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I A, Raghavan Pillai VB, P Joseph A, Ramani P, P J, Ramalingam K. Identification and Evaluation of Cancer Stem Cells in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Oral Epithelial Dysplasia Using NANOG: An Immunohistochemical Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e55111. [PMID: 38558704 PMCID: PMC10979711 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55111] [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] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity may show precursor lesions, termed as potentially malignant disorders, of which leukoplakia is the most frequent one. Oral leukoplakia is a clinical diagnosis for which the histological diagnosis may be either hyperplasia or oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and sometimes even oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Cancer stem cells (CSCs), identified in various tumors, are a specific group of cells that exhibit the properties of self-renewal and differentiation. Among the various biomarkers that identify CSCs, the transcription factor NANOG is considered to be a significant one. AIM In this study, we intend to identify and compare the immunohistochemical expression of NANOG in OSCC, OED, and normal oral mucosa. METHODOLOGY Tissue blocks of OSCC (n=28), OED (n=28), and normal oral mucosa (n=28) were used in this study. Specimens were immunohistochemically analyzed for NANOG expression. The results were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Games-Howell post hoc, and Student t-test. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 21; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) software was used for performing the statistical analysis, and the level of significance was set as 0.05. OBSERVATIONS NANOG expression was higher in OSCC when compared to oral dysplasias and normal oral mucosa, in decreasing order. A significantly higher histo-score and labeling index score were observed in OSCC and oral dysplasias compared to normal oral mucosa (p=<0.001). CONCLUSION The expression levels of NANOG were positively correlated with disease progression in OSCC, implicating that NANOG can be used as a surrogate marker of oral oncogenesis and prognosis. Therefore, decoding the molecular mechanisms of NANOG regulation in the progression of cancer helps in developing new therapeutic strategies for oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arya I
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, PMS College of Dental Science and Research, Trivandrum, IND
| | - Varun B Raghavan Pillai
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, PMS College of Dental Science and Research, Trivandrum, IND
| | - Anna P Joseph
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, PMS College of Dental Science and Research, Trivandrum, IND
| | - Pratibha Ramani
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Jayanthi P
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Azeezia College of Dental Sciences and Research, Kollam, IND
| | - Karthikeyan Ramalingam
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
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2
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Avila-Lopez P, Lauberth SM. Exploring new roles for RNA-binding proteins in epigenetic and gene regulation. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 84:102136. [PMID: 38128453 PMCID: PMC11245729 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
A significant portion of the human proteome comprises RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that play fundamental roles in numerous biological processes. In the last decade, there has been a staggering increase in RBP identification and classification, which has fueled interest in the evolving roles of RBPs and RBP-driven molecular mechanisms. Here, we focus on recent insights into RBP-dependent regulation of the epigenetic and transcriptional landscape. We describe advances in methodologies that define the RNA-protein interactome and machine-learning algorithms that are streamlining RBP discovery and predicting new RNA-binding regions. Finally, we present how RBP dysregulation leads to alterations in tumor-promoting gene expression and discuss the potential for targeting these RBPs for the development of new cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Avila-Lopez
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shannon M Lauberth
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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3
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Hasan A, Khan NA, Uddin S, Khan AQ, Steinhoff M. Deregulated transcription factors in the emerging cancer hallmarks. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 98:31-50. [PMID: 38123029 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Cancer progression is a multifaceted process that entails several stages and demands the persistent expression or activation of transcription factors (TFs) to facilitate growth and survival. TFs are a cluster of proteins with DNA-binding domains that attach to promoter or enhancer DNA strands to start the transcription of genes by collaborating with RNA polymerase and other supporting proteins. They are generally acknowledged as the major regulatory molecules that coordinate biological homeostasis and the appropriate functioning of cellular components, subsequently contributing to human physiology. TFs proteins are crucial for controlling transcription during the embryonic stage and development, and the stability of different cell types depends on how they function in different cell types. The development and progression of cancer cells and tumors might be triggered by any anomaly in transcription factor function. It has long been acknowledged that cancer development is accompanied by the dysregulated activity of TF alterations which might result in faulty gene expression. Recent studies have suggested that dysregulated transcription factors play a major role in developing various human malignancies by altering and rewiring metabolic processes, modifying the immune response, and triggering oncogenic signaling cascades. This review emphasizes the interplay between TFs involved in metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming, evading immune attacks, cellular senescence, and the maintenance of cancer stemness in cancerous cells. The insights presented herein will facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic modalities to tackle the dysregulated transcription factors underlying cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adria Hasan
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Naushad Ahmad Khan
- Department of Surgery, Trauma and Vascular Surgery Clinical Research, Hamad General Hospital, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India; Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Abdul Q Khan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar.
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
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4
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Yadav D, Sharma PK, Mishra PS, Malviya R. The Potential of Stem Cells in Treating Breast Cancer. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:324-333. [PMID: 37132308 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230428094056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
There has been a lot of interest in stem cell therapy as a means of curing disease in recent years. Despite extensive usage of stem cell therapy in the treatment of a wide range of medical diseases, it has been hypothesized that it plays a key part in the progression of cancer. Breast cancer is still the most frequent malignancy in women globally. However, the latest treatments, such as stem cell targeted therapy, are considered to be more effective in preventing recurrence, metastasis, and chemoresistance of breast cancer than older methods like chemotherapy and radiation. This review discusses the characteristics of stem cells and how stem cells may be used to treat breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Yadav
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pramod Kumar Sharma
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Prem Shankar Mishra
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rishabha Malviya
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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5
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Knipper K, Damanakis AI, Lyu SI, Simon AG, Wahler I, Bruns CJ, Schröder W, Schmidt T, Quaas A. High NANOG expression correlates with worse patients' survival in esophageal adenocarcinoma. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:669. [PMID: 37461005 PMCID: PMC10351130 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11146-0] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer demonstrate a low overall survival even despite the established multimodal therapy as the current standard of care. Therefore, further biomarkers for patients with high-risk and additional therapy options are needed. NANOG is a transcription factor, which can be found in stem cells and is known to support tumorigenesis. METHODS Six hundred sixty patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, who were operated at the University of Cologne with a curative intent, were included. Immunohistochemical stainings for NANOG were performed. The study population was divided into NANOG-positive and -negative subgroups. RESULTS Positive NANOG expression correlates significantly with worse overall survival (p = 0.002) and could be confirmed as an independent risk factor for worse patient survival in multivariate analysis (HR = 1.40, 95%CI = 1.09-1.80, p = 0.006). This effect could be detected in the subgroup of primarily operated patients, but not in patients after neoadjuvant therapy. CONCLUSIONS We describe a NANOG-positive subgroup of patients with esophageal cancer, who exhibit worse overall survival in a large patient cohort. This discovery suggests the potential use of NANOG as a biomarker for both intensified therapy and stricter follow-up regimes. Additionally, NANOG-positive stem cell-like cancer cells could be used as a new antitumoral treatment target if validated in mechanistic and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Knipper
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Alexander I Damanakis
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Su Ir Lyu
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Adrian Georg Simon
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Isabell Wahler
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christiane J Bruns
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schröder
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander Quaas
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Vasefifar P, Najafi S, Motafakkerazad R, Amini M, Safaei S, Najafzadeh B, Alemohammad H, Jafarlou M, Baradaran B. Targeting Nanog expression increased Cisplatin chemosensitivity and inhibited cell migration in Gastric cancer cells. Exp Cell Res 2023:113681. [PMID: 37315760 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113681] [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: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Regardless of significant advances in cancer treatment, gastric cancer (GC) incidence rate is increasing worldwide. As one of the main transcription factors participating in stemness, Nanog plays a pivotal role in various aspects of tumorigenesis, metastasis, and chemosensitivity. Given that, the current research intended to evaluate the potential effects of Nanog suppression on the GC cell cisplatin chemosensitivity and in vitro tumorigenesis. First, bioinformatics analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of Nanog expression on GC patients' survival. The MKN-45 human GC cells were transfected with specific siRNA targeting Nanog and/or treated with Cisplatin. Then, to study cellular viability and apoptosis, MTT assay and Annexin V/PI staining were done, respectively. Also, the scratch assay was performed to investigate cell migration, and MKN-45 cell stemness was followed using colony formation assay. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used for gene expression analysis. The findings demonstrated that siRNA-mediated Nanog silencing strongly increased MKN-45 cell sensitivity to Cisplatin through apoptosis induction. Also, Nanog suppression combined with Cisplatin resulted in the upregulation of the Caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio at mRNA levels and increased Caspase-3 activation. Moreover, reduced expression of Nanog, separately or combined with Cisplatin, inhibited MKN-45 cell migration by downregulating MMP2 mRNA and protein expression levels. The results also evidenced CD44 and SOX-2 downregulation aligned with a decreased rate of MKN-45 cell colony formation ability through treatments. Besides, Nanog downregulation significantly decreased MDR-1 mRNA expression. Taken together, the results of this study indicated that Nanog could be suggested as a promising target combined with Cisplatin-based GC therapies for reducing drug side effects and improving patients' outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Vasefifar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Souzan Najafi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Amini
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sahar Safaei
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Basira Najafzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hajar Alemohammad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahdi Jafarlou
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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7
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Unraveling the function of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in colorectal cancer: Metastasis, therapy response, and revisiting molecular pathways. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 160:114395. [PMID: 36804124 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a dangerous form of cancer that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is a major global health concern, and the aggressive behavior of tumor cells makes it difficult to treat, leading to poor survival rates for patients. One major challenge in treating CRC is the metastasis, or spread, of the cancer, which is a major cause of death. In order to improve the prognosis for patients with CRC, it is necessary to focus on ways to inhibit the cancer's ability to invade and spread. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process that is linked to the spread of cancer cells, also known as metastasis. The process transforms epithelial cells into mesenchymal ones, increasing their mobility and ability to invade other tissues. This has been shown to be a key mechanism in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), a particularly aggressive form of gastrointestinal cancer. The activation of EMT leads to increases in the spread of CRC cells, and during this process, levels of the protein E-cadherin decrease while levels of N-cadherin and vimentin increase. EMT also contributes to the development of resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy in CRC. Non-coding RNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play a role in regulating EMT in CRC, often through their ability to "sponge" microRNAs. Anti-cancer agents have been shown to suppress EMT and reduce the progression and spread of CRC cells. These findings suggest that targeting EMT or related mechanisms may be a promising approach for treating CRC patients in the clinic.
