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Ye Q, Zhu Y, Shi M, Lv L, Gong Y, Zhang L, Yang L, Zhao H, Zhao C, Xu H. Repurposing diacerein to suppress colorectal cancer growth by inhibiting the DCLK1/STAT3 signaling pathway. Chin J Nat Med 2024; 22:318-328. [PMID: 38658095 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(24)60621-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Double cortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) exhibits high expression levels across various cancers, notably in human colorectal cancer (CRC). Diacerein, a clinically approved interleukin (IL)-1β inhibitor for osteoarthritis treatment, was evaluated for its impact on CRC proliferation and migration, alongside its underlying mechanisms, through both in vitro and in vivo analyses. The study employed MTT assay, colony formation, wound healing, transwell assays, flow cytometry, and Hoechst 33342 staining to assess cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Additionally, proteome microarray assay and western blotting analyses were conducted to elucidate diacerein's specific mechanism of action. Our findings indicate that diacerein significantly inhibits DCLK1-dependent CRC growth in vitro and in vivo. Through high-throughput proteomics microarray and molecular docking studies, we identified that diacerein directly interacts with DCLK1. Mechanistically, the suppression of p-STAT3 expression following DCLK1 inhibition by diacerein or specific DCLK1 siRNA was observed. Furthermore, diacerein effectively disrupted the DCLK1/STAT3 signaling pathway and its downstream targets, including MCL-1, VEGF, and survivin, thereby inhibiting CRC progression in a mouse model, thereby inhibiting CRC progression in a mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaobei Ye
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325600, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325600, China; The Institute of Life Sciences, Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Meng Shi
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325600, China; The Institute of Life Sciences, Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Linxi Lv
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325600, China; The Institute of Life Sciences, Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yuyan Gong
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325600, China; The Institute of Life Sciences, Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Luyao Zhang
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325600, China
| | - Lehe Yang
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325600, China
| | - Haiyang Zhao
- The Institute of Life Sciences, Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Chengguang Zhao
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325600, China; The Institute of Life Sciences, Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Huanhai Xu
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325600, China.
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2
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Yang B, Shen F, Zhu Y, Lu W, Cai H. E74-like ETS transcription factor 1 promotes the progression of pancreatic cancer by regulating doublecortin-like kinase 1/Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:616-629. [PMID: 38455425 PMCID: PMC10915310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
This study was targeted at investigating the biological functions of E74-like ETS transcription factor 1 (ELF1) in pancreatic cancer (PC) and its underlying mechanism. ELF1 expression in PC tissues was detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method, EdU method and flow cytometry were used to detect the cell proliferation and apoptosis of PC cell lines after transfection. A subcutaneous tumorigenesis model was constructed to validate the oncogenic role of ELF1 in vivo. PROMO database was used to predict the binding site of ELF1 on the promoter region of doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1). Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (ChIP-qPCR) assay and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to detect the binding of ELF1 to the promoter region of DCLK1. The effect of ELF1 on DCLK1 expression was detected by Western blot assay. It was found that ELF1 expression in PC tissues and cells was up-regulated. ELF1 overexpression promoted the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of PC cells, while knocking down ELF1 had the opposite effects. ELF1 could bind to the promoter region of DCLK1 and ELF1 overexpression promoted the expression of DCLK1. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that Janus kinase (JAK) - signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway was associated to DCLK1 expression, and overexpression of ELF1 promoted the expression of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). In conclusion, ELF1 promoted the malignant progression of PC via regulating DCLK1/ JAK/STAT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yang
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fengxian Shen
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, The Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenjie Lu
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haolei Cai
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
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3
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Velázquez-Enríquez JM, Cerna R, Beltrán-Ramírez O, Piña-Vázquez C, Villa-Treviño S, Vásquez-Garzón VR. DCLK1 is Overexpressed and Associated with Immune Cell Infiltration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-024-10667-y. [PMID: 38294590 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-024-10667-y] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Recent research has shown that Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is overexpressed in different types of cancer. It has recently been described as a cancer stem cells (CSCs) marker, is associated with carcinogenesis, and positively correlates with infiltration of multiple immune cell types in some cancers. However, studies focused on assessing DCLK1 expression in HCC are limited, and the role of DCLK1 in HCC tumor immunity remains to be determined. In this study, we used a modified model of the resistant hepatocyte (MRHM) to evaluate DCLK1 expression in HCC. Furthermore, DCLK1 expression in HCC was analyzed using TIMER 2.0, UALCAN, GEPIA, GEO, and HPA web-based tools. Correlations between DCLK1 expression and clinicopathological factors in patients were analyzed using the UALCAN web-based tool. Finally, correlations between DCLK1 and immune infiltrates were investigated using the TIMER 2.0 and TISIDB web-based tools. The results showed that DCLK1 is significantly overexpressed during progression of the HCC carcinogenic process in the MRHM. DCLK1 is overexpressed in HCC according to multiple publics web-based tools, and its overexpression is associated with cancer stage. Furthermore, DCLK1 expression was correlated with infiltration levels of multiple immune cells, immunomodulatory factors, immunoinhibitors, MHC molecules, chemokines, receptors, and immune cell-specific markers. These results suggest that DCLK1 is a potential prognostic biomarker that determines cancer progression and correlates with immune cell infiltration in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Velázquez-Enríquez
- Laboratorio de Fibrosis y Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, C.P. 68020, Oaxaca, México
| | - Renata Cerna
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco, C.P. 07360, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Olga Beltrán-Ramírez
- Universidad Estatal de Sonora, Unidad Académica Navojoa, Boulevard Manlio Fabio Beltrones 810, Colonia Bugambilias, C.P. 85875, Navojoa, Sonora, México
| | - Carolina Piña-Vázquez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco, C.P. 07360, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Saúl Villa-Treviño
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco, C.P. 07360, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Verónica Rocío Vásquez-Garzón
- CONACYT-Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, C.P. 68020, Oaxaca, México.
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4
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Ji L, Yang X, Jin Y, Li L, Yang B, Zhu W, Xu M, Wang Y, Wu G, Luo W, Lee K, Liang G. Blockage of DCLK1 in cardiomyocytes suppresses myocardial inflammation and alleviates diabetic cardiomyopathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166900. [PMID: 37778481 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166900] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a pathophysiological condition triggered by diabetes mellitus and can lead to heart failure. Doublecortin-like kinase protein 1 (DCLK1) is a multifunctional protein kinase involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and migration. Current studies on DCLK1 mainly focus on cancer development; however, its role in non-tumor diseases such as DCM is yet to be deciphered. Our analysis revealed that DCLK1 was upregulated in cardiomyocytes of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic mouse, suggesting a correlation between DCLK1 and DCM progression. It was further demonstrated that either cardiomyocyte-specific DCLK1 knockout or pharmacological DCLK1 inhibitor DCLK1-IN-1 significantly alleviated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in STZ-induced diabetic mice. RNA-seq analysis of heart tissues revealed that DCLK1 regulated the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-mediated inflammatory response in DCM. In vitro, DCLK1 activated NF-κB and the inflammatory response by inducing the IKKβ phosphorylation in high-concentration glucose (HG)-challenged cardiomyocytes. DCLK1-IN-1 also prevented HG-induced IKKβ/NF-κB activation and inflammatory injuries in cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, this study highlights the novel role of cardiomyocyte DCLK1 in regulating IKKβ/NF-κB, which aggravates inflammation to promote the pathogenesis of DCM. DCLK1 may serve as a new target for DCM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Ji
- Department of Cardiology and Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiaojing Yang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Yiyi Jin
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Li Li
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Weiwei Zhu
- Department of Cardiology and Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Mingjiang Xu
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Gaojun Wu
- Department of Cardiology and Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Wu Luo
- Department of Cardiology and Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China.
| | - Kwangyoul Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.
| | - Guang Liang
- Department of Cardiology and Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, the Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, China.
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5
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Ye L, Liu B, Huang J, Zhao X, Wang Y, Xu Y, Wang S. DCLK1 and its oncogenic functions: A promising therapeutic target for cancers. Life Sci 2024; 336:122294. [PMID: 38007147 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122294] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1), a significant constituent of the protein kinase superfamily and the doublecortin family, has been recognized as a prooncogenic factor that exhibits a strong association with the malignant progression and clinical prognosis of various cancers. DCLK1 serves as a stem cell marker that governs tumorigenesis, tumor cell reprogramming, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Multiple studies have indicated the capable of DCLK1 in regulating the DNA damage response and facilitating DNA damage repair. Additionally, DCLK1 is involved in the regulation of the immune microenvironment and the promotion of tumor immune evasion. Recently, DCLK1 has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for a multitude of cancers. Several small-molecule inhibitors of DCLK1 have been identified. Nevertheless, the biological roles of DCLK1 are mainly ambiguous, particularly with the disparities between its α- and β-form transcripts in the malignant progression of cancers, which impedes the development of more precisely targeted drugs. This article focuses on tumor stem cells, tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the DNA damage response, and the tumor microenvironment to provide a comprehensive overview of the association between DCLK1 and tumor malignant progression, address unsolved questions and current challenges, and project future directions for targeting DCLK1 for the diagnosis and treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Ye
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Beibei Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Jingling Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Yungen Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Shuping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China.
