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Wang KN, Zhou K, Zhong NN, Cao LM, Li ZZ, Xiao Y, Wang GR, Huo FY, Zhou JJ, Liu B, Bu LL. Enhancing cancer therapy: The role of drug delivery systems in STAT3 inhibitor efficacy and safety. Life Sci 2024; 346:122635. [PMID: 38615745 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a member of the STAT family, resides in the nucleus to regulate genes essential for vital cellular functions, including survival, proliferation, self-renewal, angiogenesis, and immune response. However, continuous STAT3 activation in tumor cells promotes their initiation, progression, and metastasis, rendering STAT3 pathway inhibitors a promising avenue for cancer therapy. Nonetheless, these inhibitors frequently encounter challenges such as cytotoxicity and suboptimal biocompatibility in clinical trials. A viable strategy to mitigate these issues involves delivering STAT3 inhibitors via drug delivery systems (DDSs). This review delineates the regulatory mechanisms of the STAT3 signaling pathway and its association with cancer. It offers a comprehensive overview of the current application of DDSs for anti-STAT3 inhibitors and investigates the role of DDSs in cancer treatment. The conclusion posits that DDSs for anti-STAT3 inhibitors exhibit enhanced efficacy and reduced adverse effects in tumor therapy compared to anti-STAT3 inhibitors alone. This paper aims to provide an outline of the ongoing research and future prospects of DDSs for STAT3 inhibitors. Additionally, it presents our insights on the merits and future outlook of DDSs in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Ning Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Kan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Nian-Nian Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Lei-Ming Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Zi-Zhan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Guang-Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Fang-Yi Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Jun-Jie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China; Department of Oral & Maxillofacial, Anyang Sixth People's Hospital, Anyang 45500, China.
| | - Bing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China; Department of Oral & Maxillofacial - Head Neck Oncology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Lin-Lin Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China; Department of Oral & Maxillofacial - Head Neck Oncology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China.
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2
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Xue Y, Ruan Y, Wang Y, Xiao P, Xu J. Signaling pathways in liver cancer: pathogenesis and targeted therapy. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:20. [PMID: 38816668 PMCID: PMC11139849 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00184-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide with high incidence and mortality rates. Due to its subtle onset, liver cancer is commonly diagnosed at a late stage when surgical interventions are no longer feasible. This situation highlights the critical role of systemic treatments, including targeted therapies, in bettering patient outcomes. Despite numerous studies on the mechanisms underlying liver cancer, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the only widely used clinical inhibitors, represented by sorafenib, whose clinical application is greatly limited by the phenomenon of drug resistance. Here we show an in-depth discussion of the signaling pathways frequently implicated in liver cancer pathogenesis and the inhibitors targeting these pathways under investigation or already in use in the management of advanced liver cancer. We elucidate the oncogenic roles of these pathways in liver cancer especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as the current state of research on inhibitors respectively. Given that TKIs represent the sole class of targeted therapeutics for liver cancer employed in clinical practice, we have particularly focused on TKIs and the mechanisms of the commonly encountered phenomena of its resistance during HCC treatment. This necessitates the imperative development of innovative targeted strategies and the urgency of overcoming the existing limitations. This review endeavors to shed light on the utilization of targeted therapy in advanced liver cancer, with a vision to improve the unsatisfactory prognostic outlook for those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangtao Xue
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yeling Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yali Wang
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Peng Xiao
- Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Junjie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
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3
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Chen X. From immune equilibrium to tumor ecodynamics. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1335533. [PMID: 38807760 PMCID: PMC11131381 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1335533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives There is no theory to quantitatively describe the complex tumor ecosystem. At the same time, cancer immunotherapy is considered a revolution in oncology, but the methods used to describe tumors and the criteria used to evaluate efficacy are not keeping pace. The purpose of this study is to establish a new theory for quantitatively describing the tumor ecosystem, innovating the methods of tumor characterization, and establishing new efficacy evaluation criteria for cancer immunotherapy. Methods Based on the mathematization of immune equilibrium theory and the establishment of immunodynamics in a previous study, the method of reverse immunodynamics was used, namely, the immune braking force was regarded as the tumor ecological force and the immune force was regarded as the tumor ecological braking force, and the concept of momentum in physics was applied to the tumor ecosystem to establish a series of tumor ecodynamic equations. These equations were used to solve the fundamental and applied problems of the complex tumor ecosystem. Results A series of tumor ecodynamic equations were established. The tumor ecological momentum equations and their component factors could be used to distinguish disease progression, pseudoprogression, and hyperprogression in cancer immunotherapy. On this basis, the adjusted tumor momentum equations were established to achieve the equivalence of tumor activity (including immunosuppressive activity and metabolic activity) and tumor volume, which could be used to calculate individual disease remission rate and establish new efficacy evaluation criteria (ieRECIST) for immunotherapy of solid tumor based on tumor ecodynamics. At the same time, the concept of moving cube-to-force square ratio and its expression were proposed to calculate the area under the curve of tumor ecological braking force of blood required to achieve an individual disease remission rate when the adjusted tumor ecological momentum was known. Conclusions A new theory termed tumor ecodynamics emphasizing both tumor activity and tumor volume is established to solve a series of basic and applied problems in the complex tumor ecosystem. It can be predicted that the future will be the era of cancer immune ecotherapy that targets the entire tumor ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Center for Infection and Immunity, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Lamvac (Guangzhou) Biomedical Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
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He S, Yan C, Wu M, Peng H, Li R, Wan J, Ye X, Zhang H, Ding S. Dibutyl phthalate adsorbed on multi-walled carbon nanotubes can aggravate liver injury in mice via the Jak2/STAT3 pathway. Toxicol Ind Health 2024; 40:167-175. [PMID: 38285958 DOI: 10.1177/07482337241230701] [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] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are common environmental pollutants and may degrade differently with different resulting biotoxicity, when present together. This study investigated the toxicological effects of singular or combined exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in KM mice. Results indicated that combined exposure led to slower weight gain and an increased leukocyte count in the blood, as well as liver tissue lesions and downregulation of organ coefficients. Additionally, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were elevated in the liver, and glucose, pyruvate, triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (T-CHO) were significantly reduced, suggesting compromised liver function. Furthermore, mRNA levels of genes related to hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism were significantly altered. These findings suggest that combined exposure to DBP and MWCNTs can have severe impacts on liver function in mice, highlighting the importance of considering interactions between multiple contaminants in environmental risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suli He
