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Azam H, Maher S, Clarke S, Gallagher WM, Prencipe M. SRF inhibitors reduce prostate cancer cell proliferation through cell cycle arrest in an isogenic model of castrate-resistant prostate cancer. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:1759-1776. [PMID: 37377210 PMCID: PMC10446773 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2229713] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is challenging to treat, despite improvements with next-generation anti-androgens such as enzalutamide, due to acquired resistance. One of the mechanisms of such resistance includes aberrant activation of co-factors of the androgen receptor (AR), such as the serum response factor (SRF), which was associated with prostate cancer progression and resistance to enzalutamide. Here, we show that inhibition of SRF with three small molecules (CCG-1423, CCG-257081 and lestaurtinib), singly and in combination with enzalutamide, reduces cell viability in an isogenic model of CRPC. The effects of these inhibitors on the cell cycle, singly and in combination with enzalutamide, were assessed with western blotting, flow cytometry and β-galactosidase staining. In the androgen deprivation-sensitive LNCaP parental cell line, a synergistic effect between enzalutamide and all three inhibitors was demonstrated, while the androgen deprivation-resistant LNCaP Abl cells showed synergy only with the lestaurtinib and enzalutamide combination, suggesting a different mechanism of action of the CCG series of compounds in the absence and presence of androgens. Through analysis of cell cycle checkpoint proteins, flow cytometry and β-galactosidase staining, we showed that all three SRF inhibitors, singly and in combination with enzalutamide, induced cell cycle arrest and decreased S phase. While CCG-1423 had a more pronounced effect on the expression of cell cycle checkpoint proteins, CCG-257081 and lestaurtinib decreased proliferation also through induction of cellular senescence. In conclusion, we show that inhibition of an AR co-factors, namely SRF, provides a promising approach to overcoming resistance to AR inhibitors currently used in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haleema Azam
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin
| | - Shane Maher
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin
| | - Shane Clarke
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin
| | - William M. Gallagher
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin
| | - Maria Prencipe
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin
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Chatterjee D, Rahman MM, Saha AK, Siam MKS, Sharif Shohan MU. Transcriptomic analysis of esophageal cancer reveals hub genes and networks involved in cancer progression. Comput Biol Med 2023; 159:106944. [PMID: 37075603 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.106944] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) has a 5-year survival rate of fewer than 20%. The study aimed to identify new predictive biomarkers for ESCA through transcriptomics meta-analysis to address the problems of ineffective cancer therapy, lack of efficient diagnostic tools, and costly screening and contribute to developing more efficient cancer screening and treatments by identifying new marker genes. Nine GEO datasets of three kinds of esophageal carcinoma were analyzed, and 20 differentially expressed genes were detected in carcinogenic pathways. Network analysis revealed four hub genes, namely RAR Related Orphan Receptor A (RORA), lysine acetyltransferase 2B (KAT2B), Cell Division Cycle 25B (CDC25B), and Epithelial Cell Transforming 2 (ECT2). Overexpression of RORA, KAT2B, and ECT2 was identified with a bad prognosis. These hub genes modulate immune cell infiltration. These hub genes modulate immune cell infiltration. Although this research needs lab confirmation, we found interesting biomarkers in ESCA that may aid in diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipankor Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mostafijur Rahman
- Department of Microbiology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh
| | - Anik Kumar Saha
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Azam H, Pierro L, Reina M, Gallagher WM, Prencipe M. Emerging role for the Serum Response Factor (SRF) as a potential therapeutic target in cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:155-169. [PMID: 35114091 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2032652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Serum Response Factor (SRF) is a transcription factor involved in three hallmarks of cancer: the promotion of cell proliferation, cell death resistance and invasion and metastasis induction. Many studies have demonstrated a leading role in the development and progression of multiple cancer types, thus highlighting the potential of SRF as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target, especially for cancers with poor prognosis. AREAS COVERED This review examines the role of SRF in several cancers in promoting cellular processes associated with cancer development and progression. SRF co-factors and signalling pathways are discussed as possible targets to inhibit SRF in a tissue and cancer-specific way. Small-molecule inhibitors of SRF, such as the CCGs series of compounds and lestaurtinib, which could be used as cancer therapeutics, are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION Targeting of SRF and its co-factors represents a promising therapeutic approach. Further understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind the action of SRF could provide a pipeline of novel molecular targets and therapeutic combinations for cancer. Basket clinical trials and the use of SRF immunohistochemistry as companion diagnostics will help testing of these new targets in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haleema Azam
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lisa Pierro
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Martina Reina
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland
| | - William M Gallagher
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maria Prencipe
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland
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Tsubaki M, Takeda T, Obata N, Kawashima K, Tabata M, Imano M, Satou T, Nishida S. Combination therapy with dacarbazine and statins improved the survival rate in mice with metastatic melanoma. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:17975-17989. [PMID: 30834527 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer, and the overall median survival in patients with metastatic melanoma is only 6-9 months. Although molecular targeted therapies have recently been developed and have improved the overall survival, melanoma patients may show no response and acquisition of resistance to these drugs. Thus, other molecular approaches are essential for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. In the present study, we investigated the effect of cotreatment with dacarbazine and statins on tumor growth, metastasis, and survival rate in mice with metastatic melanomas. We found that cotreatment with dacarbazine and statins significantly inhibited tumor growth and metastasis via suppression of the RhoA/RhoC/LIM domain kinase/serum response factor/c-Fos pathway and enhanced p53, p21, p27, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 expression in vivo. Moreover, the cotreatment significantly improved the survival rate in metastasis-bearing mice. Importantly, treatment with dacarbazine plus 100 mg/kg simvastatin or fluvastatin prevented metastasis-associated death in 4/20 mice that received dacarbazine + simvastatin and in 8/20 mice that received dacarbazine + fluvastatin (survival rates, 20% and 40%, respectively). These results suggested that cotreatment with dacarbazine and statins may thus serve as a new therapeutic approach to control tumor growth and metastasis in melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanobu Tsubaki
