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MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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Nam A, Song WJ, An JH, Rebhun RB, Youn HY, Seo KW. Expression of the hedgehog signaling pathway and the effect of inhibition at the level of Smoothened in canine osteosarcoma cell lines. Vet Comp Oncol 2022; 20:778-787. [PMID: 35521940 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common malignant bone cancer in dogs. Canine and human OSA share several features, including tumor environments, response to traditional treatment, and several molecular pathways. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is known to contribute to tumorigenesis and progression of various cancers, including human OSA. This study aimed to identify the role of the Hh signaling pathway in canine OSA cell lines, including Abrams, D17, and Moresco, focusing on the signal transducer Smoothened (SMO). mRNA and protein levels of Hh pathway components, including SHH, IHH, SMO, and PTCH1, were aberrant in all examined OSA cell lines compared with canine osteoblast cells. The SMO inhibitor cyclopamine significantly decreased cell viability and colony-forming ability in the canine OSA cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Moresco cells, which expressed the highest level of SMO protein, were the most sensitive to the anticancer effect of cyclopamine among the three canine OSA cell lines tested. Hh downstream target gene and protein expression in canine OSA cell lines were downregulated after cyclopamine treatment. In addition, cyclopamine significantly increased apoptotic cell death in Abrams and Moresco cells. The findings that Hh/SMO is activated in canine OSA cell lines and cyclopamine suppresses OSA cell survival via inhibition of SMO suggest that the Hh/SMO signaling pathway might be a novel therapeutic target for canine OSA. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryung Nam
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Konkuk University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Woo-Jin Song
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Ju-Hyun An
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Robert B Rebhun
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Hwa-Young Youn
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyoung-Won Seo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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Anichini G, Carrassa L, Stecca B, Marra F, Raggi C. The Role of the Hedgehog Pathway in Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4774. [PMID: 34638259 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is one of the most refractory malignancies with a high mortality rate. Among all the pathways involved in CCA development, emerging evidence highlights Hedgehog (HH) signaling as a substantial player in CCA-genesis and development. The pro-tumoral function of HH provides potential therapeutic implications, and recently the use of HH inhibitors has paved the way for clinical application in various solid tumors. Targeting HH members, namely Hedgehog ligands, SMO transmembrane protein and GLI transcription factors may thus confer therapeutic options for the improvement of CCA treatment outcome. Abstract Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a poorly treatable type of cancer and, along with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the predominant type of primitive liver cancer in adults. The lack of understanding of CCA biology has slowed down the identification of novel targets and the development of effective treatments. While tumors share some general characteristics, detailed knowledge of specific features is essential for the development of effectively tailored therapeutic approaches. The Hedgehog (HH) signaling cascade regulates stemness biology, embryonal development, tissue homeostasis, and cell proliferation and differentiation. Its aberrant activation has been associated with a variety of solid and hematological human malignancies. Several HH-inhibiting compounds have been indeed developed as potential anticancer agents in different types of tumors, with Smoothened and GLI inhibitors showing the most promising results. Beside its well-established function in other tumors, findings regarding the HH signaling in CCA are still controversial. Here we will give an overview of the most important clinical and molecular features of cholangiocarcinoma, and we will discuss the available evidence of the crosstalk between the HH signaling pathway and the cholangiocarcinoma cell biology.