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chao Yan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haiyan Peng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ren Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Wan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Ye
- Liquor Marking Biological Technology and Application of Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Bioengineering, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Yibin, China
| | - Hongmao Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shumao Ding
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
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Gong C, Yang M, Long H, Liu X, Xu Q, Qiao L, Dong H, Liu Y, Li S. IL-6-Driven Autocrine Lactate Promotes Immune Escape of Uveal Melanoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:37. [PMID: 38551584 PMCID: PMC10981435 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.3.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Early metastasis, in which immune escape plays a crucial role, is the leading cause of death in patients with uveal melanoma (UM); however, the molecular mechanism underlying UM immune escape remains unclear, which greatly limits the clinical application of immunotherapy for metastatic UM. Methods Transcriptome profiles were revealed by RNA-seq analysis. TALL-104 and NK-92MI-mediated cell killing assays were used to examine the immune resistance of UM cells. The glycolysis rate was measured by extracellular acidification analysis. Protein stability was evaluated by CHX-chase assay. Immunofluorescence histochemistry was performed to detect protein levels in clinical UM specimens. Results Continuous exposure to IL-6 induced the expression of both PD-L1 and HLA-E in UM cells, which promoted UM immune escape. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression of most metabolic enzymes in the glycolysis pathway, especially the rate-limiting enzymes, PFKP and PKM, was upregulated, whereas enzymes involved in the acetyl-CoA synthesis pathway were downregulated after exposure to IL-6. Blocking the glycolytic pathway and lactate production by knocking down PKM and LDHA decreased PD-L1 and HLA-E protein, but not mRNA, levels in UM cells treated with IL-6. Notably, lactate secreted by IL-6-treated UM cells was crucial in influencing PD-L1 and HLA-E stability via the GPR81-cAMP-PKA signaling pathway. Conclusions Our data reveal a novel mechanism by which UM cells acquire an immune-escape phenotype by metabolic reprogramming and reinforce the importance of the link between inflammation and immune escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoju Gong
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou First People's Hospital, Eye Institute of Xuzhou, Xuzhou, China
| | - Meiling Yang
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou First People's Hospital, Eye Institute of Xuzhou, Xuzhou, China
| | - Huirong Long
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou First People's Hospital, Eye Institute of Xuzhou, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou First People's Hospital, Eye Institute of Xuzhou, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou First People's Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qing Xu
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou First People's Hospital, Eye Institute of Xuzhou, Xuzhou, China
| | - Lei Qiao
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou First People's Hospital, Eye Institute of Xuzhou, Xuzhou, China
| | - Haibei Dong
- Cancer Center, The Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou First People's Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yalu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou First People's Hospital, Eye Institute of Xuzhou, Xuzhou, China
| | - Suyan Li
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou First People's Hospital, Eye Institute of Xuzhou, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou First People's Hospital, Eye Institute of Xuzhou, Xuzhou, China
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Pessino G, Scotti C, Maggi M, Immuno-Hub Consortium. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Old and Emerging Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:901. [PMID: 38473265 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), globally ranks sixth in incidence and third in cancer-related deaths. HCC risk factors include non-viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, environmental exposures, and genetic factors. No specific genetic alterations are unequivocally linked to HCC tumorigenesis. Current standard therapies include surgical options, systemic chemotherapy, and kinase inhibitors, like sorafenib and regorafenib. Immunotherapy, targeting immune checkpoints, represents a promising avenue. FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitors, such as atezolizumab and pembrolizumab, show efficacy, and combination therapies enhance clinical responses. Despite this, the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenge, as the complex tumor ecosystem and the immunosuppressive microenvironment associated with it hamper the efficacy of the available therapeutic approaches. This review explores current and advanced approaches to treat HCC, considering both known and new potential targets, especially derived from proteomic analysis, which is today considered as the most promising approach. Exploring novel strategies, this review discusses antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T), and engineered antibodies. It then reports a systematic analysis of the main ligand/receptor pairs and molecular pathways reported to be overexpressed in tumor cells, highlighting their potential and limitations. Finally, it discusses TGFβ, one of the most promising targets of the HCC microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Pessino
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Scotti
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maristella Maggi
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Immuno-Hub Consortium
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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7
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Hu Y, Dong Z, Liu K. Unraveling the complexity of STAT3 in cancer: molecular understanding and drug discovery. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:23. [PMID: 38245798 PMCID: PMC10799433 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02949-5] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcriptional factor involved in almost all cancer hallmark features including tumor proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, tumor inflammation, metabolism reprogramming, drug resistance, cancer stemness. Therefore, STAT3 has become a promising therapeutic target in a wide range of cancers. This review focuses on the up-to-date knowledge of STAT3 signaling in cancer. We summarize both the positive and negative modulators of STAT3 together with the cancer hallmarks involving activities regulated by STAT3 and highlight its extremely sophisticated regulation on immunosuppression in tumor microenvironment and metabolic reprogramming. Direct and indirect inhibitors of STAT3 in preclinical and clinical studies also have been summarized and discussed. Additionally, we highlight and propose new strategies of targeting STAT3 and STAT3-based combinations with established chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and combination therapy. These efforts may provide new perspectives for STAT3-based target therapy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Hu
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
