research examining the anticancer efficacy of combining drugs that activate cytoprotective autophagy with autophagy inhibitors. Additionally, we highlight the difficulties and progress toward using cytoprotective autophagy targeting as a cancer treatment strategy. Importantly, we must enable the use of suitable autophagy inhibitors and coadministration delivery systems in conjunction with anticancer agents. Therefore, this review briefly summarizes the general molecular process behind autophagy and its bifunctional role that is important in cancer suppression and in encouraging tumor growth and resistance to chemotherapy and metastasis regulation. We then emphasize how autophagy and cancer cells interacting with one another is a promising therapeutic target in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Ataur Rahman
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1-5 Hoegidong Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Abu Saim Mohammad Saikat
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Life Science Faculty, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Mobinul Islam
- Department of Energy and Materials Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Bonglee Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1-5 Hoegidong Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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10
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Small Molecule Inhibitors for Unc-51-like Autophagy-Activating Kinase Targeting Autophagy in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24020953. [PMID: 36674464 PMCID: PMC9866249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24020953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a cellular process that removes damaged components of cells and recycles them as biochemical building blocks. Autophagy can also be induced to protect cells in response to intra- and extracellular stresses, including damage to cellular components, nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, and pathogenic invasion. Dysregulation of autophagy has been attributed to various diseases. In particular, autophagy protects cancer cells by supporting tumor cell survival and the development of drug resistance. Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of autophagy in cancer has stimulated the research on discovery and development of specific inhibitors targeting various stages of autophagy. In recent years, Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase (ULK) inhibitors have become an attractive strategy to treat cancer. This review summarizes recent discoveries and developments in small-molecule ULK inhibitors and their potential as anticancer agents. We focused on structural features, interactions with binding sites, and biological effects of these inhibitors. Overall, this review will provide guidance for using ULK inhibitors as chemical probes for autophagy in various cancers and developing improved ULK inhibitors that would enhance therapeutic benefits in the clinic.
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11
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Troumpoukis D, Papadimitropoulou A, Charalampous C, Kogionou P, Palamaris K, Sarantis P, Serafimidis I. Targeting autophagy in pancreatic cancer: The cancer stem cell perspective. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1049436. [PMID: 36505808 PMCID: PMC9730023 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1049436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is currently the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with the estimated death toll approaching half a million annually. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common (>90% of cases) and most aggressive form of pancreatic cancer, with extremely poor prognosis and very low survival rates. PDAC is initiated by genetic alterations, usually in the oncogene KRAS and tumor suppressors CDKN2A, TP53 and SMAD4, which in turn affect a number of downstream signaling pathways that regulate important cellular processes. One of the processes critically altered is autophagy, the mechanism by which cells clear away and recycle impaired or dysfunctional organelles, protein aggregates and other unwanted components, in order to achieve homeostasis. Autophagy plays conflicting roles in PDAC and has been shown to act both as a positive effector, promoting the survival of pancreatic tumor-initiating cells, and as a negative effector, increasing cytotoxicity in uncontrollably expanding cells. Recent findings have highlighted the importance of cancer stem cells in PDAC initiation, progression and metastasis. Pancreatic cancer stem cells (PaCSCs) comprise a small subpopulation of the pancreatic tumor, characterized by cellular plasticity and the ability to self-renew, and autophagy has been recognised as a key process in PaCSC maintenance and function, simultaneously suggesting new strategies to achieve their selective elimination. In this review we evaluate recent literature that links autophagy with PaCSCs and PDAC, focusing our discussion on the therapeutic implications of pharmacologically targeting autophagy in PaCSCs, as a means to treat PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Troumpoukis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Chrysanthi Charalampous
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Kogionou
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas Palamaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Serafimidis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece,*Correspondence: Ioannis Serafimidis,
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12
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The Emerging Role of MicroRNAs and Autophagy Mechanism in Pancreatic Cancer Progression: Future Therapeutic Approaches. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13101868. [PMID: 36292753 PMCID: PMC9602304 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101868] [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: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer constitutes the fourth most frequent cause of death due to malignancy in the US. Despite the new therapeutic modalities, the management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is considered a difficult task for clinicians due to the fact that is usually diagnosed in already advanced stages and it is relatively resistant to the current chemotherapeutic agents. The molecular background analysis of pancreatic malignant tumors, which includes various epigenetic and genetic alterations, opens new horizons for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The interplay between miRNAs, autophagy pathway, and pancreatic carcinogenesis is in the spotlight of the current research. There is strong evidence that miRNAs take part in carcinogenesis either as tumor inhibitors that combat the oncogene expression or as promoters (oncomiRs) by acting as oncogenes by interfering with various cell functions such as proliferation, programmed cell death, and metabolic and signaling pathways. Deregulation of the expression levels of various miRNAs is closely associated with tumor growth, progression, and dissemination, as well as low sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. Similarly, autophagy despite constituting a pivotal homeostatic mechanism for cell survival has a binary role in PDAC, either as an inhibitor or promoter of carcinogenesis. The emerging role of miRNAs in autophagy gets a great deal of attention as it opens new opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the management of this aggressive and chemoresistant malignancy. In this review, we will shed light on the interplay between miRNAs and the autophagy mechanism for pancreatic cancer development and progression.
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