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Chan HY, Ramasamy TS, Chung FFL, Teow SY. Role of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in regulation of autophagy and nuclear factor-kappa Beta (NF-ĸβ) pathways in sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01247-3. [PMID: 38466472 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01247-3] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major global health problem with high incidence and mortality. Diagnosis of HCC at late stages and tumour heterogeneity in patients with different genetic profiles are known factors that complicate the disease treatment. HCC therapy becomes even more challenging in patients with drug resistance such as resistance to sorafenib, which is a common drug used in HCC patients. Sorafenib resistance can further aggravate HCC by regulating various oncogenic pathways such as autophagy and nuclear factor-kappa Beta (NF-ĸβ) signalling. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), is a nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent histone deacetylases that regulates various metabolic and oncogenic events such as cell survival, apoptosis, autophagy, tumourigenesis, metastasis and drug resistance in various cancers, but its role in HCC, particularly in sorafenib resistance is underexplored. In this study, we generated sorafenib-resistant HepG2 and Huh-7 liver cancer cell models to investigate the role of SIRT1 and its effect on autophagy and nuclear factor-kappa Beta (NF-ĸβ) signalling pathways. Western blot analysis showed increased SIRT1, altered autophagy pathway and activated NF-ĸβ signalling in sorafenib-resistant cells. SIRT1-silenced HCC cells demonstrated down-regulated autophagy in both parental and chemoresistant cells. This may occur through the deacetylation of key autophagy molecules such as FOXO3, beclin 1, ATGs and LC3 by SIRT1, highlighting the role of SIRT1 in autophagy induction. Silencing of SIRT1 also resulted in activated NF-ĸβ signalling. This is because SIRT1 failed to deacetylate p65 subunit of NF-κB, translocate the NF-κB from nucleus to cytoplasm, and suppress NF-κB activity due to the silencing. Hence, the NF-κB transcriptional activity was restored. These findings summarize the role of SIRT1 in autophagy/NF-ĸβ regulatory axis, with a similar trend observed in both parental and sorafenib-resistant cells. The present work promotes a better understanding of the role of SIRT1 in autophagy and NF-ĸβ signalling in HCC and sorafenib-resistant HCC. As some key proteins in these pathways are potential therapeutic targets, a better understanding of SIRT1/autophagy/NF-ĸβ axis could further improve the therapeutic strategies against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yin Chan
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Jalan Universiti, 47500 Subang Jaya, Bandar, Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Thamil Selvee Ramasamy
- Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Jalan Universiti, 47500 Subang Jaya, Bandar, Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Sin-Yeang Teow
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Wenzhou-Kean University, 88 Daxue Road, Ouhai, Wenzhou, 325060, Zhejiang Provinve, China.
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Lab for Applied Biomedical and Biopharmaceutical Informatics, Ouhai, Wenzhou, 325060, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Zhejiang Bioinformatics International Science and Technology Cooperation Center, Ouhai, Wenzhou, 325060, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Kean University, 1000 Morries Ave, Union, NJ, 07083, USA.
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Looi CK, Foong LC, Chung FFL, Khoo ASB, Loo EM, Leong CO, Mai CW. Targeting the crosstalk of epigenetic modifications and immune evasion in nasopharyngeal cancer. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:2501-2526. [PMID: 37755585 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-023-09830-9] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a distinct type of head and neck cancer that is highly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. EBV acts as an epigenetic driver in NPC tumorigenesis, reprogramming the viral and host epigenomes to regulate viral latent gene expression, and creating an environment conducive to the malignant transformation of nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. Targeting epigenetic mechanisms in pre-clinical studies has been shown promise in eradicating tumours and overcoming immune resistance in some solid tumours. However, its efficacy in NPC remains inclusive due to the complex nature of this cancer. In this review, we provide an updated understanding of the roles of epigenetic factors in regulating EBV latent gene expression and promoting NPC progression. We also explore the crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and immune evasion in NPC. Particularly, we discuss the potential roles of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors in reversing immune suppression and augmenting antitumour immunity. Furthermore, we highlight the advantages of combining epigenetic therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor to reverse immune resistance and improve clinical outcomes. Epigenetic drugs have the potential to modulate both epigenetic mediators and immune factors involved in NPC. However, further research is needed to fully comprehend the diverse range of epigenetic modifications in NPC. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and immune evasion during NPC progression is crucial for the development of more effective treatments for this challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-King Looi
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lian-Chee Foong
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Alan Soo-Beng Khoo
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Pennsylvania, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Ee-Mun Loo
- AGTC Genomics, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, No. 1, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- AGTC Genomics, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development, and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chun-Wai Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200127, China.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, No. 1, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Shahbazi R, Yasavoli-Sharahi H, Mallet JF, Sharifzad F, Alsadi N, Cuenin C, Cahais V, Chung FFL, Herceg Z, Matar C. Novel Probiotic Bacterium Rouxiella badensis subsp. acadiensis (Canan SV-53) Modulates Gut Immunity through Epigenetic Mechanisms. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2456. [PMID: 37894114 PMCID: PMC10609533 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102456] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut immune system homeostasis is crucial to overall host health. Immune disturbance at the gut level may lead to systemic and distant sites' immune dysfunction. Probiotics and prebiotics consumption have been shown to improve gut microbiota composition and function and enhance gut immunity. In the current study, the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of viable and heat-inactivated forms of the novel probiotic bacterium Rouxiella badensis subsp. acadiensis (Canan SV-53), as well as the prebiotic protocatechuic acid (PCA) derived from the fermentation of blueberry juice by SV-53, were examined. To this end, female Balb/c mice received probiotic (viable or heat-inactivated), prebiotic, or a mixture of viable probiotic and prebiotic in drinking water for three weeks. To better decipher the immunomodulatory effects of biotics intake, gut microbiota, gut mucosal immunity, T helper-17 (Th17) cell-related cytokines, and epigenetic modulation of Th17 cells were studied. In mice receiving viable SV-53 and PCA, a significant increase was noted in serum IgA levels and the number of IgA-producing B cells in the ileum. A significant reduction was observed in the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-6, and IL-23, and expression of two proinflammatory miRNAs, miR-223 and miR425, in treated groups. In addition, heat-inactivated SV-53 exerted immunomodulatory properties by elevating the IgA concentration in the serum and reducing IL-6 and IL-23 levels in the ileum. DNA methylation analysis revealed the role of heat-inactivated SV-53 in the epigenetic regulation of genes related to Th17 and IL-17 production and function, including Il6, Il17rc, Il9, Il11, Akt1, Ikbkg, Sgk1, Cblb, and Smad4. Taken together, these findings may reflect the potential role of the novel probiotic bacterium SV-53 and prebiotic PCA in improving gut immunity and homeostasis. Further studies are required to ascertain the beneficial effects of this novel bacterium in the inflammatory state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roghayeh Shahbazi
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Hamed Yasavoli-Sharahi
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Jean-François Mallet
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Farzaneh Sharifzad
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nawal Alsadi
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Cyrille Cuenin
