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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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Shen N, Wang L, Wu J, Chen X, Hu F, Su Y. Meta‑analysis of the autophagy‑associated protein LC3 as a prognostic marker in colorectal cancer. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:492. [PMID: 37753301 PMCID: PMC10518644 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12191] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) is an autophagy-associated gene, which is involved in the progression of a number of human malignancies. Such as Breast Cancer, Liver Cancer, and Lung Cancer. However, the role of LC3 in colorectal cancer (CC) remains to be fully elucidated. Therefore, the prognostic role of LC3 expression in CC was evaluated in the present study, with an emphasis on the clinicopathology and prognosis. Expression of LC3 in CC was examined using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica Database, China Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang Data. Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to screen the literature quality, and RevMan 5.4 and STATA 14.0 were used for the meta-analysis. A total of 1,689 patients from 10 studies were included in the present meta-analysis. The findings of the present study suggested that increased LC3 expression levels were associated with histological grade [odds ratio (OR)=0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.47, 1.77), P<0.001] and TNM stage [OR=0.91, 95% CI (0.47, 1.77), P<0.001], but were not associated with sex [OR=1.14, 95% CI (0.90, 1.51)], age [OR=0.89, 95% CI (0.67, 1.20)], tumor size [OR=0.78, 95% CI (0.30, 2.34)], histological grade [OR=0.82, 95% CI (0.43, 1.95)] and lymph node metastasis [OR=2.05, 95% CI (1.19, 3.60)] in CC. In addition, the increased expression of LC3 was revealed to be a prognostic factor for the overall survival of patients with CC. In conclusion, the autophagy-associated protein LC3 may be a prognostic indicator of human CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Shen
- Department of Oncology, Zhangqiu People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250200, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Blood Purification Center, Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215153, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Wu
- Department of Oncology, Zhangqiu People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250200, P.R. China
| | - Xuefang Chen
- Blood Purification Center, Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215153, P.R. China
| | - Fengchao Hu
- Department of Oncology, Zhangqiu People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250200, P.R. China
| | - Yi Su
- Quality Management Office, Zhangqiu People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250200, P.R. China
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Zhang H, Chen S, Xu S, Li X. COTE1 Facilitates Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Progression via Beclin1-Dependent Autophagy Inhibition. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:5491682. [PMID: 37780485 PMCID: PMC10541304 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5491682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
COTE1 was recently described as an oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma and gastric cancer. However, the roles of COTE1 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) are little known. Our study is aimed at clarifying novel functions of COTE1 in ICC progression, including proliferation, invasion, and autophagy. By using quantitative real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry staining, and western blotting, we found that COTE1 expression was frequently upregulated in ICC tissues, compared to paracarcinoma tissues. High COTE1 expression was significantly correlated with aggressive clinical features and predicted poor prognosis of ICC patients. Functional experiments revealed that ectopic COTE1 expression promoted ICC cell proliferation, colony formation, cellular invasion, migration, and in vivo tumorigenicity; in contrast, COTE1 knockdown resulted in the opposite effects. At molecular mechanism in vitro and vivo, our study revealed that COTE1 overexpression suppressed autophagy via Beclin1 transcription inhibition; conversely, COTE1 silencing facilitated autophagy through promoting Beclin1 expression. Furthermore, the suppression of COTE1 knockdown on cellular growth and invasion was rescued/aggravated by Beclin1 inhibition/accumulation. Our data, for the first time, illustrate that COTE1 is an oncogene in ICC pathogenesis, and the ectopic COTE1 expression promotes ICC proliferation and invasion via Beclin1-dependent autophagy inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Zhang
- Key Laboratory on Living Donor Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Department of Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Shu Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Sanrong Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Xiangcheng Li
- Key Laboratory on Living Donor Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Department of Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
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Yang S, Hui TL, Wang HQ, Zhang X, Mi YZ, Cheng M, Gao W, Geng CZ, Li SN. High expression of autophagy-related gene EIF4EBP1 could promote tamoxifen resistance and predict poor prognosis in breast cancer. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:4788-4799. [PMID: 37583983 PMCID: PMC10424051 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i20.4788] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) remains a public health problem. Tamoxifen (TAM) resistance has caused great difficulties for treatment of BC patients. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (EIF4EBP1) plays critical roles in the tumorigenesis and progression of BC. However, the expression and mechanism of EIF4EBP1 in determining the efficacy of TAM therapy in BC patients are still unclear. AIM To investigate the expression and functions of EIF4EBP1 in determining the efficacy of TAM therapy in BC patients. METHODS High-throughput sequencing data of breast tumors were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differential gene expression analysis identified EIF4EBP1 to be significantly upregulated in cancer tissues. Its prognostic value was analyzed. The biological function and related pathways of EIF4EBP1 was analyzed. Subsequently, the expression of EIF4EBP1 was determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, colony formation assay and wound healing assay were used to understand the phenotypes of function of EIF4EBP1. RESULTS EIF4EBP1 was upregulated in the TAM-resistant cells, and EIF4EBP1 was related to the prognosis of BC patients. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis showed that EIF4EBP1 might be involved in Hedgehog signaling pathways. Decreasing the expression of EIF4EBP1 could reverse TAM resistance, whereas overexpression of EIF4EBP1 promoted TAM resistance. CONCLUSION This study indicated that EIF4EBP1 was overexpressed in the BC and TAM-resistant cell line, which increased cell proliferation, invasion, migration and TAM resistance in BC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Yang