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6
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Dogra S, Elayapillai SP, Qu D, Pitts K, Filatenkov A, Houchen CW, Berry WL, Moxley K, Hannafon BN. Targeting doublecortin-like kinase 1 reveals a novel strategy to circumvent chemoresistance and metastasis in ovarian cancer. Cancer Lett 2023; 578:216437. [PMID: 37838282 PMCID: PMC10872611 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OvCa) has a dismal prognosis because of its late-stage diagnosis and the emergence of chemoresistance. Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a serine/threonine kinase known to regulate cancer cell "stemness", epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and drug resistance. Here we show that DCLK1 is a druggable target that promotes chemoresistance and tumor progression of high-grade serous OvCa (HGSOC). Importantly, high DCLK1 expression significantly correlates with poor overall and progression-free survival in OvCa patients treated with platinum chemotherapy. DCLK1 expression was elevated in a subset of HGSOC cell lines in adherent (2D) and spheroid (3D) cultures, and the expression was further increased in cisplatin-resistant (CPR) spheroids relative to their sensitive controls. Using cisplatin-sensitive and resistant isogenic cell lines, pharmacologic inhibition (DCLK1-IN-1), and genetic manipulation, we demonstrate that DCLK1 inhibition was effective at re-sensitizing cells to cisplatin, reducing cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Using kinase domain mutants, we demonstrate that DCLK1 kinase activity is critical for mediating CPR. The combination of cisplatin and DCLK1-IN-1 showed a synergistic cytotoxic effect against OvCa cells in 3D conditions. Targeted gene expression profiling revealed that DCLK1 inhibition in CPR OvCa spheroids significantly reduced TGFβ signaling, and EMT. We show in vivo efficacy of combined DCLK1 inhibition and cisplatin in significantly reducing tumor metastases. Our study shows that DCLK1 is a relevant target in OvCa and combined targeting of DCLK1 in combination with existing chemotherapy could be a novel therapeutic approach to overcome resistance and prevent OvCa recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samrita Dogra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Sugantha Priya Elayapillai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Dongfeng Qu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Kamille Pitts
- Department of Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Alexander Filatenkov
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Courtney W Houchen
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - William L Berry
- Department of Surgery, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Katherine Moxley
- Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Bethany N Hannafon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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7
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Undi RB, Ahsan N, Larabee JL, Darlene-Reuter N, Papin J, Dogra S, Hannafon BN, Bronze MS, Houchen CW, Huycke MM, Ali N. Blocking of doublecortin-like kinase 1-regulated SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle restores cell signaling network. J Virol 2023; 97:e0119423. [PMID: 37861336 PMCID: PMC10688311 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01194-23] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Severe COVID-19 and post-acute sequelae often afflict patients with underlying co-morbidities. There is a pressing need for highly effective treatment, particularly in light of the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants. In a previous study, we demonstrated that DCLK1, a protein associated with cancer stem cells, is highly expressed in the lungs of COVID-19 patients and enhances viral production and hyperinflammatory responses. In this study, we report the pivotal role of DCLK1-regulated mechanisms in driving SARS-CoV-2 replication-transcription processes and pathogenic signaling. Notably, pharmacological inhibition of DCLK1 kinase during SARS-CoV-2 effectively impedes these processes and counteracts virus-induced alternations in global cell signaling. These findings hold significant potential for immediate application in treating COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Babu Undi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Nagib Ahsan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Mass Spectrometry, Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facility, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Jason L. Larabee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Nicole Darlene-Reuter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - James Papin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Samrita Dogra
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Bethany N. Hannafon
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Michael S. Bronze
- Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Courtney W. Houchen
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Mark M. Huycke
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Naushad Ali
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
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8
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Moore LL, Houchen CW. Epigenetic Landscape and Therapeutic Implication of Gene Isoforms of Doublecortin-Like Kinase 1 for Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16407. [PMID: 38003596 PMCID: PMC10671580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216407] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
While significant strides have been made in understanding cancer biology, the enhancement in patient survival is limited, underscoring the urgency for innovative strategies. Epigenetic modifications characterized by hereditary shifts in gene expression without changes to the DNA sequence play a critical role in producing alternative gene isoforms. When these processes go awry, they influence cancer onset, growth, spread, and cancer stemness. In this review, we delve into the epigenetic and isoform nuances of the protein kinase, doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1). Recognized as a hallmark of tumor stemness, DCLK1 plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis, and DCLK1 isoforms, shaped by alternative promoter usage and splicing, can reveal potential therapeutic touchpoints. Our discussion centers on recent findings pertaining to the specific functions of DCLK1 isoforms and the prevailing understanding of its epigenetic regulation via its two distinct promoters. It is noteworthy that all DCLK1 isoforms retain their kinase domain, suggesting that their unique functionalities arise from non-kinase mechanisms. Consequently, our research has pivoted to drugs that specifically influence the epigenetic generation of these DCLK1 isoforms. We posit that a combined therapeutic approach, harnessing both the epigenetic regulators of specific DCLK1 isoforms and DCLK1-targeted drugs, may prove more effective than therapies that solely target DCLK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landon L. Moore
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
| | - Courtney W. Houchen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- The Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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9
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Ding L, Weygant N, Ding C, Lai Y, Li H. DCLK1 and tuft cells: Immune-related functions and implications for cancer immunotherapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 191:104118. [PMID: 37660932 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
DCLK1, a tuft cell marker, is widely expressed in various tumors. Its high expression levels are closely linked to malignant tumor progression, making it a potential tumor-related marker. Recent studies have shed light on the critical roles of DCLK1 and tuft cells in the immune response and the maintenance of epithelial homeostasis, as well as targeted immune escape mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment. This review aims to comprehensively examine the current understanding of immune-related functions mediated by DCLK1 and tuft cells in epithelial tissues, including the roles of relevant cells and important factors involved. Additionally, this review will discuss recent advances in anti-tumor immunity mediated by DCLK1/tuft cells and their potential as immunotherapeutic targets. Furthermore, we will consider the potential impact of DCLK1 targeted therapy in cancer immunotherapy, particularly DCLK1 kinase inhibitors as potential therapeutic drugs in anti-tumor immunity, providing a new perspective and reference for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ding
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Nathaniel Weygant
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Chenhuan Ding
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yi Lai
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - He Li
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
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Yasodha K, Lizha Mary L, Surajit P, Satish R. Exosomes from metastatic colon cancer cells drive the proliferation and migration of primary colon cancer through increased expression of cancer stem cell markers CD133 and DCLK1. Tissue Cell 2023; 84:102163. [PMID: 37487255 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The exchange of biological material between the neighbouring cells is essential for homeostasis. In pathological conditions, such as cancer, the major challenge in cancer treatment is the abnormal expression of crucial proteins and miRNA exchanged between the cancer cells through extracellular vesicles called exosomes. Clinically, it has been noticed that the primary tumour and the distal metastases are interconnected and co-dependent. The exosomes are key factors responsible for preparing the pre-metastatic niche and communicating between the tumour and the distal metastatic site. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells with self-renewal characteristics and are shown to be responsible for metastasis. This study aims to understand the effect of metastatic cell line-derived exosomes and their regulation of CSC marker expressions on primary colon cancer cell lines. We have identified that treatment of primary colon cancer cell lines with metastatic colon cancer cell-derived exosomes has significantly increased the proliferation, colony formation, cell migration, and invasion. In addition, there was a significant increase in the number and size of spheroids following the exosomes treatment. We found that this metastatic phenotype is due to the increased expression of CD133 and DCLK1 in primary colon cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Yasodha
- Department of Genetic Engineering, School of Bio-Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - L Lizha Mary
- Department of Genetic Engineering, School of Bio-Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Pathak Surajit
- Department of Allied Health Sciences. Chettinad Academy of Science and Technology, Kelambakkam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 603103, India
| | - R Satish
- Department of Genetic Engineering, School of Bio-Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu 603203, India.
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11
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Chen W, Liu R, Yu Y, Wei D, Chen Q, Xu Q. Molecular Mechanism of Mutational Disruption of DCLK1 Autoinhibition Provides a Rationale for Inhibitor Screening. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14020. [PMID: 37762326 PMCID: PMC10531055 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814020] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a prominent kinase involved in carcinogenesis, serving as a diagnostic marker for early cancer detection and prevention, as well as a target for cancer therapy. Extensive research efforts have been dedicated to understanding its role in cancer development and designing selective inhibitors. In our previous work, we successfully determined the crystal structure of DCLK1 while it was bound to its autoinhibitory domain (AID) at the active site. By analyzing this structure, we were able to uncover the intricate molecular mechanisms behind specific cancer-causing mutations in DCLK1. Utilizing molecular dynamics simulations, we discovered that these mutations disrupt the smooth assembly of the AID, particularly affecting the R2 helix, into the kinase domain (KD). This disruption leads to the exposure of the D533 residue of the DFG (Asp-Phe-Gly) motif in the KD, either through steric hindrance, the rearrangement of electrostatic interactions, or the disruption of local structures in the AID. With these molecular insights, we conducted a screening process to identify potential small-molecule inhibitors that could bind to DCLK1 through an alternative binding mode. To assess the binding affinity of these inhibitors to the KD of DCLK1, we performed calculations on their binding energy and conducted SPR experiments. We anticipate that our study will contribute novel perspectives to the field of drug screening and optimization, particularly in targeting DCLK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism & Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (W.C.); (D.W.)
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (R.L.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yamei Yu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (R.L.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Dongqing Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism & Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (W.C.); (D.W.)
| | - Qiang Chen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (R.L.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Qin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism & Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (W.C.); (D.W.)
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12
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Yan R, Liang ZW, Liu HS, Ge Y, An GY. [Doublecortin-like kinase 1 activates Hippo pathway to promote migration, invasion and proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells]. Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi 2023; 45:594-604. [PMID: 37462016 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112152-20221222-00845] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To explore the mechanism of Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) in promoting cell migration, invasion and proliferation in pancreatic cancer. Methods: The correlation between DCLK1 and Hippo pathway was analyzed using TCGA and GTEx databases and confirmed by fluorescence staining of pancreatic cancer tissue microarrays. At the cellular level, immunofluorescence staining of cell crawls and western blot assays were performed to clarify whether DCLK1 regulates yes associated protein1 (YAP1), a downstream effector of the Hippo pathway. Reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to analyze the expressions of YAP1 binding transcription factor TEA-DNA binding proteins (TEAD) and downstream malignant behavior-promoting molecules CYR61, EDN1, AREG, and CTGF. Transwell test of the DCLK1-overexpressing cells treated with the Hippo pathway inhibitor Verteporfin was used to examine whether the malignant behavior-promoting ability was blocked. Analysis of changes in the proliferation index of experimental cells used real-time label-free cells. Results: TCGA combined with GTEx data analysis showed that the expressions of DCLK1 and YAP1 molecules in pancreatic cancer tissues were significantly higher than those in adjacent tissues (P<0.05). Moreover, DCLK1was positively correlated with the expressions of many effectors in the Hippo pathway, including LATS1 (r=0.53, P<0.001), LATS2 (r=0.34, P<0.001), MOB1B (r=0.40, P<0.001). In addition, the tissue microarray of pancreatic cancer patients was stained with multicolor fluorescence, indicated that the high expression of DCLK1 in pancreatic cancer patients was accompanied by the up-regulated expression of YAP1. The expression of DCLK1 in pancreatic cancer cell lines was analyzed by the CCLE database. The results showed that the expression of DCLK1 in AsPC-1 and PANC-1 cells was low. Thus, we overexpressed DCLK1 in AsPC-1 and PANC-1 cell lines and found that DCLK1 overexpression in pancreatic cancer cell lines promoted YAP1 expression and accessible to the nucleus. In addition, DCLK1 up-regulated the expression of YAP1 binding transcription factor TEAD and increased the mRNA expression levels of downstream malignant behavior-promoting molecules. Finally, Verteporfin, an inhibitor of the Hippo pathway, could antagonize the cell's malignant behavior-promoting ability mediated by high expression of DCLK1. We found that the number of migrated cells with DCLK1 overexpressing AsPC-1 group was 68.33±7.09, which was significantly higher than 22.00±4.58 of DCLK1 overexpressing cells treated with Verteporfin (P<0.05). Similarly, the migration number of PANC-1 cells overexpressing DCLK1 was 65.66±8.73, which was significantly higher than 37.00±6.00 of the control group and 32.33±9.61 of Hippo pathway inhibitor-treated group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the number of invasive cells in the DCLK1-overexpressed group was significantly higher than that in the DCLK1 wild-type group cells, while the Verteporfin-treated DCLK1-overexpressed cells showed a significant decrease. In addition, we monitored the cell proliferation index using the real-time cellular analysis (RTCA) assay, and the proliferation index of DCLK1-overexpressed AsPC-1 cells was 0.66±0.04, which was significantly higher than 0.38±0.01 of DCLK1 wild-type AsPC-1 cells (P<0.05) as well as 0.05±0.03 of DCLK1-overexpressed AsPC1 cells treated with Verteporfin (P<0.05). PANC-1 cells showed the same pattern, with a proliferation index of 0.77±0.04 for DCLK1-overexpressed PANC-1 cells, significantly higher than DCLK1-overexpressed PANC1 cells after Verteporfin treatment (0.14±0.05, P<0.05). Conclusion: The expression of DCLK1 is remarkably associated with the Hippo pathway, it promotes the migration, invasion, and proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells by activating the Hippo pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Yan
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Z W Liang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - H S Liu
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Y Ge
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - G Y An
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
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Wei W, Zhang W, Wu S, Duan W, Wang Z. Advances in tuft cells, a chemosensory cell in sequential diseases of the pancreas. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188911. [PMID: 37182665 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188911] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Tuft cells are solitary chemosensory cells distributed mainly in hollow organs and detected in human and mouse pancreas precursor lesions of pancreatic cancer. Induced by inflammation and KRAS mutation, pancreatic acinar cell-derived tuft cells play a protective role in epithelium injury. The tumour suppression of tuft cells has been indicated in some studies. However, the function of tuft cells in pancreatic cancer remains unclear. In this review, we first introduce the definition of tuft cells and then review the relationship between tuft cells and pancreatic inflammation. In addition, we emphasized the role of tuft cells in the genesis and development of pancreatic cancers, especially the part of markers for tuft cell's doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1). Finally, we turn to the microscopic perspective and review the interactions between tuft cells and the microbiome in the pancreatic microenvironment. Overall, we describe the role of tuft cells in response to tissue damage and tumour progression in the pancreas. Nevertheless, the specific formation principle and the more detailed mechanism of action of tuft cells in the pancreas remain to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanzhen Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China; Pancreatic Disease Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Weifan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China; Pancreatic Disease Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shuai Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China; Pancreatic Disease Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wanxing Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China; Pancreatic Disease Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China; Pancreatic Disease Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China.