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Bacelar Sacramento de Araújo T, de Oliveira Siquara da Rocha L, Torres Andion Vidal M, Cerqueira Coelho PL, Galvão Dos Reis M, Solano de Freitas Souza B, Botelho Pereira Soares M, Almeida Pereira T, Della Coletta R, Pereira Bezerra D, Borges Dias R, Araújo Gurgel Rocha C. GANT61 Reduces Hedgehog Molecule (GLI1) Expression and Promotes Apoptosis in Metastatic Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6076. [PMID: 32846867 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to its importance in the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the Hedgehog (HH) pathway is considered a potential therapeutic target. We investigated the effects of GANT61, a GLI inhibitor, on HH gene expression, as well as on metastatic OSCC cell proliferation and death. Following culture in DMEM medium, cytotoxicity of GANT61 against different tumor and non-tumor cell types was assessed by alamarBlue assays. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed that the metastatic HSC3 cell line was the most sensitive (IC50: 36 µM) to the tested compound. The compound’s effects on the expression of HH pathways components were analyzed by qPCR and Western blot; cell viability was analyzed by trypan blue assay and flow cytometry were used to investigate cell cycle phase, morphology, and death patterns in HSC3 cells. A significant reduction in mRNA levels of the GLI1 transcription factor was found after 12 h of treatment withGANT61. Protein expression levels of other HH pathway components (PTCH1, SHH, and Gli1) and HSC3 cell viability also decreased after 24 h of treatment. Cell cycle analysis and death pattern evaluations revealed significantly increased nuclear fragmentation in sub-G1 phase, as well as cell death due to apoptosis. In conclusion, the significantly reduced GLI1 gene expression seen in response to the GLI inhibitor indicates diminished downstream activation in HH pathway components. GANT61 significantly reduced cell viability in the metastatic cell line of OSCC and promoted a significant increase in nuclear fragmentation and cell death by apoptosis.
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Panneerselvam J, Srivastava A, Mehta M, Chen A, Zhao YD, Munshi A, Ramesh R. IL-24 Inhibits Lung Cancer Growth by Suppressing GLI1 and Inducing DNA Damage. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1879. [PMID: 31783569 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of GLI1 is responsible for aggressive tumor behavior and survival due to its effects on the DNA damage response (DDR). We investigated whether interleukin (IL)-24, a tumor suppressor, inhibits GLI1 and the associated DDR pathway in human NSCLCs. IL-24 treatment reduces mRNA and protein expression of GLI1 in lung tumor cells, but not in normal cells. GLI1 reporter assay and mRNA studies demonstrated that IL-24 regulates GLI1 at the post-transcriptional level by favoring mRNA degradation. Associated with GLI1 inhibition was marked suppression of the ATM-mediated DDR pathway resulting in increased DNA damage, as evidenced by γ-H2AX foci and Comet assay. Furthermore, attenuation of GLI1-associated DDR by IL-24 increased caspase-3 and PARP activity, resulting in cancer cell apoptosis. GLI1 inhibition and overexpression confirmed that IL-24-mediated anti-tumor effects involved the GLI-dependent pathway. Finally, we observed that IL-24-mediated alteration in GLI1 is independent of the canonical hedgehog-signaling pathway. Our study provides evidence that IL-24 treatment induces DNA damage, and reduces GLI1 expression and offers an opportunity for testing IL-24-based therapy for inhibiting GLI1 in lung cancer.
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6
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Sari IN, Phi LTH, Jun N, Wijaya YT, Lee S, Kwon HY. Hedgehog Signaling in Cancer: A Prospective Therapeutic Target for Eradicating Cancer Stem Cells. Cells. 2018;7. [PMID: 30423843 PMCID: PMC6262325 DOI: 10.3390/cells7110208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a signaling cascade that plays a crucial role in many fundamental processes, including embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Moreover, emerging evidence has suggested that aberrant activation of Hh is associated with neoplastic transformations, malignant tumors, and drug resistance of a multitude of cancers. At the molecular level, it has been shown that Hh signaling drives the progression of cancers by regulating cancer cell proliferation, malignancy, metastasis, and the expansion of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Thus, a comprehensive understanding of Hh signaling during tumorigenesis and development of chemoresistance is necessary in order to identify potential therapeutic strategies to target various human cancers and their relapse. In this review, we discuss the molecular basis of the Hh signaling pathway and its abnormal activation in several types of human cancers. We also highlight the clinical development of Hh signaling inhibitors for cancer therapy as well as CSC-targeted therapy.
