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Hermenean A, Dossi E, Hamilton A, Trotta MC, Russo M, Lepre CC, Sajtos C, Rusznyák Á, Váradi J, Bácskay I, Budai I, D’Amico M, Fenyvesi F. Chrysin Directing an Enhanced Solubility through the Formation of a Supramolecular Cyclodextrin-Calixarene Drug Delivery System: A Potential Strategy in Antifibrotic Diabetes Therapeutics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:107. [PMID: 38256940 PMCID: PMC10819853 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010107] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Calixarene 0118 (OTX008) and chrysin (CHR) are promising molecules for the treatment of fibrosis and diabetes complications but require an effective delivery system to overcome their low solubility and bioavailability. Sulfobutylated β-cyclodextrin (SBECD) was evaluated for its ability to increase the solubility of CHR by forming a ternary complex with OTX008. The resulting increase in solubility and the mechanisms of complex formation were identified through phase-solubility studies, while dynamic light-scattering assessed the molecular associations within the CHR-OTX008-SBECD system. Nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, and computational studies elucidated the interactions at the molecular level, and cellular assays confirmed the system's biocompatibility. Combining SBECD with OTX008 enhances CHR solubility more than using SBECD alone by forming water-soluble molecular associates in a ternary complex. This aids in the solubilization and delivery of CHR and OTX008. Structural investigations revealed non-covalent interactions essential to complex formation, which showed no cytotoxicity in hyperglycemic in vitro conditions. A new ternary complex has been formulated to deliver promising antifibrotic agents for diabetic complications, featuring OTX008 as a key structural and pharmacological component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Eleftheria Dossi
- Centre for Defence Chemistry, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of United Kingdom, Shrivenham, Swindon SN6 8LA, UK;
| | - Alex Hamilton
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre (BMRC), Department of Biosciences and Chemistry, College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK;
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (C.C.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Marina Russo
- Doctoral School of National Interest in Public Administration and Innovation for Disability and Social Inclusion, Department of Mental, Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
- School of Pharmacology and Clinical Toxicology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Claudia Lepre
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (C.C.L.); (M.D.)
- Doctoral School of Translational Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Csilla Sajtos
- Department of Molecular and Nanopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (C.S.); (Á.R.)
| | - Ágnes Rusznyák
- Department of Molecular and Nanopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (C.S.); (Á.R.)
- Institute of Healthcare Industry, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Square 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Judit Váradi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Ildikó Bácskay
- Institute of Healthcare Industry, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Square 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - István Budai
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Debrecen, Ótemető Street 2-4, H-4028 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (C.C.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Ferenc Fenyvesi
- Department of Molecular and Nanopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (C.S.); (Á.R.)
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Trotta MC, Petrillo F, Gesualdo C, Rossi S, Corte AD, Váradi J, Fenyvesi F, D’Amico M, Hermenean A. Effects of the Calix[4]arene Derivative Compound OTX008 on High Glucose-Stimulated ARPE-19 Cells: Focus on Galectin-1/TGF-β/EMT Pathway. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27154785. [PMID: 35897964 PMCID: PMC9332238 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a neurovascular disease characterized by the reduction of retina integrity and functionality, as a consequence of retinal pigment epithelial cell fibrosis. Although galectin-1 (a glycan-binding protein) has been associated with dysregulated retinal angiogenesis, no evidence has been reported about galectin-1 roles in DR-induced fibrosis. ARPE-19 cells were cultured in normal (5 mM) or high glucose (35 mM) for 3 days, then exposed to the selective galectin-1 inhibitor OTX008 (2.5–5–10 μM) for 6 days. The determination of cell viability and ROS content along with the analysis of specific proteins (by immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, and ELISA) or mRNAs (by real time-PCR) were performed. OTX008 5 μM and 10 μM improved cell viability and markedly reduced galectin-1 protein expression in cells exposed to high glucose. This was paralleled by a down-regulation of the TGF-β/, NF-kB p65 levels, and ROS content. Moreover, epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers were reduced by OTX008 5 μM and 10 μM. The inhibition of galectin-1 by OTX008 in DR may preserve retinal pigment epithelial cell integrity and functionality by reducing their pro-fibrotic phenotype and epithelial–mesenchymal transition phenomenon induced by diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (M.D.)
| | - Francesco Petrillo
- PhD Course in Translational Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (S.R.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (S.R.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Alberto Della Corte
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (S.R.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Judit Váradi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.V.); (F.F.)
| | - Ferenc Fenyvesi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.V.); (F.F.)