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Tian-Li Hui
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Hao-Qi Wang
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yun-Zhe Mi
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Meng Cheng
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Cui-Zhi Geng
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Sai-Nan Li
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
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Niknam M, Maleki MH, Khakshournia S, Rasouli M, Vakili O, Shafiee SM. Bilirubin, an endogenous antioxidant that affects p53 protein and its downstream apoptosis/autophagy-related genes in LS180 and SW480 cell culture models of colorectal cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 672:161-167. [PMID: 37354609 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.06.050] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the commonest neoplasms worldwide, which its pathogenesis is strongly correlated with p53 mutations. Antioxidants are believed to decelerate the CRC progression, possibly through interfering with p53 and its downstream target genes and mechanisms. Regarding the potential antioxidant effects of bilirubin, as an incredible endogenous antioxidant, we sought to investigate how bilirubin affected the expression levels of p53 protein and its downstream target genes, including Mdm2, Bcl-2, BECN1 and LC3, in LS180 and SW480 cell culture models of CRC. METHODS AND RESULTS Using the MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assay, 50 and 100 μM concentrations of bilirubin were determined to be non-toxic for both LS180 and SW480 cell lines. Western blot analysis was employed to evaluate the protein expression levels of p53. The results revealed that p53 protein levels were higher in LS180 cells treated with bilirubin compared to the control group. Notwithstanding, in SW480 cells, no considerable changes were observed in p53 protein levels of treated cells compared to the control ones. The quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (q RT-PCR) method was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of the apoptosis/autophagy-related genes, Mdm2, Bcl-2, BECN1, and LC3 , as the p53's downstream target genes. Consequently, the expression of Bcl-2 and Mdm2 genes were affected by p53, while BECN1 and LC3 expression levels were decreased in both cell lines. CONCLUSION Bilirubin is an endogenous antioxidant with significant anti-tumor effects in the studied CRC cell lines, probably through the regulation of p53 protein expression levels and subsequent control of apoptosis and autophagy, as two key processes involved in cell survival and progression of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Niknam
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Hasan Maleki
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Sara Khakshournia
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Autophagy Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Maryam Rasouli
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Omid Vakili
- Autophagy Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Sayed Mohammad Shafiee
- Autophagy Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Sana-Eldine AO, Abdelgawad HM, Kotb NS, Shehata NI. The potential effect of Schisandrin-B combination with panitumumab in wild-type and mutant colorectal cancer cell lines: Role of apoptosis and autophagy. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23324. [PMID: 36808796 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23324] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Panitumumab is an approved monoclonal antibody for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC); however, mutations in EGFR signaling pathway resulted in poor response. Schisandrin-B (Sch-B) is a phytochemical that was suggested to protect against inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell proliferation. The present study aimed to investigate the potential effect of Sch-B on panitumumab-induced cytotoxicity in wild-type Caco-2, and mutant HCT-116 and HT-29 CRC cell lines, and the possible underlying mechanisms. CRC cell lines were treated with panitumumab, Sch-B, and their combination. The cytotoxic effect of drugs was determined by MTT assay. The apoptotic potential was assessed in-vitro by DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activity. Additionally, autophagy was investigated via microscopic detection of autophagosomes and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) measurement of Beclin-1, Rubicon, LC3-II, and Bcl-2 expression. The drug pair enhanced panitumumab cytotoxicity in all CRC cell lines where IC50 of panitumumab was decreased in Caco-2 cell line. Apoptosis was induced through caspase-3 activation, DNA fragmentation, and Bcl-2 downregulation. Caco-2 cell line treated with panitumumab showed stained acidic vesicular organelles, contrariwise, all cell lines treated with Sch-B or the drug pair displayed green fluorescence indicating the lack of autophagosomes. qRT-PCR revealed the downregulation of LC3-II in all CRC cell lines, Rubicon in mutant cell lines, and Beclin-1 in HT-29 cell line only. Sch-B at 6.5 µM promoted panitumumab-induced apoptotic cell death, in-vitro, via caspase-3 activation and Bcl-2 downregulation, rather than autophagic cell death. This novel combination therapy against CRC, allows the reduction of panitumumab dose to guard against its adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanan M Abdelgawad
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nahla S Kotb
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of postgraduate studies for advanced Biotechnology and life sciences, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Nagwa I Shehata
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Condello M, Vona R, Meschini S. Prunus spinosa Extract Sensitized HCT116 Spheroids to 5-Fluorouracil Toxicity, Inhibiting Autophagy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416098. [PMID: 36555736 PMCID: PMC9785163 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a lysosomal degradation and recycling process involved in tumor progression and drug resistance. The aim of this work was to inhibit autophagy and increase apoptosis in a 3D model of human colorectal cancer by combined treatment with our patented natural product Prunus spinosa + nutraceutical activator complex (PsT + NAC®) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). By means of cytotoxic evaluation (MTT assay), cytofluorimetric analysis, light and fluorescence microscopy investigation and Western blotting evaluation of the molecular pathway PI3/AKT/mTOR, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, Beclin1, p62 and LC3, we demonstrated that the combination PsT + NAC® and 5-FU significantly reduces autophagy by increasing the apoptotic phenomenon. These results demonstrate the importance of using non-toxic natural compounds to improve the therapeutic efficacy and reduce the side effects induced by conventional drugs in human colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Condello
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Rosa Vona
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Meschini
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (S.M.)
