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Qin Q, Yu R, Eriksson JE, Tsai HI, Zhu H. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma therapy: Challenges and opportunities. Cancer Lett 2024; 591:216859. [PMID: 38615928 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216859] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a solid organ malignancy with a high mortality rate. Statistics indicate that its incidence has been increasing as well as the associated deaths. Most patients with PDAC show poor response to therapies making the clinical management of this cancer difficult. Stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to the development of resistance to therapy in PDAC cancer cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most prevalent stromal cells in the TME, promote a desmoplastic response, produce extracellular matrix proteins and cytokines, and directly influence the biological behavior of cancer cells. These multifaceted effects make it difficult to eradicate tumor cells from the body. As a result, CAF-targeting synergistic therapeutic strategies have gained increasing attention in recent years. However, due to the substantial heterogeneity in CAF origin, definition, and function, as well as high plasticity, majority of the available CAF-targeting therapeutic approaches are not effective, and in some cases, they exacerbate disease progression. This review primarily elucidates on the effect of CAFs on therapeutic efficiency of various treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Strategies for CAF targeting therapies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Qin
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Rong Yu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - John E Eriksson
- Cell Biology, Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, FI-20520 Finland
| | - Hsiang-I Tsai
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China; Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Haitao Zhu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China; Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
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2
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Yang F, Lee G, Fan Y. Navigating tumor angiogenesis: therapeutic perspectives and myeloid cell regulation mechanism. Angiogenesis 2024:10.1007/s10456-024-09913-z. [PMID: 38580870 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09913-z] [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: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Sustained angiogenesis stands as a hallmark of cancer. The intricate vascular tumor microenvironment fuels cancer progression and metastasis, fosters therapy resistance, and facilitates immune evasion. Therapeutic strategies targeting tumor vasculature have emerged as transformative for cancer treatment, encompassing anti-angiogenesis, vessel normalization, and endothelial reprogramming. Growing evidence suggests the dynamic regulation of tumor angiogenesis by infiltrating myeloid cells, such as macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and neutrophils. Understanding these regulatory mechanisms is pivotal in paving the way for successful vasculature-targeted cancer treatments. Therapeutic interventions aimed to disrupt myeloid cell-mediated tumor angiogenesis may reshape tumor microenvironment and overcome tumor resistance to radio/chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Gloria Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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3
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Huang J, Fehr A, Jäwert F, Nilsson JA, Morris LGT, Stenman G, Andersson MK. MYB alternative promoter activity is increased in adenoid cystic carcinoma metastases and is associated with a specific gene expression signature. Oral Oncol 2024; 151:106763. [PMID: 38493544 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2024.106763] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a head and neck cancer with a poor long-term prognosis that shows frequent local recurrences and distant metastases. The tumors are characterized by MYB oncogene activation and are notoriously unresponsive to systemic therapies. The biological underpinnings behind therapy resistance of disseminated ACC are largely unknown. Here, we have studied the molecular and clinical significance of MYB alternative promoter (TSS2) usage in ACC metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS MYB TSS2 activity was investigated in primary tumors and metastases from 26 ACC patients using RNA-sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Differences in global gene expression between MYB TSS2 high and low cases were studied, and pathway analyses were performed. RESULTS MYB TSS2 activity was significantly higher in ACC metastases than in primary tumors (median activity 15.1 vs 3.0, P = 0.0003). MYB TSS2 high ACC metastases showed a specific gene expression signature, including increased expression of multi-drug resistance genes and canonical MYB target genes, and suppression of the p53 and NOTCH pathways. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our findings indicate that elevated MYB TSS2 activity is associated with metastases, potential drug resistance, and augmented MYB-driven gene expression in ACC. Our study advocates the need for new therapies that specifically target MYB and drug resistance mechanisms in disseminated ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchi Huang
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - André Fehr
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Jäwert
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonas A Nilsson
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Luc G T Morris
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Göran Stenman
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mattias K Andersson
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Abstract
The emergence of therapeutic resistance remains a formidable barrier to durable responses by cancer patients and is a major cause of cancer-related deaths. It is increasingly recognized that non-genetic mechanisms of acquired resistance are important in many cancers. These mechanisms of resistance rely on inherent cellular plasticity where cancer cells can switch between multiple phenotypic states without genetic alterations, providing a dynamic, reversible resistance landscape. Such mechanisms underlie the generation of drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cells, a subpopulation of tumour cells that contributes to heterogeneity within tumours and that supports therapeutic resistance. In this review, we provide an overview of the major features of DTP cells, focusing on phenotypic and metabolic plasticity as two key drivers of tolerance and persistence. We discuss the link between DTP cell plasticity and the potential vulnerability of these cells to ferroptosis. We also discuss the relationship between DTP cells and cells that survive the induction of apoptosis, a process termed anastasis, and discuss the properties of such cells in the context of increased metastatic potential and sensitivity to cell death mechanisms such as ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul C McDonald
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Shoukat Dedhar
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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Anand S, Vikramdeo KS, Sudan SK, Sharma A, Acharya S, Khan MA, Singh S, Singh AP. From modulation of cellular plasticity to potentiation of therapeutic resistance: new and emerging roles of MYB transcription factors in human malignancies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:409-421. [PMID: 37950087 PMCID: PMC11015973 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10153-8] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
MYB transcription factors are encoded by a large family of highly conserved genes from plants to vertebrates. There are three members of the MYB gene family in human, namely, MYB, MYBL1, and MYBL2 that encode MYB/c-MYB, MYBL1/A-MYB, and MYBL2/B-MYB, respectively. MYB was the first member to be identified as a cellular homolog of the v-myb oncogene carried by the avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV) causing leukemia in chickens. Under the normal scenario, MYB is predominantly expressed in hematopoietic tissues, colonic crypts, and neural stem cells and plays a role in maintaining the undifferentiated state of the cells. Over the years, aberrant expression of MYB genes has been reported in several malignancies and recent years have witnessed tremendous progress in understanding of their roles in processes associated with cancer development. Here, we review various MYB alterations reported in cancer along with the roles of MYB family proteins in tumor cell plasticity, therapy resistance, and other hallmarks of cancer. We also discuss studies that provide mechanistic insights into the oncogenic functions of MYB transcription factors to identify potential therapeutic vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi Anand
- Department of Pathology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36617, USA
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA
| | - Kunwar Somesh Vikramdeo
- Department of Pathology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36617, USA
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA
| | - Sarabjeet Kour Sudan
- Department of Pathology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36617, USA
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA
| | - Amod Sharma
- Department of Pathology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36617, USA
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA
| | - Srijan Acharya
- Department of Pathology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36617, USA
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA
| | - Mohammad Aslam Khan
- Department of Pathology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36617, USA
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA
| | - Seema Singh
- Department of Pathology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36617, USA
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA
| | - Ajay Pratap Singh
- Department of Pathology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36617, USA.
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA.