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (M.D.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
- Correspondence:
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Scheiter A, Evert K, Reibenspies L, Cigliano A, Annweiler K, Müller K, Pöhmerer LMG, Xu H, Cui G, Itzel T, Materna-Reichelt S, Coluccio A, Honarnejad K, Teufel A, Brochhausen C, Dombrowski F, Chen X, Evert M, Calvisi DF, Utpatel K. RASSF1A independence and early galectin-1 upregulation in PIK3CA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis: new therapeutic venues. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:1091-1118. [PMID: 34748271 PMCID: PMC8895452 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mTOR and Ras/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways is a hallmark of hepatocarcinogenesis. In a subset of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling dysregulation depends on phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase, catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) mutations, while RAS/MAPK activation is partly attributed to promoter methylation of the tumor suppressor Ras association domain‐containing protein 1 (RASSF1A). To evaluate a possible cocarcinogenic effect of PIK3CA activation and RASSF1A knockout, plasmids expressing oncogenic forms of PIK3CA (E545K or H1047R mutants) were delivered to the liver of RASSF1A knockout and wild‐type mice by hydrodynamic tail vein injection combined with sleeping beauty‐mediated somatic integration. Transfection of either PIK3CA E545K or H1047R mutants sufficed to induce HCCs in mice irrespective of RASSF1A mutational background. The related tumors displayed a lipogenic phenotype with upregulation of fatty acid synthase and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 (SCD1). Galectin‐1, which was commonly upregulated in preneoplastic lesions and tumors, emerged as a regulator of SCD1. Co‐inhibitory treatment with PIK3CA inhibitors and the galectin‐1 inhibitor OTX008 resulted in synergistic cytotoxicity in human HCC cell lines, suggesting novel therapeutic venues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katja Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Karolina Müller
- Center for Clinical Studies, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Hongwei Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Center of Liver Transplantation, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Guofei Cui
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Timo Itzel
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Silvia Materna-Reichelt
- Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Coluccio
- Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kamran Honarnejad
- Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Teufel
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Frank Dombrowski
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine of Greifswald, Germany
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Germany
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Sharanek A, Burban A, Hernandez-Corchado A, Madrigal A, Fatakdawala I, Najafabadi HS, Soleimani VD, Jahani-Asl A. Transcriptional control of brain tumor stem cells by a carbohydrate binding protein. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109647. [PMID: 34469737 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs) and intratumoral heterogeneity represent major challenges in glioblastoma therapy. Here, we report that the LGALS1 gene, encoding the carbohydrate binding protein, galectin1, is a key regulator of BTSCs and glioblastoma resistance to therapy. Genetic deletion of LGALS1 alters BTSC gene expression profiles and results in downregulation of gene sets associated with the mesenchymal subtype of glioblastoma. Using a combination of pharmacological and genetic approaches, we establish that inhibition of LGALS1 signaling in BTSCs impairs self-renewal, suppresses tumorigenesis, prolongs lifespan, and improves glioblastoma response to ionizing radiation in preclinical animal models. Mechanistically, we show that LGALS1 is a direct transcriptional target of STAT3 with its expression robustly regulated by the ligand OSM. Importantly, we establish that galectin1 forms a complex with the transcription factor HOXA5 to reprogram the BTSC transcriptional landscape. Our data unravel an oncogenic signaling pathway by which the galectin1/HOXA5 complex maintains BTSCs and promotes glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Sharanek
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology and Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3T2, Canada
| | - Audrey Burban
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology and Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3T2, Canada
| | - Aldo Hernandez-Corchado
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A OC7, Canada; McGill Genome Centre, Montréal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - Ariel Madrigal
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A OC7, Canada; McGill Genome Centre, Montréal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - Idris Fatakdawala
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Hamed S Najafabadi
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A OC7, Canada; McGill Genome Centre, Montréal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - Vahab D Soleimani
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A OC7, Canada
| | - Arezu Jahani-Asl
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology and Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3T2, Canada; Integrated program in Neuroscience, Montréal Neurological Institute, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.