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14
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Liu H, Yan R, Xiao Z, Huang X, Yao J, Liu J, An G, Ge Y. Targeting DCLK1 attenuates tumor stemness and evokes antitumor immunity in triple-negative breast cancer by inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 signaling. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:43. [PMID: 37069669 PMCID: PMC10108533 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01642-3] [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] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits the poorest outcomes among breast cancer subtypes due to the high heterogeneity and a lasting scarcity of effectual treatments. Targeted therapies based on molecular subtypes of TNBC are critical step toward tailoring treatments to improve clinical outcomes. Gastrointestinal cancer stem cell (CSC) marker DCLK1 was reported to be highly expressed in stem cell-rich subtype of TNBC. Here, we firstly explored the impacts of DCLK1 on tumor cells as well as their immune microenvironment in TNBC and potential therapeutic strategies for TNBC patients with high DCLK1 expression. Our results disclosed that DCLK1 overexpression promoted, while knockout of DCLK1 suppressed the CSC-like traits of TNBC cells and resistance to chemotherapeutics. Besides, DCLK1 supported immune escape by inhibiting intratumoral cytotoxic T cell infiltration in TNBC and hence limited immune checkpoint inhibitors efficacy. Mechanistically, bioinformatics analysis revealed that IL-6/STAT3 signaling was significantly enriched in high DCLK1-expressing patients, and our results further revealed that DCLK1 enhanced IL-6 expression and STAT3 activation in TNBC cells, which finally gave rise to upregulated CSC traits and suppressed CD8+ T-cell activity. Inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 pathway by IL-6R antagonist, Tocilizumab or STAT3 inhibitor, S31-201 could abolish DCLK1-promoted malignant phenotypes of TNBC cells. Finally, DCLK1 was identified to be specifically and highly expressed in the mesenchymal-like subtype of TNBC and targeting DCLK1 could improve chemotherapy efficacy and activate antitumor immunity. Overall, our study revealed the potential clinical benefits of targeting DCLK1 in TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heshu Liu
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Rui Yan
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Zeru Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Xuying Huang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Jiannan Yao
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Guangyu An
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Yang Ge
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China.
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15
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Xiong J, Kaleja P, Ückert L, Nezaratizadeh N, Krantz S, Krause MF, Fitschen-Oestern S, Seekamp A, Cassidy L, Tholey A, Fuchs S. Alveolar-Capillary Barrier Protection In Vitro: Lung Cell Type-Specific Effects and Molecular Mechanisms Induced by 1α, 25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087298. [PMID: 37108455 PMCID: PMC10138495 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087298] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Low serum levels of 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD3) are associated with a higher mortality in trauma patients with sepsis or ARDS. However, the molecular mechanisms behind this observation are not yet understood. VD3 is known to stimulate lung maturity, alveolar type II cell differentiation, or pulmonary surfactant synthesis and guides epithelial defense during infection. In this study, we investigated the impact of VD3 on the alveolar-capillary barrier in a co-culture model of alveolar epithelial cells and microvascular endothelial cells respectively in the individual cell types. After stimulation with bacterial LPS (lipopolysaccharide), gene expression of inflammatory cytokines, surfactant proteins, transport proteins, antimicrobial peptide, and doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) were analyzed by real-time PCR, while corresponding proteins were evaluated by ELISA, immune-fluorescence, or Western blot. The effect of VD3 on the intracellular protein composition in H441 cells was analyzed by quantitative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based proteomics. VD3 effectively protected the alveolar-capillary barrier against LPS treatment, as indicated by TEER measurement and morphological assessment. VD3 did not inhibit the IL-6 secretion by H441 and OEC but restricted the diffusion of IL-6 to the epithelial compartment. Further, VD3 could significantly suppress the surfactant protein A expression induced in the co-culture system by LPS treatment. VD3 induced high levels of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37, which counteracted effects by LPS and strengthened the barrier. Quantitative proteomics identified VD3-dependent protein abundance changes ranging from constitutional extracellular matrix components and surfactant-associated proteins to immune-regulatory molecules. DCLK1, as a newly described target molecule for VD3, was prominently stimulated by VD3 (10 nM) and seems to influence the alveolar-epithelial cell barrier and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Xiong
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Patrick Kaleja
- Systematic Proteomics & Bioanalytics, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, 24015 Kiel, Germany
| | - Larissa Ückert
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Niloufar Nezaratizadeh
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefanie Krantz
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Martin Friedrich Krause
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefanie Fitschen-Oestern
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Andreas Seekamp
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Liam Cassidy
- Systematic Proteomics & Bioanalytics, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, 24015 Kiel, Germany
| | - Andreas Tholey
- Systematic Proteomics & Bioanalytics, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, 24015 Kiel, Germany
| | - Sabine Fuchs
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
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16
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Carli ALE, Hardy JM, Hoblos H, Ernst M, Lucet IS, Buchert M. Structure-Guided Prediction of the Functional Impact of DCLK1 Mutations on Tumorigenesis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030990. [PMID: 36979969 PMCID: PMC10046695 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030990] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a functional serine/threonine (S/T)-kinase and a member of the doublecortin family of proteins which are characterized by their ability to bind to microtubules (MTs). DCLK1 is a proposed cancer driver gene, and its upregulation is associated with poor overall survival in several solid cancer types. However, how DCLK1 associates with MTs and how its kinase function contributes to pro-tumorigenic processes is poorly understood. This review builds on structural models to propose not only the specific functions of the domains but also attempts to predict the impact of individual somatic missense mutations on DCLK1 functions. Somatic missense mutations in DCLK1 are most frequently located within the N-terminal MT binding region and likely impact on the ability of DCLK1 to bind to αβ-tubulin and to polymerize and stabilize MTs. Moreover, the MT binding affinity of DCLK1 is negatively regulated by its auto-phosphorylation, and therefore mutations that affect kinase activity are predicted to indirectly alter MT dynamics. The emerging picture portrays DCLK1 as an MT-associated protein whose interactions with tubulin heterodimers and MTs are tightly controlled processes which, when disrupted, may confer pro-tumorigenic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa L E Carli
- Cancer Inflammation Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Joshua M Hardy
- ACRF Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Hanadi Hoblos
- ACRF Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Matthias Ernst
- Cancer Inflammation Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Isabelle S Lucet
- ACRF Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Michael Buchert
- Cancer Inflammation Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
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17
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Huang Z, Shen S, Han X, Li W, Luo W, Lin L, Xu M, Wang Y, Huang W, Wu G, Liang G. Macrophage DCLK1 promotes atherosclerosis via binding to IKKβ and inducing inflammatory responses. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e17198. [PMID: 36896602 PMCID: PMC10165355 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202217198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1), a microtubule-associated protein kinase, is involved in neurogenesis and human cancers. However, the role of DCLK1 in atherosclerosis remains undefined. In this study, we identified upregulated DCLK1 in macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions of ApoE-/- mice fed an HFD and determined that macrophage-specific DCLK1 deletion attenuates atherosclerosis by reducing inflammation in mice. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing analysis indicated that DCLK1 mediates oxLDL-induced inflammation via NF-κB signaling pathway in primary macrophages. Coimmunoprecipitation followed by LC-MS/MS analysis identified IKKβ as a binding protein of DCLK1. We confirmed that DCLK1 directly interacts with IKKβ and phosphorylates IKKβ at S177/181, thereby facilitating subsequent NF-κB activation and inflammatory gene expression in macrophages. Finally, a pharmacological inhibitor of DCLK1 prevents atherosclerotic progression and inflammation both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings demonstrated that macrophage DCLK1 promotes inflammatory atherosclerosis by binding to IKKβ and activating IKKβ/NF-κB. This study reports DCLK1 as a new IKKβ regulator in inflammation and a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuqi Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Sirui Shen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xue Han
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China
| | - Weixin Li
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wu Luo
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Liming Lin
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Mingjiang Xu
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Weijian Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Gaojun Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guang Liang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China
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18
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Standing D, Arnold L, Dandawate P, Ottemann B, Snyder V, Ponnurangam S, Sayed A, Subramaniam D, Srinivasan P, Choudhury S, New J, Kwatra D, Ramamoorthy P, Roy BC, Shadoin M, Al-Rajabi R, O’Neil M, Gunewardena S, Ashcraft J, Umar S, Weir SJ, Tawfik O, Padhye SB, Biersack B, Anant S, Thomas SM. Doublecortin-like kinase 1 is a therapeutic target in squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:145-159. [PMID: 36218231 PMCID: PMC9852063 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23472] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Doublecortin like kinase 1 (DCLK1) plays a crucial role in several cancers including colon and pancreatic adenocarcinomas. However, its role in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remains unknown. To this end, we examined DCLK1 expression in head and neck SCC (HNSCC) and anal SCC (ASCC). We found that DCLK1 is elevated in patient SCC tissue, which correlated with cancer progression and poorer overall survival. Furthermore, DCLK1 expression is significantly elevated in human papilloma virus negative HNSCC, which are typically aggressive with poor responses to therapy. To understand the role of DCLK1 in tumorigenesis, we used specific shRNA to suppress DCLK1 expression. This significantly reduced tumor growth, spheroid formation, and migration of HNSCC cancer cells. To further the translational relevance of our studies, we sought to identify a selective DCLK1 inhibitor. Current attempts to target DCLK1 using pharmacologic approaches have relied on nonspecific suppression of DCLK1 kinase activity. Here, we demonstrate that DiFiD (3,5-bis [2,4-difluorobenzylidene]-4-piperidone) binds to DCLK1 with high selectivity. Moreover, DiFiD mediated suppression of DCLK1 led to G2/M arrest and apoptosis and significantly suppressed tumor growth of HNSCC xenografts and ASCC patient derived xenografts, supporting that DCLK1 is critical for SCC growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Standing
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Levi Arnold
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Prasad Dandawate
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Brendan Ottemann
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Vusala Snyder
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Sivapriya Ponnurangam
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Afreen Sayed
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | | | | | - Sonali Choudhury
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Jacob New
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Deep Kwatra
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Prabhu Ramamoorthy
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Badal C. Roy
- Department of General Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Melissa Shadoin
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Raed Al-Rajabi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Maura O’Neil
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - John Ashcraft
- Department of General Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Shahid Umar
- Department of General Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Scott J. Weir
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Institute for Advancing Medical Innovation, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Ossama Tawfik
- Department of Pathology, Saint Luke’s Health System, Kansas City, Missouri and MAWD Pathology Group, Kansas City, Kansas
| | | | | | - Shrikant Anant
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Sufi Mary Thomas
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
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19
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Li L, Ma M, Duan T, Sui X. The critical roles and therapeutic implications of tuft cells in cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1047188. [PMID: 36569325 PMCID: PMC9780677 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1047188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuft cells are solitary chemosensory epithelial cells with microvilli at the top, which are found in hollow organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and lungs. Recently, an increasing number of studies have revealed the chemotactic abilities and immune function of the tuft cells, and numerous efforts have been devoted to uncovering the role of tuft cells in tumors. Notably, accumulating evidence has shown that the specific genes (POU2F3, DCLK1) expressed in tuft cells are involved in vital processes related with carcinogenesis and cancer development. However, the interaction between the tuft cells and cancer remains to be further elucidated. Here, based on an introduction of biological functions and specific markers of the tuft cells, we have summarized the functional roles and potential therapeutic implications of tuft cells in cancers, including pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, colon cancer, and liver cancer, which is in the hope of inspiring the future research in validating tuft cells as novel strategies for cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengmeng Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ting Duan
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Ting Duan, ; Xinbing Sui,
| | - Xinbing Sui
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China,Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Ting Duan, ; Xinbing Sui,
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20
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Yan R, Li J, Xiao Z, Fan X, Liu H, Xu Y, Sun R, Liu J, Yao J, An G, Shi Y, Ge Y. DCLK1 Suppresses Tumor-Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Function Through Recruitment of MDSCs via the CXCL1-CXCR2 Axis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:463-85. [PMID: 36309200 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Gastrointestinal cancer stem cell marker doublecortin-like kinase (DCLK1) is strongly associated with poor outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC). Although DCLK1's regulatory effect on the tumor immune microenvironment has been hypothesized, its mode of action has not been shown previously in vivo, which hampers the potential intervention based on this molecule for clinical practice. METHODS To define the immunomodulatory mechanisms of DCLK1 in vivo, we generated DCLK1-/- tumor cells by Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) and developed subcutaneous and intestinal orthotopic transplantation tumor models. Tumor tissues were harvested and subjected to immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry analysis of tumor-infiltrating immune cell populations, tumor myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) sorting by isolation kit and then co-culture with spleen T cells, and RNA sequencing for transcriptomic analysis. RESULTS We found that DCLK1-/- tumor cells lose their tumorigenicity under immune surveillance. Failed tumor establishment of DCLK1-/- was associated with an increase in infiltration of CD8+ T cells and effector CD4+ T cells, and reduced numbers of MDSCs in the tumor tissue. Furthermore, DCLK1 promoted the up-regulation of C-X-C motif ligand 1, which recruits MDSCs in CRC through chemokine C-X-C motif receptor 2. The ability of in vivo tumor growth of DCLK1-/- tumor cells was rescued by C-X-C motif ligand 1 overexpression. Collectively, we validated that DCLK1 promotes tumor growth in CRC through recruitment of T-cell-suppressive MDSCs. CONCLUSIONS DCLK1-mediated immune suppression in tumor models allows escaping from the host's antitumor response. Because DCLK1 is one of the most common markers in gastrointestinal tumors, these results identify a precise therapeutic target for related clinical interventions.