- Medical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Ding Z, Jiao B, Chen X, Chen X, Jiao Y, Wang J, Zhou X. The function of Foxp1 represses β-adrenergic receptor transcription in the occurrence and development of bladder cancer through STAT3 activity. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230647. [PMID: 37663229 PMCID: PMC10473461 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0647] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is a common malignant tumor. FOXP1 has been found to be abnormally expressed in tumors such as renal cell carcinoma and endometrial cancer. Here, this investigated the biological roles of Foxp1 in the occurrence and development of bladder cancer. Patients with bladder cancer were obtained from China-Japan Friendship Hospital. Bladder cancer cell lines (5637, UMUC3, J82, and T24 cell) were used in this experiment. Foxp1 mRNA and protein expression levels in patients with bladder cancer were increased, compared with paracancerous tissue (normal). OS and DFS of Foxp1 low expression in patients with bladder cancer were higher than those of Foxp1 high expression. Foxp1 promoted bladder cancer cell growth in vitro model. Foxp1 increased the Warburg effect of bladder cancer. Foxp1 suppressed β-adrenoceptor (β-AR) expression in vitro model. ChIP-seq showed that Foxp1 binding site (E1, TTATTTAT) was detected at -2,251 bp upstream of the β-AR promoter. β-AR Reduced the effects of Foxp1 on cell growth in vitro model. β-AR reduced the effects of Foxp1 on the Warburg effect in vitro model by STAT3 activity. Taken together, our findings reveal that Foxp1 promoted the occurrence and development of bladder cancer through the Warburg effect by the activation of STAT3 activity and repressing β-AR transcription, and which might serve as an important clue for its targeting and treatment of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenshan Ding
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2, Yinghua East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing100029, China
| | - Binbin Jiao
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing100029, China
| | - Xuelong Chen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Peking University China-Japan Friendship School, Beijing100029, China
| | - Xing Chen
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing100029, China
| | - Yangtian Jiao
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing100029, China
| | - Jianfeng Wang
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing100029, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhou
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing100029, China
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Gombos G, Németh N, Pös O, Styk J, Buglyó G, Szemes T, Danihel L, Nagy B, Balogh I, Soltész B. New Possible Ways to Use Exosomes in Diagnostics and Therapy via JAK/STAT Pathways. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1904. [PMID: 37514090 PMCID: PMC10386711 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes have the potential to be the future of personalized diagnostics and therapy. They are nano-sized particles between 30 and 100 nm flowing in the extracellular milieu, where they mediate cell-cell communication and participate in immune system regulation. Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) secreted from different types of cancer cells are the key regulators of the tumor microenvironment. With their immune suppressive cargo, TDEs prevent the antitumor immune response, leading to reduced effectiveness of cancer treatment by promoting a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment. Involved signaling pathways take part in the regulation of tumor proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Signal transducers and activators of transcription factors (STATs) and Janus kinase (JAK) signaling pathways are crucial in malignancies and autoimmune diseases alike, and their potential to be manipulated is currently the focus of interest. In this review, we aim to discuss exosomes, TDEs, and the JAK/STAT pathways, along with mediators like interleukins, tripartite motif proteins, and interferons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gréta Gombos
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Németh
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ondrej Pös
- Comenius University Science Park, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Geneton Ltd., 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jakub Styk
- Comenius University Science Park, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Geneton Ltd., 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gergely Buglyó
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tomas Szemes
- Comenius University Science Park, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Geneton Ltd., 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 841 01 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ludovit Danihel
- 3rd Surgical Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and Merciful Brothers University Hospital, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Bálint Nagy
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Comenius University Science Park, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - István Balogh
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Beáta Soltész
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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Marcucci F, Rumio C. On the Role of Glycolysis in Early Tumorigenesis-Permissive and Executioner Effects. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081124. [PMID: 37190033 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081124] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Reprogramming energy production from mitochondrial respiration to glycolysis is now considered a hallmark of cancer. When tumors grow beyond a certain size they give rise to changes in their microenvironment (e.g., hypoxia, mechanical stress) that are conducive to the upregulation of glycolysis. Over the years, however, it has become clear that glycolysis can also associate with the earliest steps of tumorigenesis. Thus, many of the oncoproteins most commonly involved in tumor initiation and progression upregulate glycolysis. Moreover, in recent years, considerable evidence has been reported suggesting that upregulated glycolysis itself, through its enzymes and/or metabolites, may play a causative role in tumorigenesis, either by acting itself as an oncogenic stimulus or by facilitating the appearance of oncogenic mutations. In fact, several changes induced by upregulated glycolysis have been shown to be involved in tumor initiation and early tumorigenesis: glycolysis-induced chromatin remodeling, inhibition of premature senescence and induction of proliferation, effects on DNA repair, O-linked N-acetylglucosamine modification of target proteins, antiapoptotic effects, induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition or autophagy, and induction of angiogenesis. In this article we summarize the evidence that upregulated glycolysis is involved in tumor initiation and, in the following, we propose a mechanistic model aimed at explaining how upregulated glycolysis may play such a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Marcucci
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Trentacoste 2, 20134 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristiano Rumio
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Trentacoste 2, 20134 Milan, Italy
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11
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Li YJ, Zhang C, Martincuks A, Herrmann A, Yu H. STAT proteins in cancer: orchestration of metabolism. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:115-134. [PMID: 36596870 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00537-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Reprogrammed metabolism is a hallmark of cancer. However, the metabolic dependency of cancer, from tumour initiation through disease progression and therapy resistance, requires a spectrum of distinct reprogrammed cellular metabolic pathways. These pathways include aerobic glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, reactive oxygen species generation, de novo lipid synthesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, amino acid (notably glutamine) metabolism and mitochondrial metabolism. This Review highlights the central roles of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins, notably STAT3, STAT5, STAT6 and STAT1, in orchestrating the highly dynamic metabolism not only of cancer cells but also of immune cells and adipocytes in the tumour microenvironment. STAT proteins are able to shape distinct metabolic processes that regulate tumour progression and therapy resistance by transducing signals from metabolites, cytokines, growth factors and their receptors; defining genetic programmes that regulate a wide range of molecules involved in orchestration of metabolism in cancer and immune cells; and regulating mitochondrial activity at multiple levels, including energy metabolism and lipid-mediated mitochondrial integrity. Given the central role of STAT proteins in regulation of metabolic states, they are potential therapeutic targets for altering metabolic reprogramming in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jia Li
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Chunyan Zhang
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Antons Martincuks
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Andreas Herrmann
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
- Sorrento Therapeutics, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Hua Yu
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA.