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 25 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Vincent Cahais
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 25 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 25 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 25 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Chantal Matar
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- School of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
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Shahbazi R, Yasavoli-Sharahi H, Alsadi N, Sharifzad F, Fang S, Cuenin C, Cahais V, Chung FFL, Herceg Z, Matar C. Lentinula edodes Cultured Extract and Rouxiella badensis subsp. acadiensis (Canan SV-53) Intake Alleviates Immune Deregulation and Inflammation by Modulating Signaling Pathways and Epigenetic Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14610. [PMID: 37834058 PMCID: PMC10572597 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914610] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Puberty is a critical developmental period of life characterized by marked physiological changes, including changes in the immune system and gut microbiota development. Exposure to inflammation induced by immune stressors during puberty has been found to stimulate central inflammation and lead to immune disturbance at distant sites from the gut; however, its enduring effects on gut immunity are not well explored. Therefore, in this study, we used a pubertal lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammation mouse model to mimic pubertal exposure to inflammation and dysbiosis. We hypothesized that pubertal LPS-induced inflammation may cause long-term dysfunction in gut immunity by enduring dysregulation of inflammatory signaling and epigenetic changes, while prebiotic/probiotic intake may mitigate the gut immune system deregulation later in life. To this end, four-week-old female Balb/c mice were fed prebiotics/probiotics and exposed to LPS in the pubertal window. To better decipher the acute and enduring immunoprotective effects of biotic intake, we addressed the effect of treatment on interleukin (IL)-17 signaling related-cytokines and pathways. In addition, the effect of treatment on gut microbiota and epigenetic alterations, including changes in microRNA (miRNA) expression and DNA methylation, were studied. Our results revealed a significant dysregulation in selected cytokines, proteins, and miRNAs involved in key signaling pathways related to IL-17 production and function, including IL-17A and F, IL-6, IL-1β, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3), p-STAT3, forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), and miR-145 in the small intestine of adult mice challenged with LPS during puberty. In contrast, dietary interventions mitigated the lasting adverse effects of LPS on gut immune function, partly through epigenetic mechanisms. A DNA methylation analysis demonstrated that enduring changes in gut immunity in adult mice might be linked to differentially methylated genes, including Lpb, Rorc, Runx1, Il17ra, Rac1, Ccl5, and Il10, involved in Th17 cell differentiation and IL-17 production and signaling. In addition, prebiotic administration prevented LPS-induced changes in the gut microbiota in pubertal mice. Together, these results indicate that following a healthy diet rich in prebiotics and probiotics is an optimal strategy for programming immune system function in the critical developmental windows of life and controlling inflammation later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roghayeh Shahbazi
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (R.S.); (H.Y.-S.); (N.A.)
| | - Hamed Yasavoli-Sharahi
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (R.S.); (H.Y.-S.); (N.A.)
| | - Nawal Alsadi
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (R.S.); (H.Y.-S.); (N.A.)
| | - Farzaneh Sharifzad
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Sandra Fang
- Translational Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada;
| | - Cyrille Cuenin
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 25 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.C.); (V.C.); (F.F.-L.C.); (Z.H.)
| | - Vincent Cahais
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 25 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.C.); (V.C.); (F.F.-L.C.); (Z.H.)
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 25 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.C.); (V.C.); (F.F.-L.C.); (Z.H.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 25 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.C.); (V.C.); (F.F.-L.C.); (Z.H.)
| | - Chantal Matar
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (R.S.); (H.Y.-S.); (N.A.)
- School of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
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Chung FFL, Maldonado SG, Nemc A, Bouaoun L, Cahais V, Cuenin C, Salle A, Johnson T, Ergüner B, Laplana M, Datlinger P, Jeschke J, Weiderpass E, Kristensen V, Delaloge S, Fuks F, Risch A, Ghantous A, Plass C, Bock C, Kaaks R, Herceg Z. Buffy coat signatures of breast cancer risk in a prospective cohort study. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:102. [PMID: 37309009 PMCID: PMC10262593 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01509-6] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic alterations are a near-universal feature of human malignancy and have been detected in malignant cells as well as in easily accessible specimens such as blood and urine. These findings offer promising applications in cancer detection, subtyping, and treatment monitoring. However, much of the current evidence is based on findings in retrospective studies and may reflect epigenetic patterns that have already been influenced by the onset of the disease. METHODS Studying breast cancer, we established genome-scale DNA methylation profiles of prospectively collected buffy coat samples (n = 702) from a case-control study nested within the EPIC-Heidelberg cohort using reduced representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS). RESULTS We observed cancer-specific DNA methylation events in buffy coat samples. Increased DNA methylation in genomic regions associated with SURF6 and REXO1/CTB31O20.3 was linked to the length of time to diagnosis in the prospectively collected buffy coat DNA from individuals who subsequently developed breast cancer. Using machine learning methods, we piloted a DNA methylation-based classifier that predicted case-control status in a held-out validation set with 76.5% accuracy, in some cases up to 15 years before clinical diagnosis of the disease. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our findings suggest a model of gradual accumulation of cancer-associated DNA methylation patterns in peripheral blood, which may be detected long before clinical manifestation of cancer. Such changes may provide useful markers for risk stratification and, ultimately, personalized cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC), 25 avenue Tony Garnier, CS 90627, 69366, Lyon, France.
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | | | - Amelie Nemc
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Liacine Bouaoun
- International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC), 25 avenue Tony Garnier, CS 90627, 69366, Lyon, France
| | - Vincent Cahais
- International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC), 25 avenue Tony Garnier, CS 90627, 69366, Lyon, France
| | - Cyrille Cuenin
- International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC), 25 avenue Tony Garnier, CS 90627, 69366, Lyon, France
| | - Aurelie Salle
- International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC), 25 avenue Tony Garnier, CS 90627, 69366, Lyon, France
| | - Theron Johnson
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bekir Ergüner
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marina Laplana
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lleida, IRBLleida, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Paul Datlinger
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jana Jeschke
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elisabete Weiderpass
- International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC), 25 avenue Tony Garnier, CS 90627, 69366, Lyon, France
| | - Vessela Kristensen
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Molecular Biology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Suzette Delaloge
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - François Fuks
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Angela Risch
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Allergy-Cancer-BioNano Research Centre, University of Salzburg, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Akram Ghantous
- International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC), 25 avenue Tony Garnier, CS 90627, 69366, Lyon, France
| | - Christoph Plass
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Bock
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Center for Medical Data Science, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rudolf Kaaks
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC), 25 avenue Tony Garnier, CS 90627, 69366, Lyon, France.