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Gheysen L, Soumoy L, Trelcat A, Verset L, Journe F, Saussez S. New Treatment Strategy Targeting Galectin-1 against Thyroid Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:1112. [PMID: 34063063 PMCID: PMC8147933 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the overall survival rate of papillary or follicular thyroid cancers is good, anaplastic carcinomas and radio iodine refractory cancers remain a significant therapeutic challenge. Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is overexpressed in tumor cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells, and is broadly implicated in angiogenesis, cancer cell motility and invasion, and immune system escape. Our team has previously demonstrated a higher serum level of Gal-1 in patients with differentiated thyroid cancers versus healthy patients, and explored, by a knockdown strategy, the effect of Gal-1 silencing on cell proliferation and invasion in vitro, and on tumor and metastasis development in vivo. OTX008 is a calixarene derivative designed to bind the Gal-1 amphipathic β-sheet conformation and has previously demonstrated anti-proliferative and anti-invasive properties in several cancer cell lines including colon, breast, head and neck, and prostate cancer lines. In the current work, the impacts of OTX008 were evaluated in six thyroid cancer cell lines, and significant inhibitions of proliferation, migration, and invasion were observed in all lines expressing high Gal-1 levels. In addition, the signaling pathways affected by this drug were examined using RPPA (reverse phase protein array) and phosphoprotein expression assays, and opposite regulation of eNos, PYK2, and HSP27 by OTX008 was detected by comparing the two anaplastic lines 8505c and CAL 62. Finally, the sensitive 8505c line was xenografted in nude mice, and 3 weeks of OTX008 treatment (5 mg/kg/day) demonstrated a significant reduction in tumor and lung metastasize sizes without side effects. Overall, OXT008 showed significant anti-cancer effects both in vitro and in vivo in thyroid cancer lines expressing Gal-1, supporting further investigation of the molecular mechanisms of the drug and future clinical trials in patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Gheysen
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Mons University, Avenue du Champ de Mars, 6, B7000 Mons, Belgium; (L.G.); (L.S.); (A.T.); (F.J.)
| | - Laura Soumoy
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Mons University, Avenue du Champ de Mars, 6, B7000 Mons, Belgium; (L.G.); (L.S.); (A.T.); (F.J.)
| | - Anne Trelcat
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Mons University, Avenue du Champ de Mars, 6, B7000 Mons, Belgium; (L.G.); (L.S.); (A.T.); (F.J.)
| | - Laurine Verset
- Department of Pathology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1000 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Fabrice Journe
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Mons University, Avenue du Champ de Mars, 6, B7000 Mons, Belgium; (L.G.); (L.S.); (A.T.); (F.J.)
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sven Saussez
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Mons University, Avenue du Champ de Mars, 6, B7000 Mons, Belgium; (L.G.); (L.S.); (A.T.); (F.J.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU Saint-Pierre, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
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Kostic M, Dzopalic T, Marjanovic G, Urosevic I, Milosevic I. Immunomodulatory effects of galectin-1 in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cent Eur J Immunol 2021; 46:54-62. [PMID: 33897284 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2021.105246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectin-1 (Gal-1) has been implicated in the progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) but also the development of immunodeficiency, which commonly accompany this malignancy. In this in vitro study, we investigated the effects of Gal-1 inhibition in the sera of immunocompromised CLL patients on immunomodulating properties of dendritic cells (DCs). DCs derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells were treated with a healthy serum, CLL serum as well as the combination of CLL serum and Gal-1 inhibitor (OTX008). Following the treatment, the expression levels of DC maturation markers (CD80, CD83, CD86 and IDO-1) were determined as well as their cytokine profile and the ability to polarize the immune response in co-cultures with CD4+ T cells. After treatment with CLL serum, an increase in interleukin (IL)-10 production was observed in both DC cultures and co-cultures with CD4+ T cells. OTX008 caused a reduction in IL-10 production as well as IL-2, but no significant alteration in the expression of DC maturation markers or T regulatory cell (Treg) frequency was observed. The results of our study suggest that Gal-1 from CLL serum give rise to a specific IL-10+ CD4+ T cell phenotype, other than Treg, that could mediate immunodeficiency development in CLL patients.