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Sabol M, Trnski D, Musani V, Ozretić P, Levanat S. Role of GLI Transcription Factors in Pathogenesis and Their Potential as New Therapeutic Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2562. [PMID: 30158435 PMCID: PMC6163343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
GLI transcription factors have important roles in intracellular signaling cascade, acting as the main mediators of the HH-GLI signaling pathway. This is one of the major developmental pathways, regulated both canonically and non-canonically. Deregulation of the pathway during development leads to a number of developmental malformations, depending on the deregulated pathway component. The HH-GLI pathway is mostly inactive in the adult organism but retains its function in stem cells. Aberrant activation in adult cells leads to carcinogenesis through overactivation of several tightly regulated cellular processes such as proliferation, angiogenesis, EMT. Targeting GLI transcription factors has recently become a major focus of potential therapeutic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Diana Trnski
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Vesna Musani
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Petar Ozretić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Sonja Levanat
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Lambert M, Jambon S, Depauw S, David-Cordonnier MH. Targeting Transcription Factors for Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23061479. [PMID: 29921764 PMCID: PMC6100431 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23061479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors are involved in a large number of human diseases such as cancers for which they account for about 20% of all oncogenes identified so far. For long time, with the exception of ligand-inducible nuclear receptors, transcription factors were considered as “undruggable” targets. Advances knowledge of these transcription factors, in terms of structure, function (expression, degradation, interaction with co-factors and other proteins) and the dynamics of their mode of binding to DNA has changed this postulate and paved the way for new therapies targeted against transcription factors. Here, we discuss various ways to target transcription factors in cancer models: by modulating their expression or degradation, by blocking protein/protein interactions, by targeting the transcription factor itself to prevent its DNA binding either through a binding pocket or at the DNA-interacting site, some of these inhibitors being currently used or evaluated for cancer treatment. Such different targeting of transcription factors by small molecules is facilitated by modern chemistry developing a wide variety of original molecules designed to specifically abort transcription factor and by an increased knowledge of their pathological implication through the use of new technologies in order to make it possible to improve therapeutic control of transcription factor oncogenic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Lambert
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Samy Jambon
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Sabine Depauw
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Marie-Hélène David-Cordonnier
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
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Zhang R, Huang SY, Ka-Wai Li K, Li YH, Hsu WH, Zhang GJ, Chang CJ, Yang JY. Dual degradation signals destruct GLI1: AMPK inhibits GLI1 through β-TrCP-mediated proteasome degradation. Oncotarget 2018; 8:49869-49881. [PMID: 28562331 PMCID: PMC5564814 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of the GLI1 gene has frequently been found in various cancer types, particularly in brain tumors, in which aberrant GLI1 induction promotes cancer cell growth. Therefore, identifying the molecular players controlling GLI1 expression is of clinical importance. Previously, we reported that AMPK directly phosphorylated and destabilized GLI1, resulting in the suppression of the Hedgehog signaling pathway. The current study not only demonstrates that AMPK inhibits GLI1 nuclear localization, but further reveals that β-TrCP plays an essential role in AMPK-induced GLI1 degradation. We found that activation of AMPK promotes the interaction between β-TrCP and GLI1, and induces β-TrCP-mediated GLI1-ubiquitination and degradation. Inhibiting AMPK activity results in the dissociation of the β-TrCP and GLI1 interaction, and diminishes β-TrCP-mediated-GLI1 ubiquitination and degradation. On GLI1, substitution of AMPK phosphorylation sites to aspartic acid (GLI13E) results in stronger binding affinity of GLI1 with β-TrCP, accompanied by enhanced GLI1 ubiquitination and later degradation. In contrast, the GLI1 alanine mutant (GLI13A) shows weaker binding with β-TrCP, which is accompanied by reduced β-TrCP-mediated ubiquitination and degradation. Together, these results demonstrate that AMPK regulates GLI1 interaction with β-TrCP by phosphorylating GLI1 and thus both post-translational modifications by AMPK and β-TrCP ultimately impact GLI1 degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Sherri Y Huang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Kay Ka-Wai Li
- /F of Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Yen-Hsing Li
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Wei-Hsuan Hsu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Guang Jun Zhang
- Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Chun-Ju Chang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Jer-Yen Yang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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Ueno H, Kondo S, Yoshikawa S, Inoue K, Andre V, Tajimi M, Murakami H. A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of taladegib, a Smoothened inhibitor, in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. Invest New Drugs 2018; 36:647-56. [DOI: 10.1007/s10637-017-0544-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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11
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Mayr C, Ocker M, Ritter M, Pichler M, Neureiter D, Kiesslich T. Biliary tract cancer stem cells - translational options and challenges. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:2470-2482. [PMID: 28465631 PMCID: PMC5394510 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i14.2470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Management of biliary tract cancer remains challenging. Tumors show high recurrence rates and therapeutic resistance, leading to dismal prognosis and short survival. The cancer stem cell model states that a tumor is a heterogeneous conglomerate of cells, in which a certain subpopulation of cells - the cancer stem cells - possesses stem cell properties. Cancer stem cells have high clinical relevance due to their potential contributions to development, progression and aggressiveness as well as recurrence and metastasis of malignant tumors. Consequently, reliable identification of as well as pharmacological intervention with cancer stem cells is an intensively investigated and promising research field. The involvement of cancer stem cells in biliary tract cancer is likely as a number of studies demonstrated their existence and the obvious clinical relevance of several established cancer stem cell markers in biliary tract cancer models and tissues. In the present article, we review and discuss the currently available literature addressing the role of putative cancer stem cells in biliary tract cancer as well as the connection between known contributors of biliary tract tumorigenesis such as oncogenic signaling pathways, micro-RNAs and the tumor microenvironment with cancer stem cells.