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21
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Yang L, Zhang Q, Yang Q. KDM3A promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation and invasion via H3K9me2 demethylation-activated DCLK1. Genes Genomics 2022; 44:1333-1342. [PMID: 36094735 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-022-01287-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a frequently-diagnosed malignancy with high potential for proliferation and invasion. Histone methylation is known as a crucial mechanism that regulates pathological processes in various cancers, including OSCC. OBJECTIVE This study sought to delve into the molecular mechanism of lysine demethylase 3 A (KDM3A) in OSCC cell proliferation and invasion. METHODS Expression levels of KDM3A, lysin-9 of di-methylated histone H3 (H3K9me2), and doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) in cells were determined by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction or Western blot analysis. Cell proliferation and invasion were evaluated by cell counting kit-8, colony formation, and Transwell assays. The enrichment of KDM3A and H3K9me2 on the DCLK1 promoter was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. The functional rescue experiment was performed with DCLK1 overexpression vector and si-KDM3A in CAL-27 and SCC-9 cells. RESULTS KDM3A was elevated in OSCC cells. KDM3A knockdown suppressed OSCC proliferation and invasion, along with increased H3K9me2 level in OSCC cells. KDM3A and H3K9me2 were enriched on the DCLK1 promoter and inhibiting H3K9me2 improved DCLK1 expression levels. DCLK1 overexpression neutralized the inhibition of KDM3A knockdown on OSCC proliferation and invasion. CONCLUSIONS KDM3A facilitated OSCC proliferation and invasion by eliminating H3K9me2 to upregulate DCLK1 expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Daqing Oilfield General Hospital, No. 9 Zhongkang Street, Saertu District, Daqing City, 163001, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Qiqiong Zhang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Daqing Oilfield General Hospital, No. 9 Zhongkang Street, Saertu District, Daqing City, 163001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Qiuye Yang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Daqing Oilfield General Hospital, No. 9 Zhongkang Street, Saertu District, Daqing City, 163001, Heilongjiang Province, China
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22
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Wang L, Zhao L, Lin Z, Yu D, Jin M, Zhou P, Ren J, Cheng J, Yang K, Wu G, Zhang T, Zhang D. Targeting DCLK1 overcomes 5-fluorouracil resistance in colorectal cancer through inhibiting CCAR1/β-catenin pathway-mediated cancer stemness. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e743. [PMID: 35522902 PMCID: PMC9076011 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To date, 5‐fluorouracil‐based chemotherapy is very important for locally advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). However, chemotherapy resistance results in tumor recurrence and metastasis, which is a major obstacle for treatment of CRC. Methods In the current research, we establish 5‐fluorouracil resistant cell lines and explore the potential targets associated with 5‐fluorouracil resistance in CRC. Moreover, we perform clinical specimen research, in vitro and in vivo experiments and molecular mechanism research, to reveal the biological effects and the mechanism of DCLK1 promoting 5‐fluorouracil resistance, and to clarify the potential clinical value of DCLK1 as a target of 5‐fluorouracil resistance in CRC. Results We discover that doublecortin‐like kinase 1 (DCLK1), a cancer stem cell maker, is correlated with 5‐fluorouracil resistance, and functionally promotes cancer stemness and 5‐fluorouracil resistance in CRC. Mechanistically, we elucidate that DCLK1 interacts with cell cycle and apoptosis regulator 1 (CCAR1) through the C‐terminal domain, and phosphorylates CCAR1 at the Ser343 site, which is essential for CCAR1 stabilisation. Moreover, we find that DCLK1 positively regulates β‐catenin signalling via CCAR1, which is responsible for maintaining cancer stemness. Subsequently, we prove that blocking β‐catenin inhibits DCLK1‐mediated 5‐fluorouracil resistance in CRC cells. Importantly, we demonstrate that DCLK1 inhibitor could block CCAR1/β‐catenin pathway‐mediated cancer stemness and consequently suppresses 5‐fluorouracil resistant CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions Collectively, our findings reveal that DCLK1 promotes 5‐fluorouracil resistance in CRC by CCAR1/β‐catenin pathway‐mediated cancer stemness, and suggest that targeting DCLK1 might be a promising method to eliminate cancer stem cells for overcoming 5‐fluorouracil resistance in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanqing Wang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhenyu Lin
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Dandan Yu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Min Jin
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Pengfei Zhou
- Wuhan YZY Medical Science & Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430075, China
| | - Jinghua Ren
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jing Cheng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Kunyu Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Gang Wu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Dejun Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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23
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Ge Y, Liu H, Zhang Y, Liu J, Yan R, Xiao Z, Fan X, Huang X, An G. Inhibition of DCLK1 kinase reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and restores T-cell activity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Transl Oncol 2022; 17:101317. [PMID: 34998236 PMCID: PMC8739467 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has recently become a promising cancer therapy with extensive applications of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) appears to be unresponsive to immunotherapy due to the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Recent studies showed that cancer stem cell marker DCLK1 promoted the initiation and development of PDAC. Nevertheless, the mechanism driving this process remains unclear. Here, by performing gain-of-function investigations in PDAC cell lines, we demonstrate that both DCLK1 long (DCLK1-iso1, DCLK1-AS) and short (DCLK1-iso4, DCLK1-BL) isoforms can efficiently activate EMT leading to tumor migration and invasion. Consistent with experiments in vitro, bioinformatic analysis demonstrates that DCLK1 may act as a driver of EMT activation in PDAC. Further analysis showed that EMT was associated with an immunosuppressive microenvironment, which includes more immunosuppressive cells and chemokines, and patients with a higher EMT score were less sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitors according to the TIDE (Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion) algorithm. Multiplexed immunofluorescence results demonstrated the close correlation between DCLK1, EMT and immunosuppression in PDAC patients. The findings were further confirmed in vivo reflected by decreased CD4+, CD8+ T cells and increased M2 macrophages as well as E-cad loss in DCLK1-overexpressing subcutaneous tumors. Importantly, the highly-specific DCLK1 inhibitor (DCLK1-IN-1) was able to effectively block EMT process and restore T-cell activity. Altogether, our data demonstrate that DCLK1 is strongly associated with tumor immune escape in PDAC and inhibiting DCLK1 kinase activity may be a promising therapeutic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ge
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China.
| | - Heshu Liu
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Huai-Rou Hospital, Beijing 101400, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Rui Yan
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Zeru Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xiaona Fan
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xuying Huang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Guangyu An
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China.
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24
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Wang J, Yokoyama Y, Hirose H, Shimomura Y, Bonkobara S, Itakura H, Kouda S, Morimoto Y, Minami K, Takahashi H, Shibata S, Kobayashi S, Uemura M, Tanaka S, Wu X, Tanaka S, Mori M, Yamamoto H. Functional assessment of miR‑1291 in colon cancer cells. Int J Oncol 2022; 60:13. [PMID: 34981812 PMCID: PMC8759348 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2022.5303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
miR‑1291 exerts an anti‑tumor effect in a subset of human carcinomas, including pancreatic cancer. However, its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) is largely unknown. In the present study, the expression and effect of miR‑1291 in CRC cells was investigated. It was identified that miR‑1291 significantly suppressed the proliferation, invasion, cell mobility and colony formation of CRC cells. Additionally, miR‑1291 induced cell apoptosis. A luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR‑1291 directly bound the 3'‑untranslated region sequence of doublecortin‑like kinase 1 (DCLK1). miR‑1291 also suppressed DCLK1 mRNA and protein expression in HCT116 cells that expressed DCLK1. Furthermore, miR‑1291 suppressed cancer stem cell markers BMI1 and CD133, and inhibited sphere formation. The inhibitory effects on sphere formation, invasion and mobility in HCT116 cells were also explored and verified using DCLK1 siRNAs. Furthermore, miR‑1291 induced CDK inhibitors p21WAF1/CIP1 and p27KIP1 in three CRC cell lines, and the overexpression of DCLK1 in HCT116 cells led to a decrease of p21WAF1/CIP1 and p27KIP1. Intravenous administration of miR‑1291 loaded on the super carbonate apatite delivery system significantly inhibited tumor growth in the DLD‑1 xenograft mouse model. Additionally, the resultant tumors exhibited significant upregulation of the p21WAF1/CIP1 and p27KIP1 protein with treatment of miR‑1291. Taken together, the results indicated that miR‑1291 served an anti‑tumor effect by modulating multiple functions, including cancer stemness and cell cycle regulation. The current data suggested that miR‑1291 may be a promising nucleic acid medicine against CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Wang
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuhki Yokoyama
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Haruka Hirose
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuki Shimomura
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Saki Bonkobara
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Itakura
- Department of Surgery and Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shihori Kouda
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Morimoto
- Department of Surgery and Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Minami
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Takahashi
- Department of Surgery and Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Satoshi Shibata
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shogo Kobayashi
- Department of Surgery and Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mamoru Uemura
- Department of Surgery and Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Susumu Tanaka
- First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shinji Tanaka
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
- Department of Hepato-Billiary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Masaki Mori
- Tokai University, Graduate School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Surgery and Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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25
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Cheng L, Yang Z, Guo W, Wu C, Liang S, Tong A, Cao Z, Thorne RF, Yang SY, Yu Y, Chen Q. DCLK1 autoinhibition and activation in tumorigenesis. Innovation (N Y) 2022; 3:100191. [PMID: 34977835 PMCID: PMC8686072 DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2021.100191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is upregulated in many tumors and is a marker for tumor stem cells. Accumulating evidence suggests DCLK1 constitutes a promising drug target for cancer therapy. However, the regulation of DCLK1 kinase activity is poorly understood, particularly the function of its autoinhibitory domain (AID), and, moreover, no physiological activators of DCLK1 have presently been reported. Here we determined the first DCLK1 kinase structure in the autoinhibited state and identified the neuronal calcium sensor HPCAL1 as an activator of DCLK1. The C-terminal AID functions to block the ATP-binding site and is competitive with ATP. HPCAL1 binds directly to the AID in a Ca2+-dependent manner, which releases the autoinhibition. We also analyzed cancer-associated mutations occurring in the AID and elucidate how these mutations disrupt DCLK1 autoinhibition to elicit kinase activity upregulation. Our results present a molecular mechanism for autoinhibition and activation of DCLK1 kinase activity and provide insights into DCLK1-associated tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linna Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China.,Institute of Hematology, Henan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Differentiation and Modification, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Zejing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wenhao Guo
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chengyong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shufang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Aiping Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhongwei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rick F Thorne
- Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Sheng-Yong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yamei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
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26
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El-Benhawy SA, Morsi MI, Fahmy EI, Soula MA, Khalil FAZF, Arab AR. Role of Resveratrol as Radiosensitizer by Targeting Cancer Stem Cells in Radioresistant Prostate Cancer Cells (PC-3). Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2021; 22:3823-3837. [PMID: 34967561 PMCID: PMC9080384 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2021.22.12.3823] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM OF WORK Here, we examined the role of resveratrol as a radiosensitizer by targeting cancer stem cells in radioresistant prostate cancer cells (PC-3) using stem cell markers CD44, CD49b and CD29, SOX2, OCT4, CXCR4, DCLK1 and EMT markers such as VIM and E-cadherin. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was an in vitro study involving PC-3 cell line which was dividing into four groups. Group I (CO): Control group composed of cells grown in the same medium without treatment with ionizing radiation or resveratrol. Group II (IR): Cells were treated with ionizing radiation alone. Group III (RV): Cells were treated with resveratrol alone. Group VI (IR&RV): The cells were treated with ionizing radiation and resveratrol in combination. The viability of cells was assessed by MTT assay. Genes of interest were measured by RT-PCR and the radiosensitizing efficacy of RV on proliferating cancer cells was determined by clonogenic assay. RESULTS Ionizing radiation significantly reduced PC-3 viability, lowered stem cell markers and affected epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes expression at all doses (2, 4, 6 and 8 Gray). Resveratrol significantly decreased PC-3 viability and lowered stem cell markers and EMT genes expression at concentrations 35, 70 and 140 µM. Combining resveratrol treatment with ionizing radiation leads to significant reduction in cell viability and stem cell markers genes which was noticed with increasing the radiation dose when compared to ionizing radiation alone treated group. CONCLUSION Resveratrol has a radiosensitizing effect, that ability is triggered by reducing the expression of cancer stem cell markers and affecting EMT markers. Resveratrol showed to be a good candidate for further studies as anticancer drug in the treatment of human prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaa A El-Benhawy
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohmed I Morsi
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Enayat I Fahmy
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Moustafa A Soula
- Department of Radiology, October Central Hospital, El Gharbeya, Egypt
| | - Fatma Al Zahraa Fh Khalil
- Department of Radiology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Misr University for Science and technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Amal Refaat Arab
- Department of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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27
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Ding L, Yang Y, Ge Y, Lu Q, Yan Z, Chen X, Du J, Hafizi S, Xu X, Yao J, Liu J, Cao Z, Weygant N. Inhibition of DCLK1 with DCLK1-IN-1 Suppresses Renal Cell Carcinoma Invasion and Stemness and Promotes Cytotoxic T-Cell-Mediated Anti-Tumor Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225729. [PMID: 34830884 PMCID: PMC8616267 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this study, we found that the novel small molecule kinase inhibitor DCLK1-IN-1 not only inhibited DCLK1 phosphorylation, stemness, and EMT-related properties of RCC cells but also revealed its potential as an immunotherapy agent and potential combination therapy with anti-PD1 against RCC in immune co-culture experiments. Abstract The approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors has expanded treatment options for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but new therapies that target RCC stemness and promote anti-tumor immunity are needed. Previous findings demonstrate that doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) regulates stemness and is associated with RCC disease progression. Herein, we demonstrate that small-molecule kinase inhibitor DCLK1-IN-1 strongly inhibits DCLK1 phosphorylation and downregulates pluripotency factors and cancer stem cell (CSC) or epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated markers including c-MET, c-MYC, and N-Cadherin in RCC cell lines. Functionally, DCLK1-IN-1 treatment resulted in significantly reduced colony formation, migration, and invasion. Additionally, assays using floating or Matrigel spheroid protocols demonstrated potent inhibition of stemness. An analysis of clinical populations showed that DCLK1 predicts RCC survival and that its expression is correlated with reduced CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell infiltration and increases in M2 immunosuppressive macrophage populations. The treatment of RCC cells with DCLK1-IN-1 significantly reduced the expression of immune checkpoint ligand PD-L1, and co-culture assays using peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) or T-cell expanded PBMCs demonstrated a significant increase in immune-mediated cytotoxicity alone or in combination with anti-PD1 therapy. Together, these findings demonstrate broad susceptibility to DCLK1 kinase inhibition in RCC using DCLK1-IN-1 and provide the first direct evidence for DCLK1-IN-1 as an immuno-oncology agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ding
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China; (L.D.); (Y.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.C.); (J.D.)