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8
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Karami Fath M, Garousi S, Mottahedi M, Ghasemzadeh N, Salmani K, Olfati F, Beit Saeed M, Sotoudeh S, Barati G. The role of hypoxia-inducible factors in breast cancer stem cell specification. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 243:154349. [PMID: 36791562 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Breast tumor is heterogeneous cancer with high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in developing countries. Despite new efforts to reduce the breast cancer implications, the number of newly diagnosed cases is increasing worldwide. It is believed that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for the implication of cancers including breast cancer. Although CSCs compose a small population in tumor bulks, they play a crucial role in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and chemotherapeutic resistance. These events are mediated by the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway which regulates the transcription of genes involved in CSC maintenance and tumorigenesis. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms by which hypoxia- or chemotherapy-induced HIFs promote breast CSC specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Karami Fath
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Setareh Garousi
- Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehran Mottahedi
- Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Kiana Salmani
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Olfati
- Department of Reproductive Health, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Miad Beit Saeed
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Abadan Islamic Azad University, Abadan, Iran
| | - Sina Sotoudeh
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Guilan, Iran
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Chaudhary A, Raza SS, Haque R. Transcriptional factors targeting in cancer stem cells for tumor modulation. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:123-137. [PMID: 36603792 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are now considered the primary "seeds" for the onset, development, metastasis, and recurrence of tumors. Despite therapeutic breakthroughs, cancer remains the leading cause of death worldwide. This is because the tumor microenvironment contains a key population of cells known as CSCs, which promote tumor aggression. CSCs are self-renewing cells that aid tumor recurrence by promoting tumor growth and persisting in patients after many traditional cancer treatments. According to reports, numerous transcription factors (TF) play a key role in maintaining CSC pluripotency and its self-renewal property. The understanding of the functions, structures, and interactional dynamics of these transcription factors with DNA has modified the hypothesis, paving the way for novel transcription factor-targeted therapies. These TFs, which are crucial and are required by cancer cells, play a vital function in the etiology of human cancer. Such CSC TFs will help with gene expression profiling, which provides crucial data for predicting the prognosis of patients. To overcome anti-cancer medication resistance and completely eradicate cancer, a potent therapy combining TFs-based CSC targets with traditional chemotherapy may be developed. In order to develop therapies that could eliminate CSCs, we here concentrated on the effect of TFs and other components of signalling pathways on cancer stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Chaudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Earth Biological and Environmental Sciences, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India
| | - Syed Shadab Raza
- Laboratory for Stem Cell & Restorative Neurology, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Lucknow, India
| | - Rizwanul Haque
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Earth Biological and Environmental Sciences, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India.
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Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Ovarian Cancer and Associated Gene Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246246. [PMID: 36551731 PMCID: PMC9777152 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the United States, over 100,000 women are diagnosed with a gynecologic malignancy every year, with ovarian cancer being the most lethal. One of the hallmark characteristics of ovarian cancer is the development of resistance to chemotherapeutics. While the exact mechanisms of chemoresistance are poorly understood, it is known that changes at the cellular and molecular level make chemoresistance challenging to treat. Improved therapeutic options are needed to target these changes at the molecular level. Using a precision medicine approach, such as gene therapy, genes can be specifically exploited to resensitize tumors to therapeutics. This review highlights traditional and novel gene targets that can be used to develop new and improved targeted therapies, from drug efflux proteins to ovarian cancer stem cells. The review also addresses the clinical relevance and landscape of the discussed gene targets.
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11
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Yun H, Han GH, Kim J, Chung J, Kim J, Cho H. NANOG
regulates epithelial–mesenchymal transition via
AMPK
/
mTOR
signalling pathway in ovarian cancer
SKOV
‐3 and
A2780
cells. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:5277-5291. [PMID: 36114703 PMCID: PMC9575063 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
NANOG engages with tumour initiation and metastasis by regulating the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). However, its role in association with pAMPKα, and its clinical significance in EOC have not been elucidated even though AMPK is known to degrade NANOG in various human cancers. Hence, we investigated the role of pAMPKα and its association with NANOG as potential prognostic biomarkers in EOC. Both NANOG and pAMPKα expression were significantly overexpressed in EOCs comparing nonadjacent normal epithelial tissues, benign tissues, and borderline tumours. NANOG overexpression was significantly associated with poor disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), whereas pAMPKα overexpression was associated with good DFS and OS. Importantly, multivariate analysis revealed that the combination of high NANOG and low pAMPKα expression was a poor independent prognostic factor for DFS and was associated with platinum resistance. In ovarian cancer cell lines, siRNA‐mediated NANOG knockdown diminished migration and invasion properties by regulating the EMT process via the AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway. Furthermore, treatment with AMPK activator suppressed expression of stemness factors such as NANOG, Oct4 and Sox2. Collectively, these findings established that the combination of high NANOG and low pAMPKα expression was associated with EOC progression and platinum resistance, suggesting a potential prognostic biomarker for clinical management in EOC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Yun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Gwan Hee Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong Seoul Korea
| | - Julie Kim
- Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York USA
| | - Joon‐Yong Chung
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute National Institutes of Health Bethesda Maryland USA
| | - Jae‐Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
- Institute of Women's Life Medical Science Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Hanbyoul Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
- Institute of Women's Life Medical Science Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
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12
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Bhat AA, Nisar S, Singh M, Ashraf B, Masoodi T, Prasad CP, Sharma A, Maacha S, Karedath T, Hashem S, Yasin SB, Bagga P, Reddy R, Frennaux MP, Uddin S, Dhawan P, Haris M, Macha MA. Cytokine- and chemokine-induced inflammatory colorectal tumor microenvironment: Emerging avenue for targeted therapy. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:689-715. [PMID: 35791509 PMCID: PMC9395317 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a predominant life-threatening cancer, with liver and peritoneal metastases as the primary causes of death. Intestinal inflammation, a known CRC risk factor, nurtures a local inflammatory environment enriched with tumor cells, endothelial cells, immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, immunosuppressive cells, and secretory growth factors. The complex interactions of aberrantly expressed cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and matrix-remodeling enzymes promote CRC pathogenesis and evoke systemic responses that affect disease outcomes. Mounting evidence suggests that these cytokines and chemokines play a role in the progression of CRC through immunosuppression and modulation of the tumor microenvironment, which is partly achieved by the recruitment of immunosuppressive cells. These cells impart features such as cancer stem cell-like properties, drug resistance, invasion, and formation of the premetastatic niche in distant organs, promoting metastasis and aggressive CRC growth. A deeper understanding of the cytokine- and chemokine-mediated signaling networks that link tumor progression and metastasis will provide insights into the mechanistic details of disease aggressiveness and facilitate the development of novel therapeutics for CRC. Here, we summarized the current knowledge of cytokine- and chemokine-mediated crosstalk in the inflammatory tumor microenvironment, which drives immunosuppression, resistance to therapeutics, and metastasis during CRC progression. We also outlined the potential of this crosstalk as a novel therapeutic target for CRC. The major cytokine/chemokine pathways involved in cancer immunotherapy are also discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajaz A. Bhat
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic ImagingCancer Research DepartmentSidra MedicineDoha26999Qatar
| | - Sabah Nisar
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic ImagingCancer Research DepartmentSidra MedicineDoha26999Qatar
| | - Mayank Singh
- Department of Medical OncologyDr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer HospitalAll India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)New Delhi110029India
| | - Bazella Ashraf
- Department of BiotechnologySchool of Life SciencesCentral University of KashmirGanderbalJammu & Kashmir191201India
| | - Tariq Masoodi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic ImagingCancer Research DepartmentSidra MedicineDoha26999Qatar
| | - Chandra P. Prasad
- Department of Medical OncologyDr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer HospitalAll India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)New Delhi110029India
| | - Atul Sharma
- Department of Medical OncologyDr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer HospitalAll India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)New Delhi110029India
| | - Selma Maacha
- Division of Translational MedicineResearch BranchSidra MedicineDoha26999Qatar
| | | | - Sheema Hashem
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic ImagingCancer Research DepartmentSidra MedicineDoha26999Qatar
| | - Syed Besina Yasin
- Department of PathologySher‐I‐Kashmir Institute of Medical SciencesSrinagarJammu & Kashmir190011India
| | - Puneet Bagga
- Department of Diagnostic ImagingSt. Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTN38105USA
| | - Ravinder Reddy
- Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision MedicineDepartment of RadiologyPerelman School of Medicine at the University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA19104USA
| | | | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research InstituteHamad Medical CorporationDoha3050Qatar
| | - Punita Dhawan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198USA
| | - Mohammad Haris
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic ImagingCancer Research DepartmentSidra MedicineDoha26999Qatar
- Laboratory Animal Research CenterQatar UniversityDoha2713Qatar
| | - Muzafar A. Macha
- Watson‐Crick Centre for Molecular MedicineIslamic University of Science and TechnologyAwantiporaJammu & Kashmir192122India
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13
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Vasefifar P, Motafakkerazad R, Maleki LA, Najafi S, Ghrobaninezhad F, Najafzadeh B, Alemohammad H, Amini M, Baghbanzadeh A, Baradaran B. Nanog, as a key cancer stem cell marker in tumor progression. Gene X 2022; 827:146448. [PMID: 35337852 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small population of malignant cells that induce tumor onset and development. CSCs share similar features with normal stem cells in the case of self-renewal and differentiation. They also contribute to chemoresistance and metastasis of cancer cells, leading to therapeutic failure. To identify CSCs, multiple cell surface markers have been characterized, including Nanog, which is found at high levels in different cancers. Recent studies have revealed that Nanog upregulation has a substantial association with the advanced stages and poor prognosis of malignancies, playing a pivotal role through tumorigenesis of multiple human cancers, including leukemia, liver, colorectal, prostate, ovarian, lung, head and neck, brain, pancreatic, gastric and breast cancers. Nanog through different signaling pathways, like JAK/STAT and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, induces stemness, self-renewal, metastasis, invasiveness, and chemoresistance of cancer cells. Some of these signaling pathways are common in various types of cancers, but some have been found in one or two cancers. Therefore, this review aimed to focus on the function of Nanog in multiple cancers based on recent studies surveying the suitable approaches to target Nanog and inhibit CSCs residing in tumors to gain favorable results from cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Vasefifar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | | | - Souzan Najafi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Basira Najafzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hajar Alemohammad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amini
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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14
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ANGPTL1 attenuates cancer migration, invasion, and stemness through regulating FOXO3a-mediated SOX2 expression in colorectal cancer. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:657-673. [PMID: 35475476 PMCID: PMC9093149 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Angiopoietin-like protein 1 (ANGPTL1) is a member of the ANGPTL family that suppresses angiogenesis, cancer invasion, metastasis, and cancer progression. ANGPTL1 is down-regulated in various cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the effects and mechanisms of ANGPTL1 on liver metastasis and cancer stemness in CRC are poorly understood. In the present study, we identified that ANGPTL1 was down-regulated in CRC and inversely correlated with metastasis and poor clinical outcomes in CRC patients form the ONCOMINE database and Human Tissue Microarray staining. ANGPTL1 significantly suppressed the migration/invasion abilities, the expression of cancer stem cell (CSC) markers, and sphere formation by enhancing FOXO3a expression, which contributed to the reduction of stem cell transcription factor SOX2 expression in CRC cells. Consistently, overexpression of ANGPTL1 reduced liver metastasis, tumor growth, and tumorigenicity in tumor-bearing mice. ANGPTL1 expression was negatively correlated with CSC markers expression and poor clinical outcomes in CRC patients. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the molecular mechanisms of ANGPTL1 in colorectal cancer stem cell progression may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for CRC.