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12
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Quiroz Reyes AG, Lozano Sepulveda SA, Martinez-Acuña N, Islas JF, Gonzalez PD, Heredia Torres TG, Perez JR, Garza Treviño EN. Cancer Stem Cell and Hepatic Stellate Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2023; 22:15330338231163677. [PMID: 36938618 PMCID: PMC10028642 DOI: 10.1177/15330338231163677] [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] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver cancer. It is highly lethal and has high recurrence. Death among HCC patients occur mainly due to tumor progression, recurrence, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are cell subpopulations within the tumor that promote invasion, recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are important components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) responsible for primary secretory ECM proteins during liver injury and inflammation. These cells promote fibrogenesis, infiltrate the tumor stroma, and contribute to HCC development. Interactions between HSC and CSC and their microenvironment help promote carcinogenesis through different mechanisms. This review summarizes the roles of CSCs and HSCs in establishing the TME in primary liver tumors and describes their involvement in HCC chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana G Quiroz Reyes
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Sonia A Lozano Sepulveda
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Natalia Martinez-Acuña
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Jose F Islas
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Paulina Delgado Gonzalez
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Tania Guadalupe Heredia Torres
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Jorge Roacho Perez
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Elsa N Garza Treviño
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
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13
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Wu C, Dai C, Li X, Sun M, Chu H, Xuan Q, Yin Y, Fang C, Yang F, Jiang Z, Lv Q, He K, Qu Y, Zhao B, Cai K, Zhang S, Sun R, Xu G, Zhang L, Sun S, Liu Y. AKR1C3-dependent lipid droplet formation confers hepatocellular carcinoma cell adaptability to targeted therapy. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:7681-7698. [PMID: 36451864 PMCID: PMC9706585 DOI: 10.7150/thno.74974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Increased lipid droplet (LD) formation has been linked to tumor metastasis, stemness, and chemoresistance in various types of cancer. Here, we revealed that LD formation is critical for the adaptation to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. We aim to investigate the LD function and its regulatory mechanisms in HCC. Methods: The key proteins responsible for LD formation were screened by both metabolomics and proteomics in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells and further validated by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence staining. Biological function of AKR1C3 was evaluated by CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing. Isotopic tracing analysis with deuterium3-labeled palmitate or carbon13-labeled glucose was conducted to investigate fatty acid (FA) and glucose carbon flux. Seahorse analysis was performed to assess the glycolytic flux and mitochondrial function. Selective AKR1C3 inhibitors were used to evaluate the effect of AKR1C3 inhibition on HCC tumor growth and induction of autophagy. Results: We found that long-term sorafenib treatment impairs fatty acid oxidation (FAO), leading to LD accumulation in HCC cells. Using multi-omics analysis in cultured HCC cells, we identified that aldo-keto reductase AKR1C3 is responsible for LD accumulation in HCC. Genetic loss of AKR1C3 fully depletes LD contents, navigating FA flux to phospholipids, sphingolipids, and mitochondria. Furthermore, we found that AKR1C3-dependent LD accumulation is required for mitigating sorafenib-induced mitochondrial lipotoxicity and dysfunction. Pharmacologic inhibition of AKR1C3 activity instantly induces autophagy-dependent LD catabolism, resulting in mitochondrial fission and apoptosis in sorafenib-resistant HCC clones. Notably, manipulation of AKR1C3 expression is sufficient to drive the metabolic switch between FAO and glycolysis. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that AKR1C3-dependent LD formation is critical for the adaptation to sorafenib in HCC through regulating lipid and energy homeostasis. AKR1C3-dependent LD accumulation protects HCC cells from sorafenib-induced mitochondrial lipotoxicity by regulating lipophagy. Targeting AKR1C3 might be a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changqing Wu
- (CAS) Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Chaoliu Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Splenic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.,Innovative Research Center for Integrated Cancer Omics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Mingju Sun
- (CAS) Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Hongwei Chu
- (CAS) Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Qiuhui Xuan
- (CAS) Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yalei Yin
- (CAS) Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Chengnan Fang
- (CAS) Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Zhonghao Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Splenic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Qing Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.,Innovative Research Center for Integrated Cancer Omics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Keqing He
