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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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Aboshouk DR, Youssef MA, Bekheit MS, Hamed AR, Girgis AS. Antineoplastic indole-containing compounds with potential VEGFR inhibitory properties. RSC Adv 2024; 14:5690-5728. [PMID: 38362086 PMCID: PMC10866129 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra08962b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most significant health challenges worldwide. Various techniques, tools and therapeutics/materials have been developed in the last few decades for the treatment of cancer, together with great interest, funding and efforts from the scientific society. However, all the reported studies and efforts seem insufficient to combat the various types of cancer, especially the advanced ones. The overexpression of tyrosine kinases is associated with cancer proliferation and/or metastasis. VEGF, an important category of tyrosine kinases, and its receptors (VEGFR) are hyper-activated in different cancers. Accordingly, they are known as important factors in the angiogenesis of different tumors and are considered in the development of effective therapeutic approaches for controlling many types of cancer. In this case, targeted therapeutic approaches are preferable to the traditional non-selective approaches to minimize the side effects and drawbacks associated with treatment. Several indole-containing compounds have been identified as effective agents against VEGFR. Herein, we present a summary of the recent indolyl analogs reported within the last decade (2012-2023) with potential antineoplastic and VEGFR inhibitory properties. The most important drugs, natural products, synthesized potent compounds and promising hits/leads are highlighted. Indoles functionalized and conjugated with various heterocycles beside spiroindoles are also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia R Aboshouk
- Department of Pesticide Chemistry, National Research Centre Dokki Giza 12622 Egypt
| | - M Adel Youssef
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Helwan University Helwan Egypt
| | - Mohamed S Bekheit
- Department of Pesticide Chemistry, National Research Centre Dokki Giza 12622 Egypt
| | - Ahmed R Hamed
- Chemistry of Medicinal Plants Department, National Research Centre Dokki Giza 12622 Egypt
| | - Adel S Girgis
- Department of Pesticide Chemistry, National Research Centre Dokki Giza 12622 Egypt
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3
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Marcu LG, Dell’Oro M, Bezak E. Opportunities in Cancer Therapies: Deciphering the Role of Cancer Stem Cells in Tumour Repopulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17258. [PMID: 38139085 PMCID: PMC10744048 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417258] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour repopulation during treatment is a well acknowledged yet still challenging aspect of cancer management. The latest research results show clear evidence towards the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that are responsible for tumour repopulation, dissemination, and distant metastases in most solid cancers. Cancer stem cell quiescence and the loss of asymmetrical division are two powerful mechanisms behind repopulation. Another important aspect in the context of cancer stem cells is cell plasticity, which was shown to be triggered during fractionated radiotherapy, leading to cell dedifferentiation and thus reactivation of stem-like properties. Repopulation during treatment is not limited to radiotherapy, as there is clinical proof for repopulation mechanisms to be activated through other conventional treatment techniques, such as chemotherapy. The dynamic nature of stem-like cancer cells often elicits resistance to treatment by escaping drug-induced cell death. The aims of this scoping review are (1) to describe the main mechanisms used by cancer stem cells to initiate tumour repopulation during therapy; (2) to present clinical evidence for tumour repopulation during radio- and chemotherapy; (3) to illustrate current trends in the identification of CSCs using specific imaging techniques; and (4) to highlight novel technologies that show potential in the eradication of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana G. Marcu
- UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia;
- Faculty of Informatics and Science, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Mikaela Dell’Oro
- Australian Centre for Quantitative Imaging, School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia;
| | - Eva Bezak
- UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia;
- Faculty of Chemistry & Physics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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Long C, Song Y, Pan Y, Wu C. Identification of molecular subtypes and a risk model based on inflammation-related genes in patients with low grade glioma. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22429. [PMID: 38046156 PMCID: PMC10686866 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22429] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lower grade gliomas (LGGs) exhibit invasiveness and heterogeneity as distinguishing features. The outcome of patients with LGG differs greatly. Recently, more and more studies have suggested that infiltrating inflammation cells and inflammation-related genes (IRGs) play an essential role in tumorigenesis, prognosis, and treatment responses. Nevertheless, the role of IRGs in LGG remains unclear. In The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort, we conducted a thorough examination of the predictive significance of IRGs and identified 245 IRGs that correlated with the clinical prognosis of individuals diagnosed with LGG. Based on unsupervised cluster analysis, we identified two inflammation-associated molecular clusters, which presented different tumor immune microenvironments, tumorigenesis scores, and tumor stemness indices. Furthermore, a prognostic risk model including ten prognostic IRGs (ADRB2, CD274, CXCL12, IL12B, NFE2L2, PRF1, SFTPC, TBX21, TNFRSF11B, and TTR) was constructed. The survival analysis indicated that the IRGs risk model independently predicted the prognosis of patients with LGG, which was validated in an independent LGG cohort. Moreover, the risk model significantly correlated with the infiltrative level of immune cells, tumor mutation burden, expression of HLA and immune checkpoint genes, tumorigenesis scores, and tumor stemness indices in LGG. Additionally, we found that our risk model could predict the chemotherapy response of some drugs in patients with LGG. This study may enhance the advancement of personalized therapy and improve outcomes of LGG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Long
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ya Song
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yimin Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Changwu Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
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Bao S, Darvishi M, H Amin A, Al-Haideri MT, Patra I, Kashikova K, Ahmad I, Alsaikhan F, Al-Qaim ZH, Al-Gazally ME, Kiasari BA, Tavakoli-Far B, Sidikov AA, Mustafa YF, Akhavan-Sigari R. CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) blockade in cancer treatment. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:7945-7968. [PMID: 36905421 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04444-w] [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: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
CXC chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is a member of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) superfamily and is specific for CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12, also known as SDF-1), which makes CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. CXCR4 interacts with its ligand, triggering downstream signaling pathways that influence cell proliferation chemotaxis, migration, and gene expression. The interaction also regulates physiological processes, including hematopoiesis, organogenesis, and tissue repair. Multiple evidence revealed that CXCL12/CXCR4 axis is implicated in several pathways involved in carcinogenesis and plays a key role in tumor growth, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Several CXCR4-targeting compounds have been discovered and used for preclinical and clinical cancer therapy, most of which have shown promising anti-tumor activity. In this review, we summarized the physiological signaling of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis and described the role of this axis in tumor progression, and focused on the potential therapeutic options and strategies to block CXCR4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunshun Bao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xuzhou Medical University, 221000, Xuzhou, China
| | - Mohammad Darvishi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center (IDTMRC), Department of Aerospace and Subaquatic Medicine, AJA University of Medicinal Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali H Amin
- Deanship of Scientific Research, Umm Al-Qura University, 21955, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, 35516, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Maysoon T Al-Haideri
- Department of Physiotherapy, Cihan University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Indrajit Patra
- An Independent Researcher, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Irfan Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Alsaikhan
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Bahman Abedi Kiasari
- Virology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Bahareh Tavakoli-Far
- Dietary Supplements and Probiotic Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
| | - Akmal A Sidikov
- Rector, Ferghana Medical Institute of Public Health, Ferghana, Uzbekistan
| | - Yasser Fakri Mustafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul, 41001, Iraq
| | - Reza Akhavan-Sigari
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Health Care Management and Clinical Research, Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management University, Warsaw, Poland
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Higginbottom SL, Tomaskovic-Crook E, Crook JM. Considerations for modelling diffuse high-grade gliomas and developing clinically relevant therapies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:507-541. [PMID: 37004686 PMCID: PMC10348989 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10100-7] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse high-grade gliomas contain some of the most dangerous human cancers that lack curative treatment options. The recent molecular stratification of gliomas by the World Health Organisation in 2021 is expected to improve outcomes for patients in neuro-oncology through the development of treatments targeted to specific tumour types. Despite this promise, research is hindered by the lack of preclinical modelling platforms capable of recapitulating the heterogeneity and cellular phenotypes of tumours residing in their native human brain microenvironment. The microenvironment provides cues to subsets of glioma cells that influence proliferation, survival, and gene expression, thus altering susceptibility to therapeutic intervention. As such, conventional in vitro cellular models poorly reflect the varied responses to chemotherapy and radiotherapy seen in these diverse cellular states that differ in transcriptional profile and differentiation status. In an effort to improve the relevance of traditional modelling platforms, recent attention has focused on human pluripotent stem cell-based and tissue engineering techniques, such as three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting and microfluidic devices. The proper application of these exciting new technologies with consideration of tumour heterogeneity and microenvironmental interactions holds potential to develop more applicable models and clinically relevant therapies. In doing so, we will have a better chance of translating preclinical research findings to patient populations, thereby addressing the current derisory oncology clinical trial success rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Higginbottom
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia
- Arto Hardy Family Biomedical Innovation Hub, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Eva Tomaskovic-Crook
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia.
- Arto Hardy Family Biomedical Innovation Hub, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Jeremy M Crook
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia.