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Das S, Thakur S, Korenjak M, Sidorenko VS, Chung FFL, Zavadil J. Aristolochic acid-associated cancers: a public health risk in need of global action. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:576-591. [PMID: 35854147 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00494-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Aristolochic acids (AAs) are a group of naturally occurring compounds present in many plant species of the Aristolochiaceae family. Exposure to AA is a significant risk factor for severe nephropathy, and urological and hepatobiliary cancers (among others) that are often recurrent and characterized by the prominent mutational fingerprint of AA. However, herbal medicinal products that contain AA continue to be manufactured and marketed worldwide with inadequate regulation, and possible environmental exposure routes receive little attention. As the trade of food and dietary supplements becomes increasingly globalized, we propose that further inaction on curtailing AA exposure will have far-reaching negative effects on the disease trends of AA-associated cancers. Our Review aims to systematically present the historical and current evidence for the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of AA, and the effect of removing sources of AA exposure on cancer incidence trends. We discuss the persisting challenges of assessing the scale of AA-related carcinogenicity, and the obstacles that must be overcome in curbing AA exposure and preventing associated cancers. Overall, this Review aims to strengthen the case for the implementation of prevention measures against AA's multifaceted, detrimental and potentially fully preventable effects on human cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samrat Das
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer WHO, Lyon, France
| | - Shefali Thakur
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer WHO, Lyon, France
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Korenjak
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer WHO, Lyon, France
| | - Viktoriya S Sidorenko
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer WHO, Lyon, France.
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
| | - Jiri Zavadil
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer WHO, Lyon, France.
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Looi CK, Gan LL, Sim W, Hii LW, Chung FFL, Leong CO, Lim WM, Mai CW. Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Restore Cancer Cell Sensitivity towards T Lymphocytes Mediated Cytotoxicity in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153709. [PMID: 35954379 PMCID: PMC9367398 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite medical advancements, the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has not improved significantly over the past 50 years. By utilising the large-scale genomic datasets available from the Australia Pancreatic Cancer Project (PACA-AU) and The Cancer Genomic Atlas Project (TCGA-PAAD), we studied the immunophenotype of PDAC in silico and identified that tumours with high cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) killing activity were associated with favourable clinical outcomes. Using the STRING protein–protein interaction network analysis, the identified differentially expressed genes with low CTL killing activity were associated with TWIST/IL-6R, HDAC5, and EOMES signalling. Following Connectivity Map analysis, we identified 44 small molecules that could restore CTL sensitivity in the PDAC cells. Further high-throughput chemical library screening identified 133 inhibitors that effectively target both parental and CTL-resistant PDAC cells in vitro. Since CTL-resistant PDAC had a higher expression of histone proteins and its acetylated proteins compared to its parental cells, we further investigated the impact of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) on CTL-mediated cytotoxicity in PDAC cells in vitro, namely SW1990 and BxPC3. Further analyses revealed that givinostat and dacinostat were the two most potent HDAC inhibitors that restored CTL sensitivity in SW1990 and BxPC3 CTL-resistant cells. Through our in silico and in vitro studies, we demonstrate the novel role of HDAC inhibition in restoring CTL resistance and that combinations of HDACi with CTL may represent a promising therapeutic strategy, warranting its further detailed molecular mechanistic studies and animal studies before embarking on the clinical evaluation of these novel combined PDAC treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-King Looi
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-K.L.); (L.-L.G.)
| | - Li-Lian Gan
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-K.L.); (L.-L.G.)
- Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Seremban 70300, Malaysia
| | - Wynne Sim
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
| | - Ling-Wei Hii
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.-W.H.); (C.-O.L.); (W.-M.L.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.-W.H.); (C.-O.L.); (W.-M.L.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- AGTC Genomics, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Wei-Meng Lim
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.-W.H.); (C.-O.L.); (W.-M.L.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Chun-Wai Mai
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.-W.H.); (C.-O.L.); (W.-M.L.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Pudong New District, Shanghai 200127, China
- Correspondence: or
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8
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Pua LJW, Mai CW, Chung FFL, Khoo ASB, Leong CO, Lim WM, Hii LW. Functional Roles of JNK and p38 MAPK Signaling in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031108. [PMID: 35163030 PMCID: PMC8834850 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [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: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members integrate signals that affect proliferation, differentiation, survival, and migration in a cell context- and cell type-specific way. JNK and p38 MAPK activities are found upregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Studies have shown that activation of JNK and p38 MAPK signaling can promote NPC oncogenesis by mechanisms within the cancer cells and interactions with the tumor microenvironment. They regulate multiple transcription activities and contribute to tumor-promoting processes, ranging from cell proliferation to apoptosis, inflammation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Current literature suggests that JNK and p38 MAPK activation may exert pro-tumorigenic functions in NPC, though the underlying mechanisms are not well documented and have yet to be fully explored. Here, we aim to provide a narrative review of JNK and p38 MAPK pathways in human cancers with a primary focus on NPC. We also discuss the potential therapeutic agents that could be used to target JNK and p38 MAPK signaling in NPC, along with perspectives for future works. We aim to inspire future studies further delineating JNK and p38 MAPK signaling in NPC oncogenesis which might offer important insights for better strategies in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment decision-making in NPC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Jia Wei Pua
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.J.W.P.); (C.-O.L.)
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-W.M.); (A.S.-B.K.)
| | - Chun-Wai Mai
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-W.M.); (A.S.-B.K.)
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Alan Soo-Beng Khoo
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-W.M.); (A.S.-B.K.)
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.J.W.P.); (C.-O.L.)
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-W.M.); (A.S.-B.K.)
- AGTC Genomics, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Wei-Meng Lim
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-W.M.); (A.S.-B.K.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (W.-M.L.); (L.-W.H.)
| | - Ling-Wei Hii
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-W.M.); (A.S.-B.K.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (W.-M.L.); (L.-W.H.)
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9
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Bošković M, Roje B, Chung FFL, Gelemanović A, Cahais V, Cuenin C, Khoueiry R, Vilović K, Herceg Z, Terzić J. DNA Methylome Changes of Muscle- and Neuronal-Related Processes Precede Bladder Cancer Invasiveness. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:487. [PMID: 35158756 PMCID: PMC8833512 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030487] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is the ninth leading cause of cancer death with one of the highest recurrence rates among all cancers. One of the main risks for BC development is exposure to nitrosamines present in tobacco smoke or in other products. Aberrant epigenetic (DNA methylation) changes accompanied by deregulated gene expression are an important element of cancer pathogenesis. Therefore, we aimed to determine DNA methylation signatures and their impacts on gene expression in mice treated with N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN), a carcinogen similar to compounds found in tobacco smoke. Following BBN administration mice developed non-invasive or invasive bladder cancers. Surprisingly, muscle- and neuronal-related pathways emerged as the most affected in those tumors. Hypo- and hypermethylation changes were present within non-invasive BC, across CpGs mapping to the genes involved in muscle- and neuronal-related pathways, however, methylation differences were not sufficient to affect the expression of the majority of associated genes. Conversely, invasive tumors displayed hypermethylation changes that were linked with alterations in gene expression profiles. Together, these findings indicate that bladder cancer progression could be revealed through methylation profiling at the pre-invasive cancer stage that could assist monitoring of cancer patients and guide novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bošković
- Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.B.); (B.R.); (K.V.)
| | - Blanka Roje
- Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.B.); (B.R.); (K.V.)
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69008 Lyon, France; (F.F.-L.C.); (V.C.); (C.C.); (R.K.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Andrea Gelemanović
- Biology of Robustness Group, Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences (MedILS), Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića 45, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Vincent Cahais
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69008 Lyon, France; (F.F.-L.C.); (V.C.); (C.C.); (R.K.)
| | - Cyrille Cuenin
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69008 Lyon, France; (F.F.-L.C.); (V.C.); (C.C.); (R.K.)
| | - Rita Khoueiry
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69008 Lyon, France; (F.F.-L.C.); (V.C.); (C.C.); (R.K.)
| | - Katarina Vilović
- Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.B.); (B.R.); (K.V.)
