1
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Wang Z, Li R, Yang G, Wang Y. Cancer stem cell biomarkers and related signalling pathways. J Drug Target 2024; 32:33-44. [PMID: 38095181 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2295222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a distinct subset of neoplastic cells characterised by their heightened capacity for tumorigenesis. These cells are implicated in the facilitation of cancer metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapeutic interventions. Extensive scientific research has been devoted to the identification of biomarkers and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms in order to improve targeted therapeutic approaches. Accurate identification of cancer stem cells based on biomarkers can provide a theoretical basis for drug combinations of malignant tumours. Targeted biomarker-based therapies also offer a silver lining for patients with advanced malignancies. This review aims comprehensively to consolidate the latest findings on CSCs biomarkers, targeted agents as well as biomarkers associated signalling pathways in well-established cancer types, thereby contributing to improved prognostic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rui Li
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guilin Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yijin Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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2
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Wang T, Jin Y, Wang M, Chen B, Sun J, Zhang J, Yang H, Deng X, Cao X, Wang L, Tang Y. SALL4 in gastrointestinal tract cancers: upstream and downstream regulatory mechanisms. Mol Med 2024; 30:46. [PMID: 38584262 PMCID: PMC11000312 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00812-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective therapeutic targets and early diagnosis are major challenges in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancers. SALL4 is a well-known transcription factor that is involved in organogenesis during embryonic development. Previous studies have revealed that SALL4 regulates cell proliferation, survival, and migration and maintains stem cell function in mature cells. Additionally, SALL4 overexpression is associated with tumorigenesis. Despite its characterization as a biomarker in various cancers, the role of SALL4 in GIT cancers and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We describe the functions of SALL4 in GIT cancers and discuss its upstream/downstream genes and pathways associated with each cancer. We also consider the possibility of targeting these genes or pathways as potential therapeutic options for GIT cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tairan Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Yan Jin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Mengyao Wang
- First Clinical Medical College, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Boya Chen
- First Clinical Medical College, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Jinyu Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Jiaying Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Hui Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Xinyao Deng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Xingyue Cao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Lidong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment and Henan Key, Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research of The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
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3
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Rawal P, Tripathi DM, Hemati H, Kumar J, Tyagi P, Sarin SK, Nain V, Kaur S. Targeted HBx gene editing by CRISPR/Cas9 system effectively reduces epithelial to mesenchymal transition and HBV replication in hepatoma cells. Liver Int 2024; 44:614-624. [PMID: 38105495 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) play a key role in pathogenesis of HBV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by promoting epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this study, we hypothesized that inhibition of HBx is an effective strategy to combat HCC. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS We designed and synthesized novel HBx gene specific single guide RNA (sgRNA) with CRISPR/Cas9 system and studied its in vitro effects on tumour properties of HepG2-2.15. Full length HBx gene was excised using HBx-CRISPR that resulted in significant knockdown of HBx expression in hepatoma cells. HBx-CRISPR also decreased levels of HBsAg and HBV cccDNA expression. A decreased expression of mesenchymal markers, proliferation and tumorigenic properties was observed in HBx-CRISPR treated cells as compared to controls in both two- and three- dimensional (2D and 3D) tumour models. Transcriptomics data showed that out of 1159 differentially expressed genes in HBx-CRISPR transfected cells as compared to controls, 70 genes were upregulated while 1089 genes associated with cell proliferation and EMT pathways were downregulated. CONCLUSION Thus, targeting of HBx by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system reduces covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) levels, HBsAg production and mesenchymal characteristics of HBV-HCC cells. We envision inhibition of HBx by CRISPR as a novel therapeutic approach for HBV-induced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preety Rawal
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Dinesh Mani Tripathi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Hamed Hemati
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Jitendra Kumar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Purnima Tyagi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Shiv Kumar Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Vikrant Nain
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Savneet Kaur
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi, India
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4
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Liu BH, Liu M, Radhakrishnan S, Jaladanki CK, Gao C, Tang JP, Kumari K, Go ML, Vu KAL, Seo HS, Song K, Tian X, Feng L, Tan JL, Bassal MA, Arthanari H, Qi J, Dhe-Paganon S, Fan H, Tenen DG, Chai L. Targeting transcription factors through an IMiD independent zinc finger domain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.03.574032. [PMID: 38260640 PMCID: PMC10802279 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.03.574032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs) degrade specific C2H2 zinc finger degrons in transcription factors, making them effective against certain cancers. SALL4, a cancer driver, contains seven C2H2 zinc fingers in four clusters, including an IMiD degron in zinc finger cluster two (ZFC2). Surprisingly, IMiDs do not inhibit growth of SALL4 expressing cancer cells. To overcome this limit, we focused on a non-IMiD degron, SALL4 zinc finger cluster four (ZFC4). By combining AlphaFold and the ZFC4-DNA crystal structure, we identified a potential ZFC4 drug pocket. Utilizing an in silico docking algorithm and cell viability assays, we screened chemical libraries and discovered SH6, which selectively targets SALL4-expressing cancer cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that SH6 degrades SALL4 protein through the CUL4A/CRBN pathway, while deletion of ZFC4 abolished this activity. Moreover, SH6 led to significant 62% tumor growth inhibition of SALL4+ xenografts in vivo and demonstrated good bioavailability in pharmacokinetic studies. In summary, these studies represent a new approach for IMiD independent drug discovery targeting C2H2 transcription factors in cancer.
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5
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Liu J, Park K, Shen Z, Lee H, Geetha P, Pakyari M, Chai L. Immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and their cross talks in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1285370. [PMID: 38173713 PMCID: PMC10762788 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1285370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a challenging malignancy with limited treatment options beyond surgery and chemotherapy. Recent advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapy, including PD-1 and PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies, have shown promise, but their efficacy has not met expectations. Biomarker testing and personalized medicine based on genetic mutations and other biomarkers represent the future direction for HCC treatment. To address these challenges and opportunities, this comprehensive review discusses the progress made in targeted therapies and immunotherapies for HCC, focusing on dissecting the rationales, opportunities, and challenges for combining these modalities. The liver's unique physiology and the presence of fibrosis in many HCC patients pose additional challenges to drug delivery and efficacy. Ongoing efforts in biomarker development and combination therapy design, especially in the context of immunotherapies, hold promise for improving outcomes in advanced HCC. Through exploring the advancements in biomarkers and targeted therapies, this review provides insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field and proposes strategies for rational combination therapy design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kevin Park
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ziyang Shen
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hannah Lee
- University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Mohammadreza Pakyari
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Li Chai
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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6
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Steinebach C, Bricelj A, Murgai A, Sosič I, Bischof L, Ng YLD, Heim C, Maiwald S, Proj M, Voget R, Feller F, Košmrlj J, Sapozhnikova V, Schmidt A, Zuleeg MR, Lemnitzer P, Mertins P, Hansen FK, Gütschow M, Krönke J, Hartmann MD. Leveraging Ligand Affinity and Properties: Discovery of Novel Benzamide-Type Cereblon Binders for the Design of PROTACs. J Med Chem 2023; 66:14513-14543. [PMID: 37902300 PMCID: PMC10641816 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs) such as thalidomide, pomalidomide, and lenalidomide are the most common cereblon (CRBN) recruiters in proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) design. However, these CRBN ligands induce the degradation of IMiD neosubstrates and are inherently unstable, degrading hydrolytically under moderate conditions. In this work, we simultaneously optimized physiochemical properties, stability, on-target affinity, and off-target neosubstrate modulation features to develop novel nonphthalimide CRBN binders. These efforts led to the discovery of conformationally locked benzamide-type derivatives that replicate the interactions of the natural CRBN degron, exhibit enhanced chemical stability, and display a favorable selectivity profile in terms of neosubstrate recruitment. The utility of the most potent ligands was demonstrated by their transformation into potent degraders of BRD4 and HDAC6 that outperform previously described reference PROTACs. Together with their significantly decreased neomorphic ligase activity on IKZF1/3 and SALL4, these ligands provide opportunities for the design of highly selective and potent chemically inert proximity-inducing compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aleša Bricelj
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Arunima Murgai
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Luca Bischof
- Max
Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yuen Lam Dora Ng
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christopher Heim
- Max
Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Samuel Maiwald
- Max
Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matic Proj
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rabea Voget
- Pharmaceutical
Institute, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Felix Feller
- Pharmaceutical
Institute, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Janez Košmrlj
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University
of Ljubljana, SI 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Valeriia Sapozhnikova
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
- Max
Delbrück
Center for Molecular Medicine, D-13125 Berlin, Germany
- German
Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, DKFZ, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annika Schmidt
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maximilian Rudolf Zuleeg
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Patricia Lemnitzer
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Mertins
- Max
Delbrück
Center for Molecular Medicine, D-13125 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin
Institute of Health, D-10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Finn K. Hansen
- Pharmaceutical
Institute, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Pharmaceutical
Institute, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan Krönke
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
- German
Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, DKFZ, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcus D. Hartmann
- Max
Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Interfaculty
Institute of Biochemistry, University of
Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
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7
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Lučić I, Kurtović M, Mlinarić M, Piteša N, Čipak Gašparović A, Sabol M, Milković L. Deciphering Common Traits of Breast and Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells and Possible Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10683. [PMID: 37445860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310683] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) are among the most common and deadly cancers affecting women worldwide. Both are complex diseases with marked heterogeneity. Despite the induction of screening programs that increase the frequency of earlier diagnosis of BC, at a stage when the cancer is more likely to respond to therapy, which does not exist for OC, more than 50% of both cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Initial therapy can put the cancer into remission. However, recurrences occur frequently in both BC and OC, which are highly cancer-subtype dependent. Therapy resistance is mainly attributed to a rare subpopulation of cells, named cancer stem cells (CSC) or tumor-initiating cells, as they are capable of self-renewal, tumor initiation, and regrowth of tumor bulk. In this review, we will discuss the distinctive markers and signaling pathways that characterize CSC, their interactions with the tumor microenvironment, and the strategies they employ to evade immune surveillance. Our focus will be on identifying the common features of breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) and ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSC) and suggesting potential therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Lučić