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Nandagopal S, Choudhary G, Sankanagoudar S, Banerjee M, Elhence P, Jena R, Selvi MK, Shukla KK. Expression of stem cell markers as predictors of therapeutic response in metastatic prostate cancer patients. Urol Oncol 2024; 42:68.e21-68.e31. [PMID: 38278632 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2023.12.012] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been implicated in prostate cancer (PCA) progression and therapeutic resistance. This study aimed to compare the expression levels of CSC CD (CD 44, CD 133, and CD 24) markers in treatment-naive patients with metastatic PCA before and after treatment. METHODS The study included 60 treatment-naïve patients with metastatic PCA who received androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) alone (n = 30) and ADT plus chemotherapy (n = 30). The level of CD44, CD133, and CD24 were obtained by flow cytometric analysis before and after treatment. Baseline characteristics were also assessed, including age, pretreatment testosterone levels, and pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. RESULTS The baseline characteristics analysis showed no significant difference in pre-treatment testosterone levels between the ADT+ chemotherapy and ADT-alone groups. In the flow cytometric analysis, no significant difference was observed in pre-treatment CD44+ and CD133+ levels between the 2 treatment groups, although a trend towards higher pretreatment CD24- levels was observed in the ADT+ chemotherapy group. After treatment, significant reductions in testosterone and PSA levels were observed in both treatment arms. The ADT+ chemotherapy group showed a greater reduction in CD44+ and CD133+ levels compared to the ADT-alone group. Bioinformatic analysis using the UALCAN TCGA database also showed a similar trend of CD 44, CD 24, and CD 133 gene expression patterns. CONCLUSION Combination therapy involving chemotherapy and ADT appears to have a greater impact on suppressing CSCs compared to ADT alone. These findings highlight the potential of targeting CSCs as a prognostic and predictive marker therapeutic strategy in metastatic PCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srividhya Nandagopal
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Gautam Choudhary
- Department of Urology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | | | - Mithu Banerjee
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Poonam Elhence
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Rahul Jena
- Department of Urology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Maithili Karpaga Selvi
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Kamla Kant Shukla
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
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Uddin MH, Zhang D, Muqbil I, El-Rayes BF, Chen H, Philip PA, Azmi AS. Deciphering cellular plasticity in pancreatic cancer for effective treatments. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:393-408. [PMID: 38194153 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10164-5] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Cellular plasticity and therapy resistance are critical features of pancreatic cancer, a highly aggressive and fatal disease. The pancreas, a vital organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, is often affected by two main types of cancer: the pre-dominant ductal adenocarcinoma and the less common neuroendocrine tumors. These cancers are difficult to treat due to their complex biology characterized by cellular plasticity leading to therapy resistance. Cellular plasticity refers to the capability of cancer cells to change and adapt to different microenvironments within the body which includes acinar-ductal metaplasia, epithelial to mesenchymal/epigenetic/metabolic plasticity, as well as stemness. This plasticity allows heterogeneity of cancer cells, metastasis, and evasion of host's immune system and develops resistance to radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. To overcome this resistance, extensive research is ongoing exploring the intrinsic and extrinsic factors through cellular reprogramming, chemosensitization, targeting metabolic, key survival pathways, etc. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms of cellular plasticity involving cellular adaptation and tumor microenvironment and provided a comprehensive understanding of its role in therapy resistance and ways to overcome it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Hafiz Uddin
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 740, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - Dingqiang Zhang
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lawrence Technological University, 21000 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI, 48075, USA
| | - Irfana Muqbil
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lawrence Technological University, 21000 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI, 48075, USA
| | - Bassel F El-Rayes
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Philip A Philip
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 740, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Henry Ford Health Systems, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 740, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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8
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Bose A, Datta S, Mandal R, Ray U, Dhar R. Increased heterogeneity in expression of genes associated with cancer progression and drug resistance. Transl Oncol 2024; 41:101879. [PMID: 38262110 PMCID: PMC10832509 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101879] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluctuations in the number of regulatory molecules and differences in timings of molecular events can generate variation in gene expression among genetically identical cells in the same environmental condition. This variation, termed as expression noise, can create differences in metabolic state and cellular functions, leading to phenotypic heterogeneity. Expression noise and phenotypic heterogeneity have been recognized as important contributors to intra-tumor heterogeneity, and have been associated with cancer growth, progression, and therapy resistance. However, how expression noise changes with cancer progression in actual cancer patients has remained poorly explored. Such an analysis, through identification of genes with increasing expression noise, can provide valuable insights into generation of intra-tumor heterogeneity, and could have important implications for understanding immune-suppression, drug tolerance and therapy resistance. In this work, we performed a genome-wide identification of changes in gene expression noise with cancer progression using single-cell RNA-seq data of lung adenocarcinoma patients at different stages of cancer. We identified 37 genes in epithelial cells that showed an increasing noise trend with cancer progression, many of which were also associated with cancer growth, EMT and therapy resistance. We found that expression of several of these genes was positively associated with expression of mitochondrial genes, suggesting an important role of mitochondria in generation of heterogeneity. In addition, we uncovered substantial differences in sample-specific noise profiles which could have implications for personalized prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwesha Bose
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, India
| | - Subhasis Datta
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, India
| | - Rakesh Mandal
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, India
| | - Upasana Ray
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, India
| | - Riddhiman Dhar
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, India.
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Sousa-Squiavinato ACM, Morgado-Díaz JA. A glimpse into cofilin-1 role in cancer therapy: A potential target to improve clinical outcomes? Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189087. [PMID: 38395237 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189087] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Cofilin-1 (CFL1) modulates dynamic actin networks by severing and enhancing depolymerization. The upregulation of cofilin-1 expression in several cancer types is associated with tumor progression and metastasis. However, recent discoveries indicated relevant cofilin-1 functions under oxidative stress conditions, interplaying with mitochondrial dynamics, and apoptosis networks. In this scenario, these emerging roles might impact the response to clinical therapy and could be used to enhance treatment efficacy. Here, we highlight new perspectives of cofilin-1 in the therapy resistance context and discussed how cofilin-1 is involved in these events, exploring aspects of its contribution to therapeutic resistance. We also provide an analysis of CFL1 expression in several tumors predicting survival. Therefore, understanding how exactly coflin-1 plays, particularly in therapy resistance, may pave the way to the development of treatment strategies and improvement of patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose Andrés Morgado-Díaz
- Cellular and Molecular Oncobiology Program, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Fakhri S, Moradi SZ, Abbaszadeh F, Faraji F, Amirian R, Sinha D, McMahon EG, Bishayee A. Targeting the key players of phenotypic plasticity in cancer cells by phytochemicals. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:261-292. [PMID: 38169011 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10161-8] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Plasticity of phenotypic traits refers to an organism's ability to change in response to environmental stimuli. As a result, the response may alter an organism's physiological state, morphology, behavior, and phenotype. Phenotypic plasticity in cancer cells describes the considerable ability of cancer cells to transform phenotypes through non-genetic molecular signaling activities that promote therapy evasion and tumor metastasis via amplifying cancer heterogeneity. As a result of metastable phenotypic state transitions, cancer cells can tolerate chemotherapy or develop transient adaptive resistance. Therefore, new findings have paved the road in identifying factors and agents that inhibit or suppress phenotypic plasticity. It has also investigated novel multitargeted agents that may promise new effective strategies in cancer treatment. Despite the efficiency of conventional chemotherapeutic agents, drug toxicity, development of resistance, and high-cost limit their use in cancer therapy. Recent research has shown that small molecules derived from natural sources are capable of suppressing cancer by focusing on the plasticity of phenotypic responses. This systematic, comprehensive, and critical review analyzes the current state of knowledge regarding the ability of phytocompounds to target phenotypic plasticity at both preclinical and clinical levels. Current challenges/pitfalls, limitations, and future perspectives are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Seyed Zachariah Moradi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Abbaszadeh
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neurobiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farahnaz Faraji
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 6517838678, Iran
| | - Roshanak Amirian
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Dona Sinha
- Department of Receptor Biology and Tumor Metastasis, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, 700 026, West Bengal, India
| | - Emily G McMahon
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA.
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Tavares I, Morais M, Dias F, Medeiros R, Teixeira AL. Deregulated miRNAs in enzalutamide resistant prostate cancer: A comprehensive review of key molecular alterations and clinical outcomes. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189067. [PMID: 38160898 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189067] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in male population worldwide. Since the growth and progression of PC highly depend on the androgen pathway, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the mainstay of systemic treatment. Enzalutamide is a second-generation antiandrogen, which is widely used for the treatment of advanced and metastatic PC. However, treatment failure and disease progression, caused by the emergence of enzalutamide resistant phenotypes, remains an important clinical challenge. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression and have recently emerged as potential biomarkers for being stable and easily analysed in several biological fluids. Several miRNAs that exhibit dysregulated expression patterns in enzalutamide-resistant PC have recently been identified, including miRNAs that modulate critical signalling pathways and genes involved in PC growth, survival and in the acquisition of enzalutamide phenotype. The understanding of molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs promote the development of enzalutamide resistance can provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between miRNAs, gene regulation, and treatment response in PC. Moreover, these miRNAs could serve as valuable tools for monitoring treatment response and disease progression during enzalutamide administration. This review summarises the miRNAs associated with enzalutamide resistance in PC already described in the literature, focusing on their biological roles and on their potential as biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Tavares
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC) Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Morais
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC) Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisca Dias
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC) Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Medeiros
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC) Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (UP), Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal; Biomedical Reasearch Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Fernando Pessoa University (UFP), Porto, Portugal; Research Department, LPCC- Portuguese League Against Cancer (NRNorte), Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Teixeira
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC) Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal.