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15
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Alemohammad H, Motafakkerazad R, Asadzadeh Z, Farsad N, Hemmat N, Najafzadeh B, Vasefifar P, Baradaran B. siRNA-mediated silencing of Nanog reduces stemness properties and increases the sensitivity of HepG2 cells to cisplatin. Gene 2022; 821:146333. [PMID: 35182674 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most lethal cancers having worldwide prevalence. Despite significant progress in cancer therapy, liver cancer-induced mortality is very high. Nanog, as an essential transcription factor modulating cellular multipotency, causes tumor progression, drug resistance, and preserves stemness properties in various tumors such as liver cancer. Thus, this research was conducted to evaluate the impact of combination therapy of Nanog siRNA/cisplatin on the sensitivity of liver cancer cells to this drug. HepG2 cells were transfected with Nanog siRNA and treated with cisplatin, individually and in combination. Then, it was observed that in transfected HepG2 cells, Nanog expression was significantly reduced at mRNA level and also these cells were sensitized to cisplatin. In addition, to assess the impact of Nanog siRNA and cisplatin individually and in combination on cells' viability, migration capacity, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression, the MTT, wound healing, colony formation assay, Annexin V/PI staining, and flow cytometry assays were applied on HepG2 cells, respectively. Also, the quantitive Real-Time PCR was used to check the expression of stemness-associated genes (CD44, CD133, and Sox2), and apoptosis-related genes (caspase-3, 8, 9, BAX and Bcl2) after combination therapy. It is indicated that the combination of Nanog siRNA and cisplatin significantly reduced proliferation, migration, and colony formation ability, as well as increased apoptosis rate, and cell cycle arrest. Also, it is found that the combination of Nanog siRNA and cisplatin down-regulated the expression of stemness-associated genes and up-regulated apoptosis-related genes in HepG2 cells. Hence, it can be suggested that Nanog inhibition in combination with cisplatin is a potential therapeutic strategy for developing new therapeutic approaches for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Alemohammad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Asadzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nader Farsad
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nima Hemmat
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Basira Najafzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parisa Vasefifar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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16
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Descarpentrie J, Araúzo-Bravo MJ, He Z, François A, González Á, Garcia-Gallastegi P, Badiola I, Evrard S, Pernot S, Creemers JWM, Khatib AM. Role of Furin in Colon Cancer Stem Cells Malignant Phenotype and Expression of LGR5 and NANOG in KRAS and BRAF-Mutated Colon Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1195. [PMID: 35267511 PMCID: PMC8909039 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertases or PCs are known to regulate the malignant phenotype of colon cancer cells by different mechanisms, but their effects on cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been less widely investigated. Here, we report that PCs expression is altered in colon CSCs, and the inhibition of their activity reduced colon CSCs growth, survival, and invasion in three-dimensional spheroid cultures. In vivo, repression of PCs activity by the general PC inhibitors α1-PDX, Spn4A, or decanoyl-RVKR-chloromethylketone (CMK) significantly reduced tumor expression levels of the stem cell markers LGR5 and NANOG that are associated with reduced tumor xenografts. Further analysis revealed that reduced tumor growth mediated by specific silencing of the convertase Furin in KRAS or BRAF mutated-induced colon tumors was associated with reduced expression of LGR5 and NANOG compared to wild-type KRAS and BRAF tumors. Analysis of various calcium regulator molecules revealed that while the calcium-transporting ATPase 4 (ATP2B4) is downregulated in all the Furin-silenced colon cancer cells, the Ca2+-mobilizing P2Y receptors, was specifically repressed in BRAF mutated cells and ORAI1 and CACNA1H in KRAS mutated cells. Taken together, our findings indicate that PCs play an important role in the malignant phenotype of colon CSCs and stem cell markers' expression and highlight PCs repression, particularly of Furin, to target colon tumors with KRAS or BRAF mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Descarpentrie
- Reprogramming tumor activitY and associaTed MicroEnvironment (RYTME), Bordeaux Institute of Oncology (BRIC)-UMR1312 Inserm, B2 Ouest, Allée Geoffroy St Hilaire CS50023, 33615 Pessac, France; (J.D.); (A.F.); (P.G.-G.); (S.E.)
| | - Marcos J. Araúzo-Bravo
- Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, C/Doctor Beguiristain s/n, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain;
| | - Zongsheng He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China;
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Alexia François
- Reprogramming tumor activitY and associaTed MicroEnvironment (RYTME), Bordeaux Institute of Oncology (BRIC)-UMR1312 Inserm, B2 Ouest, Allée Geoffroy St Hilaire CS50023, 33615 Pessac, France; (J.D.); (A.F.); (P.G.-G.); (S.E.)
| | - Álvaro González
- Reprogramming tumor activitY and associaTed MicroEnvironment (RYTME), Bordeaux Institute of Oncology (BRIC)-UMR1312 Inserm, B2 Ouest, Allée Geoffroy St Hilaire CS50023, 33615 Pessac, France; (J.D.); (A.F.); (P.G.-G.); (S.E.)
| | - Patricia Garcia-Gallastegi
- Reprogramming tumor activitY and associaTed MicroEnvironment (RYTME), Bordeaux Institute of Oncology (BRIC)-UMR1312 Inserm, B2 Ouest, Allée Geoffroy St Hilaire CS50023, 33615 Pessac, France; (J.D.); (A.F.); (P.G.-G.); (S.E.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain;
| | - Iker Badiola
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain;
| | - Serge Evrard
- Reprogramming tumor activitY and associaTed MicroEnvironment (RYTME), Bordeaux Institute of Oncology (BRIC)-UMR1312 Inserm, B2 Ouest, Allée Geoffroy St Hilaire CS50023, 33615 Pessac, France; (J.D.); (A.F.); (P.G.-G.); (S.E.)
- Institut Bergonié, 33000 Bordeaux, France;
| | | | - John W. M. Creemers
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Abdel-Majid Khatib
- Reprogramming tumor activitY and associaTed MicroEnvironment (RYTME), Bordeaux Institute of Oncology (BRIC)-UMR1312 Inserm, B2 Ouest, Allée Geoffroy St Hilaire CS50023, 33615 Pessac, France; (J.D.); (A.F.); (P.G.-G.); (S.E.)
- Institut Bergonié, 33000 Bordeaux, France;
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17
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Ebrahimi N, Rezanejad H, Asadi MH, Vallian S. LncRNA LOC100507144 acts as a novel regulator of CD44/Nanog/Sox2/miR-302/miR-21 axis in colorectal cancer. Biofactors 2022; 48:164-180. [PMID: 34882869 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) appear as vital regulators and biomarkers in many human cancers. LOC100507144 is a validated lncRNA located in the neighborhood of CD44 in a head-to-head configuration, and its expression and function in cancer cells are still unknown. This research aimed to find out more about the expression and function of this lncRNA in colorectal cancer (CRC). Our expression data represented that the expression of LOC100507144 transcript was substantially higher in tumors with advanced stages, lymph node metastasis, and vascular invasion. Loss-of-function examinations demonstrated that LOC100507144 contributed to CRC cell proliferation by restricting apoptosis, cellular senescence, and promoting cell cycle. Gain-of-function experiments also confirmed these results. Our data illustrated that LOC100507144 enhanced the migration and the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CRC cells, accompanied by the generation of cells with stemness characteristics. Our findings revealed that the knocking-down of LOC100507144 inhibited the expression of crucial stemness factors, including CD44, Nanog, and Sox2, and accordingly resulted in suppressing their targets, miR-302 and miR-21. Overall, the current study's findings for the first time reveal that LOC100507144 could enhance CRC progression and metastasis through regulation of the CD44/Nanog/Sox2/miR-302/miR-21 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Ebrahimi
- Division of Genetics, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hajar Rezanejad
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Science and High Technology and Environmental Sciences, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran
| | - Malek Hossein Asadi
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Science and High Technology and Environmental Sciences, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sadeq Vallian
- Division of Genetics, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
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18
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MicroRNA 630 Represses NANOG Expression through Transcriptional and Post-Transcriptional Regulation in Human Embryonal Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010046. [PMID: 35008480 PMCID: PMC8744645 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The pluripotent transcription factor NANOG is essential for maintaining embryonic stem cells and driving tumorigenesis. We previously showed that PKC activity is involved in the regulation of NANOG expression. To explore the possible involvement of microRNAs in regulating the expression of key pluripotency factors, we performed a genome-wide analysis of microRNA expression in the embryonal carcinoma cell line NT2/D1 in the presence of the PKC activator, PMA. We found that MIR630 was significantly upregulated in PMA-treated cells. Experimentally, we showed that transfection of MIR630 mimic into embryonal carcinoma cell lines directly targeted the 3′UTR of OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG and markedly suppressed their expression. RNAhybrid and RNA22 algorithms were used to predict miRNA target sites in the NANOG 3′UTR, four possible target sites of MIR630 were identified. To examine the functional interaction between MIR630 and NANOG mRNA, the predicted MIR630 target sites in the NANOG 3′UTR were deleted and the activity of the reporters were compared. After targeted mutation of the predicted MIR630 target sites, the MIR630 mimic inhibited NANOG significantly less than the wild-type reporters. It is worth noting that mutation of a single putative binding site in the 3′UTR of NANOG did not completely abolish MIR630-mediated suppression, suggesting that MIR630 in the NANOG 3′UTR may have multiple binding sites and act together to maximally repress NANOG expression. Interestingly, MIR630 mimics significantly downregulated NANOG gene transcription. Exogenous expression of OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG lacking the 3′UTR almost completely rescued the reduced transcriptional activity of MIR630. MIR630 mediated the expression of differentiation markers in NT2/D1 cells, suggesting that MIR630 leads to the differentiation of NT2/D1 cell. Our findings show that MIR630 represses NANOG through transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, suggesting a direct link between core pluripotency factors and MIR630.
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19
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Larson ED, Komori H, Gibson TJ, Ostgaard CM, Hamm DC, Schnell JM, Lee CY, Harrison MM. Cell-type-specific chromatin occupancy by the pioneer factor Zelda drives key developmental transitions in Drosophila. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7153. [PMID: 34887421 PMCID: PMC8660810 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27506-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During Drosophila embryogenesis, the essential pioneer factor Zelda defines hundreds of cis-regulatory regions and in doing so reprograms the zygotic transcriptome. While Zelda is essential later in development, it is unclear how the ability of Zelda to define cis-regulatory regions is shaped by cell-type-specific chromatin architecture. Asymmetric division of neural stem cells (neuroblasts) in the fly brain provide an excellent paradigm for investigating the cell-type-specific functions of this pioneer factor. We show that Zelda synergistically functions with Notch to maintain neuroblasts in an undifferentiated state. Zelda misexpression reprograms progenitor cells to neuroblasts, but this capacity is limited by transcriptional repressors critical for progenitor commitment. Zelda genomic occupancy in neuroblasts is reorganized as compared to the embryo, and this reorganization is correlated with differences in chromatin accessibility and cofactor availability. We propose that Zelda regulates essential transitions in the neuroblasts and embryo through a shared gene-regulatory network driven by cell-type-specific enhancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D Larson
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Hideyuki Komori
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tyler J Gibson
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Cyrina M Ostgaard
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Danielle C Hamm
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jack M Schnell
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cheng-Yu Lee
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Melissa M Harrison
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
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20
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Identification of AGT and CD44 in methotrexate-resistant colorectal cancer and reversal of methotrexate-resistance. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 229:153717. [PMID: 34952427 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to screen out hub genes in 2 methotrexate-resistant colorectal cancer (CRC) cells (HT29 and Caco2), compared with parental CRC cells and reverse methotrexate-resistance in methotrexate-resistant CRC. GEO database and R software were utilized to analyze the gene expression profiles GSE11440 and GSE16066. Venn diagram was used to identify intersection differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between GSE11440 and GSE16066. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) was utilized to screen out central node genes. Hub genes were determined by volcano graphs, heatmaps and box plots. The functional enrichment analysis was exhibited with DAVID. The GEPIA was used to obtain survival curves to analyze association between patient prognosis and hub genes. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of hub genes. CCK-8 assay was used to show MTX-resistant CRC cell viability following CD44 inhibitor (THIQ) and AGT inhibitor (O6-BG) treatments. In our results, there were 180 intersection DEGs between GSE11440 and GSE16066. CD44 and AGT were screened out as hub genes by PPI, heatmaps, volcano and box plots. In the 2 MTX-resistant CRC cells, the expressions of CD44 and AGT were up-regulated compared with parental CRC cells. The results of western blotting showed that CD44 and AGT were up-regulated in MTX-resistant HT29 and Caco2 cells compared with parental CRC cells. CCK-8 assay results showed that the combination of MTX with O6-BG or THIQ could significantly reduce the activity of MTX-resistant CRC cells. This research screened out CD44 and AGT in MTX-resistant CRC cells by bioinformatics and suggested that the combination of MTX with O6-BG or THIQ could enhance the sensitivity of MTX-resistant CRC cells to MTX. This research provides a new strategy for overcoming MTX-resistance in CRC.