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Zhang C, Zeng C, Xiong S, Zhao Z, Wu G. A mitophagy-related gene signature associated with prognosis and immune microenvironment in colorectal cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18688. [PMID: 36333388 PMCID: PMC9636133 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23463-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease and one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. Previous research has demonstrated that mitophagy is crucial to developing colorectal cancer. This study aims to examine the association between mitophagy-related genes and the prognosis of CRC patients. Gene expression profiles and clinical information of CRC patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Univariate Cox regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis were applied to establish a prognostic signature using mitophagy related genes. Kaplan-Meier and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze patient survival and predictive accuracy. Meanwhile, we also used the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) algorithm to estimate the sensitivity of chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. ATG14 overexpression plasmid was used to regulate the ATG14 expression level in HCT116 and SW480 cell lines, and cell counting kit-8, colony formation and transwell migration assay were performed to validate the function of ATG14 in CRC cells. A total of 22 mitophagy-driven genes connected with CRC survival were identified, and then a novel prognostic signature was established based on 10 of them (AMBRA1, ATG14, MAP1LC3A, MAP1LC3B, OPTN, VDAC1, ATG5, CSNK2A2, MFN1, TOMM22). Patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on the median risk score, and the survival of patients in the high-risk group was significantly shorter in both the training cohort and two independent cohorts. ROC curve showed that the area under the curves (AUC) of 1-, 3- and 5-year survival were 0.66, 0.66 and 0.64, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed the independent prognostic value of the signature. Then we constructed a Nomogram combining the risk score, age and M stage, which had a concordance index of survival prediction of 0.77 (95% CI 0.71-0.83) and more robust predictive accuracy. Results showed that CD8+ T cells, regulatory T cells and activated NK cells were significantly more enriched in the high-risk group. Furthermore, patients in the high-risk group are more sensitive to targeted therapy or chemotherapy, including bosutinib, elesclomol, lenalidomide, midostaurin, pazopanib and sunitinib, while the low-risk group is more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. Finally, in vitro study confirmed the oncogenic significance of ATG14 in both HCT116 and SW480 cells, whose overexpression increased CRC cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration. In conclusion, we developed a novel mitophagy-related gene signature that can be utilized not only as an independent predictive biomarker but also as a tool for tailoring personalizing treatment for CRC patients, and we confirmed ATG14 as a novel oncogene in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zhang
- grid.415440.0Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072 Sichuan China
| | - Cailing Zeng
- grid.415440.0Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072 Sichuan China
| | - Shaoquan Xiong
- grid.415440.0Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072 Sichuan China
| | - Zewei Zhao
- grid.411304.30000 0001 0376 205XChengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072 Sichuan China
| | - Guoyu Wu
- grid.415440.0Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072 Sichuan China
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9
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Hu D, Huo Y, Xue Y, Feng H, Sun W, Wang H, Wu J, Wang X. Clinical application of autophagy proteins as prognostic biomarkers in colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis. Future Oncol 2022; 18:3537-3549. [PMID: 36189673 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2022-0458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the prognostic value of autophagy proteins in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: Six potential autophagy proteins were analyzed (Beclin-1, LC3A, LC3B, ULK1, ATG10 and p62). Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for overall survival (OS) of CRC patients were calculated. Results: A total of 20 studies were included. High expression of LC3B and p62 was associated with favorable OS (HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.40-0.80; HR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61-0.96), whereas high expression of Beclin-1 (HR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.05-2.06) and ULK1 (HR: 1.92. 95% CI: 1.05-3.53) might predict worse OS in CRC patients. Conclusion: Beclin-1, LC3B and p62 might act as promising prognostic biomarkers for CRC. High LC3 and p62 expression can be reliable tools for metastasis prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqing Hu
- Department of Healthcare Security Management, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 6, Huajiadi Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100102, China.,Tibetan Medicine Administration of Tibet Autonomous Region, Chengguan District, Lhasa, China.,Department of Digestive Endoscopy, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 42, Wenhua West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250011, China
| | - Yanming Huo
- Cardiovascular Medicine Department, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 6, Huajiadi Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - Ye Xue
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 42, Wenhua West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250011, China
| | - Haixia Feng
- Department of Infection Management, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 42, Wenhua West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250011, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Cardiovascular Medicine Department, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 6, Huajiadi Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - Huiqi Wang