- Arto Hardy Family Biomedical Innovation Hub, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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Ardizzone A, Basilotta R, Filippone A, Crupi L, Lanza M, Lombardo SP, Colarossi C, Sciacca D, Cuzzocrea S, Esposito E, Campolo M. Recent Emerging Immunological Treatments for Primary Brain Tumors: Focus on Chemokine-Targeting Immunotherapies. Cells 2023; 12:841. [PMID: 36980182 PMCID: PMC10046911 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary brain tumors are a leading cause of death worldwide and are characterized by extraordinary heterogeneity and high invasiveness. Current drug and radiotherapy therapies combined with surgical approaches tend to increase the five-year survival of affected patients, however, the overall mortality rate remains high, thus constituting a clinical challenge for which the discovery of new therapeutic strategies is needed. In this field, novel immunotherapy approaches, aimed at overcoming the complex immunosuppressive microenvironment, could represent a new method of treatment for central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Chemokines especially are a well-defined group of proteins that were so named due to their chemotactic properties of binding their receptors. Chemokines regulate the recruitment and/or tissue retention of immune cells as well as the mobilization of tumor cells that have undergone epithelial–mesenchymal transition, promoting tumor growth. On this basis, this review focuses on the function and involvement of chemokines and their receptors in primary brain tumors, specifically examining chemokine-targeting immunotherapies as one of the most promising strategies in neuro-oncology.
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Lodhi N, Nagpal P, Sarojini S, Keck M, Chiu YM, Parvez Z, Adrianzen L, Suh KS. Synergetic effect of high dose rate radiations (10× FFF/2400 MU/min/10 MV x-rays) and paclitaxel selectively eliminates melanoma cells. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2023; 6:e1733. [PMID: 36241419 PMCID: PMC9940010 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma is one of the most aggressive cancers, with 1.6% of total cancer deaths in the United States. In recent years treatment options for metastatic melanoma have been improved by the FDA approval of new therapeutic agents. However, these inhibitors-based therapies are non-specific and have severe toxicities, including hyperkeratosis, photosensitivity, hepatitis, arthralgia, and fatigue. AIMS The aim of this study is to determine the synthetic lethal effect (paclitaxel and radiations) on melanoma cells and reduce the total radiation doses by increasing the dose rates up to 2400 MU/min. METHODS AND RESULTS We previously reported a radiation treatment (10 MV x-rays, 10X-FFF, dose rate 2400MU/min, low total dose 0.5 Gy) that kills melanoma cells with 80% survival of normal HEM in vitro. In this study, we extended the radiation cycle up to four and included paclitaxel treatment to study the synthetic lethal effect on melanoma and two other normal primary cells, HDF and HEK. Cells were treated with paclitaxel prior to the radiation at a dose rate of 400 and 2400 MU/min with a total radiation dose of only 0.5 Gy. Mitochondrial respiration assay, DNA damage assay, and colony formation assays were performed to study apoptosis and cell death induction. Four days of consequent radiation treatment with paclitaxel significantly reduces the survival of melanoma cells by inducing apoptosis and mitochondrial damage. After treatment, excessive DNA damage in melanoma cells leads to an increase in the expression of pro-apoptotic genes (Caspase-3) and a decrease in the expression of DNA repair gene (PARP1) and anti-apoptotic gene (Bcl-2) to activate the apoptosis pathway. The combination of paclitaxel and radiation reduces the survival of melanoma cells colonies compared to radiation alone. CONCLUSION Our study indicates that radiations with paclitaxel have a potential synthetic lethal effect on melanoma cells and can be developed as a melanoma therapy without toxicities or harmful effects on normal primary skin cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niraj Lodhi
- The Genomics and Biomarkers ProgramHackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian HealthHackensackNew JerseyUSA
| | - Poonam Nagpal
- The Genomics and Biomarkers ProgramHackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian HealthHackensackNew JerseyUSA
- College of Natural, Applied, and Health SciencesKean UniversityUnionNew JerseyUSA
| | - Sreeja Sarojini
- The Genomics and Biomarkers ProgramHackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian HealthHackensackNew JerseyUSA
| | - Michaela Keck
- The Genomics and Biomarkers ProgramHackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian HealthHackensackNew JerseyUSA
| | - Yuk Ming Chiu
- The Genomics and Biomarkers ProgramHackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian HealthHackensackNew JerseyUSA
| | - Zeenath Parvez
- The Genomics and Biomarkers ProgramHackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian HealthHackensackNew JerseyUSA
| | - Laura Adrianzen
- The Genomics and Biomarkers ProgramHackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian HealthHackensackNew JerseyUSA
| | - K. Stephen Suh
- The Genomics and Biomarkers ProgramHackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian HealthHackensackNew JerseyUSA
- DiagnoCineHackensackNew JerseyUSA
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Vaccaro S, Rossetti A, Porrazzo A, Camero S, Cassandri M, Pomella S, Tomaciello M, Macioce G, Pedini F, Barillari G, Marchese C, Rota R, Cenci G, Tombolini M, Newman RA, Yang P, Codenotti S, Fanzani A, Megiorni F, Festuccia C, Minniti G, Gravina GL, Vulcano F, Milazzo L, Marampon F. The botanical drug PBI-05204, a supercritical CO2 extract of Nerium oleander, sensitizes alveolar and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma to radiotherapy in vitro and in vivo. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1071176. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1071176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common a soft tissue sarcoma in childhood, provides intensive multimodal therapy, with radiotherapy (RT) playing a critical role for local tumor control. However, since RMS efficiently activates mechanisms of resistance to therapies, despite improvements, the prognosis remains still largely unsatisfactory, mainly in RMS expressing chimeric oncoproteins PAX3/PAX7-FOXO1, and fusion-positive (FP)-RMS. Cardiac glycosides (CGs), plant-derived steroid-like compounds with a selective inhibitory activity of the Na+/K+-ATPase pump (NKA), have shown antitumor and radio-sensitizing properties. Herein, the therapeutic properties of PBI-05204, an extract from Nerium oleander containing the CG oleandrin already studied in phase I and II clinical trials for cancer patients, were investigated, in vitro and in vivo, against FN- and FP-RMS cancer models. PBI-05204 induced growth arrest in a concentration dependent manner, with FP-RMS being more sensitive than FN-RMS, by differently regulating cell cycle regulators and commonly upregulating cell cycle inhibitors p21Waf1/Cip1 and p27Cip1/Kip1. Furthermore, PBI-05204 concomitantly induced cell death on both RMS types and senescence in FN-RMS. Notably, PBI-05204 counteracted in vitro migration and invasion abilities and suppressed the formation of spheroids enriched in CD133+ cancer stem cells (CSCs). PBI-05204 sensitized both cell types to RT by improving the ability of RT to induce G2 growth arrest and counteracting the RT-induced activation of both Non‐Homologous End‐Joining and homologous recombination DSBs repair pathways. Finally, the antitumor and radio-sensitizing proprieties of PBI-05204 were confirmed in vivo. Notably, both in vitro and in vivo evidence confirmed the higher sensitivity to PBI-05204 of FP-RMS. Thus, PBI-05204 represents a valid radio-sensitizing agent for the treatment of RMS, including the intrinsically radio-resistant FP-RMS.
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DiNatale A, Castelli MS, Nash B, Meucci O, Fatatis A. Regulation of Tumor and Metastasis Initiation by Chemokine Receptors. J Cancer 2022; 13:3160-3176. [PMID: 36118530 PMCID: PMC9475358 DOI: 10.7150/jca.72331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-initiating cells (TICs) are a rare sub-population of cells within the bulk of a tumor that are major contributors to tumor initiation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. TICs have a stem-cell-like phenotype that is dictated by the expression of master regulator transcription factors, including OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2. These transcription factors are expressed via activation of multiple signaling pathways that drive cancer initiation and progression. Importantly, these same signaling pathways can be activated by select chemokine receptors. Chemokine receptors are increasingly being revealed as major drivers of the TIC phenotype, as their signaling can lead to activation of stemness-controlling transcription factors. Additionally, the cell surface expression of chemokine receptors provides a unique therapeutic target to disrupt signaling pathways that control the expression of master regulator transcription factors and the TIC phenotype. This review summarizes the master regulator transcription factors known to dictate the TIC phenotype, along with the complex signaling pathways that can mediate their expression and the chemokine receptors that are most upstream of this phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony DiNatale
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.,Present Address: Janssen Oncology, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Maria Sofia Castelli
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.,Present address: Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bradley Nash
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Olimpia Meucci
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.,Program in Immune Cell Regulation & Targeting, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Alessandro Fatatis
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.,Program in Translational and Cellular Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Hadebe B, Sathekge MM, Aldous C, Vorster M. Current Status of 68Ga-Pentixafor in Solid Tumours. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:2135. [PMID: 36140541 PMCID: PMC9497673 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokine receptor CXCR4 is overexpressed in neoplasms and its expression is related to tumour invasion, metastasis and aggressiveness. 68Ga-Pentixafor is used to non-invasively image the expression of CXCR4 in tumours and has been widely used in haematological malignancies. Recent evidence shows that therapies targeting CXCR4 can increase the chemosensitivity of the tumour as well as inhibit tumour metastasis and aggressiveness. 68Ga-Pentixafor has shown promise as an elegant radiotracer to aid in the selection of patients whose tumours demonstrate CXCR4 overexpression and who therefore may benefit from novel therapies targeting CXCR4. In addition, its therapeutic partners 177Lu- and 90Y-Pentixather have been investigated in the treatment of patients with advanced haematological malignancies, and initial studies have shown a good treatment response in metabolically active lesions. 68Ga-Pentixafor in solid tumours complements 18F-FDG by providing prognostic information and selecting patients who may benefit from therapies targeting CXCR4. This review summarises the available literature on the potential applications of 68Ga-Pentixafor in solid tumours.