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kindai University Faculty of Pharmacy, Kowakae, Higoshi-Osaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomoya Takeda
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kindai University Faculty of Pharmacy, Kowakae, Higoshi-Osaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoya Obata
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kindai University Faculty of Pharmacy, Kowakae, Higoshi-Osaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keishi Kawashima
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kindai University Faculty of Pharmacy, Kowakae, Higoshi-Osaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mitsuki Tabata
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kindai University Faculty of Pharmacy, Kowakae, Higoshi-Osaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Motohiro Imano
- Department of Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takao Satou
- Department of Pathology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shozo Nishida
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kindai University Faculty of Pharmacy, Kowakae, Higoshi-Osaka, Osaka, Japan
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Yin J, Lv X, Hu S, Zhao X, Liu Q, Xie H. Overexpression of serum response factor is correlated with poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. Hum Pathol 2019; 85:10-7. [PMID: 30500416 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2018.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Serum response factor (SRF) is highly expressed in many tumors, including gastric cancer. However, the exact prognostic utility of SRF in patients with gastric cancer remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the expression and prognostic value of SRF in patients with gastric cancer. SRF expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in 149 gastric cancer samples. The relationship between SRF expression and clinicopathological characteristics along with the prognostic significance of SRF in disease-free survival and overall survival of patients was analyzed. We found that the expression of SRF was significantly increased in gastric cancer tissues compared with adjacent noncancerous tissues. Overexpression of SRF was significantly correlated with histologic differentiation, invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage. Furthermore, disease-free survival rate and overall survival rate were both significantly lower for patients with high SRF expression. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified high SRF expression as an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival but not for overall survival. Our findings indicate that overexpression of SRF may play an important role in human gastric cancer recurrence and prognosis. SRF may serve as a predictive marker for prognosis of gastric cancer.
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Cao Y, Wang L, Zhao J, Zhang H, Tian Y, Liang H, Ma Q. Serum Response Factor Protects Retinal Ganglion Cells Against High-Glucose Damage. J Mol Neurosci 2016; 59:232-40. [PMID: 26803311 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-015-0708-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Serum response factor (SRF), which encodes the MADS-box family of related proteins, is a common transcription factor related to the expression of genes associated with cell survival. However, SRF's role in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after high-glucose injury remains unclear. In this study, we investigate the protective role of SRF after high-glucose injury and its underlying mechanism. The in vitro RGC model subjected to high glucose was established by employing a 50 mmol/L glucose culture environment. As detected by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot, SRF was significantly upregulated in RGCs treated with high glucose. Overexpression of SRF significantly promoted survival among RGCs exposed to high glucose and inhibited RGC apoptosis. Knockdown of SRF exerted an inverse effect. Moreover, SRF upregulation enhanced expression of an antioxidant protein, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), via control of the Fos-related antigen 1 (Fra-1). SRF upregulation also affected RGC survival after high-glucose treatment. Our findings showed that overexpression of SRF promoted survival of RGCs after high-glucose injury by regulating Fra-1 and Nrf2.
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Tsubaki M, Takeda T, Kino T, Obata N, Itoh T, Imano M, Mashimo K, Fujiwara D, Sakaguchi K, Satou T, Nishida S. Statins improve survival by inhibiting spontaneous metastasis and tumor growth in a mouse melanoma model. Am J Cancer Res 2015; 5:3186-3197. [PMID: 26693069 PMCID: PMC4656740] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is a life-threatening disease for which no effective treatment is currently available. In melanoma cells, Rho overexpression promotes invasion and metastasis. However, the effect of statins on spontaneous metastasis and tumor growth remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of statin-mediated tumor growth and metastasis inhibition in an in vivo model. We found that statins significantly inhibited spontaneous metastasis and tumor growth. Statins inhibited the mRNA expression and enzymatic activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in vivo and also suppressed the mRNA and protein expression of very late antigens (VLAs). Moreover, statins inhibited the prenylation of Rho as well as the phosphorylation of LIM kinase, serum response factor (SRF), and c-Fos downstream of the Rho signaling pathway. In addition, statins enhanced p53, p21, and p27 expression and reduced phosphorylation of cyclin-dependent kinase and expression of cyclin D1 and E2. These results indicate that statins suppress Rho signaling pathways, thereby inhibiting tumor metastasis and growth. Furthermore, statins markedly improved the survival rate in a metastasis model, suggesting that statins have potential clinical applications for the treatment of metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanobu Tsubaki
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kinki University School of PharmacyKowakae, Higashi-Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomoya Takeda
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kinki University School of PharmacyKowakae, Higashi-Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshiki Kino
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kinki University School of PharmacyKowakae, Higashi-Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoya Obata
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kinki University School of PharmacyKowakae, Higashi-Osaka, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Itoh
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Kinki University School of AgricultureNara, Japan
| | - Motohiro Imano
- Department of Surgery, Kinki University School of MedicineOsakasayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kenji Mashimo
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kinki University School of PharmacyKowakae, Higashi-Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy, Japanese Red Cross Society Wakayama Medical CenterWakayama, Japan
| | - Daichiro Fujiwara
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kinki University School of PharmacyKowakae, Higashi-Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy, Japanese Red Cross Society Wakayama Medical CenterWakayama, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Sakaguchi
- Department of Pharmacy, Japanese Red Cross Society Wakayama Medical CenterWakayama, Japan
| | - Takao Satou
- Department of Pathology, Kinki University School of MedicineOsakasayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shozo Nishida
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, Kinki University School of PharmacyKowakae, Higashi-Osaka, Japan
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