- Innovative Research Center for Integrated Cancer Omics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Yiying Qu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.,Innovative Research Center for Integrated Cancer Omics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Baofeng Zhao
- (CAS) Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Ke Cai
- School of Life Science, Dalian University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Ran Sun
- National Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical System and Application, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Guowang Xu
- (CAS) Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Lihua Zhang
- (CAS) Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Siyu Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Siyu Sun, M.D. Ph.D. Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China. 36 Sanhao St. Shenyang, 110004, China; Tel: 86-24-23392617; Fax: 86-24-23392617; . Yang Liu, Ph.D. Department of Gastroenterology, Innovative Research Center for Integrated Cancer Omics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. 36 Sanhao St. Shenyang, 110004, China; Tel: 86-24-88483780; Fax: 86-24-88483780;
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.,Innovative Research Center for Integrated Cancer Omics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.,(CAS) Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Siyu Sun, M.D. Ph.D. Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China. 36 Sanhao St. Shenyang, 110004, China; Tel: 86-24-23392617; Fax: 86-24-23392617; . Yang Liu, Ph.D. Department of Gastroenterology, Innovative Research Center for Integrated Cancer Omics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. 36 Sanhao St. Shenyang, 110004, China; Tel: 86-24-88483780; Fax: 86-24-88483780;
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14
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Ahsan H, Islam SU, Ahmed MB, Lee YS. Role of Nrf2, STAT3, and Src as Molecular Targets for Cancer Chemoprevention. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1775. [PMID: 36145523 PMCID: PMC9505731 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex and multistage disease that affects various intracellular pathways, leading to rapid cell proliferation, angiogenesis, cell motility, and migration, supported by antiapoptotic mechanisms. Chemoprevention is a new strategy to counteract cancer; to either prevent its incidence or suppress its progression. In this strategy, chemopreventive agents target molecules involved in multiple pathways of cancer initiation and progression. Nrf2, STAT3, and Src are promising molecular candidates that could be targeted for chemoprevention. Nrf2 is involved in the expression of antioxidant and phase II metabolizing enzymes, which have direct antiproliferative action as well as indirect activities of reducing oxidative stress and eliminating carcinogens. Similarly, its cross-talk with NF-κB has great anti-inflammatory potential, which can be utilized in inflammation-induced/associated cancers. STAT3, on the other hand, is involved in multiple pathways of cancer initiation and progression. Activation, phosphorylation, dimerization, and nuclear translocation are associated with tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Src, being the first oncogene to be discovered, is important due to its convergence with many upstream stimuli, its cross-talk with other potential molecular targets, such as STAT3, and its ability to modify the cell cytoskeleton, making it important in cancer invasion and metastasis. Therefore, the development of natural/synthetic molecules and/or design of a regimen that can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the tumor microenvironment and stop multiple cellular targets in cancer to stop its initiation or retard its progression can form newer chemopreventive agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haseeb Ahsan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan
| | - Salman Ul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, CECOS University, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Bilal Ahmed
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Young Sup Lee
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
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15
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A Case of Rapidly Progressing Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Administration of JAK Inhibitors to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis. Case Rep Rheumatol 2022; 2022:6852189. [PMID: 35391896 PMCID: PMC8983253 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6852189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of rapidly progressing hepatocellular carcinoma after administration of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors to treat rheumatoid arthritis. A 76-year-old man was referred to our Department for pain in multiple joints and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Blood tests revealed elevated hepatobiliary enzymes, but various tests revealed no signs suggestive of malignancy. He took baricitinib for 2 months followed by tofacitinib for 4 months. After that, he was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma based on imaging findings and elevated tumor markers. This case showed the possibility of a causal relationship between JAK inhibitors and malignancy.