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Yang X, Tian S, Fan L, Niu R, Yan M, Chen S, Zheng M, Zhang S. Integrated regulation of chondrogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells and differentiation of cancer cells. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:169. [PMID: 35488254 PMCID: PMC9052535 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02598-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chondrogenesis is the formation of chondrocytes and cartilage tissues and starts with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) recruitment and migration, condensation of progenitors, chondrocyte differentiation, and maturation. The chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs depends on co-regulation of many exogenous and endogenous factors including specific microenvironmental signals, non-coding RNAs, physical factors existed in culture condition, etc. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) exhibit self-renewal capacity, pluripotency and cellular plasticity, which have the potential to differentiate into post-mitotic and benign cells. Accumulating evidence has shown that CSCs can be induced to differentiate into various benign cells including adipocytes, fibrocytes, osteoblast, and so on. Retinoic acid has been widely used in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia. Previous study confirmed that polyploid giant cancer cells, a type of cancer stem-like cells, could differentiate into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. In this review, we will summarize signaling pathways and cytokines in chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. Understanding the molecular mechanism of chondrogenic differentiation of CSCs and cancer cells may provide new strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Yang
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Shifeng Tian
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Linlin Fan
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Niu
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Man Yan
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Minying Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China.
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Basheer AS, Abas F, Othman I, Naidu R. Role of Inflammatory Mediators, Macrophages, and Neutrophils in Glioma Maintenance and Progression: Mechanistic Understanding and Potential Therapeutic Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164226. [PMID: 34439380 PMCID: PMC8393628 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [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: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The tumor microenvironment is a complex network comprised of neoplastic and a variety of immune cells, proteins, and inflammatory mediators. Previous studies have shown that during cancer progression, diverse inflammatory molecules, either directly or indirectly via recruiting immune cells, support the process of carcinogenesis. The present review focuses on the mechanistic understanding of the oncogenic role of these inflammatory mediators and immune cells, particularly tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) in glioma maintenance and progression. Moreover, the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting inflammatory mediators, immune cells, and associated signaling pathways in glioma genesis have also been discussed. Abstract Gliomas are the most common, highly malignant, and deadliest forms of brain tumors. These intra-cranial solid tumors are comprised of both cancerous and non-cancerous cells, which contribute to tumor development, progression, and resistance to the therapeutic regimen. A variety of soluble inflammatory mediators (e.g., cytokines, chemokines, and chemotactic factors) are secreted by these cells, which help in creating an inflammatory microenvironment and contribute to the various stages of cancer development, maintenance, and progression. The major tumor infiltrating immune cells of the tumor microenvironment include TAMs and TANs, which are either recruited peripherally or present as brain-resident macrophages (microglia) and support stroma for cancer cell expansion and invasion. These cells are highly plastic in nature and can be polarized into different phenotypes depending upon different types of stimuli. During neuroinflammation, glioma cells interact with TAMs and TANs, facilitating tumor cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Targeting inflammatory mediators along with the reprogramming of TAMs and TANs could be of great importance in glioma treatment and may delay disease progression. In addition, an inhibition of the key signaling pathways such as NF-κB, JAK/STAT, MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and TLRs, which are activated during neuroinflammation and have an oncogenic role in glioblastoma (GBM), can exert more pronounced anti-glioma effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Samad Basheer
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (A.S.B.); (I.O.)
| | - Faridah Abas
- Laboratory of Natural Products, Faculty of Science, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Malaysia;
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 434000, Malaysia
| | - Iekhsan Othman
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (A.S.B.); (I.O.)
| | - Rakesh Naidu
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (A.S.B.); (I.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-3-5514-6345
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Wang W, Gan Z, Liu Q, Yan S, Mulati R, Wang Y. Silencing of the chemokine CXC receptor 4 (CXCR4) hampers cancer progression and increases cisplatin (DDP)-sensitivity in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Bioengineered 2021; 12:2957-2969. [PMID: 34180759 PMCID: PMC8806489 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1943112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of the chemokine CXC receptor 4 (CXCR4) is closely associated with cancer progression and drug-resistance in multiple cancers, and we first investigated the role of CXCR4 in regulating cancer pathogenesis and cisplatin (DDP)-resistance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) in the present study. Here, we identified that CXCR4 acted as an oncogene to promote cancer progression and genetically silencing of CXCR4 increased cisplatin (DDP)-sensitivity in ccRCC in vitro and in vivo. Functionally, analysis from the clinical and cellular data indicated that CXCR4 was significantly upregulated in ccRCC tissues and cells, compared to their normal counterparts. Next, the loss-of-function experiments validated that knock-down of CXCR4 suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ccRCC cells, while CXCR4 overexpression had opposite effects on the above cellular functions. Consistently, the xenograft tumor-bearing mice models were established, and the results supported that knock-down of CXCR4 inhibited tumor growth and the expression levels of Ki67 protein in vivo. In addition, the ccRCC cells were exposed to DDP treatment, and we surprisingly found that upregulation of CXCR4 increased DDP-resistance in ccRCC cells, and conversely, CXCR4 ablation sensitized ccRCC cells to DDP stimulation. Taken together, we concluded that CXCR4 ablation hindered cancer progression and enhanced DDP-sensitivity in ccRCC, and the present study identified a novel therapeutic biomarker for ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenguang Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Zhilu Gan
- Department of Urology, The Third People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Shenshen Yan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Rexiti Mulati
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yujie Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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Urbantat RM, Vajkoczy P, Brandenburg S. Advances in Chemokine Signaling Pathways as Therapeutic Targets in Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2983. [PMID: 34203660 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [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: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
With a median patient survival of 15 months, glioblastoma (GBM) is still one of the deadliest malign tumors. Despite immense efforts, therapeutic regimens fail to prolong GBM patient overall survival due to various resistance mechanisms. Chemokine signaling as part of the tumor microenvironment plays a key role in gliomagenesis, proliferation, neovascularization, metastasis and tumor progression. In this review, we aimed to investigate novel therapeutic approaches targeting various chemokine axes, including CXCR2/CXCL2/IL-8, CXCR3/CXCL4/CXCL9/CXCL10, CXCR4/CXCR7/CXCL12, CXCR6/CXCL16, CCR2/CCL2, CCR5/CCL5 and CX3CR1/CX3CL1 in preclinical and clinical studies of GBM. We reviewed targeted therapies as single therapies, in combination with the standard of care, with antiangiogenic treatment as well as immunotherapy. We found that there are many antagonist-, antibody-, cell- and vaccine-based therapeutic approaches in preclinical and clinical studies. Furthermore, targeted therapies exerted their highest efficacy in combination with other established therapeutic applications. The novel chemokine-targeting therapies have mainly been examined in preclinical models. However, clinical applications are auspicious. Thus, it is crucial to broadly investigate the recently developed preclinical approaches. Promising preclinical applications should then be investigated in clinical studies to create new therapeutic regimens and to overcome therapy resistance to GBM treatment.
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Mattei V, Santilli F, Martellucci S, Delle Monache S, Fabrizi J, Colapietro A, Angelucci A, Festuccia C. The Importance of Tumor Stem Cells in Glioblastoma Resistance to Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3863. [PMID: 33917954 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is known to be the most common and lethal primary malignant brain tumor. Therapies against this neoplasia have a high percentage of failure, associated with the survival of self-renewing glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), which repopulate treated tumors. In addition, despite new radical surgery protocols and the introduction of new anticancer drugs, protocols for treatment, and technical advances in radiotherapy, no significant improvement in the survival rate for GBMs has been realized. Thus, novel antitarget therapies could be used in conjunction with standard radiochemotherapy approaches. Targeted therapy, indeed, may address specific targets that play an essential role in the proliferation, survival, and invasiveness of GBM cells, including numerous molecules involved in signal transduction pathways. Significant cellular heterogeneity and the hierarchy with GSCs showing a therapy-resistant phenotype could explain tumor recurrence and local invasiveness and, therefore, may be a target for new therapies. Therefore, the forced differentiation of GSCs may be a promising new approach in GBM treatment. This article provides an updated review of the current standard and experimental therapies for GBM, as well as an overview of the molecular characteristics of GSCs, the mechanisms that activate resistance to current treatments, and a new antitumor strategy for treating GSCs for use as therapy.