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69008 Lyon, France; (F.F.-L.C.); (V.C.); (C.C.); (R.K.)
| | - Janoš Terzić
- Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.B.); (B.R.); (K.V.)
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10
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Nwanaji-Enwerem JC, Chung FFL, Van der Laan L, Novoloaca A, Cuenin C, Johansson H, Bonanni B, Hubbard AE, Smith MT, Hartman SJ, Cardenas A, Sears DD, Herceg Z. An epigenetic aging analysis of randomized metformin and weight loss interventions in overweight postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:224. [PMID: 34920739 PMCID: PMC8684118 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01218-y] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin and weight loss relationships with epigenetic age measures-biological aging biomarkers-remain understudied. We performed a post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial among overweight/obese breast cancer survivors (N = 192) assigned to metformin, placebo, weight loss with metformin, or weight loss with placebo interventions for 6 months. Epigenetic age was correlated with chronological age (r = 0.20-0.86; P < 0.005). However, no significant epigenetic aging associations were observed by intervention arms. Consistent with published reports in non-cancer patients, 6 months of metformin therapy may be inadequate to observe expected epigenetic age deceleration. Longer duration studies are needed to better characterize these relationships.Trial Registration: Registry Name: ClincialTrials.Gov.Registration Number: NCT01302379.Date of Registration: February 2011.URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01302379.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamaji C Nwanaji-Enwerem
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Center for Computational Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Lars Van der Laan
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Center for Computational Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Alexei Novoloaca
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Cyrille Cuenin
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Harriet Johansson
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti, 435 - 20141, Milan, Italy
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Bernardo Bonanni
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti, 435 - 20141, Milan, Italy
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Alan E Hubbard
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Center for Computational Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Martyn T Smith
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Center for Computational Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sheri J Hartman
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Center for Computational Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Dorothy D Sears
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
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11
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Liew K, Yu GQS, Wei Pua LJ, Wong LZ, Tham SY, Hii LW, Lim WM, OuYong BM, Looi CK, Mai CW, Fei-Lei Chung F, Tan LP, Ahmad M, Soo-Beng Khoo A, Leong CO. Parallel genome-wide RNAi screens identify lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) as a targetable vulnerability of cell proliferation and chemoresistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2021; 504:81-90. [PMID: 33587980 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent in advances in the management of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), development of targeted therapy remains challenging particularly in patients with recurrent or metastatic disease. To search for clinically relevant targets for the treatment of NPC, we carried out parallel genome-wide functional screens to identified essential genes that are required for NPC cells proliferation and cisplatin resistance. We identified lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) as a key vulnerability of both proliferation and cisplatin resistance. Depletion of endogenous LCK or treatment of cells with LCK inhibitor induced tumor-specific cell death and synergized cisplatin sensitivity in EBV-positive C666-1 and EBV-negative SUNE1 cells. Further analyses demonstrated that LCK is regulating the proliferation and cisplatin resistance through activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5). Taken together, our study provides a molecular basis for targeting LCK and STAT5 signaling as potential druggable targets for the management of NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitson Liew
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Gibson Qi Sheng Yu
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lesley Jia Wei Pua
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Li Zhe Wong
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shiau Ying Tham
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ling-Wei Hii
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wei-Meng Lim
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Brian Ming OuYong
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chin King Looi
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chun-Wai Mai
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis Section (MCA), Epigenetics Group (EGE), International Agency for Research on Cancer World Health Organization, Lyon CEDEX 08, France
| | - Lu Ping Tan
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Munirah Ahmad
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Alan Soo-Beng Khoo
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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12
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Looi CK, Hii LW, Chung FFL, Mai CW, Lim WM, Leong CO. Roles of Inflammasomes in Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Nasopharyngeal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1786. [PMID: 33918087 PMCID: PMC8069343 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is recognised as one of the causative agents in most nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cases. Expression of EBV viral antigens can induce host's antiviral immune response by activating the inflammasomes to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. These cytokines are known to be detrimental to a wide range of virus-infected cells, in which they can activate an inflammatory cell death program, called pyroptosis. However, aberrant inflammasome activation and production of its downstream cytokines lead to chronic inflammation that may contribute to various diseases, including NPC. In this review, we summarise the roles of inflammasomes during viral infection, how EBV evades inflammasome-mediated immune response, and progress into tumourigenesis. The contrasting roles of inflammasomes in cancer, as well as the current therapeutic approaches used in targeting inflammasomes, are also discussed in this review. While the inflammasomes appear to have dual roles in carcinogenesis, there are still many questions that remain unanswered. In particular, the exact molecular mechanism responsible for the regulation of the inflammasomes during carcinogenesis of EBV-associated NPC has not been explored thoroughly. Furthermore, the current practical application of inflammasome inhibitors is limited to specific tumour types, hence, further studies are warranted to discover the potential of targeting the inflammasomes for the treatment of NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin King Looi
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.K.L.); (L.-W.H.)
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-W.M.); (W.-M.L.)
| | - Ling-Wei Hii
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.K.L.); (L.-W.H.)