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Leung Z, Ko FCF, Tey SK, Kwong EML, Mao X, Liu BHM, Ma APY, Fung YME, Che CM, Wong DKH, Lai CL, Ng IOL, Yam JWP. Galectin-1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma and the combined therapeutic effect of OTX008 galectin-1 inhibitor and sorafenib in tumor cells. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2019; 38:423. [PMID: 31640796 PMCID: PMC6805403 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1402-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Galectins are beta-galactose specific binding proteins. In human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), galectin-1 (Gal-1) is often found to be overexpressed. In order to combat the dismal diagnosis and death rates of HCC, gene silencing and targeted inhibition of Gal-1 was investigated for its improved therapeutic potential. Methods Cellular and secretory Gal-1 levels were analyzed using HCC clinical samples. The study of Gal-1 was carried by both knockdown and overexpression approaches. The stable clones were tested by in vitro assays and in vivo experiments. Mass spectrometry was used to identify downstream targets of Gal-1. The upstream regulator of Gal-1, microRNA-22 (miR-22) was characterized by functional assays. The therapeutic effect of inhibiting Gal-1 was also analyzed. Results Gal-1 overexpression was observed in HCC and correlated with aggressive clinicopathological features and poorer survival. The loss of Gal-1 resulted in hindered cell migration, invasion and anchorage independent growth. This was also observed in the animal models, in that when Gal-1 was knocked down, there were fewer lung metastases. Proteomic profiling of control and Gal-1 knockdown cells identified that the level of retention in endoplasmic reticulum 1 (RER1) was suppressed when Gal-1 level was reduced. The cell motility of Gal-1 knockdown cells was enhanced upon the rescue of RER1 expression. In HCC tissues, Gal-1 and RER1 expressions displayed a significant positive correlation. The upstream regulator of Gal-1, miR-22 was observed to be underexpressed in HCC tissues and negatively correlated with Gal-1. Silencing of miR-22 resulted in the upregulation of Gal-1 and enhanced cell growth, migration and invasion. However, such enhancement was abolished in cells treated with OTX008, an inhibitor of Gal-1. Combinational treatment of OTX008 and sorafenib significantly reduced tumor growth and size. Conclusions Gal-1 overexpression was detected in HCC and this played a role in promoting tumorigenic processes and metastasis. The function of Gal-1 was found to be mediated through RER1. The correlations between miR-22, Gal-1 and RER1 expressions demonstrated the importance of miR-22 regulation on Gal-1/RER1 oncogenic activity. Lastly, the combinational treatment of OTX008 and sorafenib proved to be an improved therapeutic option compared to when administering sorafenib alone. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1402-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Leung
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Sze Keong Tey
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Xiaowen Mao
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Angel Po Yee Ma
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yi Man Eva Fung
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-Ming Che
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Danny Ka Ho Wong
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research (The University of Hong Kong), Hong Kong, China
| | - Ching Lung Lai
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research (The University of Hong Kong), Hong Kong, China
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research (The University of Hong Kong), Hong Kong, China
| | - Judy Wai Ping Yam
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research (The University of Hong Kong), Hong Kong, China. .,Department of Pathology, Block T, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
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8
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Koonce NA, Griffin RJ, Dings RPM. Galectin-1 Inhibitor OTX008 Induces Tumor Vessel Normalization and Tumor Growth Inhibition in Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Models. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122671. [PMID: 29232825 PMCID: PMC5751273 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectin-1 is a hypoxia-regulated protein and a prognostic marker in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Here we assessed the ability of non-peptidic galectin-1 inhibitor OTX008 to improve tumor oxygenation levels via tumor vessel normalization as well as tumor growth inhibition in two human HNSCC tumor models, the human laryngeal squamous carcinoma SQ20B and the human epithelial type 2 HEp-2. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with OTX008, Anginex, or Avastin and oxygen levels were determined by fiber-optics and molecular marker pimonidazole binding. Immuno-fluorescence was used to determine vessel normalization status. Continued OTX008 treatment caused a transient reoxygenation in SQ20B tumors peaking on day 14, while a steady increase in tumor oxygenation was observed over 21 days in the HEp-2 model. A >50% decrease in immunohistochemical staining for tumor hypoxia verified the oxygenation data measured using a partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) probe. Additionally, OTX008 induced tumor vessel normalization as tumor pericyte coverage increased by approximately 40% without inducing any toxicity. Moreover, OTX008 inhibited tumor growth as effectively as Anginex and Avastin, except in the HEp-2 model where Avastin was found to suspend tumor growth. Galectin-1 inhibitor OTX008 transiently increased overall tumor oxygenation via vessel normalization to various degrees in both HNSCC models. These findings suggest that targeting galectin-1—e.g., by OTX008—may be an effective approach to treat cancer patients as stand-alone therapy or in combination with other standards of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Koonce
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
- National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
| | - Robert J Griffin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Ruud P M Dings
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
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