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17
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Yeo ECF, Brown MP, Gargett T, Ebert LM. The Role of Cytokines and Chemokines in Shaping the Immune Microenvironment of Glioblastoma: Implications for Immunotherapy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030607. [PMID: 33803414 PMCID: PMC8001644 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common form of primary brain tumour in adults. For more than a decade, conventional treatment has produced a relatively modest improvement in the overall survival of glioblastoma patients. The immunosuppressive mechanisms employed by neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells within the tumour can limit treatment efficacy, and this can include the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines and chemokines. These factors can play a significant role in immune modulation, thus disabling anti-tumour responses and contributing to tumour progression. Here, we review the complex interplay between populations of immune and tumour cells together with defined contributions by key cytokines and chemokines to these intercellular interactions. Understanding how these tumour-derived factors facilitate the crosstalk between cells may identify molecular candidates for potential immunotherapeutic targeting, which may enable better tumour control and improved patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica C. F. Yeo
- Translational Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; (E.C.F.Y.); (M.P.B.); (T.G.)
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Michael P. Brown
- Translational Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; (E.C.F.Y.); (M.P.B.); (T.G.)
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Tessa Gargett
- Translational Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; (E.C.F.Y.); (M.P.B.); (T.G.)
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Lisa M. Ebert
- Translational Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; (E.C.F.Y.); (M.P.B.); (T.G.)
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Correspondence:
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18
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Daniele S, La Pietra V, Piccarducci R, Pietrobono D, Cavallini C, D'Amore VM, Cerofolini L, Giuntini S, Russomanno P, Puxeddu M, Nalli M, Pedrini M, Fragai M, Luchinat C, Novellino E, Taliani S, La Regina G, Silvestri R, Martini C, Marinelli L. CXCR4 antagonism sensitizes cancer cells to novel indole-based MDM2/4 inhibitors in glioblastoma multiforme. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 897:173936. [PMID: 33581134 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a highly invasive primary brain tumour characterized by chemo- and radio-resistance and poor overall survival. GBM can present an aberrant functionality of p53, caused by the overexpression of the murine double minute 2 protein (MDM2) and its analogue MDM4, which may influence the response to conventional therapies. Moreover, tumour resistance/invasiveness has been recently attributed to an overexpression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4, identified as a pivotal mediator of glioma neovascularization. Notably, CXCR4 and MDM2-4 cooperate in promoting tumour invasion and progression. Although CXCR4 actively promotes MDM2 activation leading to p53 inactivation, MDM2-4 knockdown induces the downregulation of CXCR4 gene transcription. Our study aimed to assess if the CXCR4 signal blockade could enhance glioma cells' sensitivity to the inhibition of the p53-MDMs axis. Rationally designed inhibitors of MDM2/4 were combined with the CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100, in human GBM cells and GBM stem-like cells (neurospheres), which are crucial for tumour recurrence and chemotherapy resistance. The dual MDM2/4 inhibitor RS3594 and the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 reduced GBM cell invasiveness and migration in single-agent treatment and mainly in combination. AMD3100 sensitized GBM cells to the antiproliferative activity of RS3594. It is noteworthy that these two compounds present synergic effects on cancer stem components: RS3594 inhibited the growth and formation of neurospheres, AMD3100 induced differentiation of neurospheres while enhancing RS3594 effectiveness preventing their proliferation/clonogenicity. These results confirm that blocking CXCR4/MDM2/4 represents a valuable strategy to reduce GBM proliferation and invasiveness, acting on the stem cell component too.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Daniele
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria La Pietra
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Linda Cerofolini
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, And Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metalloproteine (C.I.R.M.M.P), 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Stefano Giuntini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff″, University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Pasquale Russomanno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Michela Puxeddu
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Marianna Nalli
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Martina Pedrini
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Fragai
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, And Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metalloproteine (C.I.R.M.M.P), 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff″, University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Claudio Luchinat
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, And Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metalloproteine (C.I.R.M.M.P), 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff″, University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Napoli, Italy.
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López-Gil JC, Martin-Hijano L, Hermann PC, Sainz B. The CXCL12 Crossroads in Cancer Stem Cells and Their Niche. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030469. [PMID: 33530455 PMCID: PMC7866198 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary CXCL12 and its receptors have been extensively studied in cancer, including their influence on cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their niche. This intensive research has led to a better understanding of the crosstalk between CXCL12 and CSCs, which has aided in designing several drugs that are currently being tested in clinical trials. However, a comprehensive review has not been published to date. The aim of this review is to provide an overview on how CXCL12 axes are involved in the regulation and maintenance of CSCs, their presence and influence at different cellular levels within the CSC niche, and the current state-of-the-art of therapeutic approaches aimed to target the CXCL12 crossroads. Abstract Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are defined as a subpopulation of “stem”-like cells within the tumor with unique characteristics that allow them to maintain tumor growth, escape standard anti-tumor therapies and drive subsequent repopulation of the tumor. This is the result of their intrinsic “stem”-like features and the strong driving influence of the CSC niche, a subcompartment within the tumor microenvironment that includes a diverse group of cells focused on maintaining and supporting the CSC. CXCL12 is a chemokine that plays a crucial role in hematopoietic stem cell support and has been extensively reported to be involved in several cancer-related processes. In this review, we will provide the latest evidence about the interactions between CSC niche-derived CXCL12 and its receptors—CXCR4 and CXCR7—present on CSC populations across different tumor entities. The interactions facilitated by CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axes seem to be strongly linked to CSC “stem”-like features, tumor progression, and metastasis promotion. Altogether, this suggests a role for CXCL12 and its receptors in the maintenance of CSCs and the components of their niche. Moreover, we will also provide an update of the therapeutic options being currently tested to disrupt the CXCL12 axes in order to target, directly or indirectly, the CSC subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos López-Gil
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.C.L.-G.); (L.M.-H.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Martin-Hijano
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.C.L.-G.); (L.M.-H.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Patrick C. Hermann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Correspondence: (P.C.H.); (B.S.J.)
| | - Bruno Sainz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.C.L.-G.); (L.M.-H.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (P.C.H.); (B.S.J.)
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Bakhshinyan D, Savage N, Salim SK, Venugopal C, Singh SK. The Strange Case of Jekyll and Hyde: Parallels Between Neural Stem Cells and Glioblastoma-Initiating Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 10:603738. [PMID: 33489908 PMCID: PMC7820896 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.603738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During embryonic development, radial glial precursor cells give rise to neural lineages, and a small proportion persist in the adult mammalian brain to contribute to long-term neuroplasticity. Neural stem cells (NSCs) reside in two neurogenic niches of the adult brain, the hippocampus and the subventricular zone (SVZ). NSCs in the SVZ are endowed with the defining stem cell properties of self-renewal and multipotent differentiation, which are maintained by intrinsic cellular programs, and extrinsic cellular and niche-specific interactions. In glioblastoma, the most aggressive primary malignant brain cancer, a subpopulation of cells termed glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) exhibit similar stem-like properties. While there is an extensive overlap between NSCs and GSCs in function, distinct genetic profiles, transcriptional programs, and external environmental cues influence their divergent behavior. This review highlights the similarities and differences between GSCs and SVZ NSCs in terms of their gene expression, regulatory molecular pathways, niche organization, metabolic programs, and current therapies designed to exploit these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bakhshinyan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Neil Savage
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sabra Khalid Salim
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Chitra Venugopal
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sheila K Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Luo Z, Wang B, Chen Y, Liu H, Shi L. Novel CXCR4 Inhibitor CPZ1344 Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration and Angiogenesis of Glioblastoma. Pathol Oncol Res 2020; 26:2597-2604. [PMID: 32632898 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-020-00827-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) are life-threatening tumors with a poor prognosis and low cure rates. GBMs are malignant brain tumors that develop from astrocytes. Most GBMs are not inherited and occur sporadically. GBM recurrence after standard treatment has led to the assessment of agents targeting the CXCR4 chemokine receptor as alternative drug target for much needed GBM therapeutics. In present study, a novel CXCR4 inhibitor modified with a picolinamide scaffold (CPZ1344) was designed and synthesized. Its anti-GBM function was then evaluated. Our results showed that CPZ1344 reduced the growth of GBM cells in a concentration dependent manner. The anti-GBM activity of CPZ1344 was due to alteration in GBM-cell morphology and apoptotic induction in GBM cells. CPZ1344 inhibited the migration and angiogenesis of U87 cells, led to cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and inhibited CXCR4 signaling. These findings demonstrate the anticancer effects of CPZ1344 and its potential as a novel anti-GBM therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengxiang Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, 264 Guangzhou Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yafang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, 91 Qianjin West Road, Kunshan City, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215300, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyi Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, 264 Guangzhou Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, 91 Qianjin West Road, Kunshan City, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215300, People's Republic of China.