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-W.M.); (W.-M.L.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis Section (MCA), Epigenetics Group (EGE), International Agency for Research on Cancer World Health Organisation, CEDEX 08 Lyon, France;
| | - Chun-Wai Mai
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-W.M.); (W.-M.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Wei-Meng Lim
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-W.M.); (W.-M.L.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-W.M.); (W.-M.L.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
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13
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Hii LW, Chung FFL, Mai CW, Ng PY, Leong CO. Sphingosine Kinase 1 Signaling in Breast Cancer: A Potential Target to Tackle Breast Cancer Stem Cells. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:748470. [PMID: 34820423 PMCID: PMC8606534 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.748470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine kinases (SPHKs) are conserved lipid enzymes that catalyze the formation of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) through ATP-dependent phosphorylation of sphingosine. Two distinct SPHK isoforms, namely SPHK1 and SPHK2, have been identified to date, and the former has been implicated for its oncogenic roles in cancer development and progression. While SPHK1 signaling axis has been extensively studied in non-stem breast cancer cells, recent evidence has emerged to suggest a role of SPHK1 in regulating cancer stem cells (CSCs). With the clinical implications of CSCs in disease relapse and metastasis, it is believed that therapeutic approaches that can eradicate both non-stem cancer cells and CSCs could be a key to cancer cure. In this review, we first explore the oncogenic functions of sphingosine kinase 1 in human cancers and summarize current research findings of SPHK1 signaling with a focus on breast cancer. We also discuss the therapeutic potentials and perspectives of targeting SPHK1 signaling in breast cancer and cancer stem cells. We aim to offer new insights and inspire future studies looking further into the regulatory functions of SPHK1 in CSC-driven tumorigenesis, uncovering novel therapeutic avenues of using SPHK1-targeted therapy in the treatment of CSC-enriched refractory cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Wei Hii
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Chun-Wai Mai
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, School of Medicine, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei Yuen Ng
- Drug and Herbal Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Chee-Onn Leong,
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14
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Hii LW, Chung FFL, Mai CW, Yee ZY, Chan HH, Raja VJ, Dephoure NE, Pyne NJ, Pyne S, Leong CO. Sphingosine Kinase 1 Regulates the Survival of Breast Cancer Stem Cells and Non-stem Breast Cancer Cells by Suppression of STAT1. Cells 2020; 9:E886. [PMID: 32260399 PMCID: PMC7226795 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent rare tumor cell populations capable of self-renewal, differentiation, and tumor initiation and are highly resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Thus, therapeutic approaches that can effectively target CSCs and tumor cells could be the key to efficient tumor treatment. In this study, we explored the function of SPHK1 in breast CSCs and non-CSCs. We showed that RNAi-mediated knockdown of SPHK1 inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in both breast CSCs and non-CSCs, while ectopic expression of SPHK1 enhanced breast CSC survival and mammosphere forming efficiency. We identified STAT1 and IFN signaling as key regulatory targets of SPHK1 and demonstrated that an important mechanism by which SPHK1 promotes cancer cell survival is through the suppression of STAT1. We further demonstrated that SPHK1 inhibitors, FTY720 and PF543, synergized with doxorubicin in targeting both breast CSCs and non-CSCs. In conclusion, we provide important evidence that SPHK1 is a key regulator of cell survival and proliferation in breast CSCs and non-CSCs and is an attractive target for the design of future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Wei Hii
- Centre for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.-W.H.); (C.W.M.); (Z.Y.Y.); (H.H.C.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis Section (MCA), Epigenetics Group (EGE) International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, 69372 Lyon, France;
| | - Chun Wai Mai
- Centre for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.-W.H.); (C.W.M.); (Z.Y.Y.); (H.H.C.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Zong Yang Yee
- Centre for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.-W.H.); (C.W.M.); (Z.Y.Y.); (H.H.C.)
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Hong Hao Chan
- Centre for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.-W.H.); (C.W.M.); (Z.Y.Y.); (H.H.C.)
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Vijay Joseph Raja
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA; (V.J.R.); (N.E.D.)
| | - Noah Elias Dephoure
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA; (V.J.R.); (N.E.D.)
| | - Nigel J. Pyne
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, Scotland, UK; (N.J.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Susan Pyne
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, Scotland, UK; (N.J.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- Centre for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.-W.H.); (C.W.M.); (Z.Y.Y.); (H.H.C.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
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15
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Hii LW, Chung FFL, Soo JSS, Tan BS, Mai CW, Leong CO. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and doxorubicin combinations target both breast cancer stem cells and non-stem breast cancer cells simultaneously. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2020; 179:615-629. [PMID: 31784862 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-019-05504-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cancer cells that have high capability for self-renewal, differentiation, and tumor initiation. CSCs are resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and are responsible for cancer recurrence and metastasis. METHODS By utilizing a panel of breast cancer cells and mammospheres culture as cell-based screening platforms, we performed high-throughput chemical library screens to identify agents that are effective against breast CSCs and non-CSCs. The hit molecules were paired with conventional chemotherapy to evaluate the combinatorial treatment effects on breast CSCs and non-CSCs. RESULTS We identified a total of 193 inhibitors that effectively targeting both breast CSCs and non-CSCs. We observed that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) synergized conventional chemotherapeutic agents (i.e., doxorubicin and cisplatin) in targeting breast CSCs and non-CSCs simultaneously. Further analyses revealed that quisinostat, a potent inhibitor for class I and II HDACs, potentiated doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity in both breast CSCs and non-CSCs derived from the basal-like (MDA-MB-468 and HCC38), mesenchymal-like (MDA-MB-231), and luminal-like breast cancer (MCF-7). It was also observed that the basal-like breast CSCs and non-CSCs were more sensitive to the co-treatment of quisinostat with doxorubicin compared to that of the luminal-like breast cancer subtype. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of HDACi as therapeutic options, either as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapeutics against refractory breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Wei Hii
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, No. 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, 57000, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, 57000, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis Section (MCA), Epigenetics Group (EGE), International Agency for Research on Cancer World Health Organization, 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69372, Lyon Cedex 08, France
| | - Jaslyn Sian-Siu Soo
- Cancer Research Malaysia, Sime Darby Medical Centre, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Boon Shing Tan
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, 128, Academia Road Sec. 2, Nankang, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wai Mai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, 57000, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, 57000, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, No. 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, 57000, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Centre for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, 57000, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Chung FFL, Herceg Z. The Promises and Challenges of Toxico-Epigenomics: Environmental Chemicals and Their Impacts on the Epigenome. Environ Health Perspect 2020; 128:15001. [PMID: 31950866 PMCID: PMC7015548 DOI: 10.1289/ehp6104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been estimated that a substantial portion of chronic and noncommunicable diseases can be caused or exacerbated by exposure to environmental chemicals. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that early life exposure to environmental chemicals at relatively low concentrations could have lasting effects on individual and population health. Although the potential adverse effects of environmental chemicals are known to the scientific community, regulatory agencies, and the public, little is known about the mechanistic basis by which these chemicals can induce long-term or transgenerational effects. To address this question, epigenetic mechanisms have emerged as the potential link between genetic and environmental factors of health and disease. OBJECTIVES We present an overview of epigenetic regulation and a summary of reported evidence of environmental toxicants as epigenetic disruptors. We also discuss the advantages and challenges of using epigenetic biomarkers as an indicator of toxicant exposure, using measures that can be taken to improve risk assessment, and our perspectives on the future role of epigenetics in toxicology. DISCUSSION Until recently, efforts to apply epigenomic data in toxicology and risk assessment were restricted by an incomplete understanding of epigenomic variability across tissue types and populations. This is poised to change with the development of new tools and concerted efforts by researchers across disciplines that have led to a better understanding of epigenetic mechanisms and comprehensive maps of epigenomic variation. With the foundations now in place, we foresee that unprecedented advancements will take place in the field in the coming years. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6104.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