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21
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Obermayr E, Koppensteiner N, Heinzl N, Schuster E, Holzer B, Fabikan H, Weinlinger C, Illini O, Hochmair M, Zeillinger R. Cancer Stem Cell-Like Circulating Tumor Cells Are Prognostic in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11111225. [PMID: 34834576 PMCID: PMC8620949 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), less than 10% of patients survive the first five years when the disease has already spread at primary diagnosis. Methods: Blood samples were taken from 118 NSCLC patients at primary diagnosis or at progression of the disease before the start of a new treatment line and enriched for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) by microfluidic Parsortix™ (Angle plc, Guildford GU2 7AF, UK) technology. The gene expression of epithelial cancer stem cell (CSC), epithelial to mesenchymal (EMT), and lung-related markers was assessed by qPCR, and the association of each marker with overall survival (OS) was evaluated using log-rank tests. Results: EpCAM was the most prevalent transcript, with 53.7% positive samples at primary diagnosis and 25.6% at recurrence. EpCAM and CK19, as well as NANOG, PROM1, TERT, CDH5, FAM83A, and PTHLH transcripts, were associated with worse OS. However, only the CSC-specific NANOG and PROM1 were related to the outcome both at primary diagnosis (NANOG: HR 3.21, 95%CI 1.02–10.14, p = 0.016; PROM1: HR 4.23, 95% CI 0.65–27.56, p = 0.007) and disease progression (NANOG: HR 4.17, 95%CI 0.72–24.14, p = 0.025; PROM1: HR 4.77, 95% CI 0.29–78.94, p = 0.032). Conclusions: The present study further underlines the relevance of the molecular characterization of CTCs. Our multi-marker analysis highlighted the prognostic value of cancer stem cell-related transcripts at primary diagnosis and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Obermayr
- Molecular Oncology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (N.K.); (N.H.); (E.S.); (B.H.); (R.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-14-0400-78270
| | - Nina Koppensteiner
- Molecular Oncology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (N.K.); (N.H.); (E.S.); (B.H.); (R.Z.)
| | - Nicole Heinzl
- Molecular Oncology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (N.K.); (N.H.); (E.S.); (B.H.); (R.Z.)
| | - Eva Schuster
- Molecular Oncology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (N.K.); (N.H.); (E.S.); (B.H.); (R.Z.)
| | - Barbara Holzer
- Molecular Oncology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (N.K.); (N.H.); (E.S.); (B.H.); (R.Z.)
| | - Hannah Fabikan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Karl Landsteiner Institute of Lung Research and Pulmonary Oncology, Klinik Floridsdorf, Bruenner Strasse 68, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (H.F.); (C.W.); (O.I.); (M.H.)
| | - Christoph Weinlinger
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Karl Landsteiner Institute of Lung Research and Pulmonary Oncology, Klinik Floridsdorf, Bruenner Strasse 68, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (H.F.); (C.W.); (O.I.); (M.H.)
| | - Oliver Illini
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Karl Landsteiner Institute of Lung Research and Pulmonary Oncology, Klinik Floridsdorf, Bruenner Strasse 68, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (H.F.); (C.W.); (O.I.); (M.H.)
| | - Maximilian Hochmair
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Karl Landsteiner Institute of Lung Research and Pulmonary Oncology, Klinik Floridsdorf, Bruenner Strasse 68, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (H.F.); (C.W.); (O.I.); (M.H.)
| | - Robert Zeillinger
- Molecular Oncology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (N.K.); (N.H.); (E.S.); (B.H.); (R.Z.)
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22
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Pluripotency Stemness and Cancer: More Questions than Answers. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1376:77-100. [PMID: 34725790 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells provided us with fascinating new knowledge in recent years. Mechanistic insight into intricate regulatory circuitry governing pluripotency stemness and disclosing parallels between pluripotency stemness and cancer instigated numerous studies focusing on roles of pluripotency transcription factors, including Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, Nanog, Sall4 and Tfcp2L1, in cancer. Although generally well substantiated as tumour-promoting factors, oncogenic roles of pluripotency transcription factors and their clinical impacts are revealing themselves as increasingly complex. In certain tumours, both Oct4 and Sox2 behave as genuine oncogenes, and reporter genes driven by composite regulatory elements jointly recognized by both the factors can identify stem-like cells in a proportion of tumours. On the other hand, cancer stem cells seem to be biologically very heterogeneous both among different tumour types and among and even within individual tumours. Pluripotency transcription factors are certainly implicated in cancer stemness, but do not seem to encompass its entire spectrum. Certain cancer stem cells maintain their stemness by biological mechanisms completely different from pluripotency stemness, sometimes even by engaging signalling pathways that promote differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. Moreover, while these signalling pathways may well be antithetical to stemness in pluripotent stem cells, they may cooperate with pluripotency factors in cancer stem cells - a paradigmatic example is provided by the MAPK-AP-1 pathway. Unexpectedly, forced expression of pluripotency transcription factors in cancer cells frequently results in loss of their tumour-initiating ability, their phenotypic reversion and partial epigenetic normalization. Besides the very different signalling contexts operating in pluripotent and cancer stem cells, respectively, the pronounced dose dependency of reprogramming pluripotency factors may also contribute to the frequent loss of tumorigenicity observed in induced pluripotent cancer cells. Finally, contradictory cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous effects of various signalling molecules operate during pluripotency (cancer) reprogramming. The effects of pluripotency transcription factors in cancer are thus best explained within the concept of cancer stem cell heterogeneity.
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Sánchez-Sánchez AV, García-España A, Sánchez-Gómez P, Font-de-Mora J, Merino M, Mullor JL. The Embryonic Key Pluripotent Factor NANOG Mediates Glioblastoma Cell Migration via the SDF1/CXCR4 Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910620. [PMID: 34638956 PMCID: PMC8508935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
NANOG is a key transcription factor required for maintaining pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. Elevated NANOG expression levels have been reported in many types of human cancers, including lung, oral, prostate, stomach, breast, and brain. Several studies reported the correlation between NANOG expression and tumor metastasis, revealing itself as a powerful biomarker of poor prognosis. However, how NANOG regulates tumor progression is still not known. We previously showed in medaka fish that Nanog regulates primordial germ cell migration through Cxcr4b, a chemokine receptor known for its ability to promote migration and metastasis in human cancers. Therefore, we investigated the role of human NANOG in CXCR4-mediated cancer cell migration. Of note, we found that NANOG regulatory elements in the CXCR4 promoter are functionally conserved in medaka fish and humans, suggesting an evolutionary conserved regulatory axis. Moreover, CXCR4 expression requires NANOG in human glioblastoma cells. In addition, transwell assays demonstrated that NANOG regulates cancer cell migration through the SDF1/CXCR4 pathway. Altogether, our results uncover NANOG-CXCR4 as a novel pathway controlling cellular migration and support Nanog as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of Nanog-dependent tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Virginia Sánchez-Sánchez
- Bionos Biotech, SL, Biopolo Hospital La Fe, Av. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.V.S.-S.); (M.M.)
| | - Antonio García-España
- Research Unit, Hospital Universitari de Tarragona Joan XXIII, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43005 Tarragona, Spain;
| | - Pilar Sánchez-Gómez
- Neurooncology Unit, Instituto de Salud Carlos III-UFIEC, Crtra/Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km 2, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Jaime Font-de-Mora
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Marián Merino
- Bionos Biotech, SL, Biopolo Hospital La Fe, Av. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.V.S.-S.); (M.M.)
| | - José Luis Mullor
- Bionos Biotech, SL, Biopolo Hospital La Fe, Av. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.V.S.-S.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-961243219
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24
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Zhao M, Tang Z, Wang Y, Ding J, Guo Y, Gao T. A direct negative feedback loop of miR-4721/FOXA1/Nanog promotes nasopharyngeal cell stem cell enrichment and metastasis. J Transl Med 2021; 19:387. [PMID: 34503528 PMCID: PMC8428129 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03059-y] [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: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The recurrence and metastasis of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) may be mainly attributed to the persistence of cancer stem cells (CSCs); however, the linkage mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. Methods The levels of miR-4721, FOXA1, and Nanog expression in NPC were detected by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. In vivo and in vitro metastasis assays confirmed miR-4721 promotes cell migration and invasion. Tumor spheroid formation assay, side population (SP) assay, and ALDEFLUOR assay verified miR-4721 regulates cancer stem cell-like properties. Luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-4721 directly regulates FOXA1 and FOXA1 effects the promoter activity of miR-4721 and Nanog. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis and electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA) revealed that FOXA1 combined the promoter region of human miR-4721 and Nanog and the possible mechanism was also analyzed. Results In this study, a new mechanism of NPC tumorigenesis related to miR-4721 was verified. We found that miR-4721, FOXA1 and Nanog control their expressions through a negative feedback loop and then activate the downstream regulator of stem cell signaling to promote the enrichment and metastasis of NPC stem cells. Conclusion These findings elucidate that the feedback loop of miR-4721/FOXA1/Nanog can regulate stemness and metastasis in NPC and may provide an experimental theoretical basis for metastasis and treatment resistance in NPC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-021-03059-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyang Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.
| | - Zibo Tang
- Cancer Center, Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Yijun Wang
- Department of Oncology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Jiaojiao Ding
- Department of Oncology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Ying Guo
- Department of Oncology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Tianhui Gao
- Department of Oncology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
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Salinas-Jazmín N, Rosas-Cruz A, Velasco-Velázquez M. Reporter gene systems for the identification and characterization of cancer stem cells. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:861-876. [PMID: 34367481 PMCID: PMC8316869 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i7.861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are tumor cells that share functional characteristics with normal and embryonic stem cells. CSCs have increased tumor-initiating capacity and metastatic potential and lower sensitivity to chemo- and radiotherapy, with important roles in tumor progression and the response to therapy. Thus, a current goal of cancer research is to eliminate CSCs, necessitating an adequate phenotypic and functional characterization of CSCs. Strategies have been developed to identify, enrich, and track CSCs, many of which distinguish CSCs by evaluating the expression of surface markers, the initiation of specific signaling pathways, and the activation of master transcription factors that control stemness in normal cells. We review and discuss the use of reporter gene systems for identifying CSCs. Reporters that are under the control of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1, CD133, Notch, Nanog homeobox, Sex-determining region Y-box 2, and POU class 5 homeobox can be used to identify CSCs in many tumor types, track cells in real time, and screen for drugs. Thus, reporter gene systems, in combination with in vitro and in vivo functional assays, can assess changes in the CSCs pool. We present relevant examples of these systems in the evaluation of experimental CSCs-targeting therapeutics, demonstrating their value in CSCs research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nohemí Salinas-Jazmín
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Arely Rosas-Cruz
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Marco Velasco-Velázquez
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico.