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Elliot A, Myllymäki H, Feng Y. Inflammatory Responses during Tumour Initiation: From Zebrafish Transgenic Models of Cancer to Evidence from Mouse and Man. Cells 2020; 9:cells9041018. [PMID: 32325966 PMCID: PMC7226149 DOI: 10.3390/cells9041018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is now an important model organism for cancer biology studies and provides unique and complementary opportunities in comparison to the mammalian equivalent. The translucency of zebrafish has allowed in vivo live imaging studies of tumour initiation and progression at the cellular level, providing novel insights into our understanding of cancer. Here we summarise the available transgenic zebrafish tumour models and discuss what we have gleaned from them with respect to cancer inflammation. In particular, we focus on the host inflammatory response towards transformed cells during the pre-neoplastic stage of tumour development. We discuss features of tumour-associated macrophages and neutrophils in mammalian models and present evidence that supports the idea that these inflammatory cells promote early stage tumour development and progression. Direct live imaging of tumour initiation in zebrafish models has shown that the intrinsic inflammation induced by pre-neoplastic cells is tumour promoting. Signals mediating leukocyte recruitment to pre-neoplastic cells in zebrafish correspond to the signals that mediate leukocyte recruitment in mammalian tumours. The activation state of macrophages and neutrophils recruited to pre-neoplastic cells in zebrafish appears to be heterogenous, as seen in mammalian models, which provides an opportunity to study the plasticity of innate immune cells during tumour initiation. Although several potential mechanisms are described that might mediate the trophic function of innate immune cells during tumour initiation in zebrafish, there are several unknowns that are yet to be resolved. Rapid advancement of genetic tools and imaging technologies for zebrafish will facilitate research into the mechanisms that modulate leukocyte function during tumour initiation and identify targets for cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yi Feng
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)131-242-6685
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23
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Doan P, Musa A, Murugesan A, Sipilä V, Candeias NR, Emmert-Streib F, Ruusuvuori P, Granberg K, Yli-Harja O, Kandhavelu M. Glioblastoma Multiforme Stem Cell Cycle Arrest by Alkylaminophenol Through the Modulation of EGFR and CSC Signaling Pathways. Cells 2020; 9:E681. [PMID: 32164385 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subpopulation of cells existing in the tumor microenvironment promoting cell proliferation and growth. Targeting the stemness of the CSC population would offer a vital therapeutic opportunity. 3,4-Dihydroquinolin-1(2H)-yl)(p-tolyl)methyl)phenol (THTMP), a small synthetic phenol compound, is proposed to play a significant role in controlling the CSC proliferation and survival. We assessed the potential therapeutic effects of THTMP on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and its underlying mechanism in various signaling pathways. To fully comprehend the effect of THTMP on the CSCs, CD133+ GBM stem cell (GSC) and CD133- GBM Non-stem cancer cells (NSCC) population from LN229 and SNB19 cell lines was used. Cell cycle arrest, apoptosis assay and transcriptome analysis were performed for individual cell population. THTMP strongly inhibited NSCC and in a subtle way for GSC in a time-dependent manner and inhibit the resistance variants better than that of temozolomide (TMZ). THTMP arrest the CSC cell population at both G1/S and G2/M phase and induce ROS-mediated apoptosis. Gene expression profiling characterize THTMP as an inhibitor of the p53 signaling pathway causing DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in CSC population. We show that the THTMP majorly affects the EGFR and CSC signaling pathways. Specifically, modulation of key genes involved in Wnt, Notch and Hedgehog, revealed the significant role of THTMP in disrupting the CSCs’ stemness and functions. Moreover, THTMP inhibited cell growth, proliferation and metastasis of multiple mesenchymal patient-tissue derived GBM-cell lines. THTMP arrests GBM stem cell cycle through the modulation of EGFR and CSC signaling pathways.
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Hira VV, Van Noorden CJ, Molenaar RJ. CXCR4 Antagonists as Stem Cell Mobilizers and Therapy Sensitizers for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Glioblastoma? Biology (Basel) 2020; 9:biology9020031. [PMID: 32079173 PMCID: PMC7168055 DOI: 10.3390/biology9020031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and malignant primary brain tumor in adults and has a poor patient survival of only 20 months after diagnosis. This poor patient survival is at least partly caused by glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), which are slowly-dividing and therefore therapy-resistant. GSCs are localized in protective hypoxic peri-arteriolar niches where these aforementioned stemness properties are maintained. We previously showed that hypoxic peri-arteriolar GSC niches in human glioblastoma are functionally similar to hypoxic peri-arteriolar hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niches in human bone marrow. GSCs and HSCs express the receptor C-X-C receptor type 4 (CXCR4), which binds to the chemoattractant stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), which is highly expressed in GSC niches in glioblastoma and HSC niches in bone marrow. This receptor–ligand interaction retains the GSCs/HSCs in their niches and thereby maintains their slowly-dividing state. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leukemic cells use the SDF-1α–CXCR4 interaction to migrate to HSC niches and become slowly-dividing and therapy-resistant leukemic stem cells (LSCs). In this communication, we aim to elucidate how disruption of the SDF-1α–CXCR4 interaction using the FDA-approved CXCR4 inhibitor plerixafor (AMD3100) may be used to force slowly-dividing cancer stem cells out of their niches in glioblastoma and AML. Ultimately, this strategy aims to induce GSC and LSC differentiation and their sensitization to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vashendriya V.V. Hira
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (R.J.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Cornelis J.F. Van Noorden
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (R.J.M.)
- Department of Medical Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC at the Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Remco J. Molenaar
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (R.J.M.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC at the Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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25
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Thomas RP, Nagpal S, Iv M, Soltys SG, Bertrand S, Pelpola JS, Ball R, Yang J, Sundaram V, Lavezo J, Born D, Vogel H, Brown JM, Recht LD. Macrophage Exclusion after Radiation Therapy (MERT): A First in Human Phase I/II Trial using a CXCR4 Inhibitor in Glioblastoma. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:6948-6957. [PMID: 31537527 PMCID: PMC6891194 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-1421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Preclinical studies have demonstrated that postirradiation tumor revascularization is dependent on a stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4)-driven process in which myeloid cells are recruited from bone marrow. Blocking this axis results in survival improvement in preclinical models of solid tumors, including glioblastoma (GBM). We conducted a phase I/II study to determine the safety and efficacy of Macrophage Exclusion after Radiation Therapy (MERT) using the reversible CXCR4 inhibitor plerixafor in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS We enrolled nine patients in the phase I study and an additional 20 patients in phase II using a modified toxicity probability interval (mTPI) design. Plerixafor was continuously infused intravenously via a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line for 4 consecutive weeks beginning at day 35 of conventional treatment with concurrent chemoradiation. Blood serum samples were obtained for pharmacokinetic analysis. Additional studies included relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) analysis using MRI and histopathology analysis of recurrent tumors. RESULTS Plerixafor was well tolerated with no drug-attributable grade 3 toxicities observed. At the maximum dose of 400 μg/kg/day, biomarker analysis found suprathreshold plerixafor serum levels and an increase in plasma SDF-1 levels. Median overall survival was 21.3 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 15.9-NA] with a progression-free survival of 14.5 months (95% CI, 11.9-NA). MRI and histopathology support the mechanism of action to inhibit postirradiation tumor revascularization. CONCLUSIONS Infusion of the CXCR4 inhibitor plerixafor was well tolerated as an adjunct to standard chemoirradiation in patients with newly diagnosed GBM and improves local control of tumor recurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena P Thomas
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro Oncology, Stanford, California.