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Lin TY, Jia JS, Luo WR, Lin XL, Xiao SJ, Yang J, Xia JW, Zhou C, Zhou ZH, Lin SJ, Li QW, Yang ZZ, Lei Y, Yang WQ, Shen HF, Huang SH, Wang SC, Chen LB, Yang YL, Xue SW, Li YL, Dai GQ, Zhou Y, Li YC, Wei F, Rong XX, Luo XJ, Zhao BX, Huang WH, Xiao D, Sun Y. ThermomiR-377-3p-induced suppression of Cirbp expression is required for effective elimination of cancer cells and cancer stem-like cells by hyperthermia. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:62. [PMID: 38419081 PMCID: PMC10903011 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02983-3] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the development of adjunctive therapeutic hyperthermia for cancer therapy has received considerable attention. However, the mechanisms underlying hyperthermia resistance are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the roles of cold‑inducible RNA binding protein (Cirbp) in regulating hyperthermia resistance and underlying mechanisms in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, tumor sphere formation assay, qRT-PCR, Western blot were employed to examine the effects of hyperthermia (HT), HT + oridonin(Ori) or HT + radiotherapy (RT) on the proliferation and stemness of NPC cells. RNA sequencing was applied to gain differentially expressed genes upon hyperthermia. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments were used to evaluate the effects of RNAi-mediated Cirbp silencing or Cirbp overexpression on the sensitivity or resistance of NPC cells and cancer stem-like cells to hyperthermia by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, tumorsphere formation assay and apoptosis assay, and in subcutaneous xenograft animal model. miRNA transient transfection and luciferase reporter assay were used to demonstrate that Cirbp is a direct target of miR-377-3p. The phosphorylation levels of key members in ATM-Chk2 and ATR-Chk1 pathways were detected by Western blot. RESULTS Our results firstly revealed that hyperthermia significantly attenuated the stemness of NPC cells, while combination treatment of hyperthermia and oridonin dramatically increased the killing effect on NPC cells and cancer stem cell (CSC)‑like population. Moreover, hyperthermia substantially improved the sensitivity of radiation‑resistant NPC cells and CSC‑like cells to radiotherapy. Hyperthermia noticeably suppressed Cirbp expression in NPC cells and xenograft tumor tissues. Furthermore, Cirbp inhibition remarkably boosted anti‑tumor‑killing activity of hyperthermia against NPC cells and CSC‑like cells, whereas ectopic expression of Cirbp compromised tumor‑killing effect of hyperthermia on these cells, indicating that Cirbp overexpression induces hyperthermia resistance. ThermomiR-377-3p improved the sensitivity of NPC cells and CSC‑like cells to hyperthermia in vitro by directly suppressing Cirbp expression. More importantly, our results displayed the significantly boosted sensitization of tumor xenografts to hyperthermia by Cirbp silencing in vivo, but ectopic expression of Cirbp almost completely counteracted hyperthermia-mediated tumor cell-killing effect against tumor xenografts in vivo. Mechanistically, Cirbp silencing-induced inhibition of DNA damage repair by inactivating ATM-Chk2 and ATR-Chk1 pathways, decrease in stemness and increase in cell death contributed to hyperthermic sensitization; conversely, Cirbp overexpression-induced promotion of DNA damage repair, increase in stemness and decrease in cell apoptosis contributed to hyperthermia resistance. CONCLUSION Taken together, these findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for Cirbp in positively regulating hyperthermia resistance and suggest that thermomiR-377-3p and its target gene Cirbp represent promising targets for therapeutic hyperthermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao-Yan Lin
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jun-Shuang Jia
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wei-Ren Luo
- Cancer Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518112, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Lin
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510315, China
| | - Sheng-Jun Xiao
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Imaging, Central Hospital of Shaoyang, Shaoyang, 422000, China
| | - Jia-Wei Xia
- The Third People's Hospital of Kunming (The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University), Kunming, 650041, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
| | - Zhi-Hao Zhou
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Shu-Jun Lin
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Qi-Wen Li
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhi-Zhi Yang
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ye Lei
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Wen-Qing Yang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hong-Fen Shen
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Shi-Hao Huang
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Sheng-Chun Wang
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Lin-Bei Chen
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yu-Lin Yang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Shu-Wen Xue
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yong-Long Li
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Guan-Qi Dai
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ying-Chun Li
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Fang Wei
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Xiang Rong
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guang‑zhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Luo
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510315, China
| | - Bing-Xia Zhao
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Wen-Hua Huang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
- Guangdong Medical Innovation Platform for Translation of 3D Printing Application, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
- Orthopaedic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China.
| | - Dong Xiao
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Guangzhou Southern Medical Laboratory Animal Sci.&Tech. Co.,Ltd, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Education of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
- Department of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Yan Sun
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Muñoz-Galván S, Verdugo-Sivianes EM, Santos-Pereira JM, Estevez-García P, Carnero A. Essential role of PLD2 in hypoxia-induced stemness and therapy resistance in ovarian tumors. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:57. [PMID: 38403587 PMCID: PMC10895852 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02988-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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia in solid tumors is an important source of chemoresistance that can determine poor patient prognosis. Such chemoresistance relies on the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and hypoxia promotes their generation through transcriptional activation by HIF transcription factors. METHODS We used ovarian cancer (OC) cell lines, xenograft models, OC patient samples, transcriptional databases, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq). RESULTS Here, we show that hypoxia induces CSC formation and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer through transcriptional activation of the PLD2 gene. Mechanistically, HIF-1α activates PLD2 transcription through hypoxia response elements, and both hypoxia and PLD2 overexpression lead to increased accessibility around stemness genes, detected by ATAC-seq, at sites bound by AP-1 transcription factors. This in turn provokes a rewiring of stemness genes, including the overexpression of SOX2, SOX9 or NOTCH1. PLD2 overexpression also leads to decreased patient survival, enhanced tumor growth and CSC formation, and increased iPSCs reprograming, confirming its role in dedifferentiation to a stem-like phenotype. Importantly, hypoxia-induced stemness is dependent on PLD2 expression, demonstrating that PLD2 is a major determinant of de-differentiation of ovarian cancer cells to stem-like cells in hypoxic conditions. Finally, we demonstrate that high PLD2 expression increases chemoresistance to cisplatin and carboplatin treatments, both in vitro and in vivo, while its pharmacological inhibition restores sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our work highlights the importance of the HIF-1α-PLD2 axis for CSC generation and chemoresistance in OC and proposes an alternative treatment for patients with high PLD2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Muñoz-Galván
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBIS, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Manuel Siurot s/n 41013, Seville, Spain.
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Eva M Verdugo-Sivianes
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBIS, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Manuel Siurot s/n 41013, Seville, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Santos-Pereira
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, 41013, Spain
| | - Purificación Estevez-García
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBIS, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Manuel Siurot s/n 41013, Seville, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Amancio Carnero
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBIS, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Manuel Siurot s/n 41013, Seville, Spain.
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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14
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Derouane F, Desgres M, Moroni C, Ambroise J, Berlière M, Van Bockstal MR, Galant C, van Marcke C, Vara-Messler M, Hutten SJ, Jonkers J, Mourao L, Scheele CLGJ, Duhoux FP, Corbet C. Metabolic adaptation towards glycolysis supports resistance to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in early triple negative breast cancers. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:29. [PMID: 38374113 PMCID: PMC10875828 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01788-8] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is the standard of care for patients with early-stage triple negative breast cancers (TNBC). However, more than half of TNBC patients do not achieve a pathological complete response (pCR) after NAC, and residual cancer burden (RCB) is associated with dismal long-term prognosis. Understanding the mechanisms underlying differential treatment outcomes is therefore critical to limit RCB and improve NAC efficiency. METHODS Human TNBC cell lines and patient-derived organoids were used in combination with real-time metabolic assays to evaluate the effect of NAC (paclitaxel and epirubicin) on tumor cell metabolism, in particular glycolysis. Diagnostic biopsies (pre-NAC) from patients with early TNBC were analyzed by bulk RNA-sequencing to evaluate the predictive value of a glycolysis-related gene signature. RESULTS Paclitaxel induced a consistent metabolic switch to glycolysis, correlated with a reduced mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, in TNBC cells. In pre-NAC diagnostic biopsies from TNBC patients, glycolysis was found to be upregulated in non-responders. Furthermore, glycolysis inhibition greatly improved response to NAC in TNBC organoid models. CONCLUSIONS Our study pinpoints a metabolic adaptation to glycolysis as a mechanism driving resistance to NAC in TNBC. Our data pave the way for the use of glycolysis-related genes as predictive biomarkers for NAC response, as well as the development of inhibitors to overcome this glycolysis-driven resistance to NAC in human TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise Derouane
- Pole of Medical Imaging, Radiotherapy and Oncology (MIRO), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Avenue Hippocrate 57, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Medical Oncology, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Manon Desgres
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Avenue Hippocrate 57, B1.57.04, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Camilla Moroni
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Avenue Hippocrate 57, B1.57.04, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Ambroise
- Centre des Technologies Moléculaires Appliquées (CTMA), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Avenue Hippocrate 54, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Martine Berlière
- Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gynecology, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Pole of Gynecology (GYNE), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Avenue Mounier 52, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mieke R Van Bockstal
- Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Galant
- Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Pole of Morphology (MORF), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale Et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Avenue Mounier 52, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cédric van Marcke
- Pole of Medical Imaging, Radiotherapy and Oncology (MIRO), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Avenue Hippocrate 57, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Medical Oncology, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marianela Vara-Messler
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Avenue Hippocrate 57, B1.57.04, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Sanofi Belgium, 9052, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Stefan J Hutten
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Jonkers
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Larissa Mourao
- Laboratory for Intravital Imaging and Dynamics of Tumor Progression, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Colinda L G J Scheele
- Laboratory for Intravital Imaging and Dynamics of Tumor Progression, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Francois P Duhoux
- Pole of Medical Imaging, Radiotherapy and Oncology (MIRO), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Avenue Hippocrate 57, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Medical Oncology, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cyril Corbet
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Avenue Hippocrate 57, B1.57.04, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
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15
