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Arakaza A, Liu X, Zhu J, Zou L. Assessment of serum levels and placental bed tissue expression of IGF-1, bFGF, and PLGF in patients with placenta previa complicated with placenta accreta spectrum disorders. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2024; 37:2305264. [PMID: 38247274 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2024.2305264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to detect the serum levels of IGF-1, bFGF, and PLGF and their expressions in placental bed tissues of patients with placenta previa complicated with PAS disorders. METHODS This case and control study included 40 multiparous pregnant women with complete placenta previa between 34 weeks and 38 weeks of gestation and they were divided into two groups: 25 patients with PAS (case group) and 15 patients without PAS (control group). The venous blood samples were collected 2 h before the cesarean section, and the placental bed tissues were taken intraoperatively at the placental implantation site and then were histologically examined to evaluate the gravity of the myometrial invasion of the placenta. According to FIGO PAS increasing grading, the 25 patients were also divided into three groups: PAS grade I group, PAS grade II group, and PAS grade III group. The concentrations of IGF-1, bFGF, and PLGF in serum were measured using ELISA, and the mean ratio of the relative mRNA expression of each biomarker in placental bed tissues was calculated using qRT-PCR. The staining intensity and the positive cells were quantitatively measured and expressed as means by using Image J software for IHC analysis. RESULTS IGF-1 had low serum levels and high placental bed expression in placenta previa patients with PAS disorders compared to those without PAS (all p < 0.0001). PLGF had high serum levels (p = 0.0200) and high placental bed expression (p < 0.0001) in placenta previa patients with PAS disorders compared to those without PAS. IGF-1 serum levels decreased up to PAS grade II (means were 24.3 ± 4.03, 21.98 ± 3.29, and 22.03 ± 7.31, respectively for PAS grade I, PAS grade II, PAS grade III groups, p = 0.0006). PLGF serum levels increased up to PAS grade II (means were 12.96 ± 2.74, 14.97 ± 2.56, and 14.89 ± 2.14, respectively for the three groups, p = 0.0392). However, IGF-1 and PLGF mRNA placental bed expression increased up to PAS grade III. The relative expression of mRNA means for the three groups was 3.194 ± 1.40, 3.509 ± 0.63, and 3.872 ± 0.70, respectively for IGF-1; and 2.784 ± 1.14, 2.810 ± 0.71, and 2.869 ± 0.48, respectively for PLGF (all p < 0.0001). Their IHC (immunohistochemical) staining also had increasing trends, but p > 0.05. bFGF was not significantly expressed in placenta previa with PAS disorders in most of the analysis sections (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Low serum levels and high expression in placental bed tissues of IGF-1, or high serum levels and high expression in placental bed tissues of PLGF, may differentiate placenta previa patients with FIGO PAS grade I and PAS grade II from those without PAS disorders. However, they could not significantly predict the degree of placental invasiveness in FIGO PAS grades II and III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arcade Arakaza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianwen Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Nayarisseri A, Abdalla M, Joshi I, Yadav M, Bhrdwaj A, Chopra I, Khan A, Saxena A, Sharma K, Panicker A, Panwar U, Mendonça Junior FJB, Singh SK. Potential inhibitors of VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFR3 developed through Deep Learning for the treatment of Cervical Cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13251. [PMID: 38858458 PMCID: PMC11164920 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63762-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer stands as a prevalent gynaecologic malignancy affecting women globally, often linked to persistent human papillomavirus infection. Biomarkers associated with cervical cancer, including VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and VEGF-E, show upregulation and are linked to angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. This research aims to employ in-silico methods to target tyrosine kinase receptor proteins-VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3, and identify novel inhibitors for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors receptors (VEGFRs). A comprehensive literary study was conducted which identified 26 established inhibitors for VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 receptor proteins. Compounds with high-affinity scores, including PubChem ID-25102847, 369976, and 208908 were chosen from pre-existing compounds for creating Deep Learning-based models. RD-Kit, a Deep learning algorithm, was used to generate 43 million compounds for VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 targets. Molecular docking studies were conducted on the top 10 molecules for each target to validate the receptor-ligand binding affinity. The results of Molecular Docking indicated that PubChem IDs-71465,645 and 11152946 exhibited strong affinity, designating them as the most efficient molecules. To further investigate their potential, a Molecular Dynamics Simulation was performed to assess conformational stability, and a pharmacophore analysis was also conducted for indoctrinating interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuraj Nayarisseri
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India.
- Bioinformatics Research Laboratory, LeGene Biosciences Pvt Ltd, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India.
| | - Mohnad Abdalla
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Isha Joshi
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India
| | - Manasi Yadav
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India
| | - Anushka Bhrdwaj
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630003, India
| | - Ishita Chopra
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Ross Hall, 2300 Eye Street, Washington, D.C., NW, 20037, USA
| | - Arshiya Khan
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630003, India
| | - Arshiya Saxena
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India
| | - Khushboo Sharma
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630003, India
| | - Aravind Panicker
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India
| | - Umesh Panwar
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630003, India
| | | | - Sanjeev Kumar Singh
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630003, India.
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Thakur A, Rana M, Mishra A, Kaur C, Pan CH, Nepali K. Recent advances and future directions on small molecule VEGFR inhibitors in oncological conditions. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116472. [PMID: 38728867 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116472] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
"A journey of mixed emotions" is a quote that best describes the progress chart of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors as cancer therapeutics in the last decade. Exhilarated with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals of numerous VEGFR inhibitors coupled with the annoyance of encountering the complications associated with their use, drug discovery enthusiasts are on their toes with an unswerving determination to enhance the rate of translation of VEGFR inhibitors from preclinical to clinical stage. The recently crafted armory of VEGFR inhibitors is a testament to their growing dominance over other antiangiogenic therapies for cancer treatment. This review perspicuously underscores the earnest attempts of the researchers to extract the antiproliferative potential of VEGFR inhibitors through the design of mechanistically diverse structural assemblages. Moreover, this review encompasses sections on structural/molecular properties and physiological functions of VEGFR, FDA-approved VEGFR inhibitors, and hurdles restricting the activity range/clinical applicability of VEGFR targeting antitumor agents. In addition, tactics to overcome the limitations of VEGFR inhibitors are discussed. A clear-cut viewpoint transmitted through this compilation can provide practical directions to push the cart of VEGFR inhibitors to advanced-stage clinical investigations in diverse malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep Thakur
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Mandeep Rana
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Anshul Mishra
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Charanjit Kaur
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
| | - Chun-Hsu Pan
- Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
| | - Kunal Nepali
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan.
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Zhou Y, Tao L, Qiu J, Xu J, Yang X, Zhang Y, Tian X, Guan X, Cen X, Zhao Y. Tumor biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:132. [PMID: 38763973 PMCID: PMC11102923 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01823-2] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor biomarkers, the substances which are produced by tumors or the body's responses to tumors during tumorigenesis and progression, have been demonstrated to possess critical and encouraging value in screening and early diagnosis, prognosis prediction, recurrence detection, and therapeutic efficacy monitoring of cancers. Over the past decades, continuous progress has been made in exploring and discovering novel, sensitive, specific, and accurate tumor biomarkers, which has significantly promoted personalized medicine and improved the outcomes of cancer patients, especially advances in molecular biology technologies developed for the detection of tumor biomarkers. Herein, we summarize the discovery and development of tumor biomarkers, including the history of tumor biomarkers, the conventional and innovative technologies used for biomarker discovery and detection, the classification of tumor biomarkers based on tissue origins, and the application of tumor biomarkers in clinical cancer management. In particular, we highlight the recent advancements in biomarker-based anticancer-targeted therapies which are emerging as breakthroughs and promising cancer therapeutic strategies. We also discuss limitations and challenges that need to be addressed and provide insights and perspectives to turn challenges into opportunities in this field. Collectively, the discovery and application of multiple tumor biomarkers emphasized in this review may provide guidance on improved precision medicine, broaden horizons in future research directions, and expedite the clinical classification of cancer patients according to their molecular biomarkers rather than organs of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lei Tao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiahao Qiu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- School of Medicine, Tibet University, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Xinyu Tian
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xinqi Guan
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaobo Cen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yinglan Zhao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Malekan M, Haass NK, Rokni GR, Gholizadeh N, Ebrahimzadeh MA, Kazeminejad A. VEGF/VEGFR axis and its signaling in melanoma: Current knowledge toward therapeutic targeting agents and future perspectives. Life Sci 2024; 345:122563. [PMID: 38508233 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122563] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is responsible for most skin cancer-associated deaths globally. The progression of melanoma is influenced by a number of pathogenic processes. Understanding the VEGF/VEGFR axis, which includes VEGF-A, PlGF, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D and their receptors, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3, is of great importance in melanoma due to its crucial role in angiogenesis. This axis generates multifactorial and complex cellular signaling, engaging the MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, PKC, PLC-γ, and FAK signaling pathways. Melanoma cell growth and proliferation, migration and metastasis, survival, and acquired resistance to therapy are influenced by this axis. The VEGF/VEGFR axis was extensively examined for their potential as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers in melanoma patients and results showed that VEGF overexpression can be associated with unfavorable prognosis, higher level of tumor invasion and poor response to therapy. MicroRNAs linking to the VEGF/VEGFR axis were identified and, in this review, divided into two categories according to their functions, some of them promote melanoma angiogenesis (promotive group) and some restrict melanoma angiogenesis (protective group). In addition, the approach of treating melanoma by targeting the VEGF/VEGFR axis has garnered significant interest among researchers. These agents can be divided into two main groups: anti-VEGF and VEGFR inhibitors. These therapeutic options may be a prominent step along with the modern targeting and immune therapies for better coverage of pathological processes leading to melanoma progression and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Malekan
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | | | - Ghasem Rahmatpour Rokni
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Nasim Gholizadeh
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Ebrahimzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Armaghan Kazeminejad
- Department of Dermatology, Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences,Sari, Iran
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Wang J, Yan YL, Yu XY, Pan JY, Liu XL, Hong LL, Wang B. Meroterpenoids from Marine Sponge Hyrtios sp. and Their Anticancer Activity against Human Colorectal Cancer Cells. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:183. [PMID: 38667800 PMCID: PMC11051118 DOI: 10.3390/md22040183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Two new meroterpenoids, hyrtamide A (1) and hyrfarnediol A (2), along with two known ones, 3-farnesyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester (3) and dictyoceratin C (4), were isolated from a South China Sea sponge Hyrtios sp. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS data. Compounds 2-4 exhibited weak cytotoxicity against human colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116), showing IC50 values of 41.6, 45.0, and 37.3 μM, respectively. Furthermore, compounds 3 and 4 significantly suppressed the invasion of HCT-116 cells while also downregulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR-1) and vimentin proteins, which are key markers associated with angiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our findings suggest that compounds 3 and 4 may exert their anti-invasive effects on tumor cells by inhibiting the expression of VEGFR-1 and impeding the process of EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Biomedical Products, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China; (Y.-L.Y.); (X.-Y.Y.); (J.-Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