| | - Seema Nagpal
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro Oncology, Stanford, California
| | - Michael Iv
- Department of Radiology, Division of Neuro Radiology, Stanford, California
| | | | - Sophie Bertrand
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro Oncology, Stanford, California
| | - Judith S Pelpola
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro Oncology, Stanford, California
| | - Robyn Ball
- Department of Medicine, Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford, California
| | - Jaden Yang
- Department of Medicine, Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford, California
| | - Vandana Sundaram
- Department of Medicine, Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford, California
| | - Jonathan Lavezo
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuro Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Donald Born
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuro Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Hannes Vogel
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuro Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - J Martin Brown
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro Oncology, Stanford, California
| | - Lawrence D Recht
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro Oncology, Stanford, California
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26
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Zarco N, Norton E, Quiñones-Hinojosa A, Guerrero-Cázares H. Overlapping migratory mechanisms between neural progenitor cells and brain tumor stem cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:3553-3570. [PMID: 31101934 PMCID: PMC6698208 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03149-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Neural stem cells present in the subventricular zone (SVZ), the largest neurogenic niche of the mammalian brain, are able to self-renew as well as generate neural progenitor cells (NPCs). NPCs are highly migratory and traverse the rostral migratory stream (RMS) to the olfactory bulb, where they terminally differentiate into mature interneurons. NPCs from the SVZ are some of the few cells in the CNS that migrate long distances during adulthood. The migratory process of NPCs is highly regulated by intracellular pathway activation and signaling from the surrounding microenvironment. It involves modulation of cell volume, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and isolation from compact extracellular matrix. In malignant brain tumors including high-grade gliomas, there are cells called brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs) with similar stem cell characteristics to NPCs but with uncontrolled cell proliferation and contribute to tumor initiation capacity, tumor progression, invasion, and tumor maintenance. These BTSCs are resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and their presence is believed to lead to tumor recurrence at distal sites from the original tumor location, principally due to their high migratory capacity. BTSCs are able to invade the brain parenchyma by utilizing many of the migratory mechanisms used by NPCs. However, they have an increased ability to infiltrate the tight brain parenchyma and utilize brain structures such as myelin tracts and blood vessels as migratory paths. In this article, we summarize recent findings on the mechanisms of cellular migration that overlap between NPCs and BTSCs. A better understanding of the intersection between NPCs and BTSCs will to provide a better comprehension of the BTSCs' invasive capacity and the molecular mechanisms that govern their migration and eventually lead to the development of new therapies to improve the prognosis of patients with malignant gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natanael Zarco
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Emily Norton
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Hugo Guerrero-Cázares
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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27
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Matarredona ER, Pastor AM. Neural Stem Cells of the Subventricular Zone as the Origin of Human Glioblastoma Stem Cells. Therapeutic Implications. Front Oncol 2019; 9:779. [PMID: 31482066 PMCID: PMC6710355 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [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: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human glioblastoma is the most aggressive type of primary malignant brain tumors. Standard treatment includes surgical resection followed by radiation and chemotherapy but it only provides short-term benefits and the prognosis of these brain tumors is still very poor. Glioblastomas contain a population of glioma stem cells (GSCs), with self-renewal ability, which are partly responsible for the tumor resistance to therapy and for the tumor recurrence after treatment. The human adult subventricular zone contains astrocyte-like neural stem cells (NSCs) that are probably reminiscent of the radial glia present in embryonic brain development. There are numerous molecules involved in the biology of subventricular zone NSCs that are also instrumental in glioblastoma development. These include cytoskeletal proteins, telomerase, tumor suppressor proteins, transcription factors, and growth factors. Interestingly, genes encoding these molecules are frequently mutated in glioblastoma cells. Indeed, it has been recently shown that NSCs in the subventricular zone are a potential cell of origin that contains the driver mutations of human glioblastoma. In this review we will describe common features between GSCs and subventricular zone NSCs, and we will discuss the relevance of this important finding in terms of possible future therapeutic strategies.
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28
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Breun M, Monoranu CM, Kessler AF, Matthies C, Löhr M, Hagemann C, Schirbel A, Rowe SP, Pomper MG, Buck AK, Wester HJ, Ernestus RI, Lapa C. [ 68Ga]-Pentixafor PET/CT for CXCR4-Mediated Imaging of Vestibular Schwannomas. Front Oncol 2019; 9:503. [PMID: 31245296 PMCID: PMC6581743 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently demonstrated CXCR4 overexpression in vestibular schwannomas (VS). This study investigated the feasibility of CXCR4-directed positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging of VS using the radiolabeled chemokine ligand [68Ga]Pentixafor. Methods: 4 patients with 6 primarily diagnosed or pre-treated/observed VS were enrolled. All subjects underwent [68Ga]Pentixafor PET/CT prior to surgical resection. Images were analyzed visually and semi-quantitatively for CXCR4 expression including calculation of tumor-to-background ratios (TBR). Immunohistochemistry served as standard of reference in three patients. Results: [68Ga]Pentixafor PET/CT was visually positive in all cases. SUVmean and SUVmax were 3.0 ± 0.3 and 3.8 ± 0.4 and TBRmean and TBRmax were 4.0 ± 1.4 and 5.0 ± 1.7, respectively. Histological analysis confirmed CXCR4 expression in tumors. Conclusion: Non-invasive imaging of CXCR4 expression using [68Ga]Pentixafor PET/CT of VS is feasible and could prove useful for in vivo assessment of CXCR4 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Breun
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Camelia M Monoranu
- Department of Neuropathology, University of Würzburg, Institute of Pathology, Würzburg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Mainfranken, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Almuth F Kessler
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Cordula Matthies
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mario Löhr
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Hagemann
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schirbel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Steven P Rowe
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Martin G Pomper
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Andreas K Buck
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Wester
- Pharmaceutical Radiochemistry, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ralf-Ingo Ernestus
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Constantin Lapa
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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29
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Chuntova P, Downey KM, Hegde B, Almeida ND, Okada H. Genetically Engineered T-Cells for Malignant Glioma: Overcoming the Barriers to Effective Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2019; 9:3062. [PMID: 30740109 PMCID: PMC6357938 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [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: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant gliomas carry a dismal prognosis. Conventional treatment using chemo- and radiotherapy has limited efficacy with adverse events. Therapy with genetically engineered T-cells, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells, may represent a promising approach to improve patient outcomes owing to their potential ability to attack highly infiltrative tumors in a tumor-specific manner and possible persistence of the adaptive immune response. However, the unique anatomical features of the brain and susceptibility of this organ to irreversible tissue damage have made immunotherapy especially challenging in the setting of glioma. With safety concerns in mind, multiple teams have initiated clinical trials using CAR T-cells in glioma patients. The valuable lessons learnt from those trials highlight critical areas for further improvement: tackling the issues of the antigen presentation and T-cell homing in the brain, immunosuppression in the glioma microenvironment, antigen heterogeneity and off-tumor toxicity, and the adaptation of existing clinical therapies to reflect the intricacies of immune response in the brain. This review summarizes the up-to-date clinical outcomes of CAR T-cell clinical trials in glioma patients and examines the most pressing hurdles limiting the efficacy of these therapies. Furthermore, this review uses these hurdles as a framework upon which to evaluate cutting-edge pre-clinical strategies aiming to overcome those barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlina Chuntova
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kira M Downey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Bindu Hegde
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Neil D Almeida
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Cancer Immunotherapy Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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30
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Eckert F, Schilbach K, Klumpp L, Bardoscia L, Sezgin EC, Schwab M, Zips D, Huber SM. Potential Role of CXCR4 Targeting in the Context of Radiotherapy and Immunotherapy of Cancer. Front Immunol 2018; 9:3018. [PMID: 30622535 PMCID: PMC6308162 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [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: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been established as standard of care in different tumor entities. After the first reports on synergistic effects with radiotherapy and the induction of abscopal effects-tumor shrinkage outside the irradiated volume attributed to immunological effects of radiotherapy-several treatment combinations have been evaluated. Different immunotherapy strategies (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibition, vaccination, cytokine based therapies) have been combined with local tumor irradiation in preclinical models. Clinical trials are ongoing in different cancer entities with a broad range of immunotherapeutics and radiation schedules. SDF-1 (CXCL12)/CXCR4 signaling has been described to play a major role in tumor biology, especially in hypoxia adaptation, metastasis and migration. Local tumor irradiation is a known inducer of SDF-1 expression and release. CXCR4 also plays a major role in immunological processes. CXCR4 antagonists have been approved for the use of hematopoietic stem cell mobilization from the bone marrow. In addition, several groups reported an influence of the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis on intratumoral immune cell subsets and anti-tumor immune response. The aim of this review is to merge the knowledge on the role of SDF-1/CXCR4 in tumor biology, radiotherapy and immunotherapy of cancer and in combinatorial approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Eckert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Karin Schilbach
- Department of General Pediatrics/Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Lukas Klumpp
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Lilia Bardoscia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Efe Cumhur Sezgin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.,Departments of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University Hospital and University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Zips
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stephan M Huber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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31
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Skibinski CG, Williamson T, Riggins GJ. Mebendazole and radiation in combination increase survival through anticancer mechanisms in an intracranial rodent model of malignant meningioma. J Neurooncol 2018; 140:529-38. [PMID: 30414098 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-018-03009-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Meningiomas are a frequent tumor of the central nervous system. Although mostly benign, approximately 5% present as atypical or malignant tumors. Treatments for atypical meningiomas include gross total resection and radiotherapy, but about 33% of patients have recurrent tumors, sometimes as a higher grade. Recently, the brain penetrant anthelmintic drug, mebendazole, has shown promise as an anticancer agent in rodent models of glioblastoma and medulloblastoma. METHODS The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) effect on colony formation, cell proliferation, and caspase-3/7 markers of apoptosis of mebendazole with and without radiation was measured in vitro. Mice intracranially implanted with KT21MG1 human meningioma were administered mebendazole alone or in combination with radiation. Survival benefit was evaluated, while tumors were investigated by immunohistochemical staining for apoptosis, cell proliferation, and vascular density. RESULTS In vitro experiments on meningioma cell lines showed the IC50 for mebendazole in the range of 0.26-0.42 µM. Mebendazole alone induced cytotoxicity, however the combination had a greater reduction in colony formation and resulted in higher levels of cleaved caspase-3. The in vivo study showed both, mebendazole alone and the combination, to have a survival benefit with an increase in apoptosis, and decreases in tumor cell and vascular proliferation. CONCLUSION These preclinical findings indicate that mebendazole alone or in combination with radiation can be considered for the treatment of malignant meningioma. The mechanism of action for this combination may include an increase in apoptosis, a reduction in proliferation and angiogenesis, or a combination of these effects.