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16
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Wang H, Man Q, Huo F, Gao X, Lin H, Li S, Wang J, Su F, Cai, L, Shi Y, Liu, B, Bu L. STAT3 pathway in cancers: Past, present, and future. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e124. [PMID: 35356799 PMCID: PMC8942302 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a member of the STAT family, discovered in the cytoplasm of almost all types of mammalian cells, plays a significant role in biological functions. The duration of STAT3 activation in normal tissues is a transient event and is strictly regulated. However, in cancer tissues, STAT3 is activated in an aberrant manner and is induced by certain cytokines. The continuous activation of STAT3 regulates the expression of downstream proteins associated with the formation, progression, and metastasis of cancers. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms of STAT3 regulation and designing inhibitors targeting the STAT3 pathway are considered promising strategies for cancer treatment. This review aims to introduce the history, research advances, and prospects concerning the STAT3 pathway in cancer. We review the mechanisms of STAT3 pathway regulation and the consequent cancer hallmarks associated with tumor biology that are induced by the STAT3 pathway. Moreover, we summarize the emerging development of inhibitors that target the STAT3 pathway and novel drug delivery systems for delivering these inhibitors. The barriers against targeting the STAT3 pathway, the focus of future research on promising targets in the STAT3 pathway, and our perspective on the overall utility of STAT3 pathway inhibitors in cancer treatment are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han‐Qi Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education School & Hospital of Stomatology Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Qi‐Wen Man
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education School & Hospital of Stomatology Wuhan University Wuhan China
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Head Neck Oncology School & Hospital of Stomatology Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Fang‐Yi Huo
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education School & Hospital of Stomatology Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Xin Gao
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education School & Hospital of Stomatology Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Hao Lin
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education School & Hospital of Stomatology Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Su‐Ran Li
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education School & Hospital of Stomatology Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Jing Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education School & Hospital of Stomatology Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Fu‐Chuan Su
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education School & Hospital of Stomatology Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Lulu Cai,
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Department of Pharmacy School of Medicine Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu China
| | - Yi Shi
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu China
| | - Bing Liu,
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education School & Hospital of Stomatology Wuhan University Wuhan China
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Head Neck Oncology School & Hospital of Stomatology Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Lin‐Lin Bu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education School & Hospital of Stomatology Wuhan University Wuhan China
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Head Neck Oncology School & Hospital of Stomatology Wuhan University Wuhan China
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17
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Su Z, Jiao H, Fan J, Liu L, Tian J, Gan C, Yang Z, Zhang T, Chen Y. Warburg effect in keloids: A unique feature different from other types of scars. Burns 2022; 48:176-183. [PMID: 33766430 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Keloid fibroblasts (KFs) undergo reprogramming of the metabolic phenotype from oxidative phosphorylation to the Warburg effect. However, more studies are needed to demonstrate whether there is a Warburg effect in KFs and to determine whether there is a similar phenomenon in other types of scars or in the proliferative stage of scars. In our study, the mRNA and protein expression of key glycolytic enzymes, glucose consumption and lactate production in KFs, normal skin fibroblasts (NFs), atrophic scar fibroblasts (ASFs), proliferative stage scar fibroblasts (PSSFs), and hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs) were detected. In addition, the effects of 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG, a glycolysis inhibitor) on cell proliferation in KFs and NFs were studied. We found that the mRNA and protein expression of key glycolytic enzymes in KFs were significantly upregulated compared with those in NFs. Glucose consumption and lactate production in KFs were also higher than that in NFs. However, we found no similar phenomenon in ASFs, PSSFs, or HSFs. When treated with 2mmol/l 2-DG, the cell viability of KFs decreased more than that of NFs. What's more, treatment with increasing concentrations of 2-DG could inhibit cell viability and migration of KFs in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the Warburg effect in KFs is a feature different from ASFs, PSSFs, or HSFs. Keloids are essentially different from other types of scars in terms of energy metabolism. This characteristic of KFs could provide new hope for the early diagnosis and treatment of keloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguo Su
- Ninth Department of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hu Jiao
- Ninth Department of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Jincai Fan
- Ninth Department of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Liqiang Liu
- Ninth Department of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Tian
- Ninth Department of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Gan
- Ninth Department of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zengjie Yang
- Ninth Department of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tiran Zhang
- Ninth Department of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yihua Chen
- Ninth Department of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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18
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Fan M, Sun W, Gu X, Lu S, Shen Q, Liu X, Zhang X. The critical role of STAT3 in biogenesis of tumor-derived exosomes with potency of inducing cancer cachexia in vitro and in vivo. Oncogene 2022; 41:1050-1062. [PMID: 35034093 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02151-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-derived exosomes are emerging mediators of cancer cachexia. Clarifying the regulation of exosome biogenesis and finding possible targets for cancer cachexia therapy are important and necessary. In the present study, systemic analysis of the roles of STAT3 in controlling exosome biogenesis of murine C26 colon tumor cells and its contribution to the development of cancer cachexia is conducted. The genetic manipulation of STAT3 expression, STAT3 knockout (KO) or overexpression (OE), significantly affected the exosome biogenesis and also the potency of C26 conditioned medium (CM) in inducing muscle atrophy and lipolysis in vitro. The genetic manipulation of STAT3 expression caused change in phosphorylation of PKM2 and glycolysis. PKM2/SNAP23 pathway was involved in regulation of exosome biogenesis by STAT3 genetic manipulation as well as by STAT3 inhibitors in C26 cells. Mice inoculated with STAT3 knockout or overexpression C26 cells exhibited ameliorated or aggravated cancer cachexia symptoms, with a positive correlation with the serum exosome and IL-6 levels. The STAT3/PKM2/SNAP23 pathway was affected in C26 tumor tissues with genetic manipulation of STAT3 expression. The capacity of exosome biogenesis of different human cancer cells also exhibited a positive correlation with the activation of STAT3/PKM2/SNAP23 pathway. The research presented here confirms that STAT3 plays a critical role in regulating biogenesis of tumor-derived exosomes which could contribute to cancer cachexia development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Fan