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26
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Li J, Haque M, Shang C, Hassan B, Liu D, Chen W, Lai R. Identification and Characterization of Cancer Stem-Like Cells in ALK-Positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Using the SORE6 Reporter. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 43:543-557. [PMID: 34287231 PMCID: PMC8929104 DOI: 10.3390/cimb43020041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors Sox2 and Oct4 are essential in maintaining the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells and conferring stemness in cancer stem-like (CSL) cells. SORE6, an in-vitro reporter system, was designed to quantify the transcription activity of Sox2/Oct4 and identify CSL cells in non-hematologic cancers. Using SORE6, we identified and enriched CSL cells in ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK + ALCL). Two ALK + ALCL cell lines, SupM2 and UCONN-L2, contained approximately 20% of SORE6+ cells, which were purified based on their expression of green fluorescent protein. We then performed functional studies using single-cell clones derived from SORE6− and SORE6+ cells. Compared to SORE6− cells, SORE6+ cells were significantly more chemoresistant and clonogenic in colony-formation assays. Sox2/Oct4 are directly involved in conferring these CSL properties, since the shRNA knockdown of Sox2 in SORE6+ significantly lowered their chemoresistance, while enforced expression of Sox2/Oct4 in SORE6− cells produced opposite effects. Using Western blots, we found that the expression and subcellular localization of Sox2/Oct4 were similar between SORE6− and SORE6+ cells. However, in SORE6+ but not SORE6− cells, Sox2 and Oct4 abundantly bound to a probe containing the SORE6 consensus sequence. c-Myc, previously shown to regulate cancer stemness in ALK + ALCL, regulated the SORE6 activity. In conclusion, SORE6 is useful in identifying/enriching CSL cells in ALK + ALCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
- Electron Microscopy Center, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150080, China
| | - Moinul Haque
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
- College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, T12 AK54 Cork, Ireland
| | - Chuquan Shang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
| | - Bardes Hassan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt
| | - Dongzhe Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
- Laboratory of Biology and Chemistry, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150080, China
| | - Will Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
| | - Raymond Lai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada
- Correspondence:
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27
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Liu X, He M, Li L, Wang X, Han S, Zhao J, Dong Y, Ahmad M, Li L, Zhang X, Huo J, Liu Y, Pan C, Wang C. EMT and Cancer Cell Stemness Associated With Chemotherapeutic Resistance in Esophageal Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:672222. [PMID: 34150636 PMCID: PMC8209423 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.672222] [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: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance often occurs after chemotherapy in esophageal cancer patients, leading to cancer metastasis and recurrence. However, the relationship among cancer cell migration, recurrence and drug resistance in esophageal cancer drug-resistant cells has not been clearly explained. In this study, we constructed paclitaxel (PTX)-resistant esophageal cancer cells to explore the causes of drug resistance and poor prognosis after chemotherapy in esophageal cancer. Colony formation assay was used to evaluate the difference of colony formation between parental cells and drug resistance cells. Microsphere formation assay was used to examine the phenotype of stem cells. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to detect the migration ability of drug-resistant cells. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays were used to explore the mechanisms. Finally, we used nude mouse xenograft model to explore the tumor characteristics and the expression of relative proteins to verify our findings in vivo. Our study demonstrated that the cancer cell stemness characteristics exist in drug-resistant esophageal cancer cells, that expressed the biomarkers of stem cells and were prone to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our results suggested that the expression of EMT biomarkers and stemness-related proteins increased in esophageal cancer cells after continuously using chemotherapeutic drugs for a period of time. This study indicated that simultaneously targeting EMT and stemness could be a better strategy for the treatment of esophageal cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mingjing He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Linlin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiya Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuhua Han
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinzhu Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yalong Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mushtaq Ahmad
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Leilei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xueyan Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junfeng Huo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yunfan Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chengxue Pan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Cong Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, China
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Kim JW, Chung JY, Ylaya K, Park Y, Jun SY, Hong SM, Hewitt SM. Prognostic implication of SOX2 expression in small intestinal adenocarcinoma. Virchows Arch 2021; 478:1049-1060. [PMID: 33103210 PMCID: PMC9815101 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-020-02946-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The presence of KRAS mutation enhances the stem cell features of colorectal carcinoma cells containing mutant adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). However, their potential role in small intestinal adenocarcinoma remains elusive. Here, we aimed to investigate the clinical significance of cancer stem cell markers expression in the context of small intestinal adenocarcinoma with the KRAS genotype. SOX2, NANOG, and OCT4 expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis, and their potential association with KRAS was further examined in 185 Korean patients with small intestinal adenocarcinomas, which were collected from 22 institutions in South Korea. Positive expression of SOX2, NANOG, and OCT4 was detected in 65 (35.1%), 94 (50.8%), and 82 (44.3%) of patients, respectively. Patients with high SOX2 (SOX2+) expression displayed worse overall survival compared to those with low SOX2 (SOX2-) expression (P < 0.001). Patients with SOX2+/mutant KRAS (KRASMT) (11.1 months) had significantly shorter overall survival than those with SOX2-/KRASWT (53.6 months) (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, SOX2+, distal location, high pT and pN categories, microsatellite stable, and absence of predisposing diseases were independent prognostic factors for worse overall survival. These results suggest that SOX2 expression has the potential to predict clinical outcomes in patients with small intestinal adenocarcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Won Kim
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA,Department of Pathology, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Yong Chung
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kris Ylaya
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yoonho Park
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sun-Young Jun
- Department of Pathology, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 21431, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Mo Hong
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05550, Republic of Korea
| | - Stephen M. Hewitt
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Mahmoudi N, Delirezh N, Sam MR. Modulating Pluripotency Network Genes with Omega-3 DHA is followed by Caspase- 3 Activation and Apoptosis in DNA Mismatch Repair-Deficient/KRAS-Mutant Colorectal Cancer Stem-Like Cells. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 20:1221-1232. [PMID: 32116204 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200302113722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeting DNA mismatch repair-deficient/KRAS-mutant Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells (CRCSCs) with chemical compounds remains challenging. Modulating stemness factors Bmi-1, Sox-2, Oct-4 and Nanog in CRCSCs which are direct downstream targets of carcinogenesis pathways may lead to the reactivation of caspase-3 and apoptosis in these cells. Omega-3 DHA modulates different signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis. However, little is known, whether in vitro concentrations of DHA equal to human plasma levels are able to modulate pluripotency genes expression, caspase-3 reactivation and apoptosis in DNA mismatch repair-deficient/KRAS-mutant CRC stem-like cells. METHODS DNA mismatch repair-deficient/KRAS-mutant CRC stem-like cells (LS174T cells) were treated with DHA, after which, cell number and proliferation-rate, Bmi-1, Sox-2, Nanog and Oct-4 expression, caspase-3 activation and apoptosis were evaluated with different cellular and molecular techniques. RESULTS DHA changed the morphology of cells to apoptotic forms and disrupted cell connections. After 48h treatment with 50- to 200μM DHA, cell numbers and proliferation-rates were measured to be 86%-35% and 93.6%-45.7% respectively. Treatment with 200 μM DHA dramatically decreased the expression of Bmi-1, Sox- 2, Oct-4 and Nanog by 69%, 70%, 97.5% and 53% respectively. Concurrently, DHA induced caspase-3 activation by 1.8-4.7-fold increases compared to untreated cells. An increase in the number of apoptotic cells ranging from 9.3%-38.4% was also observed with increasing DHA concentrations. CONCLUSIONS DHA decreases the high expression level of pluripotency network genes suggesting Bmi-1, Sox-2, Oct-4 and Nanog as promising molecular targets of DHA. DHA reactivates caspase-3 and apoptosis in DNA mismatch repair-deficient/KRAS-mutant CRC stem-like cells, representing the high potential of this safe compound for therapeutic application in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazila Mahmoudi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Nowruz Delirezh
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Sam
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
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30
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Liu CY, Huang TT, Chen JL, Chu PY, Lee CH, Lee HC, Lee YH, Chang YY, Yang SH, Jiang JK, Chen WS, Chao Y, Teng HW. Significance of Kynurenine 3-Monooxygenase Expression in Colorectal Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:620361. [PMID: 33937026 PMCID: PMC8085544 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.620361] [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: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Because of the lack of reliable prognostic and predictive biomarkers for CRC, most patients are often diagnosed at a late stage. The tryptophan–kynurenine pathway plays a crucial role in promoting cancer progression. Kynurenine is considered an oncometabolite in colon cancer, and its downstream metabolites are also associated with CRC. Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), a pivotal enzyme that catalyzes kynurenine metabolism, is essential for several cellular processes. In the current study, we explored the role of KMO in CRC. Immunohistochemical results showed that KMO was upregulated in CRC tissues relative to paired healthy tissue and polyps. Moreover, CRC patients with higher KMO expression were associated with higher metastasis and poorer survival rates. Knockdown of KMO decreased the expression of cancer stem cell markers, as well as the sphere-forming, migration, and invasion abilities of CRC cells. Additionally, blockade of the enzymatic activity of KMO using an inhibitor suppressed sphere formation and cell motility in CRC cells. These findings suggest the clinical relevance of KMO in CRC tumorigenesis and aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yu Liu
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Transfusion Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Ting Huang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ji-Lin Chen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yi Chu
- Department of Pathology, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua City, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Han Lee
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chen Lee
- School of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Lee
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ya Chang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shung-Haur Yang
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Division of Colon and Rectum Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Surgery, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Hospital, Yilan, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Kai Jiang
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Division of Colon and Rectum Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Shone Chen
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Division of Colon and Rectum Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yee Chao
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Wei Teng
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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31
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Gheytanchi E, Naseri M, Karimi-Busheri F, Atyabi F, Mirsharif ES, Bozorgmehr M, Ghods R, Madjd Z. Morphological and molecular characteristics of spheroid formation in HT-29 and Caco-2 colorectal cancer cell lines. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:204. [PMID: 33849536 PMCID: PMC8042991 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01898-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Relapse and metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC) are often attributed to cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), as small sub-population of tumor cells with ability of drug resistance. Accordingly, development of appropriate models to investigate CSCs biology and establishment of effective therapeutic strategies is warranted. Hence, we aimed to assess the capability of two widely used and important colorectal cancer cell lines, HT-29 and Caco-2, in generating spheroids and their detailed morphological and molecular characteristics. Methods CRC spheroids were developed using hanging drop and forced floating in serum-free and non-attachment conditions and their morphological features were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, the potential of CSCs enrichment in spheroids was compared to their adherent counterparts by analysis of serial sphere formation capacity, real-time PCR of key stemness genes (KLF4, OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, C-MYC) and the expression of potential CRC-CSCs surface markers (CD166, CD44, and CD133) by flow cytometry. Finally, the expression level of some EMT-related (Vimentin, SNAIL1, TWIST1, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, ZEB1) and multi-drug resistant (ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCG2) genes was evaluated. Results Although with different morphological features, both cell lines were formed CSCs-enriched spheroids, indicated by ability to serial sphere formation, significant up-regulation of stemness genes, SOX2, C-MYC, NANOG and OCT4 in HT-29 and SOX2, C-MYC and KLF4 in Caco-2 spheroids (p-value < 0.05) and increased expression of CRC-CSC markers compared to parental cells (p-value < 0.05). Additionally, HT-29 spheroids exhibited a significant higher expression of both ABCB1 and ABCG2 (p-value = 0.02). The significant up-regulation of promoting EMT genes, ZEB1, TWIST1, E-cadherin and SNAIL1 in HT-29 spheroids (p-value = 0.03), SNAIL1 and Vimentin in Caco-2 spheroids (p-value < 0.05) and N-cadherin down-regulation in both spheroids were observed. Conclusion Enrichment of CSC-related features in HT-29 and Caco-2 (for the first time without applying special scaffold/biochemical) spheroids, suggests spheroid culture as robust, reproducible, simple and cost-effective model to imitate the complexity of in vivo tumors including self-renewal, drug resistance and invasion for in vitro research of CRC-CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmira Gheytanchi
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Naseri
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Atyabi
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahmood Bozorgmehr
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Ghods
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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32