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32
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Lee NH, Nikfarjam M, He H. Functions of the CXC ligand family in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. Pancreatology 2018; 18:705-716. [PMID: 30078614 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic resistance is the major contributor to the poor prognosis of and low survival from pancreatic cancer (PC). Cancer progression is a complex process reliant on interactions between the tumor and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Members of the CXCL family of chemokines are present in the pancreatic TME and seem to play a vital role in regulating PC progression. As pancreatic tumors interact with the TME and with PC stem cells (CSCs), determining the roles of specific members of the CXCL family is vital to the development of improved therapies. This review highlights the roles of selected CXCLs in the interactions between pancreatic tumor and its stroma, and in CSC phenotypes, which can be used to identify potential treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nien-Hung Lee
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mehrdad Nikfarjam
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hong He
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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33
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Gao X, Mi Y, Guo N, Xu H, Jiang P, Zhang R, Xu L, Gou X. Glioma in Schizophrenia: Is the Risk Higher or Lower? Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:289. [PMID: 30233327 PMCID: PMC6129591 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether persons with schizophrenia have a higher or lower incidence of cancer has been discussed for a long time. Due to the complex mechanisms and characteristics of different types of cancer, it is difficult to evaluate the exact relationship between cancers and schizophrenia without considering the type of tumor. Schizophrenia, a disabling mental illness that is now recognized as a neurodevelopmental disorder, is more correlated with brain tumors, such as glioma, than other types of tumors. Thus, we mainly focused on the relationship between schizophrenia and glioma morbidity. Glioma tumorigenesis and schizophrenia may share similar mechanisms; gene/pathway disruption would affect neurodevelopment and reduce the risk of glioma. The molecular defects of disrupted-in-schizophrenia-1 (DISC1), P53, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and C-X-C chemokine receptors type 4 (CXCR4) involved in schizophrenia pathogenesis might play opposite roles in glioma development. Many microRNAs (miRNAs) such as miR-183, miR-9, miR-137 and miR-126 expression change may be involved in the cross talk between glioma prevalence and schizophrenia. Finally, antipsychotic drugs may have antitumor effects. All these factors show that persons with schizophrenia have a decreased incidence of glioma; therefore, epidemiological investigation and studies comparing genetic and epigenetic aberrations involved in both of these complex diseases should be performed. These studies can provide more insightful knowledge about glioma and schizophrenia pathophysiology and help to determine the target/strategies for the prevention and treatment of the two diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingchun Gao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yajing Mi
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Na Guo
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Pengtao Jiang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ruisan Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lixian Xu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xingchun Gou
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Lange F, Kaemmerer D, Behnke-Mursch J, Brück W, Schulz S, Lupp A. Differential somatostatin, CXCR4 chemokine and endothelin A receptor expression in WHO grade I-IV astrocytic brain tumors. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2018; 144:1227-1237. [PMID: 29696364 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-018-2645-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Glioblastomas represent the most common primary malignant tumor of the nervous system and the most frequent type of astrocytic tumors. Despite improved therapeutic options, prognosis has remained exceptionally poor over the last two decades. Therefore, new treatment approaches are urgently needed. An overexpression of somatostatin (SST) as well as chemokine CXCR4 and endothelin A (ETA) receptors has been shown for many types of cancer. Respective expression data for astrocytic brain tumors, however, are scarce and contradictory. METHODS SST subtype, CXCR4 and ETA expression was comparatively evaluated in a total of 57 grade I-IV astrocytic tumor samples by immunohistochemistry using well-characterized monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS Overall, receptor expression on the tumor cells was only very low. SST5 was the most prominently expressed receptor, followed by SST3, ETA, SST2 and CXCR4. In contrast, tumor capillaries displayed strong SST2, SST3, SST5, CXCR4 and ETA expression. Presence of SST5, CXCR4 and ETA on tumor cells and of SST3, CXCR4 and ETA on microvessels gradually increased from grade II to grade IV tumors. Ki-67 values correlated significantly with CXCR4 expression on tumor cells and with vascular SST3, CXCR4 or ETA positivity. SST5 or CXCR4 positivity of tumor cells and vascular SST3 or CXCR4 expression negatively correlated with patient outcome. CONCLUSIONS Though having some prognostic value, SST, CXCR4 or ETA expression on astrocytic tumor cells is clearly of no therapeutic relevance. Indirect targeting of these highly vascularized tumors via SST3, SST5, CXCR4 or ETA on the microvessels, in contrast, may represent a promising additional therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Lange
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Drackendorfer Str. 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Daniel Kaemmerer
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Zentralklinik Bad Berka, Bad Berka, Germany
| | | | - Wolfgang Brück
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Drackendorfer Str. 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Amelie Lupp
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Drackendorfer Str. 1, 07747, Jena, Germany.
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Aderetti DA, Hira VVV, Molenaar RJ, van Noorden CJF. The hypoxic peri-arteriolar glioma stem cell niche, an integrated concept of five types of niches in human glioblastoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2018; 1869:346-354. [PMID: 29684521 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [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: 01/07/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most lethal primary brain tumor and poor survival of glioblastoma patients is attributed to the presence of glioma stem cells (GSCs). These therapy-resistant, quiescent and pluripotent cells reside in GSC niches, which are specific microenvironments that protect GSCs against radiotherapy and chemotherapy. We previously showed the existence of hypoxic peri-arteriolar GSC niches in glioblastoma tumor samples. However, other studies have described peri-vascular niches, peri-hypoxic niches, peri-immune niches and extracellular matrix niches of GSCs. The aim of this review was to critically evaluate the literature on these five different types of GSC niches. In the present review, we describe that the five niche types are not distinct from one another, but should be considered to be parts of one integral GSC niche model, the hypoxic peri-arteriolar GSC niche. Moreover, hypoxic peri-arteriolar GSC niches are structural and functional look-alikes of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niches in the bone marrow. GSCs are maintained in peri-arteriolar niches by the same receptor-ligand interactions as HSCs in bone marrow. Our concept should be rigidly tested in the near future and applied to develop therapies to expel and keep GSCs out of their protective niches to render them more vulnerable to standard therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana A Aderetti
- Department of Medical Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam at the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vashendriya V V Hira
- Department of Medical Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam at the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Remco J Molenaar
- Department of Medical Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam at the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam at the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis J F van Noorden
- Department of Medical Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam at the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Festuccia C, Mancini A, Colapietro A, Gravina GL, Vitale F, Marampon F, Delle Monache S, Pompili S, Cristiano L, Vetuschi A, Tombolini V, Chen Y, Mehrling T. The first-in-class alkylating deacetylase inhibitor molecule tinostamustine shows antitumor effects and is synergistic with radiotherapy in preclinical models of glioblastoma. J Hematol Oncol 2018; 11:32. [PMID: 29486795 PMCID: PMC5830080 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-018-0576-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of alkylating agents such as temozolomide in association with radiotherapy (RT) is the therapeutic standard of glioblastoma (GBM). This regimen modestly prolongs overall survival, also if, in light of the still dismal prognosis, further improvements are desperately needed, especially in the patients with O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) unmethylated tumors, in which the benefit of standard treatment is less. Tinostamustine (EDO-S101) is a first-in-class alkylating deacetylase inhibitor (AK-DACi) molecule that fuses the DNA damaging effect of bendamustine with the fully functional pan-histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, vorinostat, in a completely new chemical entity. Methods Tinostamustine has been tested in models of GBM by using 13 GBM cell lines and seven patient-derived GBM proliferating/stem cell lines in vitro. U87MG and U251MG (MGMT negative), as well as T98G (MGMT positive), were subcutaneously injected in nude mice, whereas luciferase positive U251MG cells and patient-derived GBM stem cell line (CSCs-5) were evaluated the orthotopic intra-brain in vivo experiments. Results We demonstrated that tinostamustine possesses stronger antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects than those observed for vorinostat and bendamustine alone and similar to their combination and irrespective of MGMT expression. In addition, we observed a stronger radio-sensitization of single treatment and temozolomide used as control due to reduced expression and increased time of disappearance of γH2AX indicative of reduced signal and DNA repair. This was associated with higher caspase-3 activation and reduction of RT-mediated autophagy. In vivo, tinostamustine increased time-to-progression (TTP) and this was additive/synergistic to RT. Tinostamustine had significant therapeutic activity with suppression of tumor growth and prolongation of DFS (disease-free survival) and OS (overall survival) in orthotopic intra-brain models that was superior to bendamustine, RT and temozolomide and showing stronger radio sensitivity. Conclusions Our data suggest that tinostamustine deserves further investigation in patients with glioblastoma. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13045-018-0576-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Festuccia
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Andrea Mancini
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandro Colapietro
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca Gravina
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.,Division of Radiotherapy, Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Flora Vitale
- Division of Neurosciences, Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesco Marampon
- Division of Radiotherapy, Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Simona Delle Monache
- Division of Applied Biology, Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Simona Pompili
- Division of Human Anatomy, Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Loredana Cristiano
- Laboratory of Applied Biology, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonella Vetuschi