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12
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Sheng X, Sun X, Sun K, Sui H, Qin J, Li Q. Inhibitory effect of bufalin combined with Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitors on proliferation and invasion and metastasis of liver cancer cells. Int J Oncol 2016; 49:1513-1524. [DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
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13
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Gonnissen A, Isebaert S, Haustermans K. Targeting the Hedgehog signaling pathway in cancer: beyond Smoothened. Oncotarget 2016; 6:13899-913. [PMID: 26053182 PMCID: PMC4546439 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An essential role for Hedgehog (Hh) signaling in human cancer has been established beyond doubt. At present, targeting Hh signaling has mainly been investigated with SMO inhibitors. Unfortunately, resistance against currently used SMO inhibitors has already been observed in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) patients. Therefore, the use of Hh inhibitors targeting the signaling cascade more downstream of SMO could represent a more promising strategy. Furthermore, besides the classical canonical way of Hh signaling activation, non-canonical activation of the GLI transcription factors by multiple important signaling pathways (e.g. MAPK, PI3K, TGFβ) has also been described, pinpointing the importance of targeting the transcription factors GLI1/2. The most promising agent in this context is probably the GLI1/2 inhibitor GANT61 which has been investigated preclinically in numerous tumor types in the last few years. In this review, the emerging role of Hh signaling in cancer is critically evaluated focusing on the potential of targeting Hh signaling more downstream of SMO, i.e. at the level of the GLI transcription factors. Furthermore, the working mechanism and therapeutic potential of the most extensively studied GLI inhibitor in human cancer, i.e. GANT61, is discussed in detail. In conclusion, GANT61 appears to be highly effective against human cancer cells and in xenograft mouse models, targeting almost all of the classical hallmarks of cancer and could hence represent a promising treatment option for human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Gonnissen
- University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Isebaert
- University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin Haustermans
- University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Leuven, Belgium.,University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Radiation Oncology, Leuven, Belgium
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Samatiwat P, Takeda K, Satarug S, Ohba K, Kukongviriyapan V, Shibahara S. Induction of MITF expression in human cholangiocarcinoma cells and hepatocellular carcinoma cells by cyclopamine, an inhibitor of the Hedgehog signaling. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 470:144-9. [PMID: 26773496 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is a key regulator of differentiation of melanocytes and retinal pigment epithelial cells, but it also has functions in non-pigment cells. MITF consists of multiple isoforms, including widely expressed MITF-A and MITF-H. In the present study, we explored the potential role played by the Hedgehog signaling on MITF expression in two common types of primary liver cancer, using human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines, the KKU-100 and HuCCT1, along with the HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Importantly, cholangiocarcinoma is characterized by the activated Hedgehog signaling. Here we show that MITF-A mRNA is predominantly expressed in all three human liver cancer cell lines examined. Moreover, cyclopamine, an inhibitor of the Hedgehog signalling, increased the expression levels of MITF proteins in HuCCT1 and HepG2 cells, but not in KKU-100 cells, suggesting that MITF expression may be down-regulated in some liver cancer cases.