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Poturnajova M, Furielova T, Balintova S, Schmidtova S, Kucerova L, Matuskova M. Molecular features and gene expression signature of metastatic colorectal cancer (Review). Oncol Rep 2021; 45:10. [PMID: 33649827 PMCID: PMC7876998 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.7961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncontrollable metastatic outgrowth process is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, even in the case of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for approximately 10% of all annually diagnosed cancers and 50% of CRC patients will develop metastases in the course of disease. Most patients with metastatic CRC have incurable disease. Even if patients undergo resection of liver metastases, the 5‑year survival rate ranges from 25 to 58%. Next‑generation sequencing of tumour specimens from large colorectal cancer patient cohorts has led to major advances in elucidating the genomic landscape of these tumours and paired metastases. The expression profiles of primary CRC and their metastatic lesions at both the gene and pathway levels were compared and led to the selection of early driver genes responsible for carcinogenesis and metastasis‑specific genes that increased the metastatic process. The genetic, transcriptional and epigenetic alteration encoded by these genes and their combination influence many pivotal signalling pathways, enabling the dissemination and outgrowth in distant organs. Therapeutic regimens affecting several different active pathways may have important implications for therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Poturnajova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of Slovak Academy of Sciences, University Science Park for Biomedicine, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Tatiana Furielova
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Sona Balintova
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Silvia Schmidtova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of Slovak Academy of Sciences, University Science Park for Biomedicine, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 81499 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Kucerova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of Slovak Academy of Sciences, University Science Park for Biomedicine, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Miroslava Matuskova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of Slovak Academy of Sciences, University Science Park for Biomedicine, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia
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33
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Du L, Cheng Q, Zheng H, Liu J, Liu L, Chen Q. Targeting stemness of cancer stem cells to fight colorectal cancers. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 82:150-161. [PMID: 33631296 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer initiating/ stem cells (CSCs) undergo self-renewal and differentiation that contributes to tumor initiation, recurrence and metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Targeting of colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs) holds significant promise in eradicating cancer cells and ultimately curing patients with cancer. In this review, we will introduce the current progress of CCSC studies, including the specific surface markers of CCSCs, the intrinsic signaling pathways that regulate the stemness and differentiation characteristics of CCSCs, and the tumor organoid model for CCSC research. We will focus on how these studies will lead to the progress in targeting specific surface markers or signaling pathways on CCSCs by monoclonal antibodies, or by natural or synthetic compounds, or by immunotherapy. As CSCs are highly heterogeneous and plastic, we suggest that combinatory approaches that target the stemness network may represent an important strategy for eradicating cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Du
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine. Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Qi Cheng
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; The Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jinming Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Lei Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine. Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Quan Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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34
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Klepinina L, Klepinin A, Truu L, Chekulayev V, Vija H, Kuus K, Teino I, Pook M, Maimets T, Kaambre T. Colon cancer cell differentiation by sodium butyrate modulates metabolic plasticity of Caco-2 cells via alteration of phosphotransfer network. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245348. [PMID: 33471801 PMCID: PMC7817017 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of butyrate to promote differentiation of cancer cells has important implication for colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention and therapy. In this study, we examined the effect of sodium butyrate (NaBT) on the energy metabolism of colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells coupled with their differentiation. NaBT increased the activity of alkaline phosphatase indicating differentiation of Caco-2 cells. Changes in the expression of pluripotency-associated markers OCT4, NANOG and SOX2 were characterized during the induced differentiation at mRNA level along with the measures that allowed distinguishing the expression of different transcript variants. The functional activity of mitochondria was studied by high-resolution respirometry. Glycolytic pathway and phosphotransfer network were analyzed using enzymatical assays. The treatment of Caco-2 cells with NaBT increased production of ATP by oxidative phosphorylation, enhanced mitochondrial spare respiratory capacity and caused rearrangement of the cellular phosphotransfer networks. The flexibility of phosphotransfer networks depended on the availability of glutamine, but not glucose in the cell growth medium. These changes were accompanied by suppressed cell proliferation and altered gene expression of the main pluripotency-associated transcription factors. This study supports the view that modulating cell metabolism through NaBT can be an effective strategy for treating CRC. Our data indicate a close relationship between the phosphotransfer performance and metabolic plasticity of CRC, which is associated with the cell differentiation state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ljudmila Klepinina
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia
- * E-mail:
| | - Aleksandr Klepinin
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Laura Truu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Vladimir Chekulayev
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Heiki Vija
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Kaisa Kuus
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Indrek Teino
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Martin Pook
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Toivo Maimets
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tuuli Kaambre
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia
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Suppression of Nanog inhibited cell migration and increased the sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 894:173871. [PMID: 33460610 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nanog is a major transcription factor related to cellular multipotency that plays important roles in the development of tumor cells, drug resistance, migration, and stemness; indicating its great potential as a therapeutic target for various malignancies including colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the Nanog suppression effect using small interference RNA (siRNA) combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on CRC cells. Nanog-overexpressing SW-480 cells were transfected with Nanog si-RNA and treated with 5-FU, in combination or separately. Subsequently, it was observed that Nanog expression was significantly reduced after transfection of SW-480 cells using Nanog siRNA in mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, Nanog knockdown significantly increased CRC cell sensitivity to 5-FU drug via modulating Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA expression. Also, Nanog knockdown and 5-FU treatment cooperatively decreased the migration and self-renewal ability of SW-480 cells by regulating the expression of relevant genes. Moreover, combination therapy led to cell cycle arrest at the sub-G1 phase in CRC cells. In conclusion, our results indicated that Nanog may play an important role in the drug sensitivity, migration, and self-renewal of CRC cells; suggesting Nanog as a promising target in combination with 5-FU for the development of new therapeutic approaches for CRC.
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36
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Zhang C, Zhao Y, Yang Y, Zhong C, Ji T, Duan J, Wang Y. RNAi mediated silencing of Nanog expression suppresses the growth of human colorectal cancer stem cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 534:254-260. [PMID: 33288197 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.11.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world known for its poor recurrence-free prognosis. Previous studies have shown that it is closely linked with cancer stem cells (CSCs), which have self-renewal potential and the capacity to differentiate into diverse populations. Nanog is an important transcription factor that functions to maintain the self-renewal and proliferation of embryonic stem cells; however, many recent studies have shown that Nanog is also highly expressed in many cancer stem cells. To investigate whether Nanog plays a crucial role in maintaining the stemness of colorectal CSCs, RNA interference was used to downregulate Nanog expression in the CRC stem cell line, EpCAM+CD44+HCT-116 cells (CCSCs). We examined the anti-tumor function of Nanog in vitro and in vivo, using small interfering RNA. Our results revealed that the Nanog mRNA expression level in CCSCs was higher than that in HCT-116 cells. We found that the depletion of Nanog inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in CCSCs. In addition, the invasive ability of CCSCs was markedly restricted when Nanog was silenced by small interfering RNA. Furthermore, we found that the silencing of Nanog decreased tumor size and weight and improved the survival rate of tumor-bearing mice. In conclusion, these findings collectively demonstrate that Nanog, which is highly expressed in CRC stem cells, is a key factor in the development of tumor growth, and it may serve as a potential marker of prognosis and a novel and effective therapeutic target for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhang
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China; Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhao
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Yongjing Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Jilin Province, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Chunlian Zhong
- Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Tianju Ji
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Jinyue Duan
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China.
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37
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Stem cell characteristics promote aggressiveness of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21342. [PMID: 33288848 PMCID: PMC7721882 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78508-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) may present initially in bone marrow, liver and spleen without any lymphadenopathy (referred to as BLS-type DLBCL), which is aggressive and frequently associated with hemophagocytic syndrome. Its tumorigenesis and molecular mechanisms warrant clarification. By gene microarray profiling with bioinformatics analysis, we found higher expression of the stem cell markers HOXA9 and NANOG, as well as BMP8B, CCR6 and S100A8 in BLS-type than conventional DLBCL. We further validated expression of these markers in a large cohort of DLBCL including BLS-type cases and found that expression of HOXA9 and NANOG correlated with inferior outcome and poor prognostic parameters. Functional studies with gene-overexpressed and gene-silenced DLBCL cell lines showed that expression of NANOG and HOXA9 promoted cell viability and inhibited apoptosis through suppression of G2 arrest in vitro and enhanced tumor formation and hepatosplenic infiltration in a tail-vein-injected mouse model. Additionally, HOXA9-transfected tumor cells showed significantly increased soft-agar clonogenic ability and tumor sphere formation. Interestingly, B cells with higher CCR6 expression revealed a higher chemotactic migration for CCL20. Taken together, our findings support the concept that tumor or precursor cells of BLS-type DLBCL are attracted by chemotaxis and home to the bone marrow, where the microenvironment promotes the expression of stem cell characteristics and aggressiveness of tumor cells.
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38
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Pisano A, Griñan-Lison C, Farace C, Fiorito G, Fenu G, Jiménez G, Scognamillo F, Peña-Martin J, Naccarati A, Pröll J, Atzmüller S, Pardini B, Attene F, Ibba G, Solinas MG, Bernhard D, Marchal JA, Madeddu R. The Inhibitory Role of miR-486-5p on CSC Phenotype Has Diagnostic and Prognostic Potential in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113432. [PMID: 33227890 PMCID: PMC7699298 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent cancer worldwide and the second cause of cancer deaths. Increasing evidences supports the idea that the poor prognosis of patients is related to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a cell population able to drive cancer recurrence and metastasis. The deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) plays a role in the formation of CSC. We investigated the role of hsa-miR-486-5p (miR-486-5p) in CRC, CSCs, and metastasis, in order to reach a better understanding of the biomolecular and epigenetic mechanisms mir-486-5p-related. The expression of miR-486-5p was investigated in three different matrices from CRC patients and controls and in CSCs obtained from the CRC cell lines HCT-116, HT-29, and T-84. In the human study, miR-486-5p was up-regulated in serum and stool of CRC patients in comparison with healthy controls but down-regulated in tumor tissue when compared with normal mucosa. miR-486-5p was also down-regulated in the sera of metastatic patients. In vitro, miR-486-5p was down-regulated in CSC models and it induced an inhibitory effect on stem factors and oncogenes in the main pathways of CSCs. Our results provide a step forward in understanding the role of mir-486-5p in CRC and CSC, and suggest that further studies are needed to investigate its diagnostic and prognostic power, possibly in combination with other biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pisano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.P.); (C.F.); (G.F.); (G.F.); (G.I.); (M.G.S.)
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, 00136 Rome, Italy
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain; (C.G.-L.); (G.J.); (J.P.-M.)
| | - Carmen Griñan-Lison
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain; (C.G.-L.); (G.J.); (J.P.-M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs.GRANADA, Organization University Hospitals of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit Modeling Nature (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Cristiano Farace
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.P.); (C.F.); (G.F.); (G.F.); (G.I.); (M.G.S.)
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Fiorito
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.P.); (C.F.); (G.F.); (G.F.); (G.I.); (M.G.S.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Grazia Fenu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.P.); (C.F.); (G.F.); (G.F.); (G.I.); (M.G.S.)
| | - Gema Jiménez
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain; (C.G.-L.); (G.J.); (J.P.-M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs.GRANADA, Organization University Hospitals of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit Modeling Nature (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Fabrizio Scognamillo
- O.U. of Surgery I (Surgical Pathology), A.O.U. Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (F.S.); (F.A.)
| | - Jesùs Peña-Martin
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain; (C.G.-L.); (G.J.); (J.P.-M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs.GRANADA, Organization University Hospitals of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit Modeling Nature (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Alessio Naccarati
- Molecular Epidemiology and Exposome Research Unit, Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, Candiolo, 10060 Torino, Italy; (A.N.); (B.P.)