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Yuning Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China; (L.D.); (Y.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.C.); (J.D.)
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Yang Ge
- Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Beijing 100020, China; (Y.G.); (J.Y.); (J.L.)
| | - Qin Lu
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China; (L.D.); (Y.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.C.); (J.D.)
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Zixing Yan
- Affiliated Fuzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350001, China;
| | - Xuzheng Chen
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China; (L.D.); (Y.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.C.); (J.D.)
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Jian Du
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China; (L.D.); (Y.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.C.); (J.D.)
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Sassan Hafizi
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK;
| | - Xiaohui Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Taicang, Taicang Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215400, China;
| | - Jiannan Yao
- Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Beijing 100020, China; (Y.G.); (J.Y.); (J.L.)
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Beijing 100020, China; (Y.G.); (J.Y.); (J.L.)
| | - Zhiyun Cao
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China; (L.D.); (Y.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.C.); (J.D.)
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Correspondence: (Z.C.); (N.W.)
| | - Nathaniel Weygant
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China; (L.D.); (Y.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.C.); (J.D.)
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Correspondence: (Z.C.); (N.W.)
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28
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Jang DM, Lim HJ, Hahn H, Lee Y, Kim HK, Kim HS. Structural Basis of Inhibition of DCLK1 by Ruxolitinib. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168488. [PMID: 34445192 PMCID: PMC8395186 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168488] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the functional attributes of Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) in tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, cell motility, and tumor stemness, it is emerging as a therapeutic target in gastrointestinal cancers. Although a series of specific or nonspecific ATP-competitive inhibitors were identified against DCLK1, different types of scaffolds that can be utilized for the development of highly selective inhibitors or structural understanding of binding specificities of the compounds remain limited. Here, we present our work to repurpose a Janus kinase 1 inhibitor, ruxolitinib as a DCLK1 inhibitor, showing micromolar binding affinity and inhibitory activity. Furthermore, to gain an insight into its interaction mode with DCLK1, a crystal structure of the ruxolitinib-complexed DCLK1 has been determined and analyzed. Ruxolitinib as a nonspecific DCLK1 inhibitor characterized in this work is anticipated to provide a starting point for the structure-guided discovery of selective DCLK1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hark Kyun Kim
- Correspondence: (H.K.K.); (H.S.K.); Tel.: +82-31-920-2275 (H.S.K.)
| | - Hyoun Sook Kim
- Correspondence: (H.K.K.); (H.S.K.); Tel.: +82-31-920-2275 (H.S.K.)
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29
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Broner EC, Trujillo JA, Korzinkin M, Subbannayya T, Agrawal N, Ozerov IV, Zhavoronkov A, Rooper L, Kotlov N, Shen L, Pearson AT, Rosenberg AJ, Savage PA, Mishra V, Chatterjee A, Sidransky D, Izumchenko E. Doublecortin-Like Kinase 1 ( DCLK1) Is a Novel NOTCH Pathway Signaling Regulator in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:677051. [PMID: 34336664 PMCID: PMC8323482 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.677051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advancements, the 5 year survival of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) hovers at 60%. DCLK1 has been shown to regulate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition as well as serving as a cancer stem cell marker in colon, pancreatic and renal cancer. Although it was reported that DCLK1 is associated with poor prognosis in oropharyngeal cancers, very little is known about the molecular characterization of DCLK1 in HNSCC. In this study, we performed a comprehensive transcriptome-based computational analysis on hundreds of HNSCC patients from TCGA and GEO databases, and found that DCLK1 expression positively correlates with NOTCH signaling pathway activation. Since NOTCH signaling has a recognized role in HNSCC tumorigenesis, we next performed a series of in vitro experiments in a collection of HNSCC cell lines to investigate the role of DCLK1 in NOTCH pathway regulation. Our analyses revealed that DCLK1 inhibition, using either a pharmacological inhibitor or siRNA, resulted in substantially decreased proliferation, invasion, migration, and colony formation. Furthermore, these effects paralleled downregulation of active NOTCH1, and its downstream effectors, HEY1, HES1 and HES5, whereas overexpression of DCLK1 in normal keratinocytes, lead to an upregulation of NOTCH signaling associated with increased proliferation. Analysis of 233 primary and 40 recurrent HNSCC cancer biopsies revealed that high DCLK1 expression was associated with poor prognosis and showed a trend towards higher active NOTCH1 expression in tumors with elevated DCLK1. Our results demonstrate the novel role of DCLK1 as a regulator of NOTCH signaling network and suggest its potential as a therapeutic target in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther C. Broner
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jonathan A. Trujillo
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | | | - Nishant Agrawal
- Section of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ivan V. Ozerov
- InSilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong
| | | | - Lisa Rooper
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nikita Kotlov
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Le Shen
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Alexander T. Pearson
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ari J. Rosenberg
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Peter A. Savage
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Vasudha Mishra
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Aditi Chatterjee
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - David Sidransky
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Evgeny Izumchenko
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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30
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Cheng L, Huang S, Chen L, Dong X, Zhang L, Wu C, Ye K, Shao F, Zhu Z, Thorne RF. Research Progress of DCLK1 Inhibitors as Cancer Therapeutics. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:2261-2273. [PMID: 34254905 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210709110721] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) has emerged over the last decade as a unique stem cell marker within gastrointestinal tissues. Evidence from mouse models shows that high Dclk1 expression denotes a population of cells that promote tissue regeneration and serve as potential cancer stem cells. Moreover, since specific DCLK1 isoforms are overexpressed in many cancers and not normal cells, targeting the expression or kinase activity of DCLK1 can inhibit cancer cell growth. Here we review the evidence for DCLK1 as a prospective cancer target, including its isoform-specific expression and mutational status in human cancers. We further discuss the challenges and current progress in the development of small-molecule inhibitors of DCLK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linna Cheng
- Institute of Hematology, Henan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Differentiation and Modification, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, China
| | - Shenzhen Huang
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital and Henan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, China
| | - Lijuan Chen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, China
| | - Xiaoyan Dong
- Institute of Hematology, Henan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Differentiation and Modification, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institute of Hematology, Henan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Differentiation and Modification, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, China
| | - Chengye Wu
- Institute of Hematology, Henan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Differentiation and Modification, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, China
| | - Kaihong Ye
- Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, No.7, WeiWu Road, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Fengmin Shao
- Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, No.7, WeiWu Road, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Zunmin Zhu
- Institute of Hematology, Henan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Differentiation and Modification, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, China
| | - Rick F Thorne
- Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, No.7, WeiWu Road, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
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31
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Carli ALE, Afshar-Sterle S, Rai A, Fang H, O'Keefe R, Tse J, Ferguson FM, Gray NS, Ernst M, Greening DW, Buchert M. Cancer stem cell marker DCLK1 reprograms small extracellular vesicles toward migratory phenotype in gastric cancer cells. Proteomics 2021; 21:e2000098. [PMID: 33991177 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202000098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a putative cancer stem cell marker, a promising diagnostic and prognostic maker for malignant tumors and a proposed driver gene for gastric cancer (GC). DCLK1 overexpression in a majority of solid cancers correlates with lymph node metastases, advanced disease and overall poor-prognosis. In cancer cells, DCLK1 expression has been shown to promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), driving disruption of cell-cell adhesion, cell migration and invasion. Here, we report that DCLK1 influences small extracellular vesicle (sEV/exosome) biogenesis in a kinase-dependent manner. sEVs isolated from DCLK1 overexpressing human GC cell line MKN1 (MKN1OE -sEVs), promote the migration of parental (non-transfected) MKN1 cells (MKN1PAR ). Quantitative proteome analysis of MKN1OE -sEVs revealed enrichment in migratory and adhesion regulators (STRAP, CORO1B, BCAM, COL3A, CCN1) in comparison to MKN1PAR -sEVs. Moreover, using DCLK1-IN-1, a specific small molecule inhibitor of DCLK1, we reversed the increase in sEV size and concentration in contrast to other EV subtypes, as well as kinase-dependent cargo selection of proteins involved in EV biogenesis (KTN1, CHMP1A, MYO1G) and migration and adhesion processes (STRAP, CCN1). Our findings highlight a specific role of DCLK1-kinase dependent cargo selection for sEVs and shed new light on its role as a regulator of signaling in gastric tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa L E Carli
- Cancer Inflammation Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shoukat Afshar-Sterle
- Cancer Inflammation Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alin Rai
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Haoyun Fang
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ryan O'Keefe
- Cancer Inflammation Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Janson Tse
- Cancer Inflammation Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fleur M Ferguson
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthias Ernst
- Cancer Inflammation Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Buchert
- Cancer Inflammation Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Mohammadi C, Mahdavinezhad A, Saidijam M, Bahreini F, Sedighi Pashaki A, Gholami MH, Najafi R. DCLK1 Inhibition Sensitizes Colorectal Cancer Cells to Radiation Treatment. Int J Mol Cell Med 2021; 10:23-33. [PMID: 34268251 PMCID: PMC8256833 DOI: 10.22088/ijmcm.bums.10.1.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent diagnosed cancers and a common cause of cancer-related mortality. Despite effective clinical responses, a large proportion of patients undergo resistance to radiation therapy. Therefore, the identification of efficient targeted therapy strategies would be beneficial to overcome cancer radioresistance. Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is an intestinal and pancreatic stem cell marker that showed overexpression in a variety of cancers. The transfection of DCLK1 siRNA to normal HCT-116 cells was performed, and then cells were irradiated with X-rays. The effects of DCLK1 inhibition on cell survival, apoptosis, cell cycle, DNA damage response (ATM and γH2AX proteins), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related genes (vimentin, N‐cadherin, and E-cadherin), cancer stem cells markers (CD44, CD133, ALDH1, and BMI1), and β‐catenin signaling pathway (β‐catenin) were evaluated. DCLK1 siRNA downregulated DCLK1 expression in HCT-116 cells at both mRNA and protein levels (P <0.01). Colony formation assay showed a significantly reduced cell survival in the DCLK1 siRNA transfected group in comparison with the control group following exposure to 4 and 6 Gy doses of irradiation (P <0.01). Moreover, the expression of cancer stem cells markers (P <0.01), EMT related genes (P <0.01), and DNA repair proteins including pATM (P <0.01) and γH2AX (P <0.001) were significantly decreased in the transfected cells in comparison with the nontransfected group after radiation. Finally, the cell apoptosis rate (P <0.01) and the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase in the silencing DCLK1 group was increased (P <0.01). These findings suggest that DCLK1 can be considered a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of radioresistant human CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiman Mohammadi
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ali Mahdavinezhad
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Massoud Saidijam
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Bahreini
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | | | | | - Rezvan Najafi
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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33
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Ramamoorthy P, Dandawate P, Jensen RA, Anant S. Celastrol and Triptolide Suppress Stemness in Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Notch as a Therapeutic Target for Stem Cells. Biomedicines 2021; 9:482. [PMID: 33924995 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is observed in ~15% of breast cancers and results in poor survival and increased distant metastases. Within the tumor are present a small portion of cancer stem cells that drive tumorigenesis and metastasis. In this study, we aimed to elucidate whether the two natural compounds, celastrol and triptolide, inhibit stemness in TNBC. MDA-MB-231, BT20, and a patient-derived primary cells (PD-TNBC) were used in the study. Mammosphere assay was performed to assess the stemness. Both celastrol and triptolide treatment suppressed mammosphere formation. Furthermore, the compound suppressed expression of cancer stem cell marker proteins DCLK1, ALDH1, and CD133. Notch signaling plays a critical role in stem cells renewal. Both celastrol or triptolide reduced Notch -1 activation and expression of its downstream target proteins HES-1 and HEY-1. However, when NICD 1 was ectopically overexpressed in the cells, it partially rescued proliferation and mammosphere formation of the cells, supporting the role of notch signaling. Together, these data demonstrate that targeting stem cells and the notch signaling pathway may be an effective strategy for curtailing TNBC progression.
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34
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Ge P, Cao L, Zheng M, Yao Y, Wang W, Chen X. LncRNA SNHG1 contributes to the cisplatin resistance and progression of NSCLC via miR-330-5p/ DCLK1 axis. Exp Mol Pathol 2021; 120:104633. [PMID: 33753110 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2021.104633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the occurrence and progression of multiple cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we explored the exact role and underlying mechanism of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) in NSCLC. METHODS The levels of SNHG1, microRNA-330-5p (miR-330-5p) and doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was carried out to measure the chemoresistance and proliferation of NSCLC cells. The metastasis and apoptosis of NSCLC cells were examined by transwell migration and invasion assays and flow cytometry. Western blot assay was conducted to detect the levels of proliferation-associated proteins and DCLK1. The interaction between miR-330-5p and SNHG1 or DCLK1 was predicted by StarBase and microT_CDS databases. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were performed to validate these interactions. In vivo chemosensitivity experiment was conducted to assess the function of SNHG1 in the chemoresistance of NSCLC in vivo. RESULTS SNHG1 was dramatically up-regulated in cisplatin (DDP)-resistant NSCLC tissues and cells. SNHG1 promoted the DDP resistance and malignant behaviors of NSCLC cells. SNHG1 functioned through targeting miR-330-5p, and si-SNHG1-mediated effects in NSCLC cells were attenuated by the addition of in-miR-330-5p. DCLK1 messenger RNA (mRNA) could directly bind to miR-330-5p, and miR-330-5p acted as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC through down-regulating DCLK1. SNHG1 silencing elevated the DDP sensitivity of NSCLC cells in vivo. CONCLUSION SNHG1 elevated DDP resistance and malignant potential of NSCLC cells through elevating the level of DCLK1 via sponging miR-330-5p.
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Yang WQ, Zhao WJ, Zhu LL, Xu SJ, Zhang XL, Liang Y, Ding XF, Kiselyov A, Chen G. XMD-17-51 Inhibits DCLK1 Kinase and Prevents Lung Cancer Progression. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:603453. [PMID: 33762936 PMCID: PMC7982674 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.603453] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a cancer stem cell marker that is highly expressed in various types of human cancer, and a protein kinase target for cancer therapy that is attracting increasing interest. However, no drug candidates targeting DCLK1 kinase have been developed in clinical trials to date. XMD-17-51 was found herein to possess DCLK1 kinase inhibitory activities by cell-free enzymatic assay. In non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells, XMD-17-51 inhibited DCLK1 and cell proliferation, while DCLK1 overexpression impaired the anti-proliferative activity of XMD-17-51 in A549 cell lines. Consequently, XMD-17-51 decreased Snail-1 and zinc-finger-enhancer binding protein 1 protein levels, but increased those of E-cadherin, indicating that XMD-17-51 reduces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, sphere formation efficiency was significantly decreased upon XMD-17-51 treatment, and XMD-17-51 reduced the expression of stemness markers such as β-catenin, and pluripotency factors such as SOX2, NANOG and OCT4. However, the percentage of ALDH+ cells was increased significantly following treatment with XMD-17-51 in A549 cells, possibly due to EMT inhibition. In combination, the present data indicated that XMD-17-51 inhibited DCLK1 kinase activity in a cell-free assay with an IC50 of 14.64 nM, and decreased DCLK1 protein levels, cell proliferation, EMT and stemness in NSCLC cell lines. XMD-17-51 has the potential to be a candidate drug for lung cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Qiang Yang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China.,Graduate School of Medicine, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Wei-Jun Zhao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China.,Graduate School of Medicine, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Liu-Lian Zhu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China.,Graduate School of Medicine, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Shuai-Jun Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China.,Graduate School of Medicine, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | | | - Yong Liang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Ding
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Alexander Kiselyov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Chemical and Materials Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
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Cao Z, Weygant N, Chandrakesan P, Houchen CW, Peng J, Qu D. Tuft and Cancer Stem Cell Marker DCLK1: A New Target to Enhance Anti-Tumor Immunity in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3801. [PMID: 33348546 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a tumor stem cell marker in colon, pancreatic, and potentially other cancers that has received wide attention recently. Aside from its role as a tuft cell marker in normal tissue and as a tumor stem cell marker in cancer, previous studies have demonstrated that silencing DCLK1 functionally reduces stemness, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), and tumorigenesis in cancers. More recently, DCLK1′s role in regulating the inflammatory, pre-cancer, and tumor microenvironment including its ability to modulate immune cell mechanisms has started to come into focus. Importantly, clinically viable therapeutic means of targeting DCLK1 have finally become available in the form of kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T). Herein, we comprehensively review the mechanistic role of DCLK1 in the tumor microenvironment, assess the potential for targeting DCLK1 in colon, pancreatic and renal cancer. Abstract Microtubule-associated doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is an accepted marker of tuft cells (TCs) and several kinds of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and emerging evidence suggests that DCLK1-positive TCs participate in the initiation and formation of inflammation-associated cancer. DCLK1-expressing CSCs regulate multiple biological processes in cancer, promote resistance to therapy, and are associated with metastasis. In solid tumor cancers, tumor epithelia, immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells and blood vessels, extracellular matrix, and hypoxia all support a CSC phenotype characterized by drug resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Recently, studies have shown that DCLK1-positive CSCs are associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and immune checkpoint. Emerging data concerning targeting DCLK1 with small molecular inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor T-cells shows promising effects on inhibiting tumor growth and regulating the tumor immune microenvironment. Overall, DCLK1 is reaching maturity as an anti-cancer target and therapies directed against it may have potential against CSCs directly, in remodeling the tumor microenvironment, and as immunotherapies.
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Saaltink DJ, van Zwet EW, Vreugdenhil E. Doublecortin-Like Is Implicated in Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis and in Motivational Aspects to Escape from an Aversive Environment in Male Mice. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO. [PMID: 32994174 DOI: 10.1523/ENEURO.0324-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Doublecortin (DCX)-like (DCL) is a microtubule (MT)-associated protein (MAP) that is highly homologous to DCX and is crucially involved in embryonic neurogenesis. Here, we have investigated the in vivo role of DCL in adult hippocampal neurogenesis by generating transgenic mice producing inducible shRNA molecules that specifically target DCL but no other splice variants produced by the DCLK gene. DCL knock-down (DCL-KD) resulted in a significant increase in the number of proliferating BrdU+ cells in the subgranular zone (SGZ) 1 d after BrdU administration. However, the number of surviving newborn adult NeuN+/BrdU+ neurons are significantly decreased when inspected four weeks after BrdU administration suggesting a blockade of neuronal differentiation after DCL-KD. In line with this, we observed an increase in the number of proliferating cells, but a significant decrease in postmitotic DCX+ cells that are characterized by long dendrites spanning all dentate gyrus layers. Behavioral analysis showed that DCL-KD strongly extended the escape latency of mice on the circular hole board (CHB) but did not affect other aspects of this behavioral task. Together, our results indicate a function for DCL in adult neurogenesis and in the motivation to escape from an aversive environment. In contrast to DCX, its pivotal role in the maturation of postmitotic neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs) marks DCL as a genuine adult neurogenesis indicator in the hippocampus.
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Panneerselvam J, Mohandoss P, Patel R, Gillan H, Li M, Kumar K, Nguyen D, Weygant N, Qu D, Pitts K, Lightfoot S, Rao C, Houchen C, Bronze M, Chandrakesan P. DCLK1 Regulates Tumor Stemness and Cisplatin Resistance in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via ABCD-Member-4. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2020; 18:24-36. [PMID: 32637578 PMCID: PMC7321820 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2020.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemoresistance cells have features similar to cancer stem cells. Elimination of these cells is an effective therapeutic strategy to clinically combat chemoresistance non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we demonstrate that Doublecortin-like kinase1 (DCLK1) is the key to developing chemoresistance and associated stemness in NSCLC. DCLK1 is highly expressed in human lung adenocarcinoma and strongly correlated with stemness. Silencing DCLK1 inhibits NSCLC cell primary and secondary spheroid formation, which is the prerequisite feature of tumor stem cells. DCLK1 inhibition reduced NSCLC cell migration/invasion in vitro and induced tumor growth inhibition in vivo. NSCLC cells responded differently to cisplatin treatment; indeed, the clonogenic ability of all NSCLC cells was reduced. We found that the cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells gain the expression of DCLK1 compared with their parental control. However, DCLK1 inhibition in cisplatin-resistance NSCLC cells reverses the tumor cell resistance to cisplatin and reduced tumor self-renewal ability. Specifically, we found that DCLK1-mediated cisplatin resistance in NSCLC is via an ABC subfamily member 4 (ABCD4)-dependent mechanism. Our data demonstrate that increased expression of DCLK1 is associated with chemoresistance and enhanced cancer stem cell-like features in NSCLC. Targeting DCLK1 using gene knockdown/knockout strategies alone or in combination with cisplatin may represent a novel therapeutic strategy to treat NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janani Panneerselvam
- Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | | | - Ravi Patel
- Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Hamza Gillan
- Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Michael Li
- Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Kirtana Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - DangHuy Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Nathaniel Weygant
- Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Dongfeng Qu
- Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Kamille Pitts
- Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Stanley Lightfoot
- Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Chinthalapally Rao
- Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Courtney Houchen
- Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Michael Bronze
- Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Parthasarathy Chandrakesan
- Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Razi S, Sadeghi A, Asadi-Lari Z, Tam KJ, Kalantari E, Madjd Z. DCLK1, a promising colorectal cancer stem cell marker, regulates tumor progression and invasion through miR-137 and miR-15a dependent manner. Clin Exp Med 2020; 21:139-147. [PMID: 32965580 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-020-00665-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to be a major player in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Targeting CSCs for elimination presents a promising therapeutic strategy; however, this approach will require a stronger understanding of CSC biology and identification of CSC-specific markers. The present study was conducted to examine the correlation between DCLK1 and miR-137 and miR-15a levels in colorectal cancer. A total of 222 samples, including 181 colorectal cancer specimens, 24 adenomatosis, and 17 non-adenomatosis colonic polyps, were stained for DCLK1 expression using immunohistochemistry. Also, expression of miR-137 and miR-15a was assessed in colorectal cancer with high and low DCLK1 expression levels. Most colorectal cancer specimens (76%) showed strong expression of DCLK1, whereas only 21% of adenomatous and none of non-adenomatous colonic polyps showed strong DCLK1 expression. A significant difference in DCLK1 expression was found between colorectal cancer, adenomatous, and non-adenomatous colonic polyps (P < 0.001). Higher expression of DCLK1 was more frequently detected in colorectal cases with larger tumor size (P = 0.03), poor differentiation (P = 0.03), and lymph node involvement (P = 0.04). Comparison of miR-137 and miR-15a in colorectal cancer cases revealed a significant inverse correlation with DCLK1 expression (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively). DCLK1 may act as a candidate marker for colorectal cancer stem cells. The critical role of DCLK1 in colorectal cancer suggests that it may represent an early diagnostic marker and therapeutic target; however, further investigation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Razi
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Asieh Sadeghi
- Department of Pathology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Kevin J Tam
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Elham Kalantari
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Pathology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Molecular Medicine, Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Güllü N, Kobelt D, Brim H, Rahman S, Timm L, Smith J, Soleimani A, Di Marco S, Bisti S, Ashktorab H, Stein U. Saffron Crudes and Compounds Restrict MACC1-Dependent Cell Proliferation and Migration of Colorectal Cancer Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081829. [PMID: 32756469 PMCID: PMC7463853 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The high mortality rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is directly associated with metastatic dissemination. However, therapeutic options specifically for metastasis are still limited. We previously identified Metastasis-Associated in Colon Cancer 1 (MACC1) as a major causal metastasis-inducing gene. Numerous studies confirmed its value as a biomarker for metastasis risk. We investigated the inhibitory impact of saffron on MACC1-induced cancer cell growth and motility. Saffron crudes restricted the proliferation and migration of MACC1-expressing CRC cells in a concentration- and MACC1-dependent manner. Saffron delays cell cycle progression at G2/M-phase and does not induce apoptosis. Rescue experiments showed that these effects are reversible. Analysis of active saffron compounds elucidated that crocin was the main compound that reproduced total saffron crudes effects. We showed the interaction of MACC1 with the cancer stem cell (CSC) marker DCLK1, which contributes to metastasis formation in different tumor entities. Saffron extracts reduced DCLK1 with crocin being responsible for this reduction. Saffron's anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects in MACC1-expressing cells are mediated by crocin through DCLK1 down-regulation. This research is the first identification of saffron-based compounds restricting cancer cell proliferation and motility progression via the novel target MACC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Güllü
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; (N.G.); (D.K.); (S.R.); (L.T.); (J.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dennis Kobelt
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; (N.G.); (D.K.); (S.R.); (L.T.); (J.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hassan Brim
- College of Medicine & Cancer Center, Howard University 2041 Georgia Av. NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
- Correspondence: (H.B.); (H.A.); (U.S.); Tel.: +1-202-806-4198 (H.B.); +1-202-806-6121 (H.A.); +49-30-9406-3432 (U.S.); Fax: +1-202-667-1686 (H.B.); +1-202-667-1686 (H.A.); +49-30-9406-3432 (U.S.)
| | - Shaman Rahman
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; (N.G.); (D.K.); (S.R.); (L.T.); (J.S.)
| | - Lena Timm
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; (N.G.); (D.K.); (S.R.); (L.T.); (J.S.)
| | - Janice Smith
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; (N.G.); (D.K.); (S.R.); (L.T.); (J.S.)
| | - Akbar Soleimani
- College of Medicine & Cancer Center, Howard University 2041 Georgia Av. NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
| | - Stefano Di Marco
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, The Italian Institute of Technology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Silvia Bisti
- NetS3 Laboratory Neuroscience and Brain Technologies (NBT), The Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16128 Genova, Italy;
- Consorzio Interuniversitario INBB Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, V.le Medaglie D’Oro, 305, 00136 Roma, Italy
| | - Hassan Ashktorab
- College of Medicine & Cancer Center, Howard University 2041 Georgia Av. NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
- Correspondence: (H.B.); (H.A.); (U.S.); Tel.: +1-202-806-4198 (H.B.); +1-202-806-6121 (H.A.); +49-30-9406-3432 (U.S.); Fax: +1-202-667-1686 (H.B.); +1-202-667-1686 (H.A.); +49-30-9406-3432 (U.S.)
| | - Ulrike Stein
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; (N.G.); (D.K.); (S.R.); (L.T.); (J.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence: (H.B.); (H.A.); (U.S.); Tel.: +1-202-806-4198 (H.B.); +1-202-806-6121 (H.A.); +49-30-9406-3432 (U.S.); Fax: +1-202-667-1686 (H.B.); +1-202-667-1686 (H.A.); +49-30-9406-3432 (U.S.)
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Gzil A, Zarębska I, Jaworski D, Antosik P, Durślewicz J, Maciejewska J, Domanowska E, Skoczylas-Makowska N, Ahmadi N, Grzanka D, Szylberg Ł. The prognostic value of leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein (Lgr5) and its impact on clinicopathological features of colorectal cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:2547-2557. [PMID: 32671503 PMCID: PMC7467967 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03314-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) constitutes one of the most prevalent malignancies in the world. Recent research suggests that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for tumor cell’s malignant behavior in CRC. This study has been designed to determinate clinical implications of CSC markers: CD44, DCLK1, Lgr5, and ANXA2 in CRC. Materials and methods The study was performed on tissue samples which were collected from 89 patients undergoing colectomy. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks with representative tumor areas were identified and corded. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using anti-CD44, anti-LGR5, anti-ANXA2, and anti-DCLK1 antibodies. The H-score system was utilized to determine the immunointensity of CRC cells. Results The lower expression of Lgr5 was significantly correlated with the presence of lymph-node metastases (p = 0.011), while high expression of Lgr5 was statistically significant in vascular invasion in examined cancer tissue samples (p = 0.027). Moreover, a high H-score value of Lgr5 expression was significantly related to a reduced overall survival rate (p = 0.043). Conclusion Our results suggest a strong relationship between CSC marker Lgr5 and vascular invasion, presence of lymph-node metastasis, and overall poor survival. The presence of Lgr5 might be an unfavorable prognostic factor, and its high level in cancer tissue is related to an aggressive course. This marker could also be used to access the effectiveness of the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Gzil
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland. .,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland.
| | - Izabela Zarębska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Damian Jaworski
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Paulina Antosik
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Justyna Durślewicz
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Joanna Maciejewska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Ewa Domanowska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Natalia Skoczylas-Makowska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Navid Ahmadi
- Chair and Department of Oncologic Pathology and Prophylactics, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Dariusz Grzanka
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland.,Department of Pathomorphology, Military Clinical Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Center, Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Xu L, Wang P, Feng X, Tang J, Li L, Zheng X, Zhang J, Hu Y, Lan T, Yuan K, Zhang Y, Ren S, Hao X, Zhang M, Xu M. SETD3 is regulated by a couple of microRNAs and plays opposing roles in proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Sci (Lond) 2019; 133:2085-105. [PMID: 31654063 DOI: 10.1042/CS20190666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A previous study reported that histone methyltransferase SETD3 is up-regulated in tumor tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with the growth of HCC. However, the clinical significance and the effect of SETD3 on HCC metastasis remain unclear. In the present study, both the protein and mRNA expression levels of SETD3 were measured in a larger cohort of HCC patients. The results showed that the protein level of SETD3 in HCC tissues was significantly higher than that in non-tumorous tissues, which was inconsistent with the mRNA expression level of SETD3. The high protein level of SETD3 in HCC tissues was significantly associated with male gender, poor pathological differentiation, liver cirrhosis and unfavorable prognosis of HCC patients. Subsequently, we demonstrated that SETD3 could be regulated at post-transcriptional step by a couple of miRNAs (miR-16, miR-195 and miR-497). Additionally, in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that SETD3 played opposing roles in proliferation and metastasis of HCC: promoting proliferation but inhibiting metastasis. Mechanistic experiments revealed that doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) was a downstream target of SETD3. SETD3 could increase the DNA methylation level of DCLK1 promoter to inhibit the transcription of DCLK1. Further study revealed that DCLK1/PI3K/matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 (MMP-2) was an important pathway that mediated the effect of SETD3 on HCC metastasis. In conclusion, the present study revealed that SETD3 is associated with tumorigenesis and is a promising biomarker for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients after surgical resection. In addition, SETD3 plays inhibitory role in HCC metastasis partly through DCLK1/PI3K/MMP-2 pathway.
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El-Arabey AA, Abdalla M, Abd-Allah AR. GATA3 and stemness of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma: novel hope for the deadliest type of ovarian cancer. Hum Cell 2020; 33:904-6. [PMID: 32388811 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-020-00368-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Wu X, Qu D, Weygant N, Peng J, Houchen CW. Cancer Stem Cell Marker DCLK1 Correlates with Tumorigenic Immune Infiltrates in the Colon and Gastric Adenocarcinoma Microenvironments. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020274. [PMID: 31979136 PMCID: PMC7073156 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [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: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy that has proven efficacy in several solid cancers plays a partial role in improving clinical outcomes of advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. There is an unmet need to find new immune-related therapeutic targets. Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) marks tuft cells which are recognized as cancer-initiating cells and regulators of the type II immune response, and has been studied for its role in many cancers including colon and gastric cancers, but its role in tumor immunity remains unexplored. In the current study, we analyzed colon and gastric cancer RNA sequencing data from 283 and 415 patients, respectively, from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). High DCLK1 expression predicted the worse clinical outcomes in colon and gastric cancer patients and correlated with increased immune and stromal components. Further analysis indicated that DCLK1 was strongly linked to infiltration of multiple immune cell types, especially TAMs and Treg, and strongly correlated with increased CD8+ T cell inhibitors TGFB1 and CXCL12 and their receptors, suggesting it may contribute to TAM-mediated inhibition of CD8+ T cells. Interestingly, we found that DCLK1 was a prognostic biomarker in left-sided colon cancer, which has worse outcomes and demonstrates a reduced response to existing immunotherapies. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that DCLK1 is linked with functional regulation of the tumor microenvironment and may have potential as a prognostic biomarker and adjuvant target to promote immunotherapy sensitivity in colon and gastric cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyan Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (X.W.); (D.Q.)
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China;
| | - Dongfeng Qu
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (X.W.); (D.Q.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Nathaniel Weygant
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China;
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China;
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Correspondence: (J.P.); (C.W.H.); Tel.: +1-0591-2286-1303 (J.P.); +86-405-271-2175 (C.W.H.); Fax: +1-0591-2286-1157 (J.P.); +86-405-271-5450 (C.W.H.)
| | - Courtney W. Houchen
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (X.W.); (D.Q.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Correspondence: (J.P.); (C.W.H.); Tel.: +1-0591-2286-1303 (J.P.); +86-405-271-2175 (C.W.H.); Fax: +1-0591-2286-1157 (J.P.); +86-405-271-5450 (C.W.H.)
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Vázquez-Vélez GE, Gonzales KA, Revelli JP, Adamski CJ, Alavi Naini F, Bajić A, Craigen E, Richman R, Heman-Ackah SM, Wood MJA, Rousseaux MWC, Zoghbi HY. Doublecortin-like Kinase 1 Regulates α-Synuclein Levels and Toxicity. J Neurosci 2020; 40:459-477. [PMID: 31748376 PMCID: PMC6948939 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1076-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-Syn) accumulation is a pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease. Duplications and triplications of SNCA, the gene coding for α-Syn, cause genetic forms of the disease, which suggests that increased α-Syn dosage can drive PD. To identify the proteins that regulate α-Syn, we previously performed a screen of potentially druggable genes that led to the identification of 60 modifiers. Among them, Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1), a microtubule binding serine threonine kinase, emerged as a promising target due to its potent effect on α-Syn and potential druggability as a neuron-expressed kinase. In this study, we explore the relationship between DCLK1 and α-Syn in human cellular and mouse models of PD. First, we show that DCLK1 regulates α-Syn levels post-transcriptionally. Second, we demonstrate that knockdown of Dclk1 reduces phosphorylated species of α-Syn and α-Syn-induced neurotoxicity in the SNc in two distinct mouse models of synucleinopathy. Last, silencing DCLK1 in human neurons derived from individuals with SNCA triplications reduces phosphorylated and total α-Syn, thereby highlighting DCLK1 as a potential therapeutic target to reduce pathological α-Syn in disease.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT DCLK1 regulates α-Syn protein levels, and Dclk1 knockdown rescues α-Syn toxicity in mice. This study provides evidence for a novel function for DCLK1 in the mature brain, and for its potential as a new therapeutic target for synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel E Vázquez-Vélez
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Program in Developmental Biology
- Medical Scientist Training Program
| | - Kristyn A Gonzales
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics
| | - Jean-Pierre Revelli
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics
| | - Carolyn J Adamski
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Fatemeh Alavi Naini
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics
| | - Aleksandar Bajić
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics
| | - Evelyn Craigen
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics
| | - Ronald Richman
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Sabrina M Heman-Ackah
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom, and
| | - Maxime W C Rousseaux
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030,
- Program in Developmental Biology
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics
- Medical Scientist Training Program
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Houston, Texas 77030
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46
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Sureban SM, Berahovich R, Zhou H, Xu S, Wu L, Ding K, May R, Qu D, Bannerman-Menson E, Golubovskaya V, Houchen CW. DCLK1 Monoclonal Antibody-Based CAR-T Cells as a Novel Treatment Strategy against Human Colorectal Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 12:cancers12010054. [PMID: 31878090 PMCID: PMC7016951 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [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: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T cells) immunotherapy is effective in many hematological cancers; however, efficacy in solid tumors is disappointing. Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) labels tumor stem cells (TSCs) in genetic mouse models of colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we describe a novel CAR-T targeting DCLK1 (CBT-511; with our proprietary DCLK1 single-chain antibody variable fragment) as a treatment strategy to eradicate CRC TSCs. The cell surface expression of DCLK1 and cytotoxicity of CBT-511 were assessed in CRC cells (HT29, HCT116, and LoVo). LoVo-derived tumor xenografts in NOD Scid gamma (NSGTM)mice were treated with CBT-511 or mock CAR-T cells. Adherent CRC cells express surface DCLK1 (two-dimensional, 2D). A 4.5-fold increase in surface DCLK1 was observed when HT29 cells were grown as spheroids (three-dimensional, 3D). CBT-511 induced cytotoxicity (2D; p < 0.0001), and increased Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) release in CRC cells (2D) compared to mock CAR-T (p < 0.0001). Moreover, an even greater increase in IFN-γ release was observed when cells were grown in 3D. CBT-511 reduced tumor growth by approximately 50 percent compared to mock CAR-T. These data suggest that CRC cells with increased clonogenic capacity express increased surface DCLK1. A DCLK1-targeted CAR-T can induce cytotoxicity in vitro and inhibit xenograft growth in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sripathi M. Sureban
- COARE Holdings Inc., Oklahoma, OK 73104, USA; (R.M.); (D.Q.); (E.B.-M.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Digestive Diseases and Nutrition Section, The University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma, OK 73014, USA;
- Correspondence: (S.M.S.); (C.W.H.); Tel.: +1-405-271-5428 (S.M.S. & C.W.H.)
| | - Robert Berahovich
- ProMab Biotechnologies Inc., Richmond, CA 94806, USA; (R.B.); (H.Z.); (S.X.); (L.W.); (V.G.)
| | - Hua Zhou
- ProMab Biotechnologies Inc., Richmond, CA 94806, USA; (R.B.); (H.Z.); (S.X.); (L.W.); (V.G.)
| | - Shirley Xu
- ProMab Biotechnologies Inc., Richmond, CA 94806, USA; (R.B.); (H.Z.); (S.X.); (L.W.); (V.G.)
| | - Lijun Wu
- ProMab Biotechnologies Inc., Richmond, CA 94806, USA; (R.B.); (H.Z.); (S.X.); (L.W.); (V.G.)
| | - Kai Ding
- Department of Internal Medicine, Digestive Diseases and Nutrition Section, The University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma, OK 73014, USA;
| | - Randal May
- COARE Holdings Inc., Oklahoma, OK 73104, USA; (R.M.); (D.Q.); (E.B.-M.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Digestive Diseases and Nutrition Section, The University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma, OK 73014, USA;
| | - Dongfeng Qu
- COARE Holdings Inc., Oklahoma, OK 73104, USA; (R.M.); (D.Q.); (E.B.-M.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Digestive Diseases and Nutrition Section, The University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma, OK 73014, USA;
| | | | - Vita Golubovskaya
- ProMab Biotechnologies Inc., Richmond, CA 94806, USA; (R.B.); (H.Z.); (S.X.); (L.W.); (V.G.)
| | - Courtney W. Houchen
- COARE Holdings Inc., Oklahoma, OK 73104, USA; (R.M.); (D.Q.); (E.B.-M.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Digestive Diseases and Nutrition Section, The University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma, OK 73014, USA;
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma, OK 73104, USA
- Correspondence: (S.M.S.); (C.W.H.); Tel.: +1-405-271-5428 (S.M.S. & C.W.H.)
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Kadletz L, Kenner L, Wiebringhaus R, Jank B, Mayer C, Gurnhofer E, Konrad S, Heiduschka G. Evaluation of the cancer stem cell marker DCLK1 in patients with lymph node metastases of head and neck cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2019; 215:152698. [PMID: 31706685 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2019.152698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymph node metastases are frequently detected in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Little is known about biomarkers expressed in lymph node metastases or their influence on clinical outcome. Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is one marker that might be associated with outcome, owing to its correlation with stem cell-like characteristics. METHODS We assessed the expression of DCLK1 in 74 postoperatively irradiated patients in histologically confirmed HNSCC lymph node metastases. Statistical analysis of the association with DCLK1 on clinical outcomes was performed. RESULTS DCLK1 was expressed in 63.5% of our patient cohort. DCLK1(+) HNSCC patients, compared with those without DCLK1 expression, showed a significantly poorer time to recurrence. Moreover, we observed a significantly poorer time to recurrence in HPV(-) HNSCC patients, and significantly shorter overall and disease-free survival rates in HPV(-) oropharyngeal cancer patients, compared with HPV(+) patients with these cancers. HPV(+) patients showed no significant differences in survival time according to DCLK1 expression. However, recurrent disease occurred in only DCLK1(+) patients. Mulitivariate analysis showed that DCLK1 expression in lymph node metastases is an independent marker for recurrence. CONCLUSION DCLK1 expression might be associated with poorer clinical outcomes in HNSCC patients, specifically in HPV(-) move patients. However, larger studies are required to verify our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Kadletz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria; Department of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Animal Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Bernhard Jank
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christina Mayer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Stefan Konrad
- Department of Radiotherapy and -Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Heiduschka
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Gzil A, Szylberg Ł, Jaworski D, Dominiak J, Zarębska I, Grzanka D. The Essential Role of DCLK1 in Pathogenesis, Diagnostic Procedures and Prognostic Stratification of Colorectal Cancer. Anticancer Res 2019; 39:2689-2697. [PMID: 31177103 DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.13394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most prevalent type of cancer among males and the third among females. CRC recurrence and poor prognosis may be related to the prevalence of chemotherapy-resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs). Recent studies have indicated the role of doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) protein as a marker of CSC in CRC. This review focuses on the role of DCLK1 in CRC. Long-lived DCLK1-positive tuft cells can function as cancer-initiating cells. Numerous studies have shown DCLK1 overexpression to be significantly correlated with the stage of disease, the presence of metastasis and poor survival rate. DCLK1 may also be used to identify patients at high risk and those with chemotherapy-resistant tumors. DCLK1-specific drugs are examined as potential cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Gzil
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Department of Pathomorphology, Military Clinical Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Damian Jaworski
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Joanna Dominiak
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Izabela Zarębska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Dariusz Grzanka
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Khodadadi Kohlan A, Saidijam M, Amini R, Samadi P, Najafi R. Induction of let-7e gene expression attenuates oncogenic phenotype in HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells through targeting of DCLK1 regulation. Life Sci 2019; 228:221-227. [PMID: 31075231 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [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: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that negatively control gene expression at the translational level. There are compelling evidences indicating that the expression of let-7e is downregulated in various cancers, however, the role of let-7e in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its mechanism has been remained unknown. Here, we investigated the potential role of let-7e in regulating CRC cells phenotypes. MAIN METHODS Let-7e and DCLK1 siRNA were transfected in HCT-116 cells. Colony formation assay, scratch test, Annexin V/PI flow cytometry, and sphere formation assay were performed to examine the cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and stemness, respectively. The expression of let-7e, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes, Doublecortin like kinase protein 1 (DCLK1), and cancer stem cells (CSCs) were assessed using RT-qPCR while the protein level of DCLK1 was determined by western blotting. KEY FINDINGS Overexpression of let-7e effectively inhibited cell proliferation, suppressed migration, reduced sphere formation, and precluded EMT process as well as stemness factors. Furthermore, let-7e suppressed DCLK1 expression. Additionally, we found that the expression of let-7e was negatively correlated with DCLK1 expression in CRC cells. SIGNIFICANCE Let-7e plays an important role as tumor suppressor miRNA in CRC probably through inhibition of DCLK1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Khodadadi Kohlan
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Massoud Saidijam
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Razieh Amini
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Pouria Samadi
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Rezvan Najafi
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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50
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Shafiei S, Kalantari E, Saeednejad Zanjani L, Abolhasani M, Asadi Lari MH, Madjd Z. Increased expression of DCLK1, a novel putative CSC maker, is associated with tumor aggressiveness and worse disease-specific survival in patients with bladder carcinomas. Exp Mol Pathol 2019; 108:164-172. [PMID: 31028726 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) has been characterized as a novel potential cancer stem cell (CSC) marker in several types of cancer. It is considered as one of the most specific markers for distinguishing colorectal CSCs from normal stem cells. Yet, there are limited reports on the role of DCLK1 as a putative CSC marker in bladder cancer. Using immunohistochemistry, DCLK1 expression was examined in a well-defined tissue microarray series of 472 bladder cancer tissues. The association between DCLK1 protein expression and clinicopathological features, as well as survival outcomes, was assessed. Our findings showed strong, moderate, and weak DCLK1 expression in 123 (26.1%), 230 (48.7%), and 119 (25.2%) of the bladder cancer specimens, respectively. Higher expression of DCLK1 was significantly associated with increase in histological grade (P ≤ .001), pT stage (P = .014), lamina propria (P = .006), and lamina propria/muscularis (L/M) involvement (P = .014). On multivariate analysis, pT stage (P < .001), histological grade (P = .021), and lamina propria involvement (P = .001) were independent prognostic factors in DCLK1 expression. Moreover, the expression of DCLK1 was found to be an independent marker of poor prognosis for disease- specific survival (DSS) (P = .048) in bladder carcinomas. Our observations showed that DCLK1 expression was associated with more aggressive tumor behavior, more advanced disease, and poorer DSS in patients with bladder carcinomas. However, any potential clinical applications of DCLK1 as a novel target molecule in bladder cancer patients would require further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Shafiei
- Dep of Pathology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Kalantari
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Abolhasani
- Dep of Pathology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, (IUMS), Tehran, Iran; Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran; Hasheminejad Kidney, Iran University of Medical Sciences, (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Madjd
- Dep of Pathology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, (IUMS), Tehran, Iran; Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran; Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada..
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