| | - Yue-Lu Yan
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Biomedical Products, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China; (Y.-L.Y.); (X.-Y.Y.); (J.-Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
| | - Xin-Yi Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Biomedical Products, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China; (Y.-L.Y.); (X.-Y.Y.); (J.-Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
| | - Jia-Yan Pan
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Biomedical Products, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China; (Y.-L.Y.); (X.-Y.Y.); (J.-Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
| | - Xin-Lian Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Biomedical Products, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China; (Y.-L.Y.); (X.-Y.Y.); (J.-Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
| | - Li-Li Hong
- Research Center for Marine Drugs, Department of Pharmacy, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Biomedical Products, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China; (Y.-L.Y.); (X.-Y.Y.); (J.-Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
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7
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Kaur G, Roy B. Decoding Tumor Angiogenesis for Therapeutic Advancements: Mechanistic Insights. Biomedicines 2024; 12:827. [PMID: 38672182 PMCID: PMC11048662 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040827] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels within the tumor microenvironment, is considered a hallmark of cancer progression and represents a crucial target for therapeutic intervention. The tumor microenvironment is characterized by a complex interplay between proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors, regulating the vascularization necessary for tumor growth and metastasis. The study of angiogenesis involves a spectrum of techniques, spanning from biomarker assessment to advanced imaging modalities. This comprehensive review aims to provide insights into the molecular intricacies, regulatory dynamics, and clinical implications of tumor angiogenesis. By delving into these aspects, we gain a deeper understanding of the processes driving vascularization in tumors, paving the way for the development of novel and effective antiangiogenic therapies in the fight against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Kaur
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Bipradas Roy
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Gudenschwager-Basso EK, Frydman G, Weerakoon S, Andargachew H, Piltaver CM, Huckle WR. Morphological evaluation of the feline placenta correlates with gene expression of vascular growth factors and receptors†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:569-582. [PMID: 38092011 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad167] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Placental angiogenesis is critical for normal development. Angiogenic factors and their receptors are key regulators of this process. Dysregulated placental vascular development is associated with pregnancy complications. Despite their importance, vascular growth factor expression has not been thoroughly correlated with placental morphologic development across gestation in cats. We postulate that changes in placental vessel morphology can be appreciated as consequences of dynamic expression of angiogenic signaling agents. Here, we characterized changes in placental morphology alongside expression analysis of angiogenic factor splice variants and receptors throughout pregnancy in domestic shorthair cats. We observed increased vascular and lamellar density in the lamellar zone during mid-pregnancy. Immunohistochemical analysis localized the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) receptor KDR to endothelial cells of the maternal and fetal microvasculatures. PlGF and its principal receptor Flt-1 were localized to the trophoblasts and fetal vasculature. VEGF-A was found in trophoblast cells and associated with endothelial cells. We detected expression of two Plgf splice variants and four Vegf-a variants. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed upregulation of mRNAs encoding pan Vegf-a and all Vegf-a splice forms at gestational days 30-35. Vegf-A showed a marked relative increase in expression during mid-pregnancy, consistent with the pro-angiogenic changes seen in the lamellar zone at days 30-35. Flt-1 was upregulated during late pregnancy. Plgf variants showed stable expression during the first two-thirds of pregnancy, followed by a marked increase toward term. These findings revealed specific spatiotemporal expression patterns of VEGF-A family members consistent with pivotal roles during normal placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin K Gudenschwager-Basso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Galit Frydman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Shaneke Weerakoon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Hariyat Andargachew
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Cassandra M Piltaver
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - William R Huckle
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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Ceci C, Lacal PM, Barbaccia ML, Mercuri NB, Graziani G, Ledonne A. The VEGFs/VEGFRs system in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases: Pathophysiological roles and therapeutic implications. Pharmacol Res 2024; 201:107101. [PMID: 38336311 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their cognate receptors (VEGFRs), besides their well-known involvement in physiological angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis and in diseases associated to pathological vessel formation, play multifaceted functions in the central nervous system (CNS). In addition to shaping brain development, by controlling cerebral vasculogenesis and regulating neurogenesis as well as astrocyte differentiation, the VEGFs/VEGFRs axis exerts essential functions in the adult brain both in physiological and pathological contexts. In this article, after describing the physiological VEGFs/VEGFRs functions in the CNS, we focus on the VEGFs/VEGFRs involvement in neurodegenerative diseases by reviewing the current literature on the rather complex VEGFs/VEGFRs contribution to the pathogenic mechanisms of Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases. Thereafter, based on the outcome of VEGFs/VEGFRs targeting in animal models of AD and PD, we discuss the factual relevance of pharmacological VEGFs/VEGFRs modulation as a novel and potential disease-modifying approach for these neurodegenerative pathologies. Specific VEGFRs targeting, aimed at selective VEGFR-1 inhibition, while preserving VEGFR-2 signal transduction, appears as a promising strategy to hit the molecular mechanisms underlying AD pathology. Moreover, therapeutic VEGFs-based approaches can be proposed for PD treatment, with the aim of fine-tuning their brain levels to amplify neurotrophic/neuroprotective effects while limiting an excessive impact on vascular permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ceci
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Luisa Barbaccia
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Neurology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Rome, Italy; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ada Ledonne
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Rome, Italy; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
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10
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Shaw P, Dwivedi SKD, Bhattacharya R, Mukherjee P, Rao G. VEGF signaling: Role in angiogenesis and beyond. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189079. [PMID: 38280470 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189079] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a crucial process for tissue development, repair, and tumor survival. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key driver secreted by cancer cells, promoting neovascularization. While VEGF's role in angiogenesis is well-documented, its influence on the other aspects in tumor microenvironemt is less discussed. This review elaborates on VEGF's impact on intercellular interactions within the tumor microenvironment, including how VEGF affects pericyte proliferation and migration and mediates interactions between tumor-associated macrophages and cancer cells, resulting in PDL-1-mediated immunosuppression and Nrf2-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The review discusses VEGF's involvement in intra-organelle crosstalk, tumor metabolism, stemness, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. It also provides insights into current anti-VEGF therapies and their limitations in cancer treatment. Overall, this review aims to provide a thorough overview of the current state of knowledge concerning VEGF signaling and its impact, not only on angiogenesis but also on various other oncogenic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallab Shaw
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Shailendra Kumar Dhar Dwivedi
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Resham Bhattacharya
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Priyabrata Mukherjee
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Geeta Rao
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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11
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Guo S, Wang J, Wang Q, Wang J, Qin S, Li W. Advances in peptide-based drug delivery systems. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26009. [PMID: 38404797 PMCID: PMC10884816 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26009] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug delivery systems (DDSs) are designed to deliver drugs to their specific targets to minimize their toxic effects and improve their susceptibility to clearance during targeted transport. Peptides have high affinity, low immunogenicity, simple amino acid composition, and adjustable molecular size; therefore, most peptides can be coupled to drugs via linkers to form peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) and act as active pro-drugs. PDCs are widely thought to be promising DDSs, given their ability to improve drug bio-compatibility and physiological stability. Peptide-based DDSs are often used to deliver therapeutic substances such as anti-cancer drugs and nucleic acid-based drugs, which not only slow the degradation rate of drugs in vivo but also ensure the drug concentration at the targeted site and prolong the half-life of drugs in vivo. This article provides an profile of the advancements and future development in functional peptide-based DDSs both domestically and internationally in recent years, in the expectation of achieving targeted drug delivery incorporating functional peptides and taking full advantage of synergistic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Guo
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, 266112, China
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, 266112, China
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Jinxin Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Song Qin
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Wenjun Li
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, 266112, China
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
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12
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Khaparkhuntikar K, Maji I, Gupta SK, Mahajan S, Aalhate M, Sriram A, Gupta U, Guru SK, Kulkarni P, Singh PK. Acalabrutinib as a novel hope for the treatment of breast and lung cancer: an in-silico proof of concept. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:1469-1484. [PMID: 37272883 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2217923] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Drug repurposing is proved to be a groundbreaking concept in the field of cancer research, accelerating the pace of de novo drug discovery by investigating the anti-cancer activity of the already approved drugs. On the other hand, it got highly benefitted from the advancement in the in-silico tools and techniques, which are used to build up the initial "proof of concept" based on the drug-target interaction. Acalabrutinib (ACL) is a well-known drug for the treatment of hematological malignancies. But, the therapeutic ability of ACL against solid tumors is still unexplored. Thereby, the activity of ACL on breast cancer and lung cancer was evaluated utilizing different computational methods. A series of proteins such as VEGFR1, ALK, BCL2, CXCR-4, mTOR, AKT, PI3K, HER-2, and Estrogen receptors were selected based on their involvement in the progression of the breast as well as lung cancer. A multi-level computational study starting from protein-ligand docking to molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were performed to detect the binding potential of ACL towards the selected proteins. Results of the study led to the identification of ACL as a ligand that showed a high docking score and binding energy with HER-2, mTOR, and VEGFR-1 successively. Whereas, the MD simulations study has also shown good docked complex stability of ACL with HER2 and VEGFR1. Our findings suggest that interaction with those receptors can lead to preventive action on both breast and lung cancer, thus it can be concluded that ACL could be a potential molecule for the same purpose.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedar Khaparkhuntikar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Indrani Maji
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Sunil Kumar Gupta
- Department of Bioinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Srushti Mahajan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Mayur Aalhate
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Anitha Sriram
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Ujala Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Guru
- Department of Biological Science, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Prachi Kulkarni
- Department of Physiology, Shri B. M. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre BLDE (Deemed to be University), Vijayapura, Karnataka, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
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Pramanik N, Gupta A, Ghanwatkar Y, Mahato RI. Recent advances in drug delivery and targeting for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. J Control Release 2024; 366:231-260. [PMID: 38171473 PMCID: PMC10922996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.053] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite significant treatment efforts, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the deadliest solid tumor, is still incurable in the preclinical stages due to multifacet stroma, dense desmoplasia, and immune regression. Additionally, tumor heterogeneity and metabolic changes are linked to low grade clinical translational outcomes, which has prompted the investigation of the mechanisms underlying chemoresistance and the creation of effective treatment approaches by selectively targeting genetic pathways. Since targeting upstream molecules in first-line oncogenic signaling pathways typically has little clinical impact, downstream signaling pathways have instead been targeted in both preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we discuss how the complexity of various tumor microenvironment (TME) components and the oncogenic signaling pathways that they are connected to actively contribute to the development and spread of PDAC, as well as the ways that recent therapeutic approaches have been targeted to restore it. We also illustrate how many endogenous stimuli-responsive linker-based nanocarriers have recently been developed for the specific targeting of distinct oncogenes and their downstream signaling cascades as well as their ongoing clinical trials. We also discuss the present challenges, prospects, and difficulties in the development of first-line oncogene-targeting medicines for the treatment of pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilkamal Pramanik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Aditya Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Yashwardhan Ghanwatkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Ram I Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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Horan DE, Kielsen K, Weischendorff SW, Sørum ME, Kammersgaard MB, Ifversen M, Nielsen C, Ryder LP, Johansson PI, Müller K. sVEGF-R1 in acute non-infectious toxicity syndromes after pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Transpl Immunol 2024; 82:101975. [PMID: 38122992 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2023.101975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is challenged by acute non-infectious toxicities, including sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), engraftment syndrome (ES) and capillary leak syndrome (CLS) among others. These complications are thought to be driven by a dysfunctional vascular endothelium, but the pathophysiological mechanisms remain incompletely understood, and the diagnoses are challenged by purely clinical diagnostic criteria that are partly overlapping, limiting the possibilities for progress in this field. There is, however, increasing evidence suggesting that these challenges may be met through the development of diagnostic biomarkers to improve diagnostic accuracy of pathogenetically homogenous entities, improved pre-transplant risk assessment and the early identification of patients with increased need for specific treatment. Soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGF-R1) is emerging as an important biomarker of endothelial damage in patients with trauma and sepsis but has not been studied in HSCT. OBJECTIVES To investigate sVEGF-R1 as a marker of endothelial damage in pediatric HSCT patients by exploring associations with SOS, CLS, ES, and acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD). METHODS We prospectively included 113 children undergoing myeloablative HSCT and measured sVEGF-R1 in plasma samples obtained weekly during the early period of transplantation and 3 months post-transplant. RESULTS All over, sVEGF-R1 levels were significantly increased from day +7 after graft infusion, peaking at day +30, most pronounced in patients receiving busulfan. Patients considered to be at increased risk of SOS and therefore commenced on prophylactic defibrotide had significantly elevated levels of sVEGF-R1 before start of conditioning (446 pg/mL vs. 281 pg/mL, p = 0.0035), and this treatment appeared to stabilize sVEGF-R1 levels compared to patients not treated with defibrotide. Thirteen (11.5%) children meeting the modified Seattle criteria for SOS at median day +8 (1-18), had significantly elevated sVEGF-R1 levels on day +14 (489 pg/mL vs. 327 pg/mL, p = 0.007). In contrast. sVEGF-R1 levels in the much broader group of patients (45.1%) meeting EBMT-SOS criteria, including patients with very mild disease, did not overall differ in sVEGF-R1 levels, but higher sVEGF-R1 levels were seen in EBMT-SOS patients with an increased need for diuretic treatment. Importantly, sVEGF-R1 levels were not associated with ES and CLS but were significantly increased on day +30 in patients with grade III-IV aGvHD (OR = 4.2 pr. quartile, p = 0.023). CONCLUSION VEGF-R1 levels are found to be increased in pediatric patients developing SOS, reflecting the severity of morbidity. sVEGF-R1 were unassociated with both CLS and ES. The potential of sVEGF-R1 as a clinically useful biomarker for SOS should be further explored to improve pre-transplant SOS-risk assessment, SOS-severity grading, and to guide treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Elbæk Horan
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute for Inflammation Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Katrine Kielsen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Sarah Wegener Weischendorff
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute for Inflammation Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Maria Ebbesen Sørum
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute for Inflammation Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Marte B Kammersgaard
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute for Inflammation Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Marianne Ifversen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Claus Nielsen
- Institute for Inflammation Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Lars P Ryder
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pär I Johansson
- Section for Transfusion Medicine, Capital Region Blood Bank, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Klaus Müller
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute for Inflammation Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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15
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Lv SL, Guo P, Zou JR, Chen RS, Luo LY, Huang DQ. Prognostic significance and relationship of SMAD3 phospho-isoforms and VEGFR-1 in gastric cancer: A clinicopathological study. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:118-132. [PMID: 38292835 PMCID: PMC10824111 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i1.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The TGF-β/SMAD3 and VEGFR-1 signaling pathways play important roles in gastric cancer metastasis. SMAD3 phosphorylation is a crucial prognostic marker in gastric cancer. AIM To determine the prognostic value and relationship of SMAD3 phospho-isoforms and VEGFR-1 in gastric cancer. METHODS This was a single-center observational study which enrolled 98 gastric cancer patients and 82 adjacent normal gastric tissues from patients aged 32-84 years (median age 65) between July 2006 and April 2007. Patients were followed up until death or the study ended (median follow-up duration of 28.5 mo). The samples were used to generate tissue microarrays (TMAs) for immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The expressions of TGF-β1, pSMAD3C(S423/425), pSMAD3L(S204), and VEGFR-1 in gastric cancer (GC) tumor tissue and normal tissue were measured by IHC staining using TMAs obtained from 98 GC patients. Prognosis and survival information of the patients was recorded by Outdo Biotech from May 2007 to July 2015. The relationship between TGF-β1, pSMAD3C(S423/425), pSMAD3L(S204), and VEGFR-1 protein expression levels was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The relationship between protein expression levels and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed using the Chi-squared test. A survival curve was generated using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS TGFβ-1 and VEGFR-1 expression was significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissue compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissue. The positive expression of phosphorylated isoforms of Smad3 varied depending on the phosphorylation site [pSMAD3C(S423/425): 51.0% and pSMAD3L(S204): 31.6%]. High expression of pSMAD3L(S204) was significantly correlated with larger tumors (P = 0.038) and later N stages (P = 0.035). Additionally, high expression of VEGFR-1 was closely correlated with tumor size (P = 0.015) and pathological grading (P = 0.013). High expression of both pSMAD3L(S204) and VEGFR-1 was associated with unfavorable outcomes in terms of overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis indicated that high expression of pSMAD3L(S204) and VEGFR-1 were independent risk factors for prognosis in GC patients. VEGFR-1 protein expression was correlated with TGF-β1 (r = 0.220, P = 0.029), pSMAD3C(S423/425) (r = 0.302, P = 0.002), and pSMAD3L(S204) (r = 0.201, P = 0.047), respectively. Simultaneous overexpression of pSMAD3L(S204) and VEGFR-1 was associated with poor OS in gastric cancer patients. CONCLUSION Co-upregulation of pSMAD3L(S204) and VEGFR-1 can serve as a predictive marker for poor gastric cancer prognosis, and pSMAD3L(204) may be involved in enhanced gastric cancer metastasis in a VEGFR-1-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Lin Lv
- Hospital of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Pei Guo
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jun-Rong Zou
- Institute of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ren-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ling-Yu Luo
- Hospital of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - De-Qiang Huang
- Hospital of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
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16
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Wang L, Liu WQ, Broussy S, Han B, Fang H. Recent advances of anti-angiogenic inhibitors targeting VEGF/VEGFR axis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1307860. [PMID: 38239196 PMCID: PMC10794590 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1307860] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) and their downstream signaling pathways are promising targets in anti-angiogenic therapy. They constitute a crucial system to regulate physiological and pathological angiogenesis. In the last 20 years, many anti-angiogenic drugs have been developed based on VEGF/VEGFR system to treat diverse cancers and retinopathies, and new drugs with improved properties continue to emerge at a fast rate. They consist of different molecular structures and characteristics, which enable them to inhibit the interaction of VEGF/VEGFR, to inhibit the activity of VEGFR tyrosine kinase (TK), or to inhibit VEGFR downstream signaling. In this paper, we reviewed the development of marketed anti-angiogenic drugs involved in the VEGF/VEGFR axis, as well as some important drug candidates in clinical trials. We discuss their mode of action, their clinical benefits, and the current challenges that will need to be addressed by the next-generation of anti-angiogenic drugs. We focus on the molecular structures and characteristics of each drug, including those approved only in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wang-Qing Liu
- CiTCoM, CNRS, INSERM, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Bingnan Han
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongming Fang
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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17
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Kirschenbaum D, Xie K, Ingelfinger F, Katzenelenbogen Y, Abadie K, Look T, Sheban F, Phan TS, Li B, Zwicky P, Yofe I, David E, Mazuz K, Hou J, Chen Y, Shaim H, Shanley M, Becker S, Qian J, Colonna M, Ginhoux F, Rezvani K, Theis FJ, Yosef N, Weiss T, Weiner A, Amit I. Time-resolved single-cell transcriptomics defines immune trajectories in glioblastoma. Cell 2024; 187:149-165.e23. [PMID: 38134933 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Deciphering the cell-state transitions underlying immune adaptation across time is fundamental for advancing biology. Empirical in vivo genomic technologies that capture cellular dynamics are currently lacking. We present Zman-seq, a single-cell technology recording transcriptomic dynamics across time by introducing time stamps into circulating immune cells, tracking them in tissues for days. Applying Zman-seq resolved cell-state and molecular trajectories of the dysfunctional immune microenvironment in glioblastoma. Within 24 hours of tumor infiltration, cytotoxic natural killer cells transitioned to a dysfunctional program regulated by TGFB1 signaling. Infiltrating monocytes differentiated into immunosuppressive macrophages, characterized by the upregulation of suppressive myeloid checkpoints Trem2, Il18bp, and Arg1, over 36 to 48 hours. Treatment with an antagonistic anti-TREM2 antibody reshaped the tumor microenvironment by redirecting the monocyte trajectory toward pro-inflammatory macrophages. Zman-seq is a broadly applicable technology, enabling empirical measurements of differentiation trajectories, which can enhance the development of more efficacious immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kirschenbaum
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ken Xie
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Florian Ingelfinger
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Kathleen Abadie
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Thomas Look
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fadi Sheban
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Truong San Phan
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Baoguo Li
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Pascale Zwicky
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ido Yofe
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eyal David
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Kfir Mazuz
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Jinchao Hou
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hila Shaim
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mayra Shanley
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Soeren Becker
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jiawen Qian
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Marco Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Florent Ginhoux
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138648, Singapore; Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Fabian J Theis
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Nir Yosef
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel; Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Center for Computational Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Tobias Weiss
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Assaf Weiner
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ido Amit
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel.
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Ciummo SL, Sorrentino C, Fieni C, Di Carlo E. Interleukin-30 subverts prostate cancer-endothelium crosstalk by fostering angiogenesis and activating immunoregulatory and oncogenic signaling pathways. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:336. [PMID: 38087324 PMCID: PMC10714661 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02902-y] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-endothelial interplay is crucial for tumor behavior, yet the molecular mechanisms involved are largely unknown. Interleukin(IL)-30, which is expressed as a membrane-anchored cytokine by human prostate cancer (PC) cells, promotes PC vascularization and progression, but the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully explored. METHODS PC-endothelial cell (EC) interactions were investigated, after coculture, by flow cytometry, transcriptional profiling, western blot, and ELISA assays. Proteome profiler phospho-kinase array unveiled the molecular pathways involved. The role of tumor-derived IL30 on the endothelium's capacity to generate autocrine circuits and vascular budding was determined following IL30 overexpression, by gene transfection, or its deletion by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Clinical value of the experimental findings was determined through immunopathological study of experimental and patient-derived PC samples, and bioinformatics of gene expression profiles from PC patients. RESULTS Contact with PC cells favors EC proliferation and production of angiogenic and angiocrine factors, which are boosted by PC expression of IL30, that feeds autocrine loops, mediated by IGF1, EDN1, ANG and CXCL10, and promotes vascular budding and inflammation, via phosphorylation of multiple signaling proteins, such as Src, Yes, STAT3, STAT6, RSK1/2, c-Jun, AKT and, primarily CREB, GSK-3α/β, HSP60 and p53. Deletion of the IL30 gene in PC cells inhibits endothelial expression of IGF1, EDN1, ANG and CXCL10 and substantially impairs tumor angiogenesis. In its interaction with IL30-overexpressing PC cells the endothelium boosts their expression of a wide range of immunity regulatory genes, including CCL28, CCL4, CCL5, CCR2, CCR7, CXCR4, IL10, IL13, IL17A, FASLG, IDO1, KITLG, TNFA, TNFSF10 and PDCD1, and cancer driver genes, including BCL2, CCND2, EGR3, IL6, VEGFA, KLK3, PTGS1, LGALS4, GNRH1 and SHBG. Immunopathological analyses of PC xenografts and in silico investigation of 1116 PC cases, from the Prostate Cancer Transcriptome Atlas, confirmed the correlation between the expression of IL30 and that of both pro-inflammatory genes, NOS2, TNFA, CXCR5 and IL12B, and cancer driver genes, LGALS4, GNRH1 and SHBG, which was validated in a cohort of 80 PC patients. CONCLUSIONS IL30 regulates the crosstalk between PC and EC and reshapes their transcriptional profiles, triggering angiogenic, immunoregulatory and oncogenic gene expression programs. These findings highlight the angiostatic and oncostatic efficacy of targeting IL30 to fight PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Livia Ciummo
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, "G. d'Annunzio" University" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Anatomic Pathology and Immuno-Oncology Unit, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via L. Polacchi 11, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Carlo Sorrentino
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, "G. d'Annunzio" University" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Anatomic Pathology and Immuno-Oncology Unit, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via L. Polacchi 11, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Cristiano Fieni
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, "G. d'Annunzio" University" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Anatomic Pathology and Immuno-Oncology Unit, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via L. Polacchi 11, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Emma Di Carlo
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, "G. d'Annunzio" University" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
- Anatomic Pathology and Immuno-Oncology Unit, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via L. Polacchi 11, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
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19
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Abd Elhameed AA, Ali AR, Ghabbour HA, Bayomi SM, El-Gohary NS. Design, synthesis, and antitumor screening of new thiazole, thiazolopyrimidine, and thiazolotriazine derivatives as potent inhibitors of VEGFR-2. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:1664-1698. [PMID: 37661648 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
New thiazole, thiazolopyrimidine, and thiazolotriazine derivatives 3-12 and 14a-f were synthesized. The newly synthesized analogs were tested for in vitro antitumor activity against HepG2, HCT-116, MCF-7, HeP-2, and Hela cancer cells. Results indicated that compound 5 displayed the highest potency toward the tested cancer cells. Compound 11b possessed enhanced effectiveness over MCF-7, HepG2, HCT-116, and Hela cancer cells. In addition, compounds 4 and 6 showed promising activity toward HCT-116, MCF-7, and Hela cancer cells and eminent activity against HepG2 and HeP-2 cells. Moreover, compounds 3-6 and 11b were tested for their capability to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) activity. The obtained results showed that compound 5 displayed significant inhibitory activity against VEGFR-2 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50 ] = 0.044 μM) comparable to sunitinib (IC50 = 0.100 μM). Also, the synthesized compounds 3-6 and 11b were subjected to in vitro cytotoxicity tests over WI38 and WISH normal cells. It was found that the five tested compounds displayed significantly lower cytotoxicity than doxorubicin toward normal cell lines. Cell cycle analysis proved that compound 5 induces cell cycle arrest in the S phase for HCT-116 and Hela cancer cell lines and in the G2/M phase for the MCF-7 cancer cell line. Moreover, compound 5 induced cancer cell death through apoptosis accompanied by a high ratio of BAX/BCL-2 in the screened cancer cells. Furthermore, docking results revealed that compound 5 showed the essential interaction bonds with VEGFR-2, which agreed with in vitro enzyme assay results. In silico studies showed that most of the analyzed compounds complied with the requirements of good oral bioavailability with minimal toxicity threats in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa A Abd Elhameed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ahmed R Ali
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Hazem A Ghabbour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Said M Bayomi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nadia S El-Gohary
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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20
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Saghazadeh A. Exploring the pharmacological versatility of ficus carica: Modulating classical immunometabolism and beyond. Pharmacol Res 2023; 198:107010. [PMID: 37995897 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.107010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The burden of metabolic disorders is alarmingly increasing globally. On the other hand, sustainability is the key project of the 21st century. Natural products offer a coherent option for the complementary management of both these challenges. Ficus carica (FC), commonly known as the fig fruit, has an experimentally proven potency for the modulation of cell cycle, immunity, inflammation, metabolism, and oxidative stress. Here, we review the potential of FC-derived products (FCDP) in slowing down the progression of cancers, acute/chronic inflammation-related conditions, infections, metabolic disorders, toxicities, neurological and neuromuscular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, vascular diseases, and skin-stressing conditions, as well as, in boosting normal healthy functions of the endocrine, immune, metabolic, and nervous systems. It reveals a variety of cellular and molecular targets for FCDP: cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, IFN-γ), chemokines (CCL2), other inflammatory mediators (CRP, PGE2), immune receptors (TLR-2, TLR-4, FcεRI), oxidative stress-related markers (SOD, GSH, MDA, GPx, catalase, ROS, NO, protein carbonyls), kinases (MAPKs, hexokinase, G6Pase, FBPase, PEPCK, Akt, AMPK, GSK3, CDKs), other enzymes (COX-2, iNOS, MMPs, caspases), growth factors/receptors (VEGF, EGFR), hormones (DHEAS, prolactin, GnRH, FSH, LH, estradiol, DHT, insulin), cell death-related markers (Bcl-2, Bax, Bak, FasL, gasdermins, cytochrome C), glucose transporter protein (Glut4), and transcription factors (NF-κB, HNF-4α, Foxo, PGC-1α, PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, CREB, NFATC1, STAT3). FCDP cause both activation and inhibition of AMPK, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling to confer condition-specific advantages. Such a broad-range activity might be attributed to different mechanisms of action of FCDP in modulating functions within the classical immunometabolic system, but also beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amene Saghazadeh
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
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21
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Kim N, Kwon J, Shin US, Jung J. Fisetin induces the upregulation of AKAP12 mRNA and anti-angiogenesis in a patient-derived organoid xenograft model. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115613. [PMID: 37801904 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with high incidence and mortality rates. Targeted therapies for CRC cause various adverse effects, necessitating the development of novel approaches to control CRC progression. In this milieu, we investigated the anti-CRC effects of fisetin, a natural plant flavonoid. Cytotoxicity was performed in CRC patient-derived organoids (30 T and 33 T). Fisetin-induced tumor growth was evaluated in a CRC patient-derived organoid xenograft (PDOX) model. RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting were performed subsequently. Fisetin significantly decreased organoid viability in a dose-dependent manner. In the PDOX model, fisetin significantly delayed tumor growth, showing a decrease in Ki-67 expression and the induction of apoptosis. In tumor tissues, four genes were identified as differentially expressed between the control and fisetin-treated groups. Among these, A-kinase anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12) level was significantly increased by fisetin treatment (fold change > 2, p < 0.05). Notably, fisetin significantly inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) via upregulation of AKAP12. Our results demonstrate the upregulation of AKAP12 mRNA and inhibition of angiogenesis by fisetin as a therapeutic strategy against CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayun Kim
- Duksung Innovative Drug Center, Duksung Women's University, Seoul 01369, the Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women's University, Seoul 01369, the Republic of Korea
| | - Junhye Kwon
- Department of Radiological & Clinical Research, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), Seoul 01812, the Republic of Korea
| | - Ui Sup Shin
- Department of Surgery, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, KIRAMS, Seoul 01812, the Republic of Korea
| | - Joohee Jung
- Duksung Innovative Drug Center, Duksung Women's University, Seoul 01369, the Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women's University, Seoul 01369, the Republic of Korea.
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22
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Ene C, Nicolae I, Ene CD. Angiogenic systemic response to the hypoxic microenvironment in prostate tumorigenesis: A pilot study. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:483. [PMID: 37753291 PMCID: PMC10518656 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12182] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The present paper aimed to investigate the altered angiogenetic mechanisms in hypoxic conditions in patients with prostate tumours, in correlation with common clinicopathologic variables. A case-control study was developed and included 87 patients with prostate tumours [40 diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 47 diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa), using prostate transrectal biopsy] and 40 healthy subjects. The following parameters were evaluated in the serum of volunteers: Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9, thrombospondin (TSP)-1 and soluble VEGF-1 receptor. Experimental data analysis demonstrated increasing amounts of inflammation in patients with PCa (IL-6, 18.1±4.7 ng/ml) and BPH (IL-6, 16.3±5.1 ng/ml) vs. control (IL-6, 4.1±1.2 ng/ml); overregulation of HIF1α in patients with PCa (129.3±21.8 ng/ml) compared with patients with BPH (65.6±18.2 ng/ml) and control (61.3±12.7 ng/ml); angiogenesis abnormalities in patients with PCa (upregulation of FGF-2, VEGF, MMP-2 and -9, suppression of TSP-1 and soluble VEGR-1) and BPH (upregulation FGF-2 and VEGF) compared with the control group. In conclusion, a greater understanding of the biological mechanism, the pathological roles and the clinical significance of various proangiogenic parameters and angiogenic-suppressor proteins seem useful in clinical practice for establishing an early diagnosis of prostate pathology and finding an individualized therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosmin Ene
- Department of Urology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Urology, ‘St. John’ Clinical Hospital of Emergency, 042122 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ilinca Nicolae
- Research Laboratory, ‘Victor Babes’ Clinical Hospital of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corina Daniela Ene
- Department of Nephrology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Nephrology, ‘Carol Davila’ Clinical Hospital of Nephrology, 010731 Bucharest, Romania
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23
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Bokhari SMZ, Hamar P. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-D (VEGF-D): An Angiogenesis Bypass in Malignant Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13317. [PMID: 37686121 PMCID: PMC10487419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are the key regulators of vasculogenesis in normal and oncological development. VEGF-A is the most studied angiogenic factor secreted by malignant tumor cells under hypoxic and inflammatory stress, which made VEGF-A a rational target for anticancer therapy. However, inhibition of VEGF-A by monoclonal antibody drugs led to the upregulation of VEGF-D. VEGF-D was primarily described as a lymphangiogenic factor; however, VEGF-D's blood angiogenic potential comparable to VEGF-A has already been demonstrated in glioblastoma and colorectal carcinoma. These findings suggested a role for VEGF-D in facilitating malignant tumor growth by bypassing the anti-VEGF-A antiangiogenic therapy. Owing to its high mitogenic ability, higher affinity for VEGFR-2, and higher expression in cancer, VEGF-D might even be a stronger angiogenic driver and, hence, a better therapeutic target than VEGF-A. In this review, we summarized the angiogenic role of VEGF-D in blood vasculogenesis and its targetability as an antiangiogenic therapy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Hamar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary;
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24
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Wang SS, Zhu XX, Wu XY, Zhang WW, Ding YD, Jin SW, Zhang PH. Interaction Between Blood Vasculatures and Lymphatic Vasculatures During Inflammation. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:3271-3281. [PMID: 37560514 PMCID: PMC10408656 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s414891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiological activity cannot be regulated without the blood and lymphatic vasculatures, which play complementary roles in maintaining the body's homeostasis and immune responses. Inflammation is the body's initial response to pathological injury and is responsible for protecting the body, removing damaged tissues, and restoring and maintaining homeostasis in the body. A growing number of researches have shown that blood and lymphatic vessels play an essential role in a variety of inflammatory diseases. In the inflammatory state, the permeability of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels is altered, and angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis subsequently occur. The blood vascular and lymphatic vascular systems interact to determine the development or resolution of inflammation. In this review, we discuss the changes that occur in the blood vascular and lymphatic vascular systems of several organs during inflammation, describe the different scenarios of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis at different sites of inflammation, and demonstrate the prospect of targeting the blood vasculature and lymphatic vasculature systems to limit the development of inflammation and promote the resolution of inflammation in inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Shun Wang
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin-Xu Zhu
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin-Yi Wu
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen-Wu Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang-Dong Ding
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Wei Jin
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pu-Hong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
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25
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Zhao M, Li X, Li H, Tang M, Geng Z, Zuo L, Song X, Wang Z, Wang Q, Su F. VEGF Mediates Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Affecting the Expression of E-Cadherin and N-Cadherin Promoting Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Gastric Cancer. Clin Med Insights Oncol 2023; 17:11795549231175715. [PMID: 37435016 PMCID: PMC10331225 DOI: 10.1177/11795549231175715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth leading cancer in the world, and there is a high mortality rate in China. Exploring the relationship between the prognosis of GC and the expression of related genes is helpful to further understand the common characteristics of the occurrence and development of GC and provide a new method for the identification of early GC, so as to provide the best therapeutic targets. Methods Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were investigated immunohistochemically using tumor samples obtained from 196 GC tissues and adjacent tumor tissues. The correlation of the expression level with histopathologic features and survival was investigated. Results Here, we show that VEGF and EMT markers expression were significantly correlated with depth of tumor invasion and GC stage (P < .05), degree of differentiation and lymph node metastasis (P < .001). We found that the rate of VEGF positivity in GC tissues was 52.05%, which was significantly higher than that in adjacent cancer tissues (16.84%). In GC, the association between VEGF and E-cadherin was negative (r = -0.188, P < .05), whereas VEGF and N-cadherin were positively correlated (r = 0.214, P < .05). Furthermore, the Kaplan-Meier analysis and a Cox regression model were used to analyze the effect of VEGF and EMT marker expression on the survival of the patients. We found that the overall survival of GC patients was correlated with VEGF (P < .001), N-cadherin (P < .001), E-cadherin (P = .002) expression, and some histopathologic features. Conclusions Vascular endothelial growth factor and EMT markers exist side by side and play a part together in the development of GC, which provides new ideas for evaluating the prognosis of GC and researching targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Menglin Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Xinwei Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Huiyuan Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Mingyue Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Zhijun Geng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Lugen Zuo
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Xue Song
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Zishu Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Network Information Center, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, PR China
| | - Fang Su
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
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26
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Ngema LM, Adeyemi SA, Marimuthu T, Ubanako PN, Ngwa W, Choonara YE. Surface Immobilization of Anti-VEGF Peptide on SPIONs for Antiangiogenic and Targeted Delivery of Paclitaxel in Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023. [PMID: 37384895 PMCID: PMC10354746 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00224] [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: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
A design has been established for the surface decoration of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor peptide, HRH, to formulate a targeted paclitaxel (PTX) delivery nanosystem with notable tumor targetability and antiangiogenic activity. The design methodology included (i) tandem surface functionalization via coupling reactions, (ii) pertinent physicochemical characterization, (iii) in vitro assessment of drug release, anti-proliferative activity, and quantification of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) levels, and (iv) in vivo testing using a lung tumor xenograft mouse model. Formulated CLA-coated PTX-SPIONs@HRH depicted a size and surface charge of 108.5 ± 3.5 nm and -30.4 ± 2.3 mV, respectively, and a quasi-spherical shape relative to pristine SPIONs. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis and estimation of free carboxylic groups supported the preparation of the CLA-coated PTX-SPIONs@HRH. CLA-coated PTX-SPIONs@HRH exhibited high PTX loading efficiency (98.5%) and sustained release in vitro, with a marked dose dependent anti-proliferative activity in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells, complimented by an enhanced cellular uptake. CLA-coated PTX-SPIONs@HRH significantly reduced secretion levels of VEGF-A in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells from 46.9 to 35.6 pg/mL compared to untreated control. A 76.6% tumor regression was recorded in a lung tumor xenograft mouse model following intervention with CLA-coated PTX-SPIONs@HRH, demonstrating tumor targetability and angiogenesis inhibition. CLA-coated PTX-SPIONs@HRH enhanced the half-life of PTX by almost 2-folds and demonstrated a prolonged PTX plasma circulation time from a subcutaneous injection (SC). Thus, it is suggested that CLA-coated PTX-SPIONs@HRH could provide a potential effective treatment modality for non-small-cell lung carcinoma as a nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindokuhle M Ngema
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Samson A Adeyemi
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Thashree Marimuthu
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Philemon N Ubanako
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Wilfred Ngwa
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Yahya E Choonara
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
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27
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Mishra Y, Chattaraj A, Mishra V, Ranjan A, Tambuwala MM. Aptamers Versus Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF): A New Battle against Ovarian Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:849. [PMID: 37375796 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060849] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the diseases that causes a high mortality as it involves unregulated and abnormal cell growth proliferation that can manifest in any body region. One of the typical ovarian cancer symptoms is damage to the female reproductive system. The death rate can be reduced through early detection of the ovarian cancer. Promising probes that can detect ovarian cancer are suitable aptamers. Aptamers, i.e., so-called chemical antibodies, have a strong affinity for the target biomarker and can typically be identified starting from a random library of oligonucleotides. Compared with other probes, ovarian cancer targeting using aptamers has demonstrated superior detection effectiveness. Various aptamers have been selected to detect the ovarian tumor biomarker, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The present review highlights the development of particular aptamers that target VEGF and detect ovarian cancer at its earliest stages. The therapeutic efficacy of aptamers in ovarian cancer treatment is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yachana Mishra
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Aditi Chattaraj
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Vijay Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Abhigyan Ranjan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
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28
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Liu ZL, Chen HH, Zheng LL, Sun LP, Shi L. Angiogenic signaling pathways and anti-angiogenic therapy for cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:198. [PMID: 37169756 PMCID: PMC10175505 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01460-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 91.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a complex and dynamic process regulated by various pro- and anti-angiogenic molecules, which plays a crucial role in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. With the advances in molecular and cellular biology, various biomolecules such as growth factors, chemokines, and adhesion factors involved in tumor angiogenesis has gradually been elucidated. Targeted therapeutic research based on these molecules has driven anti-angiogenic treatment to become a promising strategy in anti-tumor therapy. The most widely used anti-angiogenic agents include monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. However, the clinical benefit of this modality has still been limited due to several defects such as adverse events, acquired drug resistance, tumor recurrence, and lack of validated biomarkers, which impel further research on mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis, the development of multiple drugs and the combination therapy to figure out how to improve the therapeutic efficacy. Here, we broadly summarize various signaling pathways in tumor angiogenesis and discuss the development and current challenges of anti-angiogenic therapy. We also propose several new promising approaches to improve anti-angiogenic efficacy and provide a perspective for the development and research of anti-angiogenic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Ling Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, China
| | - Huan-Huan Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, China
| | - Li-Li Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, China
| | - Li-Ping Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, China.
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, China.
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29
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Rekowska AK, Obuchowska K, Bartosik M, Kimber-Trojnar Ż, Słodzińska M, Wierzchowska-Opoka M, Leszczyńska-Gorzelak B. Biomolecules Involved in Both Metastasis and Placenta Accreta Spectrum-Does the Common Pathophysiological Pathway Exist? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092618. [PMID: 37174083 PMCID: PMC10177254 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092618] [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] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial in the implantation of the blastocyst and subsequent placental development. The trophoblast, consisting of villous and extravillous zones, plays different roles in these processes. Pathological states, such as placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), can arise due to dysfunction of the trophoblast or defective decidualization, leading to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Studies have drawn parallels between placentation and carcinogenesis, with both processes involving EMT and the establishment of a microenvironment that facilitates invasion and infiltration. This article presents a review of molecular biomarkers involved in both the microenvironment of tumors and placental cells, including placental growth factor (PlGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), E-cadherin (CDH1), laminin γ2 (LAMC2), the zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox (ZEB) proteins, αVβ3 integrin, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), β-catenin, cofilin-1 (CFL-1), and interleukin-35 (IL-35). Understanding the similarities and differences in these processes may provide insights into the development of therapeutic options for both PAS and metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Rekowska
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Karolina Obuchowska
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bartosik
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Żaneta Kimber-Trojnar
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Słodzińska
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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30
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Hu L, Luo J, Wen G, Sun L, Liu W, Hu H, Li J, Wang L, Su W, Lin L. Identification of the active compounds in the Yi-Fei-San-Jie formula using a comprehensive strategy based on cell extraction/UPLC-MS/MS, network pharmacology, and molecular biology techniques. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 115:154843. [PMID: 37149966 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chinese herbal formulae has multiple active constituents and targets, and the good clinical response is encouraging more scientists to explore the bio-active ingredients in such complex systems. Yi-Fei-San-Jie formula (YFSJF) is commonly used to treat patients with lung cancer in South China; however, its bio-active ingredients remain unknown. PURPOSE We investigated the bio-active ingredients of the YFSJF using a novel comprehensive strategy. METHODS A549 cell extraction coupled with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used for the screening of potential bio-active ingredients. Network pharmacology approach and molecular dynamics simulation were performed for the screening of targets. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay and molecular biology techniques were used to verify the targets. RESULTS Nine A549 cell membrane-binding compounds were identified through cell extraction/UPLC-MS/MS. Five compounds, namely ginsenoside Ro, ginsenoside Rb1, ginsenoside Rc, peimisine, and peimine were cytotoxic to A549 cells, and they were considered the bio-active ingredients of the YFSJF in vitro. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that TGFBR2 is the key target and the TGFβ pathway is the key pathway targeted by YFSJF in non-small cell lung cancer. Peimisine showed an affinity to TGFBR2 using molecular docking and dynamic stimulation, which was confirmed using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. The molecular biology-based analysis further confirmed that peimisine targets TGFBR2 and can reverse A549 epithelial-mesenchymal transition by inhibiting the TGFβ pathway. CONCLUSION Taken together, cell extraction/UPLC-MS/MS, network pharmacology, and molecular biology-based analysis comprise a feasible strategy to explore active ingredients in YFSJF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leihao Hu
- School of the First Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Oncology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510402, China
| | - Jiamin Luo
- School of the First Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Guiqing Wen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Lingling Sun
- Oncology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510402, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Hao Hu
- Oncology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510402, China
| | - Jing Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Lisheng Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
| | - Weiwei Su
- Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Quality and Efficacy Reevaluation of Post-Market Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China.
| | - Lizhu Lin
- Oncology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510402, China.
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31
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Nakai A, Minematsu T, Nitta S, Hsu WJ, Tobe H, Sanada H. Development of a method to identify persistent and blanchable redness by skin blotting in mice. Int Wound J 2023; 20:1168-1182. [PMID: 36367160 PMCID: PMC10031224 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13976] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent and blanchable redness (PBR) is not currently included in category I pressure injury (PI), which is defined as non-blanchable redness (NBR). However, PBR progresses to PI in a clinical setting. Therefore, it should be clinically managed as category I PI, and a method to distinctly identify PBR is needed. This study aimed to examine whether PI-related biomarkers can distinguish PRB from transient redness (TR) and NBR using skin blotting. TR, PBR, and NBR models were established by the different conditions of dorsal skin compression. Redness observation and skin blotting were performed, and the skin tissue samples were subjected to histological and molecular biological analyses. The vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegf) b, heat shock protein (Hsp) 90aa1, tumour necrosis factor, interleukin (Il) 1b, and Il6 messenger ribonucleic acid levels were significantly different between the three models. The VEGF-A, VEGF-B, IL-1β, and IL-6 protein levels were different between the three models. Although the results of skin blot examinations were inconsistent with those of the expression analysis of tissue, HSP90α and IL-1β are suggested to be potential markers to distinguish PBR from TR and NBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayano Nakai
- Department of Gerontological Nursing/Wound Care Management, Division of Health Science and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takeo Minematsu
- Global Nursing Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Skincare Science, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shiori Nitta
- Department of Gerontological Nursing/Wound Care Management, Division of Health Science and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wei-Jhen Hsu
- Department of Gerontological Nursing/Wound Care Management, Division of Health Science and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromi Tobe
- Global Nursing Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromi Sanada
- Department of Gerontological Nursing/Wound Care Management, Division of Health Science and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Global Nursing Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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32
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Brogowska KK, Zajkowska M, Mroczko B. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Ligands and Receptors in Breast Cancer. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12062412. [PMID: 36983412 PMCID: PMC10056253 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy responsible for the largest number of deaths in women worldwide. The risk of developing BC is predisposed by many factors such as age, presence of genetic mutations or body weight. The diagnosis is mostly made relatively late, which is why patients are exposed to radical surgical treatments, long-term chemotherapy and lower survival rates. There are no sufficiently sensitive and specific screening tests; therefore, researchers are still looking for new diagnostic biomarkers that would indicate the appearance of neoplastic changes in the initial stage of neoplasm. The VEGF family of proteins (VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, EG-VEGF, PlGF) and their receptors are significant factors in the pathogenesis of BC. They play a significant role in the process of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in both physiological and pathological conditions. The usefulness of these proteins as potential diagnostic biomarkers has been initially proven. Moreover, the blockage of VEGF-related pathways seems to be a valid therapeutic target. Recent studies have tried to describe novel strategies, including targeting pericytes, use of miRNAs and extracellular tumor-associated vesicles, immunotherapeutic drugs and nanotechnology. This indicates their possible contribution to the formation of breast cancer and their usefulness as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monika Zajkowska
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Barbara Mroczko
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
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33
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Ghalehbandi S, Yuzugulen J, Pranjol MZI, Pourgholami MH. The role of VEGF in cancer-induced angiogenesis and research progress of drugs targeting VEGF. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 949:175586. [PMID: 36906141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a double-edged sword; it is a mechanism that defines the boundary between health and disease. In spite of its central role in physiological homeostasis, it provides the oxygen and nutrition needed by tumor cells to proceed from dormancy if pro-angiogenic factors tip the balance in favor of tumor angiogenesis. Among pro-angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a prominent target in therapeutic methods due to its strategic involvement in the formation of anomalous tumor vasculature. In addition, VEGF exhibits immune-regulatory properties which suppress immune cell antitumor activity. VEGF signaling through its receptors is an integral part of tumoral angiogenic approaches. A wide variety of medicines have been designed to target the ligands and receptors of this pro-angiogenic superfamily. Herein, we summarize the direct and indirect molecular mechanisms of VEGF to demonstrate its versatile role in the context of cancer angiogenesis and current transformative VEGF-targeted strategies interfering with tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jale Yuzugulen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus via Mersin 10, Turkey
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34
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Wang W, Qiu T, Li F, Ren S. Current status and future perspectives of bispecific antibodies in the treatment of lung cancer. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:379-393. [PMID: 36848213 PMCID: PMC10106182 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Monoclonal antibodies have been successfully incorporated into the current therapeutical landscape of lung cancer in the last decades. Recently, with technological advances, bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) have also shown robust efficacy in the treatment of malignant cancers, including lung cancer. These antibodies target two independent epitopes or antigens and have been extensively explored in translational and clinical studies in lung cancer. Here, we outline the mechanisms of action of bsAbs, related clinical data, ongoing clinical trials, and potent novel compounds of various types of bsAbs in clinical studies, especially in lung cancer. We also propose future directions for the clinical development of bsAbs, which might bring a new era of treatment for patients with lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanying Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital and Institute of Thoracic Cancer, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Tianyu Qiu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital and Institute of Thoracic Cancer, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shengxiang Ren
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital and Institute of Thoracic Cancer, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
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35
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The Combination of Immune Checkpoint Blockade with Tumor Vessel Normalization as a Promising Therapeutic Strategy for Breast Cancer: An Overview of Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043226. [PMID: 36834641 PMCID: PMC9964596 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043226] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have a modest clinical activity when administered as monotherapy against breast cancer (BC), the most common malignancy in women. Novel combinatorial strategies are currently being investigated to overcome resistance to ICIs and promote antitumor immune responses in a greater proportion of BC patients. Recent studies have shown that the BC abnormal vasculature is associated with immune suppression in patients, and hampers both drug delivery and immune effector cell trafficking to tumor nests. Thus, strategies directed at normalizing (i.e., at remodeling and stabilizing) the immature, abnormal tumor vessels are receiving much attention. In particular, the combination of ICIs with tumor vessel normalizing agents is thought to hold great promise for the treatment of BC patients. Indeed, a compelling body of evidence indicates that the addition of low doses of antiangiogenic drugs to ICIs substantially improves antitumor immunity. In this review, we outline the impact that the reciprocal interactions occurring between tumor angiogenesis and immune cells have on the immune evasion and clinical progression of BC. In addition, we overview preclinical and clinical studies that are presently evaluating the therapeutic effectiveness of combining ICIs with antiangiogenic drugs in BC patients.
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36
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Fang Y, Imoukhuede PI. Axl and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors Exhibit Variations in Membrane Localization and Heterogeneity Across Monolayer and Spheroid High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Models. GEN BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 2:43-56. [PMID: 36873811 PMCID: PMC9976349 DOI: 10.1089/genbio.2022.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) and Axl are receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) that are targeted in ovarian cancer therapy. Two-dimensional monolayer culture and three-dimensional spheroids are common models for RTK-targeted drug screening: monolayers are simple and economical while spheroids include several genetic and histological tumor features. RTK membrane localization dictates RTK signaling and drug response, however, it is not characterized in these models. We quantify plasma membrane RTK concentrations and show differential RTK abundance and heterogeneity in monolayers versus spheroids. We show VEGFR1 concentrations on the plasma membrane to be 10 times higher in OVCAR8 spheroids than in monolayers; OVCAR8 spheroids are more heterogeneous than monolayers, exhibiting a bimodal distribution of a low-Axl (6200/cell) and a high-Axl subpopulation (25,000/cell). In addition, plasma membrane Axl concentrations differ by 100 times between chemosensitive (OVCAR3) and chemoresistant (OVCAR8) cells and by 10 times between chemoresistant cell lines (OVCAR5 vs. OVCAR8). These systematic findings can guide ovarian cancer model selection for drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingye Fang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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37
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Design, Synthesis, Docking Study, and Antiproliferative Evaluation of Novel Schiff Base-Benzimidazole Hybrids with VEGFR-2 Inhibitory Activity. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28020481. [PMID: 36677536 PMCID: PMC9862622 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020481] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A new series of Schiff-benzimidazole hybrids 3a-o has been designed and synthesized. The structure of the target compounds was proved by different spectroscopic and elemental analysis tools. The target compounds were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against 60 cancer cell lines according to NCI single- and five-dose protocols. Consequently, four compounds were further examined against the most sensitive lung cancer A549 and NCI-H460 cell lines. Compounds 3e and 3g were the most active, achieving 3.58 ± 0.53, 1.71 ± 0.17 and 1.88 ± 0.35, 0.85 ± 0.24 against A549 and NCI-H460 cell lines, respectively. Moreover, they showed remarkable inhibitory activity on the VEGFR-2 TK with 86.23 and 89.89%, respectively, as compared with Sorafenib (88.17%). Moreover, cell cycle analysis of NCI-H460 cells treated with 3e and 3g showed cellular cycle arrest at both G1 and S phases (supported by caspases-9 study) with significant pro-apoptotic activity, as indicated by annexin V-FITC staining. The binding interactions of these compounds were confirmed through molecular docking studies; the most active compounds displayed complete overlay with, and a similar binding mode and pose to, Sorafenib, a reference VEGFR-2 inhibitor.
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38
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Vigoda M, Mathieson C, Evans N, Hale C, Jennings J, Lucero O, Jeng S, Bottomly D, Clayburgh D, Andersen P, Li R, Petrisor D, Tyner JW, McWeeney S, Kulesz-Martin M. Functional proteomics of patient derived head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells reveal novel applications of trametinib. Cancer Biol Ther 2022; 23:310-318. [PMID: 35343367 PMCID: PMC8966983 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2022.2055420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we report a differential response of mitogen-activated protein kinase–kinase (MEK) inhibitor trametinib in 20 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients’ tumor-derived cell cultures. Relatively sensitive and resistant cases to trametinib were identified using high throughput metabolic assays and validated in extended dose response studies in vitro. High throughput metabolic assays exploring combination therapies with trametinib were subjected to synergy models and maximal synergistic dose analyses. These yielded several candidates, including axtinib, GDC-0032, GSK-690693, and SGX-523. The combination regimen of trametinib and AXL/MET/VEGFR inhibitor glesatinib showed initial efficacy both in vitro and in vivo (92% reduction in tumor volume). Sensitivity was validated in vivo in a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model in which trametinib as a single agent effected reduction in tumor volume up to 72%. Reverse Phase Protein Arrays (RPPA) demonstrated differentially expressed proteins and phosphoproteins upon trametinib treatment. Furthermore, resistant cell lines showed a compensatory mechanism via increases in MAPK and non-MAPK pathway proteins that may represent targets for future combination regimens. Intrinsic-targeted options have potential to address paucity of medical treatment options for HNSCC cancer patients, enhance response to extrinsic targeted agents, and/or reduce morbidity as neoadjuvant to surgical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myles Vigoda
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Chase Mathieson
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Nathaniel Evans
- Division of Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiolog, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Carolyn Hale
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jennifer Jennings
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Olivia Lucero
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sophia Jeng
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Daniel Bottomly
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Daniel Clayburgh
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Operative Care Division, Portland VA Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Peter Andersen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Operative Care Division, Portland VA Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ryan Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Operative Care Division, Portland VA Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Daniel Petrisor
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Operative Care Division, Portland VA Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Tyner
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Shannon McWeeney
- Division of Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiolog, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Molly Kulesz-Martin
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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The VEGF/VEGFR Axis Revisited: Implications for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415585. [PMID: 36555234 PMCID: PMC9779738 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) axis is indispensable in the process of angiogenesis and has been implicated as a key driver of tumor vascularization. Consequently, several strategies that target VEGF and its cognate receptors, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, have been designed to treat cancer. While therapies targeting full-length VEGF have resulted in an improvement in both overall survival and progression-free survival in various cancers, these benefits have been modest. In addition, the inhibition of VEGFRs is associated with undesirable off-target effects. Moreover, VEGF splice variants that modulate sprouting and non-sprouting angiogenesis have been identified in recent years. Cues within the tumor microenvironment determine the expression patterns of these variants. Noteworthy is that the mechanisms of action of these variants challenge the established norm of VEGF signaling. Furthermore, the aberrant expression of some of these variants has been observed in several cancers. Herein, developments in the understanding of the VEGF/VEGFR axis and the splice products of these molecules, as well as the environmental cues that regulate these variants are reviewed. Furthermore, strategies that incorporate the targeting of VEGF variants to enhance the effectiveness of antiangiogenic therapies in the clinical setting are discussed.
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40
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SNPs in 3'UTR miRNA Target Sequences Associated with Individual Drug Susceptibility. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213725. [PMID: 36430200 PMCID: PMC9692299 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The complementary interaction of microRNAs (miRNAs) with their binding sites in the 3'untranslated regions (3'UTRs) of target gene mRNAs represses translation, playing a leading role in gene expression control. MiRNA recognition elements (MREs) in the 3'UTRs of genes often contain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which can change the binding affinity for target miRNAs leading to dysregulated gene expression. Accumulated data suggest that these SNPs can be associated with various human pathologies (cancer, diabetes, neuropsychiatric disorders, and cardiovascular diseases) by disturbing the interaction of miRNAs with their MREs located in mRNA 3'UTRs. Numerous data show the role of SNPs in 3'UTR MREs in individual drug susceptibility and drug resistance mechanisms. In this review, we brief the data on such SNPs focusing on the most rigorously proven cases. Some SNPs belong to conventional genes from the drug-metabolizing system (in particular, the genes coding for cytochromes P450 (CYP 450), phase II enzymes (SULT1A1 and UGT1A), and ABCB3 transporter and their expression regulators (PXR and GATA4)). Other examples of SNPs are related to the genes involved in DNA repair, RNA editing, and specific drug metabolisms. We discuss the gene-by-gene studies and genome-wide approaches utilized or potentially utilizable to detect the MRE SNPs associated with individual response to drugs.
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Zaman R, Islam RA, Chowdhury EH. Evolving therapeutic proteins to precisely kill cancer cells. J Control Release 2022; 351:779-804. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.09.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Scarini JF, Lavareze L, Lima-Souza RAD, Emerick C, Gonçalves MT, Figueiredo-Maciel T, Vieira GDS, Kimura TDC, de Sá RS, Aquino IG, Fernandes PM, Kowalski LP, Altemani A, Mariano FV, Egal ESA. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Exploring frontiers of combinatorial approaches with tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint therapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 180:103863. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Differential Expression of HIF1A, EPAS1, and VEGF Genes in Benign and Malignant Ovarian Neoplasia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194899. [PMID: 36230822 PMCID: PMC9563807 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Ovarian cancer (OC) has the highest mortality rate of all gynecological malignancies. Moreover, at the time of the first clinical manifestation, most patients have an advanced stage of the disease. Our study examined differences in mRNA levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1A); endothelial PAS domain protein 1, also known as hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A/EPAS1); and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) between cancerous tissue, benign hyperplastic changes in the ovary, and normal tissue. We found that gene expression changes were visible not only in the case-control study, but also along with changes in severity. We observed disturbances in the expression levels of interdependent genes. Our findings suggest that mutual association in the expression of both HIF1A and HIF2A/EPAS1 with VEGFA has prognostic importance for patients with OC. Our observations may help identify patients for clinical trials aimed at inhibiting the hypoxia-induced neovascularization-dependent pathways. Abstract Ovarian cancer (OC) has the highest mortality rate of all gynecological malignancies. Moreover, at the time of the first clinical manifestation, most patients have an advanced stage of the disease. Our study examined differences in mRNA levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1A); endothelial PAS domain protein 1, also known as hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A/EPAS1); and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) between cancerous tissue, benign hyperplastic changes in the ovary, and normal tissue. Our cohorts consisted of 52 patients diagnosed with OC (n = 55), benign non-cancerous changes (n = 21), and normal tissue samples (n = 38). The mRNA expression level was evaluated using RT-qPCR. We found that gene expression changes were visible not only in the case-control study, but also along with changes in severity. Additionally, the gene expression was differentiated in age, BMI, menopausal status, and the number of comorbidy-related groups. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that analyzing the correlation between genes is essential. In a case-to-case and case-to-control study, we observed disturbances in the expression levels of interdependent genes. Our findings suggest that mutual association in the expression of both HIF1A and HIF2A/EPAS1 with VEGFA has prognostic importance for patients with OC. Our observations may help identify patients for clinical trials aimed at inhibiting the hypoxia-induced neovascularization-dependent pathways.
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Ma S, Chen F. Common strategies for effective immunotherapy of gastroesophageal cancers using immune checkpoint inhibitors. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 238:154110. [PMID: 36155325 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Gastroesophageal cancers (GECs) are very prevalent around the world and rank as the second cause of all cancer-related deaths in men and women and demonstrate a very poor prognosis. Currently, the treatment options for these malignancies are very limited and the response rates are also very low. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been proposed for immunotherapy of GECs; although preliminary results obtained from the clinical trials of ICIs in GECs were promising, they have shown to be effective only in a few subsets of patients who had a previous immune response to the tumor. In order to maximize the efficacy of ICIs in GECs, as well as identify the patients who will likely benefit from ICIs, several predictive biomarkers, such as Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) have been developed and evaluated. Since the single ICI therapies resulted in poor treatment response, several clinical studies began to explore various combinations of one or two ICIs with other anti-cancer treatment approaches, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and anti-angiogenesis therapy. These combinations demonstrated a more effective response among the ICIs-responsive patients and even in some instances sensitized the non-responsive individuals. This review is aimed to summarize the efforts made so far for improving the effectiveness of ICIs in the treatment of patients with GECs. Furthermore, multiple aspects of translational medicine such as available biomarkers and interactions between tumor and the immune system, as well as clinical aspects regarding the combination therapies and results of clinical trials will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Ma
- Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tiantai People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province (Tiantai Branch of Zhejiang People's Hospital), Taizhou 317200, China.
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Gennigens C, Jerusalem G, Lapaille L, De Cuypere M, Streel S, Kridelka F, Ray-Coquard I. Recurrent or primary metastatic cervical cancer: current and future treatments. ESMO Open 2022; 7:100579. [PMID: 36108558 PMCID: PMC9588874 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2022.100579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite screening programs for early detection and the approval of human papillomavirus vaccines, around 6% of women with cervical cancer (CC) are discovered with primary metastatic disease. Moreover, one-third of the patients receiving chemoradiation followed by brachytherapy for locally advanced disease will have a recurrence. At the end, the vast majority of recurrent or metastatic CC not amenable to locoregional treatments are considered incurable disease with very poor prognosis. Historically, cisplatin monotherapy, then a combination of cisplatin and paclitaxel were considered the standard of care. Ten years ago, the addition of bevacizumab to chemotherapy demonstrated favorable data in terms of response rate and overall survival. Even with this improvement, novel therapies are needed for the treatment of recurrent CC in first as well as later lines. In the last decades, a better understanding of the interactions between human papillomavirus infection and the host immune system response has focused interest on the use of immunotherapeutic drugs in CC patients. Indeed, immune checkpoint inhibitors (pembrolizumab, cemiplimab, and others) have recently emerged as novel therapeutic pillars that could provide durable responses with impact on overall survival in patients in the primary (in addition to chemotherapy) or recurrent (monotherapy) settings. Tisotumab vedotin, an antibody–drug conjugate targeting the tissue factor, is another emerging drug. Several trials in monotherapy or in combination with immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or bevacizumab showed very promising results. There is a high need for more potent biomarkers to better accurately determine which patients would receive the greatest benefit from all these aforementioned drugs, but also to identify patients with specific molecular characteristics that could benefit from other targeted therapies. The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network identified several genes significantly mutated, potentially targetable. These molecular data have highlighted the molecular heterogeneity of CC. The majority of recurrent or metastatic CCs are considered incurable disease. Combination of chemotherapy with bevacizumab and pembrolizumab (PD-L1 CPS ≥1) is the new standard of care in first line. Tisotumab vedotin, an antibody–drug conjugate targeting the tissue factor, is another emerging drug. Need for more potent biomarkers to accurately determine which patients would receive the greatest benefit from these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gennigens
- Department of Medical Oncology, CHU Liège, Liège, Belgium.
| | - G Jerusalem
- Department of Medical Oncology, CHU Liège, Liège, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - L Lapaille
- Department of Medical Oncology, CHU Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - M De Cuypere
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, CHU Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - S Streel
- Department of Medical Oncology, CHU Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - F Kridelka
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, CHU Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - I Ray-Coquard
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
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Verzella D, Cornice J, Arboretto P, Vecchiotti D, Di Vito Nolfi M, Capece D, Zazzeroni F, Franzoso G. The NF-κB Pharmacopeia: Novel Strategies to Subdue an Intractable Target. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2233. [PMID: 36140335 PMCID: PMC9496094 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
NF-κB transcription factors are major drivers of tumor initiation and progression. NF-κB signaling is constitutively activated by genetic alterations or environmental signals in many human cancers, where it contributes to almost all hallmarks of malignancy, including sustained proliferation, cell death resistance, tumor-promoting inflammation, metabolic reprogramming, tissue invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. As such, the NF-κB pathway is an attractive therapeutic target in a broad range of human cancers, as well as in numerous non-malignant diseases. Currently, however, there is no clinically useful NF-κB inhibitor to treat oncological patients, owing to the preclusive, on-target toxicities of systemic NF-κB blockade. In this review, we discuss the principal and most promising strategies being developed to circumvent the inherent limitations of conventional IκB kinase (IKK)/NF-κB-targeting drugs, focusing on new molecules that target upstream regulators or downstream effectors of oncogenic NF-κB signaling, as well as agents targeting individual NF-κB subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Verzella
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Jessica Cornice
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Paola Arboretto
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Davide Vecchiotti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Mauro Di Vito Nolfi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Daria Capece
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Francesca Zazzeroni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Guido Franzoso
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
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Jiménez-Morales JM, Hernández-Cuenca YE, Reyes-Abrahantes A, Ruiz-García H, Barajas-Olmos F, García-Ortiz H, Orozco L, Quiñones-Hinojosa A, Reyes-González J, Del Carmen Abrahantes-Pérez M. MicroRNA delivery systems in glioma therapy and perspectives: A systematic review. J Control Release 2022; 349:712-730. [PMID: 35905783 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.07.027] [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: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Gliomas are the deadliest of all primary brain tumors, and they constitute a serious global health problem. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are gene expression regulators associated with glioma pathogenesis. Thus, miRNAs represent potential therapeutic agents for treating gliomas. However, miRNAs have not been established as part of the regular clinical armamentarium. This systemic review evaluates current molecular and pre-clinical studies with the aim of defining the most appealing supramolecular platform for administering therapeutic miRNA to patients with gliomas. An integrated analysis suggested that cationic lipid nanoparticles, functionalized with octa-arginine peptides, represent a potentially specific, practical, non-invasive intervention for treating gliomas. This supramolecular platform allows loading both hydrophilic (miRNA) and hydrophobic (anti-tumor drugs, like temozolomide) molecules. This systemic review is the first to describe miRNA delivery systems targeted to gliomas that integrate several types of molecules as active ingredients. Further experimental validation is warranted to confirm the practical value of miRNA delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Marcos Jiménez-Morales
- Precision Translational Oncology Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), 14610 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yanet Elisa Hernández-Cuenca
- Precision Translational Oncology Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), 14610 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ander Reyes-Abrahantes
- Precision Translational Oncology Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), 14610 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Henry Ruiz-García
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, United States; Brain Tumor Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, United States
| | - Francisco Barajas-Olmos
- Immunogenomics and Metabolic Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), 14610 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Humberto García-Ortiz
- Immunogenomics and Metabolic Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), 14610 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lorena Orozco
- Immunogenomics and Metabolic Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), 14610 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, United States; Brain Tumor Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, United States
| | - Jesús Reyes-González
- Precision Translational Oncology Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), 14610 Mexico City, Mexico.
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Ahmed S, Alam W, Jeandet P, Aschner M, Alsharif KF, Saso L, Khan H. Therapeutic Potential of Marine Peptides in Prostate Cancer: Mechanistic Insights. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20080466. [PMID: 35892934 PMCID: PMC9330892 DOI: 10.3390/md20080466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the leading cause of cancer death in men, and its treatment is commonly associated with severe adverse effects. Thus, new treatment modalities are required. In this context, natural compounds have been widely explored for their anti-PCa properties. Aquatic organisms contain numerous potential medications. Anticancer peptides are less toxic to normal cells and provide an efficacious treatment approach via multiple mechanisms, including altered cell viability, apoptosis, cell migration/invasion, suppression of angiogenesis and microtubule balance disturbances. This review sheds light on marine peptides as efficacious and safe therapeutic agents for PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan;
| | - Waqas Alam
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan;
| | - Philippe Jeandet
- Research Unit “Induced Resistance and Plant Bioprotection”, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Reims, EA 4707-USC INRAe 1488, SFR Condorcet FR CNRS 3417, P.O. Box 1039, CEDEX 02, 51687 Reims, France;
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Khalaf F. Alsharif
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, “Vittorio Erspamer” Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan;
- Correspondence:
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Saikia Q, Reeve H, Alzahrani A, Critchley WR, Zeqiraj E, Divan A, Harrison MA, Ponnambalam S. VEGFR endocytosis: Implications for angiogenesis. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 194:109-139. [PMID: 36631189 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The binding of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) superfamily to VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases (VEGFRs) and co-receptors regulates vasculogenesis, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. A recurring theme is that dysfunction in VEGF signaling promotes pathological angiogenesis, an important feature of cancer and pro-inflammatory disease states. Endocytosis of basal (resting) or activated VEGFRs facilitates signal attenuation and endothelial quiescence. However, increasing evidence suggest that activated VEGFRs can continue to signal from intracellular compartments such as endosomes. In this chapter, we focus on the evolving link between VEGFR endocytosis, signaling and turnover and the implications for angiogenesis. There is much interest in how such understanding of VEGFR dynamics can be harnessed therapeutically for a wide range of human disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Queen Saikia
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Reeve
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Areej Alzahrani
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - William R Critchley
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Elton Zeqiraj
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Aysha Divan
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A Harrison
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Rahiminejad S, Maurya MR, Mukund K, Subramaniam S. Modular and mechanistic changes across stages of colorectal cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:436. [PMID: 35448980 PMCID: PMC9022252 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09479-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While mechanisms contributing to the progression and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) are well studied, cancer stage-specific mechanisms have been less comprehensively explored. This is the focus of this manuscript. METHODS Using previously published data for CRC (Gene Expression Omnibus ID GSE21510), we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across four stages of the disease. We then generated unweighted and weighted correlation networks for each of the stages. Communities within these networks were detected using the Louvain algorithm and topologically and functionally compared across stages using the normalized mutual information (NMI) metric and pathway enrichment analysis, respectively. We also used Short Time-series Expression Miner (STEM) algorithm to detect potential biomarkers having a role in CRC. RESULTS Sixteen Thousand Sixty Two DEGs were identified between various stages (p-value ≤ 0.05). Comparing communities of different stages revealed that neighboring stages were more similar to each other than non-neighboring stages, at both topological and functional levels. A functional analysis of 24 cancer-related pathways indicated that several signaling pathways were enriched across all stages. However, the stage-unique networks were distinctly enriched only for a subset of these 24 pathways (e.g., MAPK signaling pathway in stages I-III and Notch signaling pathway in stages III and IV). We identified potential biomarkers, including HOXB8 and WNT2 with increasing, and MTUS1 and SFRP2 with decreasing trends from stages I to IV. Extracting subnetworks of 10 cancer-relevant genes and their interacting first neighbors (162 genes in total) revealed that the connectivity patterns for these genes were different across stages. For example, BRAF and CDK4, members of the Ser/Thr kinase, up-regulated in cancer, displayed changing connectivity patterns from stages I to IV. CONCLUSIONS Here, we report molecular and modular networks for various stages of CRC, providing a pseudo-temporal view of the mechanistic changes associated with the disease. Our analysis highlighted similarities at both functional and topological levels, across stages. We further identified stage-specific mechanisms and biomarkers potentially contributing to the progression of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rahiminejad
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mano R Maurya
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kavitha Mukund
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shankar Subramaniam
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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