- Molecular Epidemiology and Exposome Research Unit Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, 10060 Torino, Italy
| | - Johannes Pröll
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria;
- Center for Medical Research, Johannes Kepler University, 4040 Linz, Austria;
- Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Sabine Atzmüller
- Center for Medical Research, Johannes Kepler University, 4040 Linz, Austria;
| | - Barbara Pardini
- Molecular Epidemiology and Exposome Research Unit, Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, Candiolo, 10060 Torino, Italy; (A.N.); (B.P.)
- Molecular Epidemiology and Exposome Research Unit Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, 10060 Torino, Italy
| | - Federico Attene
- O.U. of Surgery I (Surgical Pathology), A.O.U. Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (F.S.); (F.A.)
| | - Gabriele Ibba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.P.); (C.F.); (G.F.); (G.F.); (G.I.); (M.G.S.)
| | - Maria Giuliana Solinas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.P.); (C.F.); (G.F.); (G.F.); (G.I.); (M.G.S.)
| | - David Bernhard
- Division of Pathophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University, 4040 Linz, Austria;
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain; (C.G.-L.); (G.J.); (J.P.-M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs.GRANADA, Organization University Hospitals of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit Modeling Nature (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.A.M.); (R.M.); Tel.: +34-958249321 (J.A.M.); +39-079228569 (R.M.)
| | - Roberto Madeddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.P.); (C.F.); (G.F.); (G.F.); (G.I.); (M.G.S.)
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, 00136 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (J.A.M.); (R.M.); Tel.: +34-958249321 (J.A.M.); +39-079228569 (R.M.)
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Sarkhosh-Inanlou R, Imani M, Sam MR. The response of PIK3CA/KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer stem-like cells to RGD-peptide FraC produced by the strawberry anemone: A promising water-soluble peptide-based inhibitor of metastasis-driver gene CXCR4, stem cell regulatory genes and self-renewal. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 132:110807. [PMID: 33068939 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a stem cell-based disease. PIK3CA/KRAS-mutant CRC stem cells (CRCSCs) display high self-renewal, metastatic properties, high activity of PI3K and KRAS signaling pathways with chemoresistant phenotypes. Recently, RGD peptide (containing Arg-Gly-Asp motif)-based therapy of solid tumor cells has attracted much attention. However, little is known whether this method can target self-renewal capacity, key effectors of PI3K and KRAS signaling pathways such as metastasis-driver gene CXCR4 and stem cell regulatory genes with caspase-3 reactivation in CRCSCs overexpressing RGD-dependent integrins. The sea anemone Actinia fragacea produces a water-soluble RGD-peptide fragacea toxin C (FraC) suggesting the possible activity of FraC against PIK3CA/KRAS-mutant CRCSCs. Recombinant FraC was expressed via pET-28a(+)-FraC in E. coli and purified through affinity chromatography followed by performing SDS-PAGE and hemolytic activity assay. Next, PIK3CA/KRAS-mutant HCT-116 cells that serve as an attractive model for CRCSCs were treated with FraC. Thereafter, cell numbers, viability, proliferation, LDH activity, cytotoxicity index, CXCR4 and pluripotency network genes expression, self-renewal capacity, caspase-3 activity with apoptosis were evaluated. Caspase-1, -2, -3,…, -9 sequences were analyzed for RGD-binding motifs. FraC sequence and structure were also evaluated by bioinformatics software. FraC altered cellular morphology to round shapes and disrupted cell connections. 48 h post-treatment with 0.056- to 7.2 μM FraC resulted in 12 %-99 % and 8 %-97.6 % decreases in cell numbers and viabilities respectively and increased LDH activity by 0.2 %-66.7 % in a dose-dependent manner. The results of the cytotoxicity index showed that FraC induces significant toxicity on HCT-116 cells compared to PBMCs and Huvec cells. FraC dramatically decreased the expression of CXCR4 and pluripotency network genes Bmi-1, Sox-2, Oct-4 and Nanog followed by remarkable decreases in self-renewal capacity ranged from 91- to 0 colonies per well for 0.056- to 3.6 μM FraC after 2 weeks. Caspase-3 was found to contain an RGD-binding motif and its activity increased with increasing FraC concentrations followed by apoptosis induction. Potential RGD-binding motifs for FraC were also found in caspase-1, -7, -8 and -9. Unique advantages of FraC peptide, such as low molecular weight, water solubility, high sensitivity of CRC stem-like cells with more selective toxicity to this compound, targeting tumor cell membrane and self-renewal capacity along with the modulation of CXCR4 and stem cell regulatory genes as upstream and downstream effectors of undruggable PI3K and KRAS signaling pathways may open up avenues for FraC peptide-based therapy of PIK3CA/KRAS-mutant CRCSCs with lower toxicity on healthy cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Sarkhosh-Inanlou
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Imani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran; Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Sam
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran; Department of Biotechnology, Artemia and Aquaculture Research Institute, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
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Roudi R, Barodabi M, Madjd Z, Roviello G, Corona SP, Panahei M. Expression patterns and clinical significance of the potential cancer stem cell markers OCT4 and NANOG in colorectal cancer patients. Mol Cell Oncol 2020; 7:1788366. [PMID: 32944642 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2020.1788366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most important malignancies and causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Cancer stem cell markers identification could be helpful to acquire important prognostic information and develop new treatment regimens. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of OCT4 and NANOG in CRC patients and their clinical significance. Totally 359 CRC samples were stained for OCT4 and NANOG expression using tissue microarray. The correlation between their expression and clinical and pathological features was explored. The majority of CRC cases showed low-level expression of OCT4 (80%) and NANOG (75%). Lower expression of OCT4 was more often detected in CRC cases with no vascular involvement (P = .01). Also, a trend found between low level of OCT4 expression and absence of distant metastasis or lymph node involvement (P = .07 and P = .09, respectively). Surprisingly, a significant positive correlation was observed between NANOG expression and cellular differentiation (P = .05). Our combined analysis demonstrated that OCT4 low/NANOG low phenotype has frequently seen in colorectal cancer cases with no vascular invasion (P = .05). Our observations indicated that higher expression of OCT4 and NANOG can confer malignant and aggressive behavior to CRC. Evaluation of the co-expression of these cancer stem cell markers can serve a new diagnostic and prognostic approach in CRC patients. These findings also suggested that simultaneous expression of OCT4 and NANOG can be considered as a therapeutic marker for targeted therapy of CRC, especially in advanced stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Roudi
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Mahboubeh Barodabi
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Silvia Paola Corona
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Hospital, Trieste
| | - Mahshid Panahei
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pathology, Firoozgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Yuan Z, Ye M, Qie J, Ye T. FOXA1 Promotes Cell Proliferation and Suppresses Apoptosis in HCC by Directly Regulating miR-212-3p/FOXA1/AGR2 Signaling Pathway. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:5231-5240. [PMID: 32606743 PMCID: PMC7293390 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s252890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Forkhead box protein A1 (FOXA1), acting as a transcriptional activator for liver-specific transcripts, plays a vital part in proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle. Methods The mRNA expression of FOXA1 in 90 HCC tissues and matched adjacent non-tumor tissues was determined by qRT-PCR. The downstream and upstream regulators of FOXA1 were identified by bioinformatics analysis and experimental confirmation. Results We found out that the expression of FOXA1 was obviously higher in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues than that in matched non-tumor tissues. Similarly, FOXA1 is also highly expressed in HCC cell lines as compared with normal human hepatic cell line L02. Clinical association analysis indicated that high expression of FOXA1 was prominently correlated with high HBV level, large tumor size, high venous infiltration, high Edmondson-Steiner grading, and advanced tumor-node-metastasis tumor stage. Furthermore, the in vitro tests showed that ectopic expression of FOXA1 promoted HepG2 cell proliferation and suppressed apoptosis. In contrast, the downregulation of FOXA1 inhibited cell proliferation, and induced apoptosis in Hep3B cells. To investigate the functional mechanism of FOXA1, anterior gradient 2 (AGR2), an executor in proliferation and apoptosis, was identified as the direct target gene of FOXA1. Meanwhile, we also found the expression of FOXA1 could be inhibited by miR-212-3p, which working as a tumor suppressor downregulated in HCC. Conclusion We revealed that FOXA1 exerted its biological function by regulating AGR2 expression, and its ectopic expression may be blamed for low expression of miR-212-3p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Mu Ye
- Department of General Surgery, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingbo Qie
- Department of Oncology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Ye
- Department of Oncology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Wuputra K, Ku CC, Wu DC, Lin YC, Saito S, Yokoyama KK. Prevention of tumor risk associated with the reprogramming of human pluripotent stem cells. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2020; 39:100. [PMID: 32493501 PMCID: PMC7268627 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01584-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent embryonic stem cells have two special features: self-renewal and pluripotency. It is important to understand the properties of pluripotent stem cells and reprogrammed stem cells. One of the major problems is the risk of reprogrammed stem cells developing into tumors. To understand the process of differentiation through which stem cells develop into cancer cells, investigators have attempted to identify the key factors that generate tumors in humans. The most effective method for the prevention of tumorigenesis is the exclusion of cancer cells during cell reprogramming. The risk of cancer formation is dependent on mutations of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes during the conversion of stem cells to cancer cells and on the environmental effects of pluripotent stem cells. Dissecting the processes of epigenetic regulation and chromatin regulation may be helpful for achieving correct cell reprogramming without inducing tumor formation and for developing new drugs for cancer treatment. This review focuses on the risk of tumor formation by human pluripotent stem cells, and on the possible treatment options if it occurs. Potential new techniques that target epigenetic processes and chromatin regulation provide opportunities for human cancer modeling and clinical applications of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenly Wuputra
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Rd., San-Ming District, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chen Ku
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Rd., San-Ming District, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Deng-Chyang Wu
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chu Lin
- School of Dentistry, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Shigeo Saito
- Waseda University Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan.
- Saito Laboratory of Cell Technology Institute, Yaita, Tochigi, 329-1571, Japan.
| | - Kazunari K Yokoyama
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Rd., San-Ming District, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
- Waseda University Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan.
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Fan X, Xie Y, Chen H, Guo X, Ma Y, Pang X, Huang Y, He F, Liu S, Yu Y, Hong M, Xiao J, Wan X, Li M, Zheng J. Distant Metastasis Risk Definition by Tumor Biomarkers Integrated Nomogram Approach for Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Cancer Control 2020; 26:1073274819883895. [PMID: 31642331 PMCID: PMC6811765 DOI: 10.1177/1073274819883895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying metastasis remains a challenge for death control and tailored therapy
for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Here, we addressed this by designing a
nomogram-based Cox proportional regression model through integrating a panel of
tumor biomarkers. A total of 147 locally patients with advanced NPC, derived
from a randomized phase III clinical trial, were enrolled. We constructed the
model by selecting the variables from 31 tumor biomarkers, including 6
pathological signaling pathway molecules and 3 Epstein-Barr virus-related
serological variables. Through the least absolute shrinkage and selection
operator (LASSO) Cox proportional regression analysis, a nomogram was designed
to refine the metastasis risk of each NPC individuals. Using the LASSO Cox
regression model, we constructed a 9 biomarkers-based prognostic nomogram:
Beclin 1, Aurora-A, Cyclin D1, Ki-67, P27, Bcl-2, MMP-9, 14-3-3σ, and VCA-IgA.