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matea Kurtović
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Mlinarić
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Piteša
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Čipak Gašparović
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lidija Milković
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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8
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Xiu W, Pang J, Hu Y, Shi H. Immune-related mechanisms and immunotherapy in extragonadal germ cell tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1145788. [PMID: 37138865 PMCID: PMC10149945 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1145788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose of review Extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGCTs) are relatively rare tumors, accounting for 1%-5% of all GCTs. In this review, we summarize the current research progress regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of EGCTs from an immunology perspective. Recent findings The histological origin of EGCTs is related to a gonadal origin, but they are located outside the gonad. They show great variation in morphology and can occur in the cranium, mediastinum, sacrococcygeal bone, and other areas. The pathogenesis of EGCTs is poorly understood, and their differential diagnosis is extensive and challenging. EGCT behavior varies greatly according to patient age, histological subtype, and clinical stage. Summary This review provides ideas for the future application of immunology in the fight against such diseases, which is a hot topic currently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weigang Xiu
- 1Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiyun Pang
- 1Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Hu, ; Huashan Shi,
| | - Huashan Shi
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Hu, ; Huashan Shi,
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9
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Lim EXY, Webster JA, Rudd PA, Herrero LJ. Pathways Activated by Infected and Bystander Chondrocytes in Response to Ross River Virus Infection. Viruses 2022; 15:136. [PMID: 36680176 PMCID: PMC9864161 DOI: 10.3390/v15010136] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Old world alphaviruses, such as Ross River virus (RRV), cause debilitating arthralgia during acute and chronic stages of the disease. RRV-induced cartilage degradation has been implicated as a cause of joint pain felt by RRV patients. Chondrocytes are a major cell type of cartilage and are involved in the production and maintenance of the cartilage matrix. It is thought that these cells may play a vital role in RRV disease pathogenesis. In this study, we used RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) to examine the transcriptomes of RRV-infected and bystander chondrocytes in the same environment. RRV containing green fluorescent protein (GFP) allowed for the separation of RRV-infected (GFP+) and bystander uninfected cells (GFP-). We found that whereas GFP+ and GFP- populations commonly presented similar gene expression profiles during infection, there were also unique signatures. For example, RIMS2 and FOXJ1 were unique to GFP+ cells, whilst Aim2 and CCL8 were only found in bystander chondrocytes. This indicates that careful selection of potential therapeutic targets is important to minimise adverse effects to the neighbouring uninfected cell populations. Our study serves as a resource to provide more information about the pathways and responses elicited by RRV in cells which are both infected and stimulated because of neighbouring infected cells.
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10
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Pattanayak B, Lameirinhas A, Torres-Ruiz S, Burgués O, Rovira A, Martínez MT, Tapia M, Zazo S, Albanell J, Rojo F, Bermejo B, Eroles P. Role of SALL4 in HER2+ Breast Cancer Progression: Regulating PI3K/AKT Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13292. [PMID: 36362083 PMCID: PMC9655635 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment for the HER2+ breast cancer subtype is still unsatisfactory, despite breakthroughs in research. The discovery of various new molecular mechanisms of transcription factors may help to make treatment regimens more effective. The transcription factor SALL4 has been related to aggressiveness and resistance therapy in cancer. Its molecular mechanisms and involvement in various signaling pathways are unknown in the HER2+ breast cancer subtype. In this study, we have evaluated the implication of SALL4 in the HER2+ subtype through its expression in patients' samples and gain and loss of function in HER2+ cell lines. We found higher SALL4 expression in breast cancer tissues compared to healthy tissue. Interestingly, high SALL4 expression was associated with disease relapse and poor patient survival. In HER2+ cell lines, transient overexpression of SALL4 modulates PI3K/AKT signaling through regulating PTEN expression and BCL2, which increases cell survival and proliferation while reducing the efficacy of trastuzumab. SALL4 has also been observed to regulate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and stemness features. SALL4 overexpression significantly reduced the epithelial markers E-cadherin, while it increased the mesenchymal markers β-catenin, vimentin and fibronectin. Furthermore, it has been also observed an increased expression of MYC, an essential transcription factor for regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition and/or cancer stem cells. Our study demonstrates, for the first time, the importance of SALL4 in the HER2+ subtype and partial regulation of trastuzumab sensitivity. It provides a viable molecular mechanism-driven therapeutic strategy for an important subset of HER2-overexpressing patients whose malignancies are mediated by SALL4 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Lameirinhas
- Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Octavio Burgués
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Rovira
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Teresa Martínez
- Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Tapia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sandra Zazo
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan Albanell
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Federico Rojo
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Begoña Bermejo
- Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Pilar Eroles
- Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Biotechnology, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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