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17
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Song DSS, Leong SW, Ng KW, Abas F, Shaari K, Leong CO, Chung FFL, Mai CW, Hii LW, Tan PJ, Patel V. Novel 2-Benzoyl-6-(2,3-Dimethoxybenzylidene)-Cyclohexenol Confers Selectivity toward Human MLH1 Defective Cancer Cells through Synthetic Lethality. SLAS Discov 2019; 24:548-562. [PMID: 30897027 DOI: 10.1177/2472555219831405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency has been associated with a higher risk of developing colorectal, endometrial, and ovarian cancer, and confers resistance in conventional chemotherapy. In addition to the lack of treatment options that work efficaciously on these MMR-deficient cancer patients, there is a great need to discover new drug leads for this purpose. In this study, we screened through a library of commercial and semisynthetic natural compounds to identify potential synthetic lethal drugs that may selectively target MLH1 mutants using MLH1 isogenic colorectal cancer cell lines and various cancer cell lines with known MLH1 status. We identified a novel diarylpentanoid analogue, 2-benzoyl-6-(2,3-dimethoxybenzylidene)-cyclohexenol, coded as AS13, that demonstrated selective toxicity toward MLH1-deficient cancer cells. Subsequent analysis suggested AS13 induced elevated levels of oxidative stress, resulting in DNA damage where only the proficient MLH1 cells were able to be repaired and hence escaping cellular death. While AS13 is modest in potency and selectivity, this discovery has the potential to lead to further drug development that may offer better treatment options for cancer patients with MLH1 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sze Wei Leong
- 2 Laboratory of Natural Products, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kwok Wen Ng
- 1 Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Faridah Abas
- 2 Laboratory of Natural Products, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
- 3 Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Khozirah Shaari
- 2 Laboratory of Natural Products, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
- 4 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee Onn Leong
- 5 Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Malaysia
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- 5 Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Malaysia
| | - Chun Wai Mai
- 5 Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Malaysia
- 6 School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Malaysia
| | - Ling Wei Hii
- 5 Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Malaysia
| | - Pei Jean Tan
- 1 Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vyomesh Patel
- 1 Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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18
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Looi CK, Chung FFL, Leong CO, Wong SF, Rosli R, Mai CW. Therapeutic challenges and current immunomodulatory strategies in targeting the immunosuppressive pancreatic tumor microenvironment. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2019; 38:162. [PMID: 30987642 PMCID: PMC6463646 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1153-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [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: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal type of cancers, with an overall five-year survival rate of less than 5%. It is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage with limited therapeutic options. To date, no effective treatment options have demonstrated long-term benefits in advanced pancreatic cancer patients. Compared with other cancers, pancreatic cancer exhibits remarkable resistance to conventional therapy and possesses a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). MAIN BODY In this review, we summarized the evidence and unique properties of TME in pancreatic cancer that may contribute to its resistance towards immunotherapies as well as strategies to overcome those barriers. We reviewed the current strategies and future perspectives of combination therapies that (1) promote T cell priming through tumor associated antigen presentation; (2) inhibit tumor immunosuppressive environment; and (3) break-down the desmoplastic barrier which improves tumor infiltrating lymphocytes entry into the TME. CONCLUSIONS It is imperative for clinicians and scientists to understand tumor immunology, identify novel biomarkers, and optimize the position of immunotherapy in therapeutic sequence, in order to improve pancreatic cancer clinical trial outcomes. Our collaborative efforts in targeting pancreatic TME will be the mainstay of achieving better clinical prognosis among pancreatic cancer patients. Ultimately, pancreatic cancer will be a treatable medical condition instead of a death sentence for a patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-King Looi
- 0000 0000 8946 5787grid.411729.8School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis Section (MCA), Epigenetics Group (EGE) International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, Lyon, France
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- 0000 0000 8946 5787grid.411729.8School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- 0000 0000 8946 5787grid.411729.8Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shew-Fung Wong
- 0000 0000 8946 5787grid.411729.8School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rozita Rosli
- 0000 0001 2231 800Xgrid.11142.37UPM-MAKNA Cancer Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Sri Kembangan, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Chun-Wai Mai
- 0000 0000 8946 5787grid.411729.8School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- 0000 0000 8946 5787grid.411729.8Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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19
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Er JL, Goh PN, Lee CY, Tan YJ, Hii LW, Mai CW, Chung FFL, Leong CO. Identification of inhibitors synergizing gemcitabine sensitivity in the squamous subtype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Apoptosis 2018; 23:343-355. [PMID: 29740790 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-018-1459-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [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] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer with a high chance of recurrence, limited treatment options, and poor prognosis. A recent study has classified pancreatic cancers into four molecular subtypes: (1) squamous, (2) immunogenic, (3) pancreatic progenitor and (4) aberrantly differentiated endocrine exocrine. Among all the subtypes, the squamous subtype has the worst prognosis. This study aims to utilize large scale genomic datasets and computational systems biology to identify potential drugs targeting the squamous subtype of PDAC through combination therapy. Using the transcriptomic data available from the International Cancer Genome Consortium, Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia and Connectivity Map, we identified 26 small molecules that could target the squamous subtype of PDAC. Among them include inhibitors targeting the SRC proto-oncogene (SRC) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2). Further analyses demonstrated that the SRC inhibitors (dasatinib and PP2) and MEK1/2 inhibitor (pimasertib) synergized gemcitabine sensitivity specifically in the squamous subtype of PDAC cells (SW1990 and BxPC3), but not in the PDAC progenitor cells (AsPC1). Further analysis revealed that the synergistic effects are dependent on SRC or MEK1/2 activities, as overexpression of SRC or MEK1/2 completely abrogated the synergistic effects SRC inhibitors (dasatinib and PP2) and MEK1/2 inhibitor (pimasertib). In contrast, no significant toxicity was observed in the MRC5 human lung fibroblast and ARPE-19 human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Together, our findings suggest that combinations of SRC or MEK inhibitors with gemcitabine possess synergistic effects on the squamous subtype of PDAC cells and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Lin Er
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126 Jalan 19/155B, 57000, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pei Ni Goh
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126 Jalan 19/155B, 57000, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chen Yuan Lee
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126 Jalan 19/155B, 57000, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ying Jie Tan
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126 Jalan 19/155B, 57000, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ling-Wei Hii
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126 Jalan 19/155B, 57000, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, 57000, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chun Wai Mai
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126 Jalan 19/155B, 57000, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, 57000, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, 57000, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis Section (MCA), Epigenetics Group (EGE), International Agency for Research on Cancer World Health Organization, 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69372, Lyon CEDEX 08, France
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126 Jalan 19/155B, 57000, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, 57000, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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20
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Rasol NE, Ahmad FB, Lim XY, Chung FFL, Leong CO, Mai CW, Bihud NV, Zaki HM, Ismail NH. Cytotoxic lactam and naphthoquinone alkaloids from roots of Goniothalamus lanceolatus Miq. Phytochemistry Letters 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phytol.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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21