The time-dependence receiver operating characteristic analysis at 1, 3, and 5
years showed an appealing prognostic accuracy with the area under the curve of
0.830, 0.827, and 0.817, respectively. In the validation subset, the concordance
index of this nomogram reached to 0.64 to identify the individual metastasis
pattern. Supporting by this nomogram algorithm, the individual metastasis risk
might be refined personally and potentially guiding the treatment decisions and
target therapy against the related signaling pathways for patients with locally
advanced NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjuan Fan
- Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ya Xie
- Department of Rheumatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyang Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaobo Guo
- Department of Statistical Science, School of Mathematics, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Pang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yizhen Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minghuang Hong
- Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangbo Wan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Yang L, Shi P, Zhao G, Xu J, Peng W, Zhang J, Zhang G, Wang X, Dong Z, Chen F, Cui H. Targeting cancer stem cell pathways for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:8. [PMID: 32296030 PMCID: PMC7005297 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0110-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 959] [Impact Index Per Article: 239.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since cancer stem cells (CSCs) were first identified in leukemia in 1994, they have been considered promising therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. These cells have self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential and contribute to multiple tumor malignancies, such as recurrence, metastasis, heterogeneity, multidrug resistance, and radiation resistance. The biological activities of CSCs are regulated by several pluripotent transcription factors, such as OCT4, Sox2, Nanog, KLF4, and MYC. In addition, many intracellular signaling pathways, such as Wnt, NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB), Notch, Hedgehog, JAK-STAT (Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription), PI3K/AKT/mTOR (phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin), TGF (transforming growth factor)/SMAD, and PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor), as well as extracellular factors, such as vascular niches, hypoxia, tumor-associated macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells, extracellular matrix, and exosomes, have been shown to be very important regulators of CSCs. Molecules, vaccines, antibodies, and CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T cell) cells have been developed to specifically target CSCs, and some of these factors are already undergoing clinical trials. This review summarizes the characterization and identification of CSCs, depicts major factors and pathways that regulate CSC development, and discusses potential targeted therapy for CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Pengfei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Gaichao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Guanghui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhen Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China.
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China.
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Mechanisms of Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer and Metastatic Organotropism: Hematogenous versus Peritoneal Spread. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2019; 2019:7407190. [PMID: 31641356 PMCID: PMC6770301 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7407190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of death in patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC). The most common sites of metastasis are the liver and the peritoneum. Peritoneal carcinomatosis is often considered the end stage of the disease after the tumor has spread to the liver. However, almost half of CRC patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis do not present with liver metastasis. This brings up the question of whether peritoneal spread can still be considered as the end stage of a metastasized CRC or whether it should just be interpreted as a site of metastasis alternative to the liver. This review tries to discuss this question and summarize the current status of literature on potential characteristics in tumor biology in the primary tumor, i.e., factors (transcription factors and direct and indirect E-cadherin repressors) and pathways (WNT, TGF-β, and RAS) modulating EMT, regulation of EMT on a posttranscriptional and posttranslational level (miRNAs), and angiogenesis. In addition to tumor-specific characteristics, factors in the tumor microenvironment, immunological markers, ways of transport of tumor cells, and adhesion molecules appear to differ between hematogenous and peritoneal spread. Factors such as integrins and exosomal integrins, cancer stem cell phenotype, and miRNA expression appear to contribute in determining the metastatic route. We went through each step of the metastasis process comparing hematogenous to peritoneal spread. We identified differences with respect to organotropism, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis and inflammation, and tumor microenvironment which will be further elucidated in this review. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and contributing factors of metastasis development in CRC has huge relevance as it is the foundation to help find specific targets for treatment of CRC.
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Kang Z, Jifu E, Guo K, Ma X, Zhang Y, Yu E. Knockdown of long non-coding RNA TINCR decreases radioresistance in colorectal cancer cells. Pathol Res Pract 2019; 215:152622. [PMID: 31540772 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2019.152622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
An increasing number of studies have revealed the role of long non-coding RNAs in cancer. However, the mechanisms of action and functional utility in colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been fully elucidated. Here we describe the functional role and potential mechanism of TINCR (terminal differentiation-induced non-coding RNA) in CRC. Firstly, TINCR was selected using sequencing analyses and the starBase database. Cell Counting Kit-8, scratch wound healing, and transwell assays revealed that TINCR inhibited proliferation and migration in SW620 and HTC116 cells. Intriguingly, TINCR expression was up-regulated in a radioresistant CRC cell line (SW620R). Although TINCR had no significant effects on SW620R cell proliferation or migration, knockdown of TINCR reduced the radioresistance, and its overexpression had opposite effects. We then focused on transcription factor 4 (TCF4) as it is downregulated in CRC and associated with increased stemness in tumors. We found that TINCR and TCF4 levels were positively related in SW620R cells. TINCR knockdown reduced sphere formation ability in SW620R cells. TINCR also suppressed the OCT4 and SOX2 stemness genes, despite having no effect on NANOG. The expression levels of these genes were substantially higher in SW620R than in SW620 cells. To further explore the mechanism of TINCR and radioresistance, miR-137 was analyzed as it targets TCF4. We firstly confirmed that TCF4 is a target of miR-137. We then identified that TINCR knockdown enhanced miR-137 expression in SW620R cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that TINCR knockdown inhibits TCF4 by regulating miR-137 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengchun Kang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - E Jifu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Kai Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The 161th Hospital of PLA, Wuhan, Hubei, 430010, China
| | - Xiuzhu Ma
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yingyi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Enda Yu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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Antrodia cinnamomea Enhances Chemo-Sensitivity of 5-FU and Suppresses Colon Tumorigenesis and Cancer Stemness via Up-Regulation of Tumor Suppressor miR-142-3p. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9080306. [PMID: 31349708 PMCID: PMC6723279 DOI: 10.3390/biom9080306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) regimen remains the backbone of the first-line agent to treat colon cancer, but often these patients develop resistance. Cancer stem cells (CSC's) are considered as one of the key contributors in the development of drug resistance and tumor recurrence. We aimed to provide preclinical evidence for Antrodia cinnamomea (AC), as a potential in suppressing colon cancer CSC's to overcome 5-FU drug-resistant. In-vitro assays including cell viability, colony formation, AC + 5-FU drug combination index and tumor sphere generation were applied to determine the inhibitory effect of AC. Mouse xenograft models also incorporated to evaluate in vivo effect of AC. AC treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation, colony formation and tumor sphere generation. AC also inhibited the expression of oncogenic markers (NF-κB, and C-myc), EMT/metastasis markers (vimentin and MMP3) and stemness associated markers (β-catenin, SOX-2 and Nanog). Sequential treatment of AC and 5-FU synergized and reduces colon cancer viability both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, AC mediated anti-tumor effect was associated with an increased level of tumor suppressor microRNAs especially, miR142-3p. AC can be a potent synergistic adjuvant, down-regulates cancer stemness genes and enhances the antitumor ability of 5-FU by stimulating apoptosis-associated genes, suppressing inflammation and metastasis genes through miR142-3p in colon cancer.
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Chakroborty D, Emani MR, Klén R, Böckelman C, Hagström J, Haglund C, Ristimäki A, Lahesmaa R, Elo LL. L1TD1 - a prognostic marker for colon cancer. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:727. [PMID: 31337362 PMCID: PMC6651905 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5952-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prognostic markers specific to a particular cancer type can assist in the evaluation of survival probability of patients and help clinicians to assess the available treatment modalities. METHODS Gene expression data was analyzed from three independent colon cancer microarray gene expression data sets (N = 1052). Survival analysis was performed for the three data sets, stratified by the expression level of the LINE-1 type transposase domain containing 1 (L1TD1). Correlation analysis was performed to investigate the role of the interactome of L1TD1 in colon cancer patients. RESULTS We found L1TD1 as a novel positive prognostic marker for colon cancer. Increased expression of L1TD1 associated with longer disease-free survival in all the three data sets. Our results were in contrast to a previous study on medulloblastoma, where high expression of L1TD1 was linked with poor prognosis. Notably, in medulloblastoma L1TD1 was co-expressed with its interaction partners, whereas our analysis revealed lack of co-expression of L1TD1 with its interaction partners in colon cancer. CONCLUSIONS Our results identify increased expression of L1TD1 as a prognostic marker predicting longer disease-free survival in colon cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepankar Chakroborty
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Maheswara Reddy Emani
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Riku Klén
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Camilla Böckelman
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Hagström
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pathology and Oral Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Caj Haglund
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ari Ristimäki
- Department of Pathology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Genome-Scale Biology Research program, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riitta Lahesmaa
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura L. Elo
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
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49
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Wang D, Fu L, Wei J, Xiong Y, DuBois RN. PPARδ Mediates the Effect of Dietary Fat in Promoting Colorectal Cancer Metastasis. Cancer Res 2019; 79:4480-4490. [PMID: 31239272 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-0384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor involved in fatty acid metabolism, obesity, wound healing, inflammation, and cancer. Although PPARδ has been shown to promote intestinal adenoma formation and growth, the molecular mechanisms underlying the contribution of PPARδ to colorectal cancer remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that activation of PPARδ induces expansion of colonic cancer stem cells (CSC) and promotes colorectal cancer liver metastasis by binding to the Nanog promoter and enhancing Nanog expression. Moreover, PPARδ mediated the effect of a high-fat diet in promoting liver metastasis and induction of colonic CSC expansion. Our findings uncover a novel role of dietary fats in colorectal cancer metastasis and reveal novel mechanisms underlying PPARδ-mediated induction of CSCs and those responsible for the contribution of dietary fats to colorectal cancer progression. These findings may provide a rationale for developing PPARδ antagonists to therapeutically target CSCs in colorectal cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings show that PPARδ contributes to colorectal cancer metastasis by expanding the CSC population, indicating that antagonists that target PPARδ may be beneficial in treating colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingzhi Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Lingchen Fu
- Laboratory for Inflammation and Cancer, Biodesign Institute of Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Jie Wei
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Ying Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Raymond N DuBois
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina. .,Department of Research and Division of Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
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50
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Lai HH, Li CW, Hong CC, Sun HY, Chiu CF, Ou DL, Chen PS. TARBP2-mediated destabilization of Nanog overcomes sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Oncol 2019; 13:928-945. [PMID: 30657254 PMCID: PMC6441883 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal human malignancy and a leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Patients with HCC are often diagnosed at an advanced stage, and the prognosis is usually poor. The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is the first‐line treatment for patients with advanced HCC. However, cases of primary or acquired resistance to sorafenib have gradually increased, leading to a predicament in HCC therapy. Thus, it is critical to investigate the mechanism underlying sorafenib resistance. Transactivation response element RNA‐binding protein 2 (TARBP2) is a multifaceted miRNA biogenesis factor that regulates cancer stem cell (CSC) properties. The tumorigenicity and drug resistance of cancer cells are often enhanced due to the acquisition of CSC features. However, the role of TARBP2 in sorafenib resistance in HCC remains unknown. Our results demonstrate that TARBP2 is significantly downregulated in sorafenib‐resistant HCC cells. The TARBP2 protein was destabilized through autophagic–lysosomal proteolysis, thereby stabilizing the expression of the CSC marker protein Nanog, which facilitates sorafenib resistance in HCC cells. In summary, here we reveal a novel miRNA‐independent role of TARBP2 in regulating sorafenib resistance in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Huang Lai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Li
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chen Hong
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yu Sun
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Ching-Feng Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
| | - Da-Liang Ou
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pai-Sheng Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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