- Cardiovascular Medicine Department, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 6, Huajiadi Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Cardiovascular Medicine Department, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 6, Huajiadi Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Healthcare Security Management, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 6, Huajiadi Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100102, China.,Tibetan Medicine Administration of Tibet Autonomous Region, Chengguan District, Lhasa, China
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10
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Bhadra K. A Mini Review on Molecules Inducing Caspase-Independent Cell Death: A New Route to Cancer Therapy. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196401. [PMID: 36234938 PMCID: PMC9572491 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Most anticancer treatments trigger tumor cell death through apoptosis, where initiation of proteolytic action of caspase protein is a basic need. But under certain circumstances, apoptosis is prevented by the apoptosis inhibitor proteins, survivin and Hsp70. Several drugs focusing on classical programmed death of the cell have been reported to have low anti-tumorogenic potency due to mutations in proteins involved in the caspase-dependent programmed cell death with intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. This review concentrates on the role of anti-cancer drug molecules targeting alternative pathways of cancer cell death for treatment, by providing a molecular basis for the new strategies of novel anti-cancer treatment. Under these conditions, active agents targeting alternative cell death pathways can be considered as potent chemotherapeutic drugs. Many natural compounds and other small molecules, such as inorganic and synthetic compounds, including several repurposing drugs, are reported to cause caspase-independent cell death in the system. However, few molecules indicated both caspase-dependent as well caspase-free cell death in specific cancer lines. Cancer cells have alternative methods of caspase-independent programmed cell death which are equally promising for being targeted by small molecules. These small molecules may be useful leads for rational therapeutic drug design, and can be of potential interest for future cancer-preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kakali Bhadra
- Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Nadia, Kalyani 741235, India
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Manzoor S, Muhammad JS, Maghazachi AA, Hamid Q. Autophagy: A Versatile Player in the Progression of Colorectal Cancer and Drug Resistance. Front Oncol 2022; 12:924290. [PMID: 35912261 PMCID: PMC9329589 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.924290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the topmost malignancies for both genders. Despite the high incidence rate and advances in diagnostic tools, treatment in many cases is still ineffective. Most cancerous lesions in CRC begin as benign, followed by the development of invasive forms and metastases. The development of CRC has been linked to defects in autophagy, which plays both a pro-and anti-tumor role and is mainly context-dependent. Autophagy suppression could enhance apoptosis via p53 activation, or autophagy also promotes tumor progression by maintaining tumor growth and increasing resistance to chemotherapy. Autophagy promotes the invasion and metastasis of CRC cells via increased epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, dysbiosis of gut microbiota upregulated autophagy and metastasis markers. Autophagy responses may also modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) via regulating the differentiation process of several innate immune cells. Treatments that promote tumor cell death by stimulating or inhibiting autophagy could be beneficial if used as an adjunct treatment, but the precise role of various autophagy-modulating drugs in CRC patients is needed to be explored. In this article, we present an overview of the autophagy process and its role in the pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance of CRC. Also, we focused on the current understanding of the role of the EMT and TME, including its relation to gut microbiota and immune cells, in autophagic manipulation of CRC. We believe that there is a potential link between autophagy, TME, EMT, and drug resistance, suggesting that further studies are needed to explore this aspect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaista Manzoor
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jibran Sualeh Muhammad
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Azzam A. Maghazachi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Qutayba Hamid
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Qutayba Hamid,
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12
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Wang W, Chen L, Zhu W, Huang X, Lin L, Quan Z, Sun K, Xu Q. miR-4486 reverses cisplatin-resistance of colon cancer cells via targeting ATG7 to inhibiting autophagy. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1465. [PMID: 34737805 PMCID: PMC8561764 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin (DDP) resistance is one of the main causes of treatment failure in patients with colon cancer (CC). Autophagy is a key mechanism of resistance to chemotherapy. Since autophagy-related 7 (ATG7) has been reported to be involved in the regulation of autophagy and DDP resistance for lung and esophageal cancer, the present study aimed to explore the functions of microRNA (miR)-4486 in the autophagy-mediated DDP resistance of CC. The expression level of miR-4486 in HCT116, DDP-resistant HCT116 cells (HCT116/DDP), SW480 and DDP-resistant SW480 cells (SW480/DDP) was quantified by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Western blotting was utilized to analyze the expression of ATG7, autophagy-related proteins Beclin 1 and LC3-I/II, as well as apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved-caspase 3 in HCT116/DDP and SW480/DDP cells. The half maximal