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15
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Gustafson TL, Kitchell BE, Biller B. Hedgehog signaling is activated in canine transitional cell carcinoma and contributes to cell proliferation and survival. Vet Comp Oncol 2015; 15:174-183. [PMID: 25864514 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most commonly diagnosed tumor of the canine urinary system. Hedgehog (HH) signaling represents one possible novel therapeutic target, based on its recently identified central role in human urothelial carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to determine if HH mediators are expressed in canine TCC and the effect of inhibition of this pathway on cell growth and survival. HH pathway mediators were found to be expressed in five canine TCC cell lines. Indian HH was expressed in tumor cells in five canine bladder tumor tissues, but not in normal canine bladder tissue. Inhibition of HH signaling with cyclopamine and GANT61 led to significantly decreased cell proliferation but had a smaller effect on apoptosis. These results support future investigation of inhibitors of HH signaling in the treatment of canine TCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Gustafson
- Colorado State University, Animal Cancer Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - B E Kitchell
- VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center, Oncology, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - B Biller
- Colorado State University, CVMBS-VTH, Animal Cancer Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Bizama C, García P, Espinoza JA, Weber H, Leal P, Nervi B, Roa JC. Targeting specific molecular pathways holds promise for advanced gallbladder cancer therapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2015; 41:222-34. [PMID: 25639632 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Revised: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gallbladder cancer is the most common and aggressive malignancy of the biliary tract. The complete surgical resection is the only potentially curative approach in early stage; however, most cases are diagnosed in advanced stages and the response to traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy is extremely limited, with modest impact in overall survival. The recent progress in understanding the molecular alterations of gallbladder cancer has shown great promise for the development of more effective treatment strategies. This has mainly resulted from the identification of molecular alterations in relevant intracellular signaling pathways-Hedgehog, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Notch, ErbB, MAPK and angiogenesis-which are potential tailored targets for gallbladder cancer patients. This review discusses the recent remarkable progress in understanding the molecular alterations that represent novel prognosis molecular markers and therapeutic targets for gallbladder cancer, which will provide opportunities for research and for developing innovative strategies that may enhance the benefit of conventional chemotherapy, or eventually modify the fatal natural history of this orphan disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Bizama
- Department of Pathology, Center for Investigation in Translational Oncology (CITO), School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Patricia García
- Department of Pathology, Center for Investigation in Translational Oncology (CITO), School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Jaime A Espinoza
- Department of Pathology, Center for Investigation in Translational Oncology (CITO), School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Helga Weber
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, CEGIN-BIOREN, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Pamela Leal
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, CEGIN-BIOREN, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Bruno Nervi
- Department of Hematology Oncology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 26767000, Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Roa
- Department of Pathology, Center for Investigation in Translational Oncology (CITO), School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polycomb group proteins are major epigenetic regulators that modify histone tails. They are organized in two multi-protein complexes called polycomb repressive complex (PRC) 1 and 2. Aberrant PRC activity is known to contribute to the development and aggressiveness of many cancers. Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a rare malignancy associated with high chemoresistance and poor clinical outcome. Here we review the role of the PRC complexes and the effects of RNAi and drug-mediated inhibition of PRC1 and PRC2 in BTC. AREAS COVERED This review gives a short overview of the composition, biochemical functions and oncogenic role of PRC complexes. We then focus on and summarize the results of current studies that address the role of PRC in BTC. Finally, we discuss options and results of therapeutic targeting of PRC in BTC. EXPERT OPINION Pharmacological inhibition of the two PRC complexes seems to be a promising strategy for treatment of BTC. To date, only few studies have addressed the therapeutic effect of PRC inhibition in BTC. Therefore, it will be important to test established PRC inhibitors, such as DZNep, as well as newly developed drugs, for example, PTC209, to gain more insight into the role of the PRC complexes in BTC and potentially to develop new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Mayr
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Paracelsus Medical University / Salzburger Landeskliniken and Laboratory for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapies, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Paracelsus Medical University , Salzburg , Austria +43 662 4482 2795 ;
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