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Prokakis E, Bamahmoud H, Jansari S, Fritsche L, Dietz A, Boshnakovska A, Rehling P, Johnsen SA, Gallwas J, Wegwitz F. USP22 supports the aggressive behavior of basal-like breast cancer by stimulating cellular respiration. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:120. [PMID: 38347585 PMCID: PMC10863169 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01441-5] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent tumor entity in women worldwide with a high chance of therapeutic response in early- and non-metastatic disease stages. Among all BC subtypes, triple-negative BC (TNBC) is the most challenging cancer subtype lacking effective molecular targets due to the particular enrichment of cancer stem cells (CSCs), frequently leading to a chemoresistant phenotype and metastasis. The Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 22 (USP22) is a deubiquitinase that has been frequently associated with a CSC-promoting function and intimately implicated in resistance to conventional therapies, tumor relapse, metastasis and overall poor survival in a broad range of cancer entities, including BC. To date, though, the role of USP22 in TNBC has been only superficially addressed. METHODS The current study utilized the MMTV-cre, Usp22fl/fl transgenic mouse model to study the involvement of USP22 in the stem cell-like properties of the growing mammary tissue. Additionally, we combined high-throughput transcriptomic analyses with publicly available patient transcriptomic data and utilized TNBC culture models to decipher the functional role of USP22 in the CSC characteristics of this disease. RESULTS Interestingly, we identified that USP22 promotes CSC properties and drug tolerance by supporting the oxidative phosphorylation program, known to be largely responsible for the poor response to conventional therapies in this particularly aggressive BC subtype. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests a novel tumor-supportive role of USP22 in sustaining cellular respiration to facilitate the drug-tolerant behavior of HER2+-BC and TNBC cells. Therefore, we posit USP22 as a promising therapeutic target to optimize standard therapies and combat the aggressiveness of these malignancies. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Prokakis
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Department of General, Visceral & Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Husam Bamahmoud
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Shaishavi Jansari
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lena Fritsche
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alexander Dietz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Angela Boshnakovska
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter Rehling
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Steven A Johnsen
- Department of General, Visceral & Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- The Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Julia Gallwas
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Florian Wegwitz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Department of General, Visceral & Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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16
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Xiao Q, Xia M, Tang W, Zhao H, Chen Y, Zhong J. The lipid metabolism remodeling: A hurdle in breast cancer therapy. Cancer Lett 2024; 582:216512. [PMID: 38036043 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216512] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Lipids, as one of the three primary energy sources, provide energy for all cellular life activities. Lipids are also known to be involved in the formation of cell membranes and play an important role as signaling molecules in the intracellular and microenvironment. Tumor cells actively or passively remodel lipid metabolism, using the function of lipids in various important cellular life activities to evade therapeutic attack. Breast cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, which is partly due to therapeutic resistance. It is necessary to fully elucidate the formation and mechanisms of chemoresistance to improve breast cancer patient survival rates. Altered lipid metabolism has been observed in breast cancer with therapeutic resistance, indicating that targeting lipid reprogramming is a promising anticancer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xiao
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China; Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Min Xia
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Weijian Tang
- Queen Mary School of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, PR China
| | - Hu Zhao
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Yajun Chen
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China.
| | - Jing Zhong
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China; Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China.
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17
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Zhang M, Wang J, Zhang Z, Guo Y, Lou X, Zhang L. Diverse roles of UBE2S in cancer and therapy resistance: Biological functions and mechanisms. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24465. [PMID: 38312603 PMCID: PMC10834827 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24465] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzyme E2 S (UBE2S), was initially identified as a crucial member in controlling substrate ubiquitination during the late promotion of the complex's function. In recent years, UBE2S has emerged as a significant epigenetic modification in various diseases, including myocardial ischemia, viral hepatitis, and notably, cancer. Mounting evidence suggests that UBE2S plays a pivotal role in several human malignancies including breast cancer, lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and etc. However, a comprehensive review of UBE2S in human tumor research remains absent. Therefore, this paper aims to fill this gap. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the structural characteristics of UBE2S and its potential utility as a biomarker in diverse cancer types. Additionally, the role of UBE2S in conferring resistance to tumor treatment is examined. The findings suggest that UBE2S holds promise as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in multiple malignancies, thereby offering novel avenues for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjun Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Rehabilitation Front Street, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jialin Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Zidi Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Rehabilitation Front Street, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Oncology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Weiwu Street, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Xueling Lou
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Rehabilitation Front Street, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Lindong Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Rehabilitation Front Street, Zhengzhou 450052, China
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18
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Su D, Ding C, Qiu J, Yang G, Wang R, Liu Y, Tao J, Luo W, Weng G, Zhang T. Ribosome profiling: a powerful tool in oncological research. Biomark Res 2024; 12:11. [PMID: 38273337 PMCID: PMC10809610 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00562-4] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Neoplastic cells need to adapt their gene expression pattern to survive in an ever-changing or unfavorable tumor microenvironment. Protein synthesis (or mRNA translation), an essential part of gene expression, is dysregulated in cancer. The emergence of distinct translatomic technologies has revolutionized oncological studies to elucidate translational regulatory mechanisms. Ribosome profiling can provide adequate information on diverse aspects of translation by aiding in quantitatively analyzing the intensity of translating ribosome-protected fragments. Here, we review the primary currently used translatomics techniques and highlight their advantages and disadvantages as tools for translatomics studies. Subsequently, we clarified the areas in which ribosome profiling could be applied to better understand translational control. Finally, we summarized the latest advances in cancer studies using ribosome profiling to highlight the extensive application of this powerful and promising translatomic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Su
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R. China
| | - Chen Ding
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R. China
| | - Jiangdong Qiu
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R. China
| | - Gang Yang
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R. China
| | - Ruobing Wang
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R. China
| | - Yueze Liu
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R. China
| | - Jinxin Tao
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R. China
| | - Wenhao Luo
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R. China
| | - Guihu Weng
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R. China
| | - Taiping Zhang
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R. China.
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19
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Godfrey LK, Forster J, Liffers ST, Schröder C, Köster J, Henschel L, Ludwig KU, Lähnemann D, Trajkovic-Arsic M, Behrens D, Scarpa A, Lawlor RT, Witzke KE, Sitek B, Johnsen SA, Rahmann S, Horsthemke B, Zeschnigk M, Siveke JT. Pancreatic cancer acquires resistance to MAPK pathway inhibition by clonal expansion and adaptive DNA hypermethylation. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:13. [PMID: 38229153 PMCID: PMC10792938 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01623-z] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. It is marked by extraordinary resistance to conventional therapies including chemotherapy and radiation, as well as to essentially all targeted therapies evaluated so far. More than 90% of PDAC cases harbor an activating KRAS mutation. As the most common KRAS variants in PDAC remain undruggable so far, it seemed promising to inhibit a downstream target in the MAPK pathway such as MEK1/2, but up to now preclinical and clinical evaluation of MEK inhibitors (MEKi) failed due to inherent and acquired resistance mechanisms. To gain insights into molecular changes during the formation of resistance to oncogenic MAPK pathway inhibition, we utilized short-term passaged primary tumor cells from ten PDACs of genetically engineered mice. We followed gain and loss of resistance upon MEKi exposure and withdrawal by longitudinal integrative analysis of whole genome sequencing, whole genome bisulfite sequencing, RNA-sequencing and mass spectrometry data. RESULTS We found that resistant cell populations under increasing MEKi treatment evolved by the expansion of a single clone but were not a direct consequence of known resistance-conferring mutations. Rather, resistant cells showed adaptive DNA hypermethylation of 209 and hypomethylation of 8 genomic sites, most of which overlap with regulatory elements known to be active in murine PDAC cells. Both DNA methylation changes and MEKi resistance were transient and reversible upon drug withdrawal. Furthermore, MEKi resistance could be reversed by DNA methyltransferase inhibition with remarkable sensitivity exclusively in the resistant cells. CONCLUSION Overall, the concept of acquired therapy resistance as a result of the expansion of a single cell clone with epigenetic plasticity sheds light on genetic, epigenetic and phenotypic patterns during evolvement of treatment resistance in a tumor with high adaptive capabilities and provides potential for reversion through epigenetic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Godfrey
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy (BIT) and Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology (DKTK), West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Essen, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Forster
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Essen, Heidelberg, Germany
- Genome Informatics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sven-Thorsten Liffers
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy (BIT) and Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology (DKTK), West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Essen, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christopher Schröder
- Genome Informatics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes Köster
- Bioinformatics and Computational Oncology, Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Leonie Henschel
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine & University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kerstin U Ludwig
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine & University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - David Lähnemann
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Essen, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marija Trajkovic-Arsic
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy (BIT) and Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology (DKTK), West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Essen, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Diana Behrens
- EPO Experimental Pharmacology and Oncology GmbH, Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Pathological Anatomy Section, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
- ARC-Net Cancer Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rita T Lawlor
- ARC-Net Cancer Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Kathrin E Witzke
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center/Zentrum Für Protein-Diagnostik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Barbara Sitek
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center/Zentrum Für Protein-Diagnostik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Intensivmedizin und Schmerztherapie, Universitätsklinikum Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Steven A Johnsen
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sven Rahmann
- Algorithmic Bioinformatics, Center for Bioinformatics Saar and Saarland University, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Bernhard Horsthemke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Zeschnigk
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Essen, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jens T Siveke
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy (BIT) and Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology (DKTK), West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Essen, Heidelberg, Germany.