inhibitory concentration of DDP on all cell lines and the cell viability of HCT116/DDP and SW480/DDP cells were measured using Cell Counting Kit 8 assay. Luciferase assay was used to examine the potential targets of miR-4486 and ATG7. The effects of upregulating mimic miR-4486 expression on the apoptosis and autophagy of HCT116/DDP and SW480/DDP cells were determined by flow cytometry and electron microscopy, respectively. It was found that miR-4486 expression was significantly decreased in HCT116/DDP and SW480/DDP cells compared with that in HCT116 and SW480 cells. Overexpression of miR-4486 could increase the sensitivity of HCT116/DDP and SW480/DDP cells to DDP by reducing cell viability, promoting apoptosis and inhibiting autophagy through downregulating Beclin 1 expression and the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio. Additionally, ATG7 was identified to be a target gene of miR-4486, where ATG7 overexpression could partially reverse the effects of miR-4486 on cell viability and apoptosis by promoting the formation of autophagosomes. In conclusion, the present results demonstrated that miR-4486 could reverse DDP resistance in HCT116/DDP and SW480/DDP cells by targeting ATG7 to inhibit autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, P.R. China
| | - Linxia Chen
- Department of Operating Room, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, P.R. China
| | - Wenjin Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, P.R. China
| | - Xianjin Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, P.R. China
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, P.R. China
| | - Zhenhao Quan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, P.R. China
| | - Kaiyu Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, P.R. China
| | - Qingwen Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, P.R. China
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Effects of Sinapic Acid Combined with Cisplatin on the Apoptosis and Autophagy of the Hepatoma Cells HepG2 and SMMC-7721. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6095963. [PMID: 34675987 PMCID: PMC8526204 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6095963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sinapic acid (Sa) is a small-molecule phenolic acid compound predominant in fruits, vegetables, and grains. This study investigated the antitumor effects of cisplatin (DDP) combined with Sa (Sa/DDP) on the hepatic cancer cells (HCC), HepG2 and SMMC-7721. The HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells were treated with Sa or Sa/DDP, and the cell proliferation and cell cycle were detected using the MTT assay. The cell migration was detected using the transwell and scratch assays, while apoptosis and autophagy were detected using Hoechst, MDC, and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The protein expression was quantitated using the western blot. Sa/DDP was found to not only inhibit cancer cell proliferation and migration but also induce cell apoptosis. Simultaneously, the Sa/DDP combination was found to activate autophagy, and the HCQ autophagy inhibitor enhanced the apoptosis in the Sa/DDP-induced liver cancer cells. The combined use of Sa and DDP makes it an attractive adjuvant therapy strategy for tumors, establishing the prospect of phenolic acid compounds for the adjuvant treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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14
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Feng Y, Cao X, Zhao B, Song C, Pang B, Hu L, Zhang C, Wang J, He J, Wang S. Nitrate increases cisplatin chemosensitivity of oral squamous cell carcinoma via REDD1/AKT signaling pathway. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 64:1814-1828. [PMID: 34542810 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1978-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although cisplatin is one of the chemotherapeutics most frequently used in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) treatment, it exerts multiple side effects and poor chemosensitivity. Nitrate reportedly demonstrates several beneficial biological functions, and synthesized nitrates enhance the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy. However, the role of inorganic nitrate in cisplatin chemotherapy remains unclear. We therefore investigated the effect of inorganic nitrate exerted on cisplatin sensitivity in OSCC. We found that nitrate did not affect OSCC cell growth and apoptosis in OSCC cells and OSCC xenograft tumor animal studies. Cisplatin induced REDD1 expression and AKT activation in OSCC. However, nitrate could increase cisplatin chemosensitivity, reduce its REDD1 expression, and attenuate AKT signaling activation in OSCC cells. Dysregulation of high levels of REDD1, which could enhance AKT activation, was positively associated with poor prognosis in OSCC patients. Thus, reduced REDD1 expression and retarded AKT activation induced by inorganic nitrate might be a new potential approach to the sensitization of oral cancer to cisplatin treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyong Feng
- Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Beijing, 100050, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Xuedi Cao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Capital Medical University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Chunyan Song
- Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Baoxing Pang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Liang Hu
- Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Chunmei Zhang
- Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jinsong Wang
- Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Beijing, 100050, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Capital Medical University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Junqi He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Capital Medical University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Songlin Wang
- Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Beijing, 100050, China.
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Capital Medical University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100069, China.