- Division of Human Anatomy, Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Tombolini
- Division of Radiotherapy, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Yi Chen
- Northlake International LLC, Pleasanton, CA, USA
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Breun M, Schwerdtfeger A, Martellotta DD, Kessler AF, Perez JM, Monoranu CM, Ernestus RI, Matthies C, Löhr M, Hagemann C. CXCR4: A new player in vestibular schwannoma pathogenesis. Oncotarget 2018; 9:9940-9950. [PMID: 29515781 PMCID: PMC5839412 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CXCR4 is a chemokine receptor that recruits blood stem cells and increases tumor cell growth and invasiveness. We examined CXCR4 expression in vestibular schwannomas (VS) from patients with and without neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and correlated the levels with the patients' clinical characteristics. The aim was to determine whether CXCR4 can be used as a prognostic marker and as a target for systemic therapy. RESULTS Overall, CXCR4 mRNA levels were 4.6-fold higher in VS versus control; the levels were 4.9-fold higher in NF2 patients and 4.2-fold higher in sporadic VS patients. IHC and WB showed heterogeneous protein expression, and CXCR4 was expressed mainly in S100-positive Schwann cells. There was no correlation between the CXCR4 protein levels and tumor extension. However, there was a trend towards correlation between higher expression levels and greater hearing loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS CXCR4 mRNA and protein levels were determined in VS samples (n = 60); of these, 30 samples were from patients with NF2. Healthy nerves from autopsies served as controls. CXCR4 mRNA levels were measured by PCR, and protein levels were measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting (WB). Tumor extension and hearing loss were categorized according to the Hannover Classification as clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS CXCR4 mRNA was overexpressed in VS relative to healthy vestibular nerves, and there was a trend towards higher CXCR4 expression levels being correlated with greater functional impairment. Thus, CXCR4 may be a prognostic marker of VS, and CXCR4 inhibition has potential as a systemic approach for the treatment of VS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Breun
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Almuth F. Kessler
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jose M. Perez
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Camelia M Monoranu
- Department of Neuropathology, University of Würzburg, Institute of Pathology, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), Mainfranken, Würzburg
| | - Ralf-Ingo Ernestus
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Cordula Matthies
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mario Löhr
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Hagemann
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Hira VVV, Wormer JR, Kakar H, Breznik B, van der Swaan B, Hulsbos R, Tigchelaar W, Tonar Z, Khurshed M, Molenaar RJ, Van Noorden CJF. Periarteriolar Glioblastoma Stem Cell Niches Express Bone Marrow Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche Proteins. J Histochem Cytochem 2018; 66:155-173. [PMID: 29297738 DOI: 10.1369/0022155417749174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In glioblastoma, a fraction of malignant cells consists of therapy-resistant glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) residing in protective niches that recapitulate hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niches in bone marrow. We have previously shown that HSC niche proteins stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), osteopontin (OPN), and cathepsin K (CatK) are expressed in hypoxic GSC niches around arterioles in five human glioblastoma samples. In HSC niches, HSCs are retained by binding of SDF-1α and OPN to their receptors CXCR4 and CD44, respectively. Protease CatK cleaves SDF-1α to release HSCs out of niches. The aim of the present study was to reproduce the immunohistochemical localization of these GSC markers in 16 human glioblastoma samples with the addition of three novel markers. Furthermore, we assessed the type of blood vessels associated with GSC niches. In total, we found seven GSC niches containing CD133-positive and nestin-positive GSCs as a single-cell layer exclusively around the tunica adventitia of 2% of the CD31-positive and SMA-positive arterioles and not around capillaries and venules. Niches expressed SDF-1α, CXCR4, CatK, OPN, CD44, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, and vascular endothelial growth factor. In conclusion, we show that GSC niches are present around arterioles and express bone marrow HSC niche proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vashendriya V V Hira
- Department of Medical Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jill R Wormer
- Department of Medical Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hala Kakar
- Department of Medical Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Breznik
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Britt van der Swaan
- Department of Medical Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Renske Hulsbos
- Department of Medical Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wikky Tigchelaar
- Department of Medical Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zbynek Tonar
- Department of Histology and Embryology and Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Mohammed Khurshed
- Department of Medical Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Remco J Molenaar
- Department of Medical Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis J F Van Noorden
- Department of Medical Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Wang J, Zhang W, He GH, Wu B, Chen S. Transfection with CXCR4 potentiates homing of mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and therapy of diabetic retinopathy in vivo. Int J Ophthalmol 2018; 11:766-772. [PMID: 29862173 PMCID: PMC5957026 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2018.05.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the effect of the overexpression of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) on homing of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro and therapeutic effects of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in vivo. METHODS MSCs were infected by lentivirus constructed with CXCR4. The expression of CXCR4 was examined by immunofluorescence, Western blot, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. CXCR4-overexpressing MSCs were cultured in vitro to evaluate their chemotaxis, migration, and apoptotic activities. CXCR4-overexpressing MSCs were intravitreally injected to observe and compare their effects in a mouse model of DR. The histological structure of DR in rats was inspected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of rhodopsin, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was examined by Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS The transduction of MSCs by lentivirus was effective, and the transduced MSCs had high expression levels of CXCR4 gene and protein. Improved migration activities were observed in CXCR4-overexpressing MSCs. Further, reduced retinal damage, upregulation of rhodopsin and NSE protein, and downregulation of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α were observed in CXCR4-overexpressing MSCs in vivo. CONCLUSION The homing of MSCs can be enhanced by upregulating CXCR4 levels, possibly improving histological structures of DR. CXCR4-overexpressing MSCs can be a novel strategy for treating DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Institute, Clinical College of Ophthalmology Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300020, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Institute, Clinical College of Ophthalmology Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300020, China
| | - Guang-Hui He
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Institute, Clinical College of Ophthalmology Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300020, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Institute, Clinical College of Ophthalmology Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300020, China
| | - Song Chen
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Institute, Clinical College of Ophthalmology Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300020, China
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Abstract
Cancer stem cells can generate tumors from only a small number of cells, whereas differentiated cancer cells cannot. The prominent feature of cancer stem cells is its ability to self-renew and differentiate into multiple types of cancer cells. Cancer stem cells have several distinct tumorigenic abilities, including stem cell signal transduction, tumorigenicity, metastasis, and resistance to anticancer drugs, which are regulated by genetic or epigenetic changes. Like normal adult stem cells involved in various developmental processes and tissue homeostasis, cancer stem cells maintain their self-renewal capacity by activating multiple stem cell signaling pathways and inhibiting differentiation signaling pathways during cancer initiation and progression. Recently, many studies have focused on targeting cancer stem cells to eradicate malignancies by regulating stem cell signaling pathways, and products of some of these strategies are in preclinical and clinical trials. In this review, we describe the crucial features of cancer stem cells related to tumor relapse and drug resistance, as well as the new therapeutic strategy to target cancer stem cells named "differentiation therapy."
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Jin
- 1 Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- 2 Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Xun Jin
- 3 Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- 4 Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- 5 Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hyunggee Kim
- 1 Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- 2 Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Gravina GL, Mancini A, Marampon F, Colapietro A, Delle Monache S, Sferra R, Vitale F, Richardson PJ, Patient L, Burbidge S, Festuccia C. The brain-penetrating CXCR4 antagonist, PRX177561, increases the antitumor effects of bevacizumab and sunitinib in preclinical models of human glioblastoma. J Hematol Oncol 2017; 10:5. [PMID: 28057017 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-016-0377-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma recurrence after treatment with the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody bevacizumab is characterized by a highly infiltrative and malignant behavior that renders surgical excision and chemotherapy ineffective. It has been demonstrated that anti-VEGF/VEGFR therapies control the invasive phenotype and that relapse occurs through the increased activity of CXCR4. We therefore hypothesized that combining bevacizumab or sunitinib with the novel CXCR4 antagonist, PRX177561, would have superior antitumor activity. Methods The effects of bevacizumab, sunitinib, and PRX177561 were tested alone or in combination in subcutaneous xenografts of U87MG, U251, and T98G cells as well as on intracranial xenografts of luciferase tagged U87MG cells injected in CD1-nu/nu mice. Animals were randomized to receive vehicle, bevacizumab (4 mg/kg iv every 4 days), sunitinib (40 mg/kg po qd), or PRX177561 (50 mg/kg po qd). Results The in vivo experiments demonstrated that bevacizumab and sunitinib increase the in vivo expression of CXCR4, SDF-1α, and TGFβ1. In addition, we demonstrate that the co-administration of the novel brain-penetrating CXCR4 antagonist, PRX177561, with bevacizumab or sunitinib inhibited tumor growth and reduced the inflammation. The combination of PRX177561 with bevacizumab resulted in a synergistic reduction of tumor growth with an increase of disease-free survival (DSF) and overall survival (OS), whereas the combination of PRX177561 with sunitinib showed a mild additive effect. Conclusions The CXC4 antagonist PRX177561 may be a valid therapeutic complement to anti-angiogenic therapy, particularly when used in combination with VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors. Therefore, this compound deserves to be considered for future clinical evaluation.
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