1
|
MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bharadwaj AG, McLean ME, Dahn ML, Cahill HF, Wasson MD, Arun RP, Walker OL, Cruickshank BM, Fernando W, Venkatesh J, Barnes PJ, Bethune G, Knapp G, Helyer LK, Giacomantonio CA, Waisman DM, Marcato P. ALDH1A3 promotes invasion and metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer by regulating the plasminogen activation pathway. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:91-112. [PMID: 37753740 PMCID: PMC10766202 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13528] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A3 (ALDH1A3) is a cancer stem cell marker that promotes metastasis. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression has been linked to ALDH1A3-induced gene expression changes. To investigate the mechanism of ALDH1A3-mediated breast cancer metastasis, we assessed the effect of ALDH1A3 on the expression of proteases and the regulators of proteases that degrade the extracellular matrix, a process that is essential for invasion and metastasis. This revealed that ALDH1A3 regulates the plasminogen activation pathway; it increased the levels and activity of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). This resulted in a corresponding increase in the activity of serine protease plasmin, the enzymatic product of tPA and uPA. The ALDH1A3 product all-trans-retinoic acid similarly increased tPA and plasmin activity. The increased invasion of TNBC cells by ALDH1A3 was plasminogen-dependent. In patient tumours, ALDH1A3 and tPA are co-expressed and their combined expression correlated with the TNBC subtype, high tumour grade and recurrent metastatic disease. Knockdown of tPA in TNBC cells inhibited plasmin generation and lymph node metastasis. These results identify the ALDH1A3-tPA-plasmin axis as a key contributor to breast cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gregory Knapp
- Department of SurgeryDalhousie UniversityHalifaxCanada
| | | | - Carman A. Giacomantonio
- Department of PathologyDalhousie UniversityHalifaxCanada
- Department of SurgeryDalhousie UniversityHalifaxCanada
| | - David M. Waisman
- Department of PathologyDalhousie UniversityHalifaxCanada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyDalhousie UniversityHalifaxCanada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of PathologyDalhousie UniversityHalifaxCanada
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyDalhousie UniversityHalifaxCanada
- Nova Scotia Health AuthorityHalifaxCanada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Walker OL, Dahn ML, Power Coombs MR, Marcato P. The Prostaglandin E2 Pathway and Breast Cancer Stem Cells: Evidence of Increased Signaling and Potential Targeting. Front Oncol 2022; 11:791696. [PMID: 35127497 PMCID: PMC8807694 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.791696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Culprits of cancer development, metastasis, and drug resistance, cancer stem cells (CSCs) are characterized by specific markers, active developmental signaling pathways, metabolic plasticity, increased motility, invasiveness, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In breast cancer, these cells are often more prominent in aggressive disease, are amplified in drug-resistant tumors, and contribute to recurrence. For breast cancer, two distinct CSC populations exist and are typically defined by CD44+/CD24- cell surface marker expression or increased aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. These CSC populations share many of the same properties but also exhibit signaling pathways that are more active in CD44+/CD24- or ALDH+ populations. Understanding these CSC populations and their shared or specific signaling pathways may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that will improve breast cancer patient outcomes. Herein, we review the current evidence and assess published patient tumor datasets of sorted breast CSC populations for evidence of heightened prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signaling and activity in these breast CSC populations. PGE2 is a biologically active lipid mediator and in cancer PGE2 promotes tumor progression and poor patient prognosis. Overall, the data suggests that PGE2 signaling is important in propagating breast CSCs by enhancing inherent tumor-initiating capacities. Development of anti-PGE2 signaling therapeutics may be beneficial in inhibiting tumor growth and limiting breast CSC populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Melanie R. Power Coombs
- Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- *Correspondence: Paola Marcato,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dahn ML, Walsh HR, Dean CA, Giacomantonio MA, Fernando W, Murphy JP, Walker OL, Wasson MCD, Gujar S, Pinto DM, Marcato P. Metabolite profiling reveals a connection between aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A3 and GABA metabolism in breast cancer metastasis. Metabolomics 2022; 18:9. [PMID: 34989902 PMCID: PMC8739322 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-021-01864-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A3 (ALDH1A3) is a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker and in breast cancer it is associated with triple-negative/basal-like subtypes and aggressive disease. Studies on the mechanisms of ALDH1A3 in cancer have primarily focused on gene expression changes induced by the enzyme; however, its effects on metabolism have thus far been unstudied and may reveal novel mechanisms of pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE Determine how ALDH1A3 alters the metabolite profile in breast cancer cells and assess potential impacts. METHOD Triple-negative MDA-MB-231 tumors and cells with manipulated ALDH1A3 levels were assessed by HPLC-MS metabolomics and metabolite data was integrated with transcriptome data. Mice harboring MDA-MB-231 tumors with or without altered ALDH1A3 expression were treated with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or placebo. Effects on tumor growth, and lungs and brain metastasis were quantified by staining of fixed thin sections and quantitative PCR. Breast cancer patient datasets from TCGA, METABRIC and GEO were used to assess the co-expression of GABA pathway genes with ALDH1A3. RESULTS Integrated metabolomic and transcriptome data identified GABA metabolism as a primary dysregulated pathway in ALDH1A3 expressing breast tumors. Both ALDH1A3 and GABA treatment enhanced metastasis. Patient dataset analyses revealed expression association between ALDH1A3 and GABA pathway genes and corresponding increased risk of metastasis. CONCLUSION This study revealed a novel pathway affected by ALDH1A3, GABA metabolism. Like ALDH1A3 expression, GABA treatment promotes metastasis. Given the clinical use of GABA mimics to relieve chemotherapy-induced peripheral nerve pain, further study of the effects of GABA in breast cancer progression is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret L Dahn
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Hayley R Walsh
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Cheryl A Dean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | | | - J Patrick Murphy
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
| | - Olivia L Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Shashi Gujar
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Devanand M Pinto
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Rm 11C1, 5850 College Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cruickshank BM, Wasson MCD, Brown JM, Fernando W, Venkatesh J, Walker OL, Morales-Quintanilla F, Dahn ML, Vidovic D, Dean CA, VanIderstine C, Dellaire G, Marcato P. LncRNA PART1 Promotes Proliferation and Migration, Is Associated with Cancer Stem Cells, and Alters the miRNA Landscape in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112644. [PMID: 34072264 PMCID: PMC8198907 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112644] [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: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are aggressive, lack targeted therapies and are enriched in cancer stem cells (CSCs). Novel therapies which target CSCs within these tumors would likely lead to improved outcomes for TNBC patients. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are potential therapeutic targets for TNBC and CSCs. We demonstrate that lncRNA prostate androgen regulated transcript 1 (PART1) is enriched in TNBCs and in Aldefluorhigh CSCs, and is associated with worse outcomes among basal-like breast cancer patients. Although PART1 is androgen inducible in breast cancer cells, analysis of patient tumors indicates its androgen regulation has minimal clinical impact. Knockdown of PART1 in TNBC cell lines and a patient-derived xenograft decreased cell proliferation, migration, tumor growth, and mammosphere formation potential. Transcriptome analyses revealed that the lncRNA affects expression of hundreds of genes (e.g., myosin-Va, MYO5A; zinc fingers and homeoboxes protein 2, ZHX2). MiRNA 4.0 GeneChip and TaqMan assays identified multiple miRNAs that are regulated by cytoplasmic PART1, including miR-190a-3p, miR-937-5p, miR-22-5p, miR-30b-3p, and miR-6870-5p. We confirmed the novel interaction between PART1 and miR-937-5p. In general, miRNAs altered by PART1 were less abundant than PART1, potentially leading to cell line-specific effects in terms miRNA-PART1 interactions and gene regulation. Together, the altered miRNA landscape induced by PART1 explains most of the protein-coding gene regulation changes (e.g., MYO5A) induced by PART1 in TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brianne M. Cruickshank
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Marie-Claire D. Wasson
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Justin M. Brown
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Jaganathan Venkatesh
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | | | - Margaret L. Dahn
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Dejan Vidovic
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Cheryl A. Dean
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Carter VanIderstine
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Graham Dellaire
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(902)-494-4239
| |
Collapse
|