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Tiong KH, Tan BS, Choo HL, Chung FFL, Hii LW, Tan SH, Khor NTW, Wong SF, See SJ, Tan YF, Rosli R, Cheong SK, Leong CO. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) and fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) autocrine enhance breast cancer cells survival. Oncotarget 2018; 7:57633-57650. [PMID: 27192118 PMCID: PMC5295378 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal-like breast cancer is an aggressive tumor subtype with poor prognosis. The discovery of underlying mechanisms mediating tumor cell survival, and the development of novel agents to target these pathways, is a priority for patients with basal-like breast cancer. From a functional screen to identify key drivers of basal-like breast cancer cell growth, we identified fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) as a potential mediator of cell survival. We found that FGFR4 mediates cancer cell survival predominantly via activation of PI3K/AKT. Importantly, a subset of basal-like breast cancer cells also secrete fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), a canonical ligand specific for FGFR4. siRNA-mediated silencing of FGF19 or neutralization of extracellular FGF19 by anti-FGF19 antibody (1A6) decreases AKT phosphorylation, suppresses cancer cell growth and enhances doxorubicin sensitivity only in the FGFR4+/FGF19+ breast cancer cells. Consistently, FGFR4/FGF19 co-expression was also observed in 82 out of 287 (28.6%) primary breast tumors, and their expression is strongly associated with AKT phosphorylation, Ki-67 staining, higher tumor stage and basal-like phenotype. In summary, our results demonstrated the presence of an FGFR4/FGF19 autocrine signaling that mediates the survival of a subset of basal-like breast cancer cells and suggest that inactivation of this autocrine loop may potentially serve as a novel therapeutic intervention for future treatment of breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Hung Tiong
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Oral Cancer Research and Coordinating Center (OCRCC), Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation, Sime Darby Medical Centre, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Boon Shing Tan
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Heng Lungh Choo
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ling-Wei Hii
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Si Hoey Tan
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nelson Tze Woei Khor
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Shew Fung Wong
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sze-Jia See
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yuen-Fen Tan
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rozita Rosli
- UPM-MAKNA Cancer Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Soon-Keng Cheong
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Tunku Abdul Rahman, Bandar Sungai Long, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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22
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Yeong KY, Tan SC, Mai CW, Leong CO, Chung FFL, Lee YK, Chee CF, Abdul Rahman N. Contrasting sirtuin and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase activities of selected 2,4,6-trisubstituted benzimidazoles. Chem Biol Drug Des 2018; 91:213-219. [PMID: 28719017 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13072] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Both sirtuin and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) family of enzymes utilize NAD+ as co-substrate. Inhibitors of sirtuins and PARPs are important tools in drug discovery as they are reported to be linked to multiple diseases such as cancer. New potent sirtuin inhibitors (2,4,6-trisubstituted benzimidazole) were discovered from reported PARP inhibitor scaffold. Interestingly, the synthesized compounds have contrasting sirtuin and PARP-1 inhibitory activities. We showed that modification on benzimidazoles may alter their selectivity toward sirtuin or PARP-1 enzymes. This offers an opportunity for further discovery and development of new promising sirtuin inhibitors. Molecular docking studies were carried out to aid the rationalization of these observations. Preliminary antiproliferative studies of selected compounds against nasopharyngeal cancer cells also showed relatively promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keng Yoon Yeong
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia Campus, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Soo Choon Tan
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Chun-Wai Mai
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yean Kee Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chin Fei Chee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Al-Khdhairawi AAQ, Krishnan P, Mai CW, Chung FFL, Leong CO, Yong KT, Chong KW, Low YY, Kam TS, Lim KH. A Bis-benzopyrroloisoquinoline Alkaloid Incorporating a Cyclobutane Core and a Chlorophenanthroindolizidine Alkaloid with Cytotoxic Activity from Ficus fistulosa var. tengerensis. J Nat Prod 2017; 80:2734-2740. [PMID: 28926237 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.7b00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Tengerensine (1), isolated as a racemate and constituted from a pair of bis-benzopyrroloisoquinoline enantiomers, and tengechlorenine (2), purified as a scalemic mixture and constituted from a pair of chlorinated phenanthroindolizidine enantiomers, were isolated from the leaves of Ficus fistulosa var. tengerensis, along with three other known alkaloids. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by spectroscopic data interpretation and X-ray diffraction analysis. The enantiomers of 1 were separated by chiral-phase HPLC, and the absolute configurations of (+)-1 and (-)-1 were established via experimental and calculated ECD data. Compound 1 is notable in being a rare unsymmetrical cyclobutane adduct and is the first example of a dimeric benzopyrroloisoquinoline alkaloid, while compound 2 represents the first naturally occurring halogenated phenanthroindolizidine alkaloid. Compound (+)-1 displayed a selective in vitro cytotoxic effect against MDA-MB-468 cells (IC50 7.4 μM), while compound 2 showed pronounced in vitro cytotoxic activity against all three breast cancer cell lines tested (MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231, and MCF7; IC50 values of 0.038-0.91 μM).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Premanand Krishnan
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus , Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chun-Wai Mai
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University , Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University , Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University , Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University , Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kien-Thai Yong
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya , 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kam-Weng Chong
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya , 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yun-Yee Low
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya , 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Toh-Seok Kam
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya , 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kuan-Hon Lim
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus , Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
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24
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Ong LC, Tan YF, Tan BS, Chung FFL, Cheong SK, Leong CO. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) inhibit heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) signaling in human lung fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 329:347-357. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Chung FFL, Tan PFTM, Raja VJ, Tan BS, Lim KH, Kam TS, Hii LW, Tan SH, See SJ, Tan YF, Wong LZ, Yam WK, Mai CW, Bradshaw TD, Leong CO. Jerantinine A induces tumor-specific cell death through modulation of splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1). Sci Rep 2017; 7:42504. [PMID: 28198434 PMCID: PMC5309811 DOI: 10.1038/srep42504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) splicing is catalyzed by a large ribonucleoprotein complex known as the spliceosome. Numerous studies have indicated that aberrant splicing patterns or mutations in spliceosome components, including the splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1), are associated with hallmark cancer phenotypes. This has led to the identification and development of small molecules with spliceosome-modulating activity as potential anticancer agents. Jerantinine A (JA) is a novel indole alkaloid which displays potent anti-proliferative activities against human cancer cell lines by inhibiting tubulin polymerization and inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest. Using a combined pooled-genome wide shRNA library screen and global proteomic profiling, we showed that JA targets the spliceosome by up-regulating SF3B1 and SF3B3 protein in breast cancer cells. Notably, JA induced significant tumor-specific cell death and a significant increase in unspliced pre-mRNAs. In contrast, depletion of endogenous SF3B1 abrogated the apoptotic effects, but not the G2/M cell cycle arrest induced by JA. Further analyses showed that JA stabilizes endogenous SF3B1 protein in breast cancer cells and induced dissociation of the protein from the nucleosome complex. Together, these results demonstrate that JA exerts its antitumor activity by targeting SF3B1 and SF3B3 in addition to its reported targeting of tubulin polymerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Vijay Joseph Raja
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Boon-Shing Tan
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Hon Lim
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Toh-Seok Kam
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ling-Wei Hii
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Si Hoey Tan
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sze-Jia See
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yuen-Fen Tan
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Li-Zhe Wong
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wai Keat Yam
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chun Wai Mai
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tracey D. Bradshaw