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weikuan Sun
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofan Gu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanshan Lu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Shen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiongwen Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
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19
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Tang W, Xue J, Luo L, Wang Y, Cai X, Liu Y, Huang D, Wang X, He T, Lu D, Yang F. Kangxianruangan granule‑containing serum mediated inhibition of hepatic oval cell differentiation into hepatocellular carcinoma cells via the Wnt‑1/β‑catenin signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2021; 25:55. [PMID: 34913065 PMCID: PMC8711029 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignancy with poor clinical prognosis. Hepatic oval cells (HOCs) tend to differentiate into cancerous hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCCs) in the tumor microenvironment. The purpose of the present study was to explore the role of kangxianruangan granule (KXRG)-containing serum in inhibiting the differentiation of HOCs into HCCs via the Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway. N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) was applied to induce the transformation of the rat HOC cell line WB-F344 into HCCs. The overexpression plasmid, Wnt-1-up, was utilized to increase Wnt-1 expression. Subsequently, high, medium and low concentrations of KXRG were applied to MNNG-treated WB-F344 cells to assess the inhibitory effect of KXRG on cell differentiation. Flow cytometry was conducted to detect the cell cycle distribution, apoptotic rate and expression of cytokeratin-19 (CK-19) protein in cells. An immunofluorescence double staining protocol was used to detect the expression of Wnt-1 and β-catenin. ELISAs were performed to detect α fetoprotein in the cell supernatants. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were conducted to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of Wnt-1, β-catenin, Cyclin D1, C-myc, matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), Axin2 and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in cells. Compared with the normal group, the apoptotic rate, proportion of S phase cells, concentration of AFP in the cell supernatant, level of CK-19 protein, and mRNA and protein expression levels of Wnt-1, β-catenin, Cyclin D1, C-myc, MMP-7, Axin2 and EpCAM were all significantly increased in the model group. Addition of KXRG significantly reduced the aforementioned indicators compared with the model group. Moreover, Wnt-1 overexpression further increased the aforementioned indicators compared with the model group, whereas KXRG significantly inhibited these effects. The results indicated that KXRG inhibited the differentiation of HOCs into HCCs via the Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway, which suggested the potential clinical application of KXRG for the prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqian Tang
- Health Management Centre, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Juan Xue
- Clinical College of Chinese Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, P.R. China
| | - Lei Luo
- Health Management Centre, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Xin Cai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The People's Hospital of Jiangshan, Jiangshan, Zhejiang 324100, P.R. China
| | - Yuqing Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Yancheng TCM Hospital Affiliated Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 224001, P.R. China
| | - Dawei Huang
- Department of Hepatology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Tangqing He
- Department of Hepatology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Dingbo Lu
- Department of Hepatology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Fan Yang
- Health Management Centre, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
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20
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Matsuyama T, Yoshinaga SK, Shibue K, Mak TW. Comorbidity-associated glutamine deficiency is a predisposition to severe COVID-19. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:3199-3213. [PMID: 34663907 PMCID: PMC8522258 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00892-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations have greatly reduced COVID-19 cases, but we must continue to develop our understanding of the nature of the disease and its effects on human immunity. Previously, we suggested that a dysregulated STAT3 pathway following SARS-Co-2 infection ultimately leads to PAI-1 activation and cascades of pathologies. The major COVID-19-associated metabolic risks (old age, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity) share high PAI-1 levels and could predispose certain groups to severe COVID-19 complications. In this review article, we describe the common metabolic profile that is shared between all of these high-risk groups and COVID-19. This profile not only involves high levels of PAI-1 and STAT3 as previously described, but also includes low levels of glutamine and NAD+, coupled with overproduction of hyaluronan (HA). SARS-CoV-2 infection exacerbates this metabolic imbalance and predisposes these patients to the severe pathophysiologies of COVID-19, including the involvement of NETs (neutrophil extracellular traps) and HA overproduction in the lung. While hyperinflammation due to proinflammatory cytokine overproduction has been frequently documented, it is recently recognized that the immune response is markedly suppressed in some cases by the expansion and activity of MDSCs (myeloid-derived suppressor cells) and FoxP3+ Tregs (regulatory T cells). The metabolomics profiles of severe COVID-19 patients and patients with advanced cancer are similar, and in high-risk patients, SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to aberrant STAT3 activation, which promotes a cancer-like metabolism. We propose that glutamine deficiency and overproduced HA is the central metabolic characteristic of COVID-19 and its high-risk groups. We suggest the usage of glutamine supplementation and the repurposing of cancer drugs to prevent the development of severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshifumi Matsuyama
- Department of Pathology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.
| | | | - Kimitaka Shibue
- Tazuke Kofukai Medical Research Institute, Kitano Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tak W Mak
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, 999077, Hong Kong
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21
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Sha L, Lv Z, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Sui X, Wang T, Zhang H. Shikonin inhibits the Warburg effect, cell proliferation, invasion and migration by downregulating PFKFB2 expression in lung cancer. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:560. [PMID: 34109434 PMCID: PMC8201656 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most lethal diseases and therefore poses a significant threat to human health. The Warburg effect, which is the observation that cancer cells predominately produce energy through glycolysis, even under aerobic conditions, is a hallmark of cancer. 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 2 (PFKFB) is an important regulator of glycolysis. Shikonin is a Traditional Chinese herbal medicine, which has been reported to exert antitumor effects. The present study aimed to investigate the anticancer activity of shikonin in lung cancer. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were used to analyze proliferation in A549 and H446 cells. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to measure migration and invasion in A549 and H446 cells. Cell apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometry. Lactate levels, glucose uptake and cellular ATP levels were measured using their corresponding commercial kits. Western blotting was performed to analyze the protein expression levels of key enzymes involved in aerobic glucose metabolism. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to analyze the mRNA expression levels of PFKFB2. The results of the present study revealed that PFKFB2 expression levels were significantly upregulated in NSCLC tissues. Shikonin treatment decreased the proliferation, migration, invasion, glucose uptake, lactate levels, ATP levels and PFKFB2 expression levels and increased apoptosis in lung cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. The overexpression of PFKFB2 increased the proliferation, migration, glucose uptake, lactate levels and ATP levels in lung cancer cells, while the knockdown of PFKFB2 expression exerted the opposite effects. Moreover, there were no significant differences in lung cancer cell migration, apoptosis, glucose uptake, lactate levels and ATP levels between cells with knocked down PFKFB2 expression or treated with shikonin and the knockdown of PFKFB2 in cells treated with shikonin. In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed that shikonin inhibited the Warburg effect and exerted antitumor activity in lung cancer cells, which was associated with the downregulation of PFKFB2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Sha