- Research Units of Tooth Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100069, China.
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15
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Chen L, He M, Zhang M, Sun Q, Zeng S, Zhao H, Yang H, Liu M, Ren S, Meng X, Xu H. The Role of non-coding RNAs in colorectal cancer, with a focus on its autophagy. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 226:107868. [PMID: 33901505 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of malignant afflictions burdening people worldwide, mainly caused by shortages of effective medical intervention and poorly mechanistic understanding of the pathogenesis of CRC. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a type of heterogeneous transcripts without the capability of coding protein, but have the potency of regulating protein-coding gene expression. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved catabolic process in which cytoplasmic contents are delivered to cellular lysosomes for degradation, resulting in the turnover of cellular components and producing energy for cell functions. A growing body of evidence reveals that ncRNAs, autophagy, and the crosstalks of ncRNAs and autophagy play intricate roles in the initiation, progression, metastasis, recurrence and therapeutic resistance of CRC, which confer ncRNAs and autophagy to serve as clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CRC. In this review, we sought to delineate the complicated roles of ncRNAs, mainly including miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs, in the pathogenesis of CRC, particularly focus on the regulatory role of ncRNAs in CRC-related autophagy, attempting to shed light on the complex pathological mechanisms, involving ncRNAs and autophagy, responsible for CRC tumorigenesis and development, so as to underpin the ncRNAs- and autophagy-based therapeutic strategies for CRC in clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Man He
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Sha Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Han Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Maolun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xianli Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Haibo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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16
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Wang Y, Zhao Z, Zhuang J, Wu X, Wang Z, Zhang B, Gao G, Zhang Y, Guo C, Xia Q. Prognostic Value of Autophagy, Microsatellite Instability, and KRAS Mutations in Colorectal Cancer. J Cancer 2021; 12:3515-3528. [PMID: 33995628 PMCID: PMC8120188 DOI: 10.7150/jca.51430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Autophagy plays pivotal role in various tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Microsatellite instability (MSI) and KRAS mutations are also involved in response to the adjuvant therapy of CRC. We aimed to investigate the relationships among autophagy, KRAS mutations, MSI, clinicopathological parameters, and prognosis in CRC patients. Methods and Results: We tested 200 CRC tumors for autophagy-related protein expression (Beclin 1 and LC3), MSI status, and KRAS mutations. Results: Expression of Beclin 1 and LC3 was higher in CRC, with Beclin 1 significantly correlating with the depth of invasion, whereas LC3 was not associated with clinicopathological parameters. Patients expressing the LC3 proteins experienced a shorter overall survival (OS) after surgery with adjuvant therapy, especially in the MSS/L-CRC subgroup and the mutated KRAS subgroup. MSS/L-CRC patients with KRAS mutations positively expressed the LC3 protein and suffered a shorter OS than LC3 non-expressing patients. In CRC patients who received either capecitabine or capecitabine combined with oxaliplatin post-surgery, the positive expression of LC3 correlated with worse OS compared to patients who did not express LC3. Sequencing showed BRCA1/2 as the most variant genes in all patients. Nevertheless, deleterious variations were more frequent in patients with MSI-H CRC. Conclusions: High LC3 protein expression shows a certain prognostic value in CRC patients. LC3, the MSI status, and KRAS mutations must be considered when selecting an adjuvant therapy for CRC. The detection of these indexes is of great significance to identify high-risk patients who would benefit from autophagy-related anticancer drugs or help to explore more effective treatment options for patients who are resistant to conventional chemotherapy or relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Zhi Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Yihe Hospital, Henan University, No. 69 Agriculture East Road, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Xinxin Wu
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Zhizhong Wang
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Ge Gao
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Yinping Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Caili Guo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 255 Gangdu Road, Dongsan Street, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Qingxin Xia
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou 450008, China
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17
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Wang H, Ye T, Cai Y, Chen W, Xie H, Ke C. Downregulation of Ascl2 promotes cell apoptosis by enhancing autophagy in colorectal cancer cells. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:630-638. [PMID: 34012655 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer, according to recently published literature. While the incidence and the mortality of CRC has decreased due to effective cancer screening measures, there has been an increase in the number of young patients diagnosed with colon cancer due to unclear reasons. As a target molecule of the Wnt signaling pathway, Ascl2 is an important marker of CRC stem cells and plays an important role in maintaining the nature of colon cancer stem/precursor cells. However, the role of Ascl2 in autophagy in CRC cells is rarely elucidated. Methods In this study, we found that Ascl2 was increased in CRC compared with adjacent tissue. Downregulation of Ascl2 in CRC cells could suppress proliferation and invasion, and induce apoptosis, of CRC cells. Moreover, we found that autophagy-relative protein LC3 increased after Ascl2 knockdown. Furthermore, we treated CRC cells with autophagy inhibitors 3-MA (3-Methyladenine) and CQ (Chloroquine). Results The results showed that autophagy inhibitors could prevent apoptosis, which was induced by Ascl2 knockdown. Finally, we confirmed that the downregulation of Ascl2 in CRC cells could alleviate the pathological process in vivo by xenograft experiment. Conclusions Our findings indicated that si-Ascl2 (small/short interfering) exerted a tumor suppression function in CRC by inducing autophagic cell death, and suggest that Ascl2 targeted therapy represents a novel strategy for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huipeng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Ye
- Department of General Surgery, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuankun Cai
- Department of General Surgery, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjie Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongwei Xie
- Department of General Surgery, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongwei Ke
- Department of General Surgery, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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18
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Zhang B, Liu L. Autophagy is a double-edged sword in the therapy of colorectal cancer. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:378. [PMID: 33777202 PMCID: PMC7988732 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. The limitations of colorectal cancer treatment include various types of multidrug resistance and the contingent damage to neighboring normal cells caused by chemotherapy. Macroautophagy/autophagy and apoptosis are essential mechanisms involved in cancer cell regulation of chemotherapy. Autophagy can either cause cancer cell death or promote tumor survival during colorectal cancer. Given that autophagy is involved in chemotherapy of colorectal cancer, an improved insight into the potential interactions between apoptosis and autophagy is crucial. The present review aimed to summarize the involvement of autophagy in the regulation of colorectal cancer and its association with chemotherapy. Furthermore, the role of natural product extraction, novel chemicals and small molecules, as well as radiation, which induce autophagy in colorectal cancer cells, were reviewed. Finally, the present review aimed to provide an outlook for the regulation of autophagy as a novel approach to the treatment of cancer, particularly chemotherapy-resistant colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- Medical Laboratory for Radiation Research, Beijing Institute for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Beijing 100093, P.R. China.,College of Food Science and Engineering, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121000, P.R. China
| | - Lantao Liu
- Medical Laboratory for Radiation Research, Beijing Institute for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Beijing 100093, P.R. China
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19
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Guo JC, Wei QS, Dong L, Fang SS, Li F, Zhao Y. Prognostic Value of an Autophagy-Related Five-Gene Signature for Lower-Grade Glioma Patients. Front Oncol 2021; 11:644443. [PMID: 33768004 PMCID: PMC7985555 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.644443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Molecular characteristics can be good indicators of tumor prognosis and have been introduced into the classification of gliomas. The prognosis of patients with newly classified lower-grade gliomas (LGGs, including grade 2 and grade 3 gliomas) is highly heterogeneous, and new molecular markers are urgently needed. Methods: Autophagy related genes (ATGs) were obtained from Human Autophagy Database (HADb). From the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), gene expression profiles including ATG expression information and patient clinical data were downloaded. Cox regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, Kaplan–Meier analysis, random survival forest algorithm (RSFVH) and stratification analysis were performed. Results: Through univariate Cox regression analysis, we found a total of 127 ATGs associated with the prognosis of LGG patients from TCGA dataset and a total of 131 survival-related ATGs from CGGA dataset. Using TCGA dataset as the training group (n = 524), we constructed a five-ATG signature (including BAG1, BID, MAP1LC3C, NRG3, PTK6), which could divide LGG patients into two risk groups with significantly different overall survival (Log Rank P < 0.001). Then we confirmed in the independent CGGA dataset that the five-ATG signature had the ability to predict prognosis (n = 431, Log Rank P < 0.001). We further discovered that the predictive ability of the five-ATG signature was better than the existing clinical indicators and IDH mutation status. In addition, the five-ATG signature could further classify patients after receiving radiotherapy or chemotherapy into groups with different prognosis. Conclusions: We identified a five-ATG signature that could be a reliable prognostic marker and might be therapeutic targets for autophagy therapy for LGG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Cheng Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qing-Shuang Wei
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Dong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang-Sang Fang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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20
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Hu XM, Li ZX, Lin RH, Shan JQ, Yu QW, Wang RX, Liao LS, Yan WT, Wang Z, Shang L, Huang Y, Zhang Q, Xiong K. Guidelines for Regulated Cell Death Assays: A Systematic Summary, A Categorical Comparison, A Prospective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:634690. [PMID: 33748119 PMCID: PMC7970050 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.634690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few years, the field of regulated cell death continues to expand and novel mechanisms that orchestrate multiple regulated cell death pathways are being unveiled. Meanwhile, researchers are focused on targeting these regulated pathways which are closely associated with various diseases for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. However, the complexity of the mechanisms and the difficulties of distinguishing among various regulated types of cell death make it harder to carry out the work and delay its progression. Here, we provide a systematic guideline for the fundamental detection and distinction of the major regulated cell death pathways following morphological, biochemical, and functional perspectives. Moreover, a comprehensive evaluation of different assay methods is critically reviewed, helping researchers to make a reliable selection from among the cell death assays. Also, we highlight the recent events that have demonstrated some novel regulated cell death processes, including newly reported biomarkers (e.g., non-coding RNA, exosomes, and proteins) and detection techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Min Hu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi-Xin Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rui-Han Lin
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jia-Qi Shan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qing-Wei Yu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rui-Xuan Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lv-Shuang Liao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei-Tao Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Lei Shang
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yanxia Huang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kun Xiong
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China
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Du JX, Chen C, Luo YH, Cai JL, Cai CZ, Xu J, Ni XJ, Zhu W. Establishment and validation of a novel autophagy-related gene signature for patients with breast cancer. Gene 2020; 762:144974. [PMID: 32707305 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There exists considerable evidence conforming that autophagy may play an important role in the biological process of breast cancer. This study aimed to construct and evaluate a novel autophagy-related gene signature as a potential prognostic factor and therapeutic target in breast cancer patients based on high-throughput sequencing datasets. MATERIALS & METHODS Autophagy-related genes obtained from the Human Autophagy Database and high-sequencing data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed to identify differential expressed genes (DEGs) between tumor and normal tissues. Then GO and KEGG analysis were performed to explore potential biological and pathological functions of DEGs. Autophagy-related prognostic genes were identified by univariate COX regression analysis. Subsequently stepwise model selection using the Alkaike information criterion (AIC) and multivariate COX regression model was performed to construct autophagy-related gene signature. Then patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups based on the risk score identified by the autophagy-related gene signature. Multivariate COX regression model and stratification analysis were used to specify the prognostic value of this gene signature in whole cohort and various subgroups. T-test and ANOVA analysis were used to compare the expression differences of continuous variables (5 prognostic genes and risk score) in binary and multiple category groups respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank tests and the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) were conducted to validate the accuracy and precise of the autophagy-related gene signature based on GSE20685 and GSE21653 datasets. RESULTS We profiled autophagy-related DEGs in normal and breast tumor tissues. GO and KEGG analysis indicated that autophagy-related DEGs might participate in breast cancer occurrence, development and drug resistance. Then we identified five autophagy-related genes (EIF4EBP1, ATG4A, BAG1, MAP1LC3A and SERPINA1) that had significantly prognostic values for breast cancer. Autophagy-related gene signature was constructed and patients were divided into high- and low- risk groups based on their risk score. Patients in the high-risk group tended to have shorter overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) times than those in the low-risk group (OS: HR = 1.620, 95%CIs: 1.345-1.950; P < 0.001; RFS: HR = 1.487, 95%CIs: 1.248-1.771, P < 0.001). Autophagy-related gene signature had significant prognostic value in stratified subgroups especially in advanced breast cancer subgroups (T3-4; N2-3; stage III-IV). Its prognostic value was further confirmed in two GEO validation datasets (GSE20685: P = 6.795e-03; GSE21653: P = 1.383e-03). Finally, association analysis between clinicopathological factors and gene signature showed the risk score was higher in patients with ER/PR negative, higher clinical stage or T stage (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION We established and confirmed a novel autophagy-related gene signature for patients with breast cancer that had independent survival prognostic value especially in advanced breast cancer subgroups. Our research might promote the molecular mechanism study of autophagy-related genes in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Xian Du
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yi-Hong Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jia-Liang Cai
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Cheng-Zhe Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Jian Ni
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Mele L, Del Vecchio V, Liccardo D, Prisco C, Schwerdtfeger M, Robinson N, Desiderio V, Tirino V, Papaccio G, La Noce M. The role of autophagy in resistance to targeted therapies. Cancer Treat Rev 2020; 88:102043. [PMID: 32505806 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a self-degradative cellular process, involved in stress response such as starvation, hypoxia, and oxidative stress. This mechanism balances macro-molecule recycling to regulate cell homeostasis. In cancer, autophagy play a role in the development and progression, while several studies describe it as one of the key processes in drug resistance. In the last years, in addition to standard anti-cancer treatments such as chemotherapies and irradiation, targeted therapy became one of the most adopted strategies in clinical practices, mainly due to high specificity and reduced side effects. However, similar to standard treatments, drug resistance is the main challenge in most patients. Here, we summarize recent studies that investigated the role of autophagy in drug resistance after targeted therapy in different types of cancers. We highlight positive results and limitations of pre-clinical and clinical studies in which autophagy inhibitors are used in combination with targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Mele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy
| | - Vitale Del Vecchio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Liccardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Prisco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy; The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Melanie Schwerdtfeger
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy; Department of Medicine IV -Division of Clinical Pharmacology-University of Munich, Germany
| | - Nirmal Robinson
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Vincenzo Desiderio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy
| | - Virginia Tirino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Papaccio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy.
| | - Marcella La Noce
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy
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