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Soo HC, Chung FFL, Lim KH, Yap VA, Bradshaw TD, Hii LW, Tan SH, See SJ, Tan YF, Leong CO, Mai CW. Cudraflavone C Induces Tumor-Specific Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer Cells through Inhibition of the Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K)-AKT Pathway. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170551. [PMID: 28107519 PMCID: PMC5249192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cudraflavone C (Cud C) is a naturally-occurring flavonol with reported anti-proliferative activities. However, the mechanisms by which Cud C induced cytotoxicity have yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the effects of Cud C on cell proliferation, caspase activation andapoptosis induction in colorectal cancer cells (CRC). We show that Cud C inhibits cell proliferation in KM12, Caco-2, HT29, HCC2998, HCT116 and SW48 CRC but not in the non-transformed colorectal epithelial cells, CCD CoN 841. Cud C induces tumor-selective apoptosis via mitochondrial depolarization and activation of the intrinsic caspase pathway. Gene expression profiling by microarray analyses revealed that tumor suppressor genes EGR1, HUWE1 and SMG1 were significantly up-regulated while oncogenes such as MYB1, CCNB1 and GPX2 were down-regulated following treatment with Cud C. Further analyses using Connectivity Map revealed that Cud C induced a gene signature highly similar to that of protein synthesis inhibitors and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT inhibitors, suggesting that Cud C might inhibit PI3K-AKT signaling. A luminescent cell free PI3K lipid kinase assay revealed that Cud C significantly inhibited p110β/p85α PI3K activity, followed by p120γ, p110δ/p85α, and p110α/p85α PI3K activities. The inhibition by Cud C on p110β/p85α PI3K activity was comparable to LY-294002, a known PI3K inhibitor. Cud C also inhibited phosphorylation of AKT independent of NFκB activity in CRC cells, while ectopic expression of myristoylated AKT completely abrogated the anti-proliferative effects, and apoptosis induced by Cud C in CRC. These findings demonstrate that Cud C induces tumor-selective cytotoxicity by targeting the PI3K-AKT pathway. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanism of action of Cud C, and indicate that Cud C further development of Cud C derivatives as potential therapeutic agents is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Chuen Soo
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kuan-Hon Lim
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Jalan Broga, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Veronica Alicia Yap
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Jalan Broga, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Tracey D. Bradshaw
- School of Pharmacy, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ling-Wei Hii
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Si-Hoey Tan
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sze-Jia See
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yuen-Fen Tan
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chun-Wai Mai
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Mai CW, Chung FFL, Leong CO. Targeting Legumain As a Novel Therapeutic Strategy in Cancers. Curr Drug Targets 2017; 18:1259-1268. [PMID: 27993111 DOI: 10.2174/1389450117666161216125344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [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: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent reports indicate that the tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in cancer development and progression, leading to a paradigm shift in the way cancer is studied and targeted. In contrast to traditional approaches, where only tumor cells are targeted for the treatment, an emerging approach is to develop therapeutics which target the tumor microenvironment while complementing or enhancing current treatments. Legumain (LGMN) is a newly identified target which is highly expressed in the tumor microenvironment and in tumor cells, and holds potential both as a biomarker and as a therapeutic target. CONCLUSION This review will be the first to summarize the expression of LGMN in common cancers, as well as its roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis. This review also discusses the current developments and future prospects of targeting LGMN through the development of DNA vaccines, azopeptides, small molecule inhibitors and LGMN activated prodrugs, highlighting the potential of LGMN as a target for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wai Mai
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126 Jalan 19/155B, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia
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Soo JSS, Ng CH, Tan SH, Malik RA, Teh YC, Tan BS, Ho GF, See MH, Taib NAM, Yip CH, Chung FFL, Hii LW, Teo SH, Leong CO. Metformin synergizes 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FEC) combination therapy through impairing intracellular ATP production and DNA repair in breast cancer stem cells. Apoptosis 2016; 20:1373-87. [PMID: 26276035 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-015-1158-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Metformin, an AMPK activator, has been reported to improve pathological response to chemotherapy in diabetic breast cancer patients. To date, its mechanism of action in cancer, especially in cancer stem cells (CSCs) have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that metformin, but not other AMPK activators (e.g. AICAR and A-769662), synergizes 5-fluouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FEC) combination chemotherapy in non-stem breast cancer cells and breast cancer stem cells. We show that this occurs through an AMPK-dependent mechanism in parental breast cancer cell lines. In contrast, the synergistic effects of metformin and FEC occurred in an AMPK-independent mechanism in breast CSCs. Further analyses revealed that metformin accelerated glucose consumption and lactate production more severely in the breast CSCs but the production of intracellular ATP was severely hampered, leading to a severe energy crisis and impairs the ability of CSCs to repair FEC-induced DNA damage. Indeed, addition of extracellular ATP completely abrogated the synergistic effects of metformin on FEC sensitivity in breast CSCs. In conclusion, our results suggest that metformin synergizes FEC sensitivity through distinct mechanism in parental breast cancer cell lines and CSCs, thus providing further evidence for the clinical relevance of metformin for the treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaslyn Sian-Siu Soo
- Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation, Sime Darby Medical Centre, 1 Jalan SS12/1A, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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Chung FFL, Mai CW, Ng PY, Leong CO. Cytochrome P450 2W1 (CYP2W1) in Colorectal Cancers. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2016; 16:71-8. [PMID: 26563883 DOI: 10.2174/1568009616888151112095948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cytochrome P450, family 2, subfamily W, polypeptide 1 (CYP2W1) is a newly identified monooxygenase enzyme that is expressed specifically in tumor tissues and during fetal life. Particularly, high expression of CYP2W1 was observed in up to 60% of colorectal cancers and its expression correlated with poor survival. CYP2W1 has been shown to metabolize various endogenous substrates including lysophospholipids and several procarcinogens, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. The specific substrate for CYP2W1, however, is currently unknown. Due to its tumor-specific expression and its unique catalytic activities in colorectal cancers, CYP2W1 was deemed as an interesting target in colorectal cancer therapy. This review sought to summarize the current understanding of the CYP2W1 biology and biochemistry, its genetic polymorphisms and cancer risk, and its implication as a tumor-specific diagnostic and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Chee-Onn Leong
- Faculty of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126 Jalan 19/155B, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Hii LW, Chung FFL, Tan BS, Lim YM, Cheong SK, Leong CO. Abstract 3506: Targeting breast cancer stem cells and non-stem breast cancer cells through combination therapies. Cancer Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2015-3506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), as a subset of tumor cells with enhanced capacity to generate tumors, have recently been attributed to driving cancer recurrence and metastasis. Although the current CSC model highlights the importance of developing strategies to target CSCs, it is conceivable that the depletion of CSCs within a tumor would not lead to complete regression since non-CSCs might still be capable of sustaining tumor growth or regaining CSC potential. As either of these possibilities would confound the effectiveness of therapeutic agents that exclusively target CSCs, we aimed to rapidly identify combination therapies that could synergistically target both breast cancer cells and breast CSCs. Using a comprehensive small chemical library screen consisting of more than 1600 compounds, we identified a total of 193 small molecules, including 45 FDA approved drugs, which could target both breast CSCs and non-CSCs. When combined with conventional chemotherapeutic agents (e.g. cisplatin, doxorubicin or paclitaxel), histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors exhibited significant synergistic effects in targeting both breast CSCs and non-CSCs. In summary, our data suggests that HDAC inhibitors represent a class of agents that could synergize with chemotherapeutic agents in refractory breast cancer cells and warrant further investigations.
Citation Format: Ling-Wei Hii, Felicia Fei-Lei Chung, Boon-Shing Tan, Yang Mooi Lim, Soon-Keng Cheong, Chee-Onn Leong. Targeting breast cancer stem cells and non-stem breast cancer cells through combination therapies. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3506. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3506
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Wei Hii
- 1International Medical University, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Boon-Shing Tan
- 1International Medical University, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Chee-Onn Leong
- 1International Medical University, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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