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Zhiqiang Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Yujun Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Business, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Xin Sui
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Teng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
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22
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McCann KJ, Yadav M, Alishahedani ME, Freeman AF, Myles IA. Differential responses to folic acid in an established keloid fibroblast cell line are mediated by JAK1/2 and STAT3. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248011. [PMID: 33662027 PMCID: PMC7932104 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Keloids are a type of disordered scar formation which not only show heterogeneity between individuals and within the scar itself, but also share common features of hyperproliferation, abnormal extra-cellular matrix deposition and degradation, as well as altered expression of the molecular markers of wound healing. Numerous reports have established that cells from keloid scars display Warburg metabolism—a form of JAK2/STAT3-induced metabolic adaptation typical of rapidly dividing cells in which glycolysis becomes the predominant source of ATP over oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). Using the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib, along with cells from patients with STAT3 loss of function (STA3 LOF; autosomal dominant hyper IgE syndrome) we examined the role of JAK/STAT signaling in the hyperproliferation and metabolic dysregulation seen in keloid fibroblasts. Although ruxolitinib inhibited hyperactivity in the scratch assay in keloid fibroblasts, it paradoxically exacerbated the hyper-glycolytic state, possibly by further limiting OxPhos via alterations in mitochondrial phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3Ser727). In healthy volunteer fibroblasts, folic acid exposure recapitulated the exaggerated closure and hyper-glycolytic state of keloid fibroblasts through JAK1/2- and STAT3-dependent pathways. Although additional studies are needed before extrapolating from a representative cell line to keloids writ large, our results provide novel insights into the metabolic consequences of STAT3 dysfunction, suggest a possible role for folate metabolism in the pathogenesis of keloid scars, and offer in vitro pre-clinical data supporting considerations of clinical trials for ruxolitinib in keloid disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn J. McCann
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Manoj Yadav
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Epithelial Therapeutics Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mohammadali E. Alishahedani
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Epithelial Therapeutics Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alexandra F. Freeman
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ian A. Myles
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Epithelial Therapeutics Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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23
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Nia A, Dhanasekaran R. Genomic Landscape of HCC. CURRENT HEPATOLOGY REPORTS 2020; 19:448-461. [PMID: 33816052 PMCID: PMC8015384 DOI: 10.1007/s11901-020-00553-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer related mortality in the world and it has limited treatment options. Understanding the molecular drivers of HCC is important to develop novel biomarkers and therapeutics. PURPOSE OF REVIEW HCC arises in a complex background of chronic hepatitis, fibrosis and liver regeneration which lead to genomic changes. Here, we summarize studies that have expanded our understanding of the molecular landscape of HCC. RECENT FINDINGS Recent technological advances in next generation sequencing (NGS) have elucidated specific genetic and molecular programs involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. We summarize the major somatic mutations and epigenetic changes have been identified in NGS-based studies. We also describe promising molecular therapies and immunotherapies which target specific genetic and epigenetic molecular events. SUMMARY The genomic landscape of HCC is incredibly complex and heterogeneous. Promising new developments are helping us decipher the molecular drivers of HCC and leading to new therapies.
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24
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Hin Tang JJ, Hao Thng DK, Lim JJ, Toh TB. JAK/STAT signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepat Oncol 2020; 7:HEP18. [PMID: 32273976 PMCID: PMC7137178 DOI: 10.2217/hep-2020-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the second most lethal cancer in the world with limited treatment options. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which accounts for more than 80% of all liver cancers, has had increasing global incidence over the past few years. There is an urgent need for novel and better therapeutic intervention for HCC patients. The JAK/STAT signaling pathway plays a multitude of important biological functions in both normal and malignant cells. In a subset of HCC, JAK/STAT signaling is aberrantly activated, leading to dysregulation of downstream target genes that controls survival, angiogenesis, stemness, immune surveillance, invasion and metastasis. In this review, we will focus on the role of JAK/STAT signaling in HCC and discuss the current clinical status of several JAK/STAT inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Jit Hin Tang
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dexter Kai Hao Thng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jhin Jieh Lim
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tan Boon Toh
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
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25
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Al-Azzam N. Sirtuin 6 and metabolic genes interplay in Warburg effect in cancers. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2020; 66:169-175. [PMID: 32523242 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.19-110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Under oxygen availability, normal cells undergo mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to metabolize glucose and yield up to 36 ATPs per glucose molecule for cellular functions, and undergo non-oxidative metabolism (glycolysis) under hypoxic and proliferating conditions to yield 2 ATP per glucose. These cells metabolize glucose to pyruvate via glycolysis followed by conversion of pyruvate to lactate via lactate dehydrogenase. However, cancer cells have the ability to undergo glycolysis and ferment glucose to lactate regardless of oxygen availability; a phenomenon first addressed by Otto Warburg and called, "Warburg effect". Numerous glycolytic genes/proteins have been identified in tumors; that include glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), hexokinase 2 (HK2), pyruvate kinase-M2 splice isoform (PKM2), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-A). Histone deacetylase sirtuin 6 (SIRT6), an epigenetic regulator, is highly expressed in various cancers. SIRT6 plays an important role in Warburg effect by regulating many glycolytic genes. Loss of SIRT6 enhances tumor growth via enhancing glycolysis. This review is mainly concerned with exploring the most recent advances in understanding the roles of the metabolic genes (GLUT1, HK2, PKM2, and LDH-A) and the epigenetic regulator SIRT6 in cancer metabolism and how SIRT6 can modulate these metabolic genes expression and its possible use as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nosayba Al-Azzam
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
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