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Cheng Y, Song Z, Fang X, Tang Z. Polycomb repressive complex 2 and its core component EZH2: potential targeted therapeutic strategies for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:54. [PMID: 38600608 PMCID: PMC11007890 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01666-2] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The polycomb group (PcG) comprises a set of proteins that exert epigenetic regulatory effects and play crucial roles in diverse biological processes, ranging from pluripotency and development to carcinogenesis. Among these proteins, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) stands out as a catalytic component of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which plays a role in regulating the expression of homologous (Hox) genes and initial stages of x chromosome inactivation. In numerous human cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), EZH2 is frequently overexpressed or activated and has been identified as a negative prognostic factor. Notably, EZH2 emerges as a significant gene involved in regulating the STAT3/HOTAIR axis, influencing HNSCC proliferation, differentiation, and promoting metastasis by modulating related oncogenes in oral cancer. Currently, various small molecule compounds have been developed as inhibitors specifically targeting EZH2 and have gained approval for treating refractory tumors. In this review, we delve into the epigenetic regulation mediated by EZH2/PRC2 in HNSCC, with a specific focus on exploring the potential roles and mechanisms of EZH2, its crucial contribution to targeted drug therapy, and its association with cancer markers and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, we aim to unravel its potential as a therapeutic strategy for oral squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Cheng
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Academician, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Zhengzheng Song
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Academician, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaodan Fang
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Academician, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Zhangui Tang
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Academician, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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Ma P, Yu H, Zhu M, Liu L, Cheng L, Han Z, Jin W. NCAPD2 promotes the malignant progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Cell Cycle 2024; 23:588-601. [PMID: 38743408 PMCID: PMC11135826 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2024.2348918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of oral cancer, with a poor prognosis, yet the underlying mechanism needs further exploration. Non-SMC condensin I complex subunit D2 (NCAPD2) is a widely expressed protein in OSCC, but its role in tumor development is unclear. This study aimed to explore NCAPD2 expression and its biological function in OSCC. NCAPD2 expression in OSCC cell lines and tissue specimens was analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Cancer cell growth was evaluated using cell proliferation, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, and colony formation assays. Cell migration was evaluated using wound healing and Transwell assays. Apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry. The influence of NCAPD2 on tumor growth in vivo was evaluated in a mouse xenograft model. NCAPD2 expression was significantly higher in OSCC than that in normal oral tissue. In vitro, the knockdown of NCAPD2 inhibited OSCC cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. NCAPD2 depletion also significantly inhibited the migration of OSCC cells. Moreover, NCAPD2 overexpression induced inverse effects on OSCC cell phenotypes. In vivo, we demonstrated that downregulating NCAPD2 could inhibit the tumorigenicity of OSCC cells. Mechanically, OSCC regulation by NCAPD2 involved the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These results suggest NCAPD2 as a novel oncogene with an important role in OSCC development and a candidate therapeutic target for OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Ma
- Department of Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Stomatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Huajiao Yu
- Department of Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Stomatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Mingda Zhu
- Department of Breast Disease, Henan Breast Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Stomatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Luyao Cheng
- Department of Stomatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Zhengxue Han
- Department of Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wulong Jin
- Department of Stomatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia, China
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3
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Kandathil SA, Akhondi A, Kadletz-Wanke L, Heiduschka G, Engedal N, Brkic FF. The dual role of autophagy in HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:56. [PMID: 38291202 PMCID: PMC10827959 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05514-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human papilloma virus (HPV)-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) displays distinct epidemiological, clinical, and molecular characteristics compared to the negative counterpart. Alterations in autophagy play an important role in cancer, and emerging evidence indicates an interplay of autophagy in HNSCC carcinogenesis and tumor promotion. However, the influence of HPV infection on autophagy in HNSCC has received less attention and has not been previously reviewed. Therefore, we here aimed to systematically review the role of autophagy explicitly in HPV+ HNSCC. METHODS Studies accessible in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science investigating HNSCC, highlighting the molecular biological differences between HPV- and HPV+ HNSCC and its influences on autophagy in HNSCC were analyzed according to the PRISMA statement. A total of 10 articles were identified, included, and summarized. RESULTS The HPV16 E7 oncoprotein was reported to be involved in the degradation of AMBRA1 and STING, and to enhance chemotherapy-induced cell death via lethal mitophagy in HNSCC cells. Autophagy-associated gene signatures correlated with HPV-subtype and overall survival. Additionally, immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses indicate that high LC3B expression correlates with poor overall survival in oropharyngeal HNSCC patients. CONCLUSION HPV may dampen general bulk autophagic flux via degradation of AMBRA1 but may promote selective autophagic degradation of STING and mitochondria. Interpretations of correlations between autophagy-associated gene expressions or IHC analyses of autophagy-related (ATG) proteins in paraffin embedded tissue with clinicopathological features without biological validation need to be taken with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Augustine Kandathil
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Anatomy, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arian Akhondi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenz Kadletz-Wanke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Gregor Heiduschka
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nikolai Engedal
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Faris F Brkic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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Stucky A, Viet CT, Aouizerat BE, Ye Y, Doan C, Mundluru T, Sedhiazadeh P, Sinha UK, Chen X, Zhang X, Li SC, Cai J, Zhong JF. Single-Cell Molecular Profiling of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Reveals Five Dysregulated Signaling Pathways Associated With Circulating Tumor Cells. Cancer Control 2024; 31:10732748241251571. [PMID: 38869038 PMCID: PMC11179551 DOI: 10.1177/10732748241251571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the dysregulated signaling pathways of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma associated with circulating tumor cells (CTCs) via single-cell molecular characterization. INTRODUCTION Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a significant global burden and is a disease with poor survival. Despite trials exploring new treatment modalities to improve disease control rates, the 5 year survival rate remains low at only 60%. Most cancer malignancies are reported to progress to a fatal phase due to the metastatic activity derived from treatment-resistant cancer cells, regarded as one of the most significant obstacles to develope effective cancer treatment options. However, the molecular profiles of cancer cells have not been thoroughly studied. METHODS Here, we examined in-situ HNSCC tumors and pairwisely followed up with the downstream circulating tumor cells (CTCs)-based on the surrogate biomarkers to detect metastasis that is established in other cancers - not yet being fully adopted in HNSCC treatment algorithms. RESULTS Specifically, we revealed metastatic HNSCC patients have complex CTCs that could be defined through gene expression and mutational gene profiling derived from completed single-cell RNASeq (scRNASeq) that served to confirm molecular pathways inherent in these CTCs. To enhance the reliability of our findings, we cross-validated those molecular profiles with results from previously published studies. CONCLUSION Thus, we identified 5 dysregulated signaling pathways in CTCs to derive HNSCC biomarker panels for screening HNSCC in situ tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Stucky
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Chi T Viet
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Bradley E Aouizerat
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yi Ye
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Coleen Doan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Tarun Mundluru
- Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Department of Periodontics and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Parish Sedhiazadeh
- Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Department of Periodontics and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Uttam K Sinha
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xuelian Chen
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Shengwen Calvin Li
- Neuro-Oncology and Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience Research, CHOC Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Jin Cai
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Zhuhai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang F Zhong
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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Varatanovic S, Stoiber S, Haas M, Lein A, Kadletz-Wanke L, Brkic FF. In vitro antineoplastic effects of MK0752 in HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:14691-14699. [PMID: 37587308 PMCID: PMC10602957 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05269-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gamma-secretase inhibitor MK0752 has shown a high therapeutic potential in different solid malignant tumors. Up to now, its antineoplastic effects were not investigated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and particularly in human-papillomavirus (HPV)-positive tumors. METHODS We conducted cytotoxic, migration, and clonogenic assays in two HPV-negative HNSCC cell lines (Cal27 and FaDu) and one HPV-positive cell line (SCC154). Furthermore, in order to assess the pro-apoptotic effects of MK0752, a Caspase 3/7 Glo assay was performed. RESULTS Our experiments revealed antineoplastic effects of MK0752 in all three cell lines. Strong cytotoxic and antimigratory potential was shown in all cell lines, with strongest effects observed in the HPV-positive cell line. Meanwhile, anticlonogenic effects were only shown in Cal27 and SCC154. Most importantly, MK0752 induced apoptosis solely in HPV-positive SCC154. CONCLUSIONS Our novel findings indicate a therapeutic potential of MK0752 in HPV-positive HNSCC. Indeed, further investigation is needed for validation of our results and for the assessment of the mechanistic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Varatanovic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Stoiber
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Applied Metabolomics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Haas
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Lein
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenz Kadletz-Wanke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Faris F Brkic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Onnis V. Special Issue "Novel Anti-Proliferative Agents". Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1437. [PMID: 37895908 PMCID: PMC10610072 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease that can affect any organ and spread to other nearby or distant organs [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Onnis
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
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Stoiber S, Brkic FF, Maier T, Schnoell J, Gurnhofer E, Heiduschka G, Kadletz-Wanke L, Kenner L. β-CATENIN is a positive prognostic marker for HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:7743-7750. [PMID: 37010585 PMCID: PMC10374714 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04712-3] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The evolutionary-conserved Wnt/β-CATENIN (WBC) pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of different solid malignant tumors. We evaluated the prognostic relevance of β-CATENIN, a pivotal mediator of WBC activation, in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS We analyzed if patients with HPV-positive HNSCC from the "The Cancer Genome Atlas" (TCGA cohort, n = 41) can be stratified based on their CTNNB1 mRNA expression. Moreover, in a tissue microarray (TMA) of primary tumor sections from HPV-positive HNSCC patients treated in a tertiary academic center (in-house cohort, n = 31), we evaluated the prognostic relevance of β-CATENIN expression on protein level. RESULTS In silico mining of CTNNB1 expression in HPV-positive HNSCC revealed that high CTNNB1 expression was linked to better overall survival (OS, p = 0.062). Moreover, high β-CATENIN expression was significantly associated with a better OS in our in-house cohort (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION Based on these findings, we postulate that β-CATENIN expression could serve (potentially in conjunction with other WBC pathway members) as a marker for better survival outcomes in patients with HPV-positive HNSCC. However, it is evident that future studies on bigger cohorts are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Stoiber
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Applied Metabolomics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Faris F. Brkic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tobias Maier
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Schnoell
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Gregor Heiduschka
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenz Kadletz-Wanke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Applied Metabolomics, Vienna, Austria
- Unit of Laboratory Animal Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- CBmed GmbH—Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine, Graz, Austria
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8
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Kleszcz R, Frąckowiak M, Dorna D, Paluszczak J. Combinations of PRI-724 Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Inhibitor with Vismodegib, Erlotinib, or HS-173 Synergistically Inhibit Head and Neck Squamous Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10448. [PMID: 37445628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin, EGFR, and PI3K pathways frequently undergo upregulation in head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC) cells. Moreover, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway together with Hedgehog (Hh) signaling regulate the activity of cancer stem cells (CSCs). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the combinatorial use of the Wnt/β-catenin and Hh pathway inhibitors on viability, cell cycle progression, apoptosis induction, cell migration, and expression of CSC markers in tongue (CAL 27) and hypopharynx (FaDu) cancer cells. Co-inhibition of Wnt signaling with EGFR or PI3K pathways was additionally tested. The cells were treated with selective inhibitors of signaling pathways: Wnt/β-catenin (PRI-724), Hh (vismodegib), EGFR (erlotinib), and PI3K (HS-173). Cell viability was evaluated by the resazurin assay. Cell cycle progression and apoptosis induction were tested by flow cytometric analysis after staining with propidium iodide and Annexin V, respectively. Cell migration was detected by the scratch assay and CSC marker expression by the R-T PCR method. Mixtures of PRI-724 and vismodegib affected cell cycle distribution, greatly reduced cell migration, and downregulated the transcript level of CSC markers, especially POU5F1 encoding OCT4. Combinations of PRI-724 with erlotinib or HS-173 were more potent in inducing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kleszcz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 4, Święcickiego Str., 60-781 Poznań, Poland
| | - Mikołaj Frąckowiak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 4, Święcickiego Str., 60-781 Poznań, Poland
| | - Dawid Dorna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 4, Święcickiego Str., 60-781 Poznań, Poland
| | - Jarosław Paluszczak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 4, Święcickiego Str., 60-781 Poznań, Poland
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9
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Varatanovic S, Maier T, Al-Gboore S, Stoiber S, Kandathil SA, Quint C, Brennus C, Heiduschka G, Kadletz-Wanke L, Brkic FF. In vitro effects of gamma-secretase inhibition in HPV-positive and HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Invest New Drugs 2023; 41:193-201. [PMID: 36809443 PMCID: PMC10140088 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-023-01334-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New chemotherapy agents are warranted for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), particularly for incidence-rising HPV-positive tumors. Based on the evidence of Notch pathway involvement in cancer promotion and progression, we aimed to gain insights into the in vitro antineoplastic effects of gamma-secretase inhibition in HPV-positive and -negative HNSCC models. METHODS All in vitro experiments were conducted in two HPV-negative (Cal27 and FaDu) and one HPV-associated HNSCC cell line (SCC154). The influence of the gamma-secretase inhibitor PF03084014 (PF) on proliferation, migration, colony forming, and apoptosis was assessed. RESULTS We observed significant anti-proliferative, anti-migratory, anti-clonogenic, and pro-apoptotic effects in all three HNSCC cell lines. Furthermore, synergistic effects with concomitant radiation were observable in the proliferation assay. Interestingly, effects were slightly more potent in the HPV-positive cells. CONCLUSION We provided novel insights into the potential therapeutic relevance of gamma-secretase inhibition in HNSCC cell lines in vitro. Therefore, PF may become a viable treatment option for patients with HNSCC, particularly for patients with HPV-induced malignancy. Indeed, further in vitro and in vivo experiments should be conducted to validate our results and decipher the mechanism behind the observed anti-neoplastic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Varatanovic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tobias Maier
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sega Al-Gboore
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Stoiber
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Applied Metabolomics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sam Augustine Kandathil
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Division of Anatomy, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Quint
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Charlotte Brennus
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Heiduschka
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenz Kadletz-Wanke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Faris F Brkic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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10
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Inhibition of beta-catenin shows therapeutic potential in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in vitro. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:399-408. [PMID: 36001136 PMCID: PMC9813240 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07598-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Beta-catenin is known to be a vital component of the canonical Wnt signaling cascade, involved in the carcinogenesis of different solid tumors. We aimed to evaluate the effects of Beta-catenin inhibition in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in vitro. The small molecular compound MSAB was used to inhibit Wnt/Beta-catenin signaling in a human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative cell line and its effects on cell proliferation, migration, colony formation, apoptosis, as well as radiosensitizing properties were assessed. Significant antineoplastic effects were observed in both cell lines. Interestingly, stronger anti-neoplastic and radiosensitizing effects were observed in the HPV-negative cell line, whereas stronger anti-migratory potential was detected in HPV-positive HNSCC cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest MSAB as a potential therapeutic agent for HNSCC. Further studies are warranted to unravel the mechanistic background of our findings.
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11
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Maier T, Stoiber S, Gurnhofer E, Haas M, Kenner L, Heiduschka G, Kadletz-Wanke L, Brkic FF. Inhibition of beta-catenin shows therapeutic potential in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in vitro. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023. [PMID: 36001136 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07598-y/figures/4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Beta-catenin is known to be a vital component of the canonical Wnt signaling cascade, involved in the carcinogenesis of different solid tumors. We aimed to evaluate the effects of Beta-catenin inhibition in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in vitro. The small molecular compound MSAB was used to inhibit Wnt/Beta-catenin signaling in a human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative cell line and its effects on cell proliferation, migration, colony formation, apoptosis, as well as radiosensitizing properties were assessed. Significant antineoplastic effects were observed in both cell lines. Interestingly, stronger anti-neoplastic and radiosensitizing effects were observed in the HPV-negative cell line, whereas stronger anti-migratory potential was detected in HPV-positive HNSCC cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest MSAB as a potential therapeutic agent for HNSCC. Further studies are warranted to unravel the mechanistic background of our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Maier
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Stoiber
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Applied Metabolomics, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Markus Haas
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Applied Metabolomics, Vienna, Austria.
- Unit of Laboratory Animal Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
- CBmed GmbH-Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine, Graz, Austria.
| | - Gregor Heiduschka
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenz Kadletz-Wanke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Faris F Brkic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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