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) West, Campus Essen, Essen, Germany.
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20
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Zhou Q, Wang J, Zhang Z, Wuethrich A, Lobb RJ, Trau M. Tracking the EMT-like phenotype switching during targeted therapy in melanoma by analyzing extracellular vesicle phenotypes. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 244:115819. [PMID: 37952322 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115819] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma continues to be a leading cause of mortality among skin cancers. Despite advancements in targeted therapy, patients frequently develop resistance, leading to disease progression within a year. This resistance may result from the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like phenotype switching of melanoma cells. Tracking EMT-related phenotypic changes on extracellular vesicles (EVs) has potential to inform early about response to targeted therapy and melanoma progression. However, the knowledge on protein biomarkers carried by melanoma EVs involved in the EMT-like process remains unexplored. Herein, we present a biosensor integrating surface-enhanced Raman scattering and alternating current electrohydrodynamics-induced nanomixing enhancement, for sensitive detection of EMT-associated biomarkers on EV surfaces during targeted therapy. This biosensor successfully tracks the EMT-like phenotype switching in melanoma cell lines treated with mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor (MAPKi). Longitudinal monitoring of patients who receive MAPKi therapy and develop resistance, our biosensor shows its ability to identify the EMT-like phenotype switching on circulating EVs. This ability potentially can be leveraged to predict the development of resistance to targeted therapy, allowing for timely intervention and personalized treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Zhou
- Centre for Personalized Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jing Wang
- Centre for Personalized Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia; Key Laboratory of OptoElectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Photonics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, China.
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Centre for Personalized Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Alain Wuethrich
- Centre for Personalized Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Richard J Lobb
- Centre for Personalized Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Matt Trau
- Centre for Personalized Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia; School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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21
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Hánělová K, Raudenská M, Masařík M, Balvan J. Protein cargo in extracellular vesicles as the key mediator in the progression of cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:25. [PMID: 38200509 PMCID: PMC10777590 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01408-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are small vesicles of endosomal origin that are released by almost all cell types, even those that are pathologically altered. Exosomes widely participate in cell-to-cell communication via transferring cargo, including nucleic acids, proteins, and other metabolites, into recipient cells. Tumour-derived exosomes (TDEs) participate in many important molecular pathways and affect various hallmarks of cancer, including fibroblasts activation, modification of the tumour microenvironment (TME), modulation of immune responses, angiogenesis promotion, setting the pre-metastatic niche, enhancing metastatic potential, and affecting therapy sensitivity and resistance. The unique exosome biogenesis, composition, nontoxicity, and ability to target specific tumour cells bring up their use as promising drug carriers and cancer biomarkers. In this review, we focus on the role of exosomes, with an emphasis on their protein cargo, in the key mechanisms promoting cancer progression. We also briefly summarise the mechanism of exosome biogenesis, its structure, protein composition, and potential as a signalling hub in both normal and pathological conditions. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klára Hánělová
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, CZ-625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Raudenská
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, CZ-625 00, Czech Republic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, CZ-625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Masařík
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, CZ-625 00, Czech Republic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, CZ-625 00, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prumyslova 595, Vestec, CZ-252 50, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Balvan
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, CZ-625 00, Czech Republic.
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22
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Braune EB, Geist F, Tang X, Kalari K, Boughey J, Wang L, Leon-Ferre RA, D'Assoro AB, Ingle JN, Goetz MP, Kreis J, Wang K, Foukakis T, Seshire A, Wienke D, Lendahl U. Identification of a Notch transcriptomic signature for breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:4. [PMID: 38172915 PMCID: PMC10765899 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01757-7] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulated Notch signalling contributes to breast cancer development and progression, but validated tools to measure the level of Notch signalling in breast cancer subtypes and in response to systemic therapy are largely lacking. A transcriptomic signature of Notch signalling would be warranted, for example to monitor the effects of future Notch-targeting therapies and to learn whether altered Notch signalling is an off-target effect of current breast cancer therapies. In this report, we have established such a classifier. METHODS To generate the signature, we first identified Notch-regulated genes from six basal-like breast cancer cell lines subjected to elevated or reduced Notch signalling by culturing on immobilized Notch ligand Jagged1 or blockade of Notch by γ-secretase inhibitors, respectively. From this cadre of Notch-regulated genes, we developed candidate transcriptomic signatures that were trained on a breast cancer patient dataset (the TCGA-BRCA cohort) and a broader breast cancer cell line cohort and sought to validate in independent datasets. RESULTS An optimal 20-gene transcriptomic signature was selected. We validated the signature on two independent patient datasets (METABRIC and Oslo2), and it showed an improved coherence score and tumour specificity compared with previously published signatures. Furthermore, the signature score was particularly high for basal-like breast cancer, indicating an enhanced level of Notch signalling in this subtype. The signature score was increased after neoadjuvant treatment in the PROMIX and BEAUTY patient cohorts, and a lower signature score generally correlated with better clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS The 20-gene transcriptional signature will be a valuable tool to evaluate the response of future Notch-targeting therapies for breast cancer, to learn about potential effects on Notch signalling from conventional breast cancer therapies and to better stratify patients for therapy considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike-Benjamin Braune
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Xiaojia Tang
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Krishna Kalari
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Judy Boughey
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Liewei Wang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - James N Ingle
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Matthew P Goetz
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Kang Wang
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Theodoros Foukakis
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Urban Lendahl
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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23
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Maleki EH, Bahrami AR, Matin MM. Cancer cell cycle heterogeneity as a critical determinant of therapeutic resistance. Genes Dis 2024; 11:189-204. [PMID: 37588236 PMCID: PMC10425754 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.11.025] [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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Intra-tumor heterogeneity is now arguably one of the most-studied topics in tumor biology, as it represents a major obstacle to effective cancer treatment. Since tumor cells are highly diverse at genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic levels, intra-tumor heterogeneity can be assumed as an important contributing factor to the nullification of chemotherapeutic effects, and recurrence of the tumor. Based on the role of heterogeneous subpopulations of cancer cells with varying cell-cycle dynamics and behavior during cancer progression and treatment; herein, we aim to establish a comprehensive definition for adaptation of neoplastic cells against therapy. We discuss two parallel and yet distinct subpopulations of tumor cells that play pivotal roles in reducing the effects of chemotherapy: "resistant" and "tolerant" populations. Furthermore, this review also highlights the impact of the quiescent phase of the cell cycle as a survival mechanism for cancer cells. Beyond understanding the mechanisms underlying the quiescence, it provides an insightful perspective on cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their dual and intertwined functions based on their cell cycle state in response to treatment. Moreover, CSCs, epithelial-mesenchymal transformed cells, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs), which are mostly in a quiescent state of the cell cycle are proved to have multiple biological links and can be implicated in our viewpoint of cell cycle heterogeneity in tumors. Overall, increasing our knowledge of cell cycle heterogeneity is a key to identifying new therapeutic solutions, and this emerging concept may provide us with new opportunities to prevent the dreadful cancer recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim H. Maleki
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, 9177948974 Mashhad, Iran
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, 31-007 Krakow, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
| | - Ahmad Reza Bahrami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, 9177948974 Mashhad, Iran
- Industrial Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, 9177948974 Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam M. Matin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, 9177948974 Mashhad, Iran
- Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, 9177948974 Mashhad, Iran
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Khorasan Razavi Branch, 917751376 Mashhad, Iran
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24
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Rickard BP, Overchuk M, Tulino J, Tan X, Ligler FS, Bae-Jump VL, Fenton SE, Rizvi I. Exposure to select PFAS and PFAS mixtures alters response to platinum-based chemotherapy in endometrial cancer cell lines. Environ Health 2023; 22:87. [PMID: 38098045 PMCID: PMC10720226 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-01034-2] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been associated with significant alterations in female reproductive health. These include changes in menstrual cyclicity, timing of menarche and menopause, and fertility outcomes, as well as increased risk of endometriosis, all of which may contribute to an increased risk of endometrial cancer. The effect of PFAS on endometrial cancer cells, specifically altered treatment response and biology, however, remains poorly studied. Like other gynecologic malignancies, a key contributor to lethality in endometrial cancer is resistance to chemotherapeutics, specifically to platinum-based agents that are used as the standard of care for patients with advanced-stage and/or recurrent disease. OBJECTIVES To explore the effect of environmental exposures, specifically PFAS, on platinum-based chemotherapy response and mitochondrial function in endometrial cancer. METHODS HEC-1 and Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells were exposed to sub-cytotoxic nanomolar and micromolar concentrations of PFAS/PFAS mixtures and were treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Survival fraction was measured 48-h post-chemotherapy treatment. Mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated in both cell lines following exposure to PFAS ± chemotherapy treatment. RESULTS HEC-1 and Ishikawa cells displayed differing outcomes after PFAS exposure and chemotherapy treatment. Cells exposed to PFAS appeared to be less sensitive to carboplatin, with instances of increased survival fraction, indicative of platinum resistance, observed in HEC-1 cells. In Ishikawa cells treated with cisplatin, PFAS mixture exposure significantly decreased survival fraction. In both cell lines, increases in mitochondrial membrane potential were observed post-PFAS exposure ± chemotherapy treatment. DISCUSSION Exposure of endometrial cancer cell lines to PFAS/PFAS mixtures had varying effects on response to platinum-based chemotherapies. Increased survival fraction post-PFAS + carboplatin treatment suggests platinum resistance, while decreased survival fraction post-PFAS mixture + cisplatin exposure suggests enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Regardless of chemotherapy sensitivity status, mitochondrial membrane potential findings suggest that PFAS exposure may affect endometrial cancer cell mitochondrial functioning and should be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany P Rickard
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Marta Overchuk
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Engineering Building III, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Justin Tulino
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Engineering Building III, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Xianming Tan
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina School of Public Health, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Frances S Ligler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 101 Bizzell Street, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Victoria L Bae-Jump
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 450 West Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Suzanne E Fenton
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Imran Rizvi
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Engineering Building III, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 450 West Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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25
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Desai SR, Chakraborty S, Shastri A. Mechanisms of resistance to hypomethylating agents and BCL-2 inhibitors. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2023; 36:101521. [PMID: 38092478 DOI: 10.1016/j.beha.2023.101521] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid malignancies such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) & acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are clonal diseases that emerge and progress due to the expansion of disease-initiating aberrant hematopoietic stem cells, that are not eliminated by conventional cytotoxic therapies. Hypomethylating agents(HMA), azacytidine and decitabine are the first line agents for treatment of MDS and a combination with BCL-2 inhibitor, venetoclax, is approved for AML induction in patients above 75 years and is also actively being investigated for use in high risk MDS. Resistance to these drugs has become a significant clinical challenge in treatment of myeloid malignancies. In this review, we discuss molecular mechanisms underlying the development of resistance to HMA and venetoclax. Insights into these mechanisms can help identify potential biomarkers for resistance prediction, aid in the development of combination therapies and strategies to prevent resistance and advance the field of cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhamsh Reddy Desai
- Department of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Samarpana Chakraborty
- Department of Medicine (Oncology), Department of Molecular & Developmental Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Aditi Shastri
- Department of Medicine (Oncology), Department of Molecular & Developmental Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine & Division of Hemato-Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.
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Schuhwerk H, Brabletz T. Mutual regulation of TGFβ-induced oncogenic EMT, cell cycle progression and the DDR. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 97:86-103. [PMID: 38029866 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.11.009] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
TGFβ signaling and the DNA damage response (DDR) are two cellular toolboxes with a strong impact on cancer biology. While TGFβ as a pleiotropic cytokine affects essentially all hallmarks of cancer, the multifunctional DDR mostly orchestrates cell cycle progression, DNA repair, chromatin remodeling and cell death. One oncogenic effect of TGFβ is the partial activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), conferring invasiveness, cellular plasticity and resistance to various noxae. Several reports show that both individual networks as well as their interface affect chemo-/radiotherapies. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly resolved. EMT often correlates with TGFβ-induced slowing of proliferation, yet numerous studies demonstrate that particularly the co-activated EMT transcription factors counteract anti-proliferative signaling in a partially non-redundant manner. Collectively, evidence piled up over decades underscore a multifaceted, reciprocal inter-connection of TGFβ signaling / EMT with the DDR / cell cycle progression, which we will discuss here. Altogether, we conclude that full cell cycle arrest is barely compatible with the propagation of oncogenic EMT traits and further propose that 'EMT-linked DDR plasticity' is a crucial, yet intricate facet of malignancy, decisively affecting metastasis formation and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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Haghjooy Javanmard S, Rafiee L, Bahri Najafi M, Khorsandi D, Hasan A, Vaseghi G, Makvandi P. Microfluidic-based technologies in cancer liquid biopsy: Unveiling the role of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) materials. Environ Res 2023; 238:117083. [PMID: 37690629 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Liquid biopsy includes the isolating and analysis of non-solid biological samples enables us to find new ways for molecular profiling, prognostic assessment, and better therapeutic decision-making in cancer patients. Despite the conventional theory of tumor development, a non-vertical transmission of DNA has been reported among cancer cells and between cancer and normal cells. The phenomenon referred to as horizontal gene transfer (HGT) has the ability to amplify the advancement of tumors by disseminating genes that encode molecules conferring benefits to the survival or metastasis of cancer cells. Currently, common liquid biopsy approaches include the analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and tumor-free DNA (tfDNA) derived from primary tumors and their metastatic sites, which are well-known HGT mediators in cancer cells. Current technological and molecular advances expedited the high-throughput and high-sensitive HGT materials analyses by using new technologies, such as microfluidics in liquid biopsies. This review delves into the convergence of microfluidic-based technologies and the investigation of Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) materials in cancer liquid biopsy. The integration of microfluidics offers unprecedented advantages such as high sensitivity, rapid analysis, and the ability to analyze rare cell populations. These attributes are instrumental in detecting and characterizing CTCs, circulating nucleic acids, and EVs, which are carriers of genetic cargo that could potentially undergo HGT. The phenomenon of HGT in cancer has raised intriguing questions about its role in driving genomic diversity and acquired drug resistance. By leveraging microfluidic platforms, researchers have been able to capture and analyze individual cells or genetic material with enhanced precision, shedding light on the potential transfer of genetic material between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells. Furthermore, the application of microfluidics in single-cell sequencing has enabled the elucidation of the genetic changes associated with HGT events, providing insights into the evolution of tumor genomes. This review also discusses the challenges and opportunities in studying HGT materials using microfluidic-based technologies. In conclusion, microfluidic-based technologies have significantly advanced the field of cancer liquid biopsy, enabling the sensitive and accurate detection of HGT materials. As the understanding of HGT's role in tumor evolution and therapy resistance continues to evolve, the synergistic integration of microfluidics and HGT research promises to provide valuable insights into cancer biology, with potential implications for precision oncology and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Laleh Rafiee
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Majed Bahri Najafi
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Danial Khorsandi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, United States
| | - Anwarul Hasan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Golnaz Vaseghi
- Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, China.
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Ibarra AMC, Aguiar EMG, Ferreira CBR, Siqueira JM, Corrêa L, Nunes FD, Franco ALDS, Cecatto RB, Hamblin MR, Rodrigues MFSD. Photodynamic therapy in cancer stem cells - state of the art. Lasers Med Sci 2023; 38:251. [PMID: 37919479 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-023-03911-1] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant efforts to control cancer progression and to improve oncology treatment outcomes, recurrence and tumor resistance are frequently observed in cancer patients. These problems are partly related to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been developed as a therapeutic approach for solid tumors; however, it remains unclear how this therapy can affect CSCs. In this review, we focus on the effects of PDT on CSCs and the possible changes in the CSC population after PDT exposure. Tumor response to PDT varies according to the photosensitizer and light parameters employed, but most studies have reported the successful elimination of CSCs after PDT. However, some studies have reported that CSCs were more resistant to PDT than non-CSCs due to the increased efflux of photosensitizer molecules and the action of autophagy. Additionally, using different PDT approaches to target the CSCs resulted in increased sensitivity, reduction of sphere formation, invasiveness, stem cell phenotype, and improved response to chemotherapy. Lastly, although mainly limited to in vitro studies, PDT, combined with targeted therapies and/or chemotherapy, could successfully target CSCs in different solid tumors and promote the reduction of stemness, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach requiring evaluation in robust pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Melissa C Ibarra
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Nove de Julho University - UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Cássia B R Ferreira
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Nove de Julho University - UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Corrêa
- School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo - FOUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabio D Nunes
- School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo - FOUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rebeca B Cecatto
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Nove de Julho University - UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Maria Fernanda S D Rodrigues
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Nove de Julho University - UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Zhang J, Dong Y, Di S, Xie S, Fan B, Gong T. Tumor associated macrophages in esophageal squamous carcinoma: Promising therapeutic implications. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115610. [PMID: 37783153 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115610] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC) is a prevalent and highly lethal malignant tumor, with a five-year survival rate of approximately 20 %. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most prominent immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising over 50 % of the tumor volume. TAMs can be polarized into two distinct phenotypes, M1-type and M2-type, through interactions with cancer cells. M2-type TAMs are more abundant than M1-type TAMs in the TME, contributing to tumor progression, such as tumor cell survival and the construction of an immunosuppressive environment. This review focuses on the role of TAMs in ESCC, including their polarization, impact on tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, migration, therapy resistance, and immunosuppression. In addition, we discuss the potential of targeting TAMs for clinical therapy in ESCC. A thorough comprehension of the molecular biology about TAMs is essential for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to treat ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanxin Dong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shouyin Di
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shun Xie
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Boshi Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Taiqian Gong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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30
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Jagadeeshan S, Novoplansky OZ, Cohen O, Kurth I, Hess J, Rosenberg AJ, Grandis JR, Elkabets M. New insights into RAS in head and neck cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188963. [PMID: 37619805 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188963] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
RAS genes are known to be dysregulated in cancer for several decades, and substantial effort has been dedicated to develop agents that reduce RAS expression or block RAS activation. The recent introduction of RAS inhibitors for cancer patients highlights the importance of comprehending RAS alterations in head and neck cancer (HNC). In this regard, we examine the published findings on RAS alterations and pathway activations in HNC, and summarize their role in HNC initiation, progression, and metastasis. Specifically, we focus on the intrinsic role of mutated-RAS on tumor cell signaling and its extrinsic role in determining tumor-microenvironment (TME) heterogeneity, including promoting angiogenesis and enhancing immune escape. Lastly, we summarize the intrinsic and extrinsic role of RAS alterations on therapy resistance to outline the potential of targeting RAS using a single agent or in combination with other therapeutic agents for HNC patients with RAS-activated tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankar Jagadeeshan
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.
| | - Ofra Z Novoplansky
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.
| | - Oded Cohen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Soroka Medical Center, Beersheva, Israel.
| | - Ina Kurth
- Division of Radiooncology-Radiobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Jochen Hess
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Molecular Mechanisms of Head and Neck Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Ari J Rosenberg
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Moshe Elkabets
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.
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31
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Li H, Liu J, Qin X, Sun J, Liu Y, Jin F. Function of Long Noncoding RNAs in Glioma Progression and Treatment Based on the Wnt/β-Catenin and PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathways. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3929-3942. [PMID: 37747595 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01414-9] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Gliomas are a deadly primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system, with glioblastoma (GBM) representing the most aggressive type. The clinical prognosis of GBM patients remains bleak despite the availability of multiple options for therapy, which has needed us to explore new therapeutic methods to face the rapid progression, short survival, and therapy resistance of glioblastomas. As the Human Genome Project advances, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted the attention of researchers and clinicians in cancer research. Numerous studies have found aberrant expression of signaling pathways in glioma cells. For example, lncRNAs not only play an integral role in the drug resistance process by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin or PI3K/Akt signaling but are also involved in a variety of malignant biological behaviors such as glioma proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor apoptosis. Therefore, the present review systematically assesses the existing research evidence on the malignant progression and drug resistance of glioma, focusing on the critical role and potential function of lncRNAs in the Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt classical pathways to promote and encourage further research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyun Li
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Jilan Liu
- Department of Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, 272029, Shandong, China
| | - Xianyun Qin
- Department of Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, 272029, Shandong, China
| | - Jikui Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Jinan, 250014, China.
| | - Yan Liu
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272013, China.
| | - Feng Jin
- The Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital of Qingdao University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266042, China.
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32
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Li YR, Fang Y, Lyu Z, Zhu Y, Yang L. Exploring the dynamic interplay between cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment: implications for novel therapeutic strategies. J Transl Med 2023; 21:686. [PMID: 37784157 PMCID: PMC10546755 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04575-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as key contributors to tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. In addition, CSCs play a significant role in inducing immune evasion, thereby compromising the effectiveness of cancer treatments. The reciprocal communication between CSCs and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is observed, with the TME providing a supportive niche for CSC survival and self-renewal, while CSCs, in turn, influence the polarization and persistence of the TME, promoting an immunosuppressive state. Consequently, these interactions hinder the efficacy of current cancer therapies, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches to modulate the TME and target CSCs. In this review, we highlight the intricate strategies employed by CSCs to evade immune surveillance and develop resistance to therapies. Furthermore, we examine the dynamic interplay between CSCs and the TME, shedding light on how this interaction impacts cancer progression. Moreover, we provide an overview of advanced therapeutic strategies that specifically target CSCs and the TME, which hold promise for future clinical and translational studies in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Zibai Lyu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Pan Q, Fan X, Xie L, Wu D, Liu R, Gao W, Luo K, He B, Pu Y. Nano-enabled colorectal cancer therapy. J Control Release 2023; 362:548-564. [PMID: 37683732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.09.014] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most common and deadliest diseases worldwide, poses a great health threat and social burden. The clinical treatments of CRC encompassing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are challenged with toxicity, therapy resistance, and recurrence. In the past two decades, targeted therapy and immunotherapy have greatly improved the therapeutic benefits of CRC patients but they still suffer from drug resistance and low response rates. Very recently, gut microbiota regulation has exhibited a great potential in preventing and treating CRC, as well as in modulating the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In this review, we provide a cutting-edge summary of nanomedicine-based treatment in colorectal cancer, highlighting the recent progress of oral and systemic tumor-targeting and/or tumor-activatable drug delivery systems as well as novel therapeutic strategies against CRC, including nano-sensitizing immunotherapy, anti-inflammation, gut microbiota modulation therapy, etc. Finally, the recent endeavors to address therapy resistance, metastasis, and recurrence in CRC were discussed. We hope this review could offer insight into the design and development of nanomedicines for CRC and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Pan
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Xi Fan
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Li Xie
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Di Wu
- Meat Processing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Rong Liu
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China.
| | - Wenxia Gao
- College of Chemistry & Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Kui Luo
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Functional and molecular imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bin He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Yuji Pu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
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Del Giglio A, da Costa Aguiar Alves B, Murad AM, Fonseca FLA. Metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with BRCA2 mutation and longstanding disease control on olaparib, developing triple negative breast adenocarcinoma with additional BRCA2 reversion mutation: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2023; 17:407. [PMID: 37743480 PMCID: PMC10519093 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-023-04139-x] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The BRCA2 gene is a well-known tumor suppressor gene implicated in breast and ovarian cancers. BRCA1/2 mutations can be sensitive to poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors such as olaparib. However, some of these patients develop resistance to this treatment and an essential factor contributing to acquired insensitivity is the occurrence of reversion mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes. CASE PRESENTATION We report the case of a 65-year-old Brazilian female patient who had previously been diagnosed with metastatic lung carcinoma carrying a BRCA2 mutation that had extended to the central nervous system. Following disease progression, olaparib was administered, resulting in a stabilizing effect on her condition for ~ 30 months. During a routine follow-up, a new triple-negative breast tumor was found. Genetic testing revealed the presence of two distinct BRCA2 gene mutations in the breast tumor. The original mutation (p.Val220Ilefs4) led to a frameshift, culminating in the production of a truncated and non-functional BRCA2 protein; the second mutation, K437fs22, rectified the reading frame of exon 11. Consequently, Rad51 could properly bind to BRCA2-an essential protein crucial for DNA repair. This restoration resulted in a functional BRCA2 protein, effectively elucidating the clinical resistance observed in the new breast tumor in this case. CONCLUSIONS This case report highlights the clinical significance of comprehensive next-generation sequencing analyses for lung adenocarcinomas, both at diagnosis and upon progression. Such analyses enable informed decisions regarding targeted therapies and facilitate a deeper comprehension of resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auro Del Giglio
- Departamento de Oncologia e Hematologia, Centro Universitário FMABC, Av. Príncipe de Gales, 821, Santo André, SP, 09060-650, Brazil.
| | - Beatriz da Costa Aguiar Alves
- Laboratório de Análises Clínicas, Centro Universitário FMABC, Av. Príncipe de Gales, 821, Santo André, SP, 09060-650, Brazil
| | - André Márcio Murad
- CENANTRON-PERSONAL-Precision Oncology, R. Padre Rolim, 120, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30130-090, Brazil
| | - Fernando Luiz Affonso Fonseca
- Laboratório de Análises Clínicas, Centro Universitário FMABC, Av. Príncipe de Gales, 821, Santo André, SP, 09060-650, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Professor Artur Riedel, 275, 09972-270, Diadema, SP, Brazil
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Ren Y, Mao X, Xu H, Dang Q, Weng S, Zhang Y, Chen S, Liu S, Ba Y, Zhou Z, Han X, Liu Z, Zhang G. Ferroptosis and EMT: key targets for combating cancer progression and therapy resistance. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:263. [PMID: 37598126 PMCID: PMC10439860 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04907-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Iron-dependent lipid peroxidation causes ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death. Crucial steps in the formation of ferroptosis include the accumulation of ferrous ions (Fe2+) and lipid peroxidation, of which are controlled by glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Its crucial role in stopping the spread of cancer has been shown by numerous studies undertaken in the last ten years. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the process by which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics. EMT is connected to carcinogenesis, invasiveness, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance in cancer. It is controlled by a range of internal and external signals and changes the phenotype from epithelial to mesenchymal like. Studies have shown that mesenchymal cancer cells tend to be more ferroptotic than their epithelial counterparts. Drug-resistant cancer cells are more easily killed by inducers of ferroptosis when they undergo EMT. Therefore, understanding the interaction between ferroptosis and EMT will help identify novel cancer treatment targets. In-depth discussion is given to the regulation of ferroptosis, the potential application of EMT in the treatment of cancer, and the relationships between ferroptosis, EMT, and signaling pathways associated with tumors. Invasion, metastasis, and inflammation in cancer all include ferroptosis and EMT. The goal of this review is to provide suggestions for future research and practical guidance for applying ferroptosis and EMT in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Ren
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xiangrong Mao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Qin Dang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Siyuan Weng
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yuyuan Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Shuang Chen
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shutong Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yuhao Ba
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zhaokai Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Guojun Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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Anderle N, Schäfer-Ruoff F, Staebler A, Kersten N, Koch A, Önder C, Keller AL, Liebscher S, Hartkopf A, Hahn M, Templin M, Brucker SY, Schenke-Layland K, Schmees C. Breast cancer patient-derived microtumors resemble tumor heterogeneity and enable protein-based stratification and functional validation of individualized drug treatment. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:210. [PMID: 37596623 PMCID: PMC10436441 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02782-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite tremendous progress in deciphering breast cancer at the genomic level, the pronounced intra- and intertumoral heterogeneity remains a major obstacle to the advancement of novel and more effective treatment approaches. Frequent treatment failure and the development of treatment resistance highlight the need for patient-derived tumor models that reflect the individual tumors of breast cancer patients and allow a comprehensive analyses and parallel functional validation of individualized and therapeutically targetable vulnerabilities in protein signal transduction pathways. Here, we introduce the generation and application of breast cancer patient-derived 3D microtumors (BC-PDMs). Residual fresh tumor tissue specimens were collected from n = 102 patients diagnosed with breast cancer and subjected to BC-PDM isolation. BC-PDMs retained histopathological characteristics, and extracellular matrix (ECM) components together with key protein signaling pathway signatures of the corresponding primary tumor tissue. Accordingly, BC-PDMs reflect the inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity of breast cancer and its key signal transduction properties. DigiWest®-based protein expression profiling of identified treatment responder and non-responder BC-PDMs enabled the identification of potential resistance and sensitivity markers of individual drug treatments, including markers previously associated with treatment response and yet undescribed proteins. The combination of individualized drug testing with comprehensive protein profiling analyses of BC-PDMs may provide a valuable complement for personalized treatment stratification and response prediction for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Anderle
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany.
| | - Felix Schäfer-Ruoff
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Annette Staebler
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Nicolas Kersten
- Interfaculty Institute for Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics (IBMI), Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, 72076, Germany
- FZI Research Center for Information Technology, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - André Koch
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Cansu Önder
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Keller
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Simone Liebscher
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department for Medical Technologies and Regenerative Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Hartkopf
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Ulm, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Hahn
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Markus Templin
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Sara Y Brucker
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Katja Schenke-Layland
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department for Medical Technologies and Regenerative Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian Schmees
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany.
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Cescon M, Rampazzo E, Bresolin S, Da Ros F, Manfreda L, Cani A, Della Puppa A, Braghetta P, Bonaldo P, Persano L. Collagen VI sustains cell stemness and chemo therapy resistance in glioblastoma. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:233. [PMID: 37505240 PMCID: PMC10382393 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04887-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Microenvironmental factors are known fundamental regulators of the phenotype and aggressiveness of glioblastoma (GBM), the most lethal brain tumor, characterized by fast progression and marked resistance to treatments. In this context, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is known to heavily influence the behavior of cancer cells from several origins, contributing to stem cell niches, influencing tumor invasiveness and response to chemotherapy, mediating survival signaling cascades, and modulating inflammatory cell recruitment. Here, we show that collagen VI (COL6), an ECM protein widely expressed in both normal and pathological tissues, has a distinctive distribution within the GBM mass, strongly correlated with the most aggressive and phenotypically immature cells. Our data demonstrate that COL6 sustains the stem-like properties of GBM cells and supports the maintenance of an aggressive transcriptional program promoting cancer cell proliferation and survival. In particular, we identified a specific subset of COL6-transcriptionally co-regulated genes, required for the response of cells to replicative stress and DNA damage, supporting the concept that COL6 is an essential stimulus for the activation of GBM cell response and resistance to chemotherapy, through the ATM/ATR axis. Altogether, these findings indicate that COL6 plays a pivotal role in GBM tumor biology, exerting a pleiotropic action across different GBM hallmarks, including phenotypic identity and gene transcription, as well as response to treatments, thus providing valuable information for the understanding of the complex microenvironmental cues underlying GBM malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Cescon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Rampazzo
- Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35127, Padua, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica-Città della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Bresolin
- Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35127, Padua, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica-Città della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesco Da Ros
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Manfreda
- Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35127, Padua, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica-Città della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Alice Cani
- Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35127, Padua, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica-Città della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandro Della Puppa
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health, Neurosurgery Clinic, Academic Neurosurgery, Careggi University Hospital and University of Florence, Largo Palagi 1, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Braghetta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonaldo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Persano
- Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35127, Padua, Italy.
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica-Città della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35128, Padua, Italy.
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Li K, Peng ZY, Wang R, Li X, Du N, Liu DP, Zhang J, Zhang YF, Ma L, Sun Y, Tang SC, Ren H, Yang YP, Sun X. Enhancement of TKI sensitivity in lung adenocarcinoma through m6A-dependent translational repression of Wnt signaling by circ-FBXW7. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:103. [PMID: 37393311 PMCID: PMC10314519 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01811-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that specifically target mutational points in the EGFR gene have significantly reduced suffering and provided greater relief to patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The third-generation EGFR-TKI, Osimertinib, has been successfully employed in clinical treatments to overcome resistance to both original and acquired T790M and L858R mutational points. Nevertheless, the issue of treatment failure response has emerged as an insurmountable problem. METHODS By employing a combination of multiple and integrated approaches, we successfully identified a distinct population within the tumor group that plays a significant role in carcinogenesis, resistance, and recurrence. Our research suggests that addressing TKI resistance may involve targeting the renewal and repopulation of stem-like cells. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, we conducted RNA Microarray and m6A Epi-Transcriptomic Microarray analyses, followed by assessment of transcription factors. Additionally, we specifically designed a tag to detect the polypeptide circRNA-AA, and its expression was confirmed through m6A regulations. RESULTS We initially identified unique molecular signatures present in cancer stem cells that contributed to poor therapeutic responses. Activation of the alternative Wnt pathway was found to sustain the renewal and resistant status of these cells. Through bioinformatics analysis and array studies, we observed a significant decrease in the expression of circFBXW7 in Osimertinib-resistant cell lines. Notably, the abnormal expression pattern of circFBXW7 determined the cellular response to Osimertinib. Functional investigations revealed that circFBXW7 inhibits the renewal of cancer stem cells and resensitizes both resistant LUAD cells and stem cells to Osimertinib. In terms of the underlying mechanism, we discovered that circFBXW7 can be translated into short polypeptides known as circFBXW7-185AA. These polypeptides interact with β-catenin in an m6A-dependent manner. This interaction leads to reduced stability of β-catenin by inducing subsequent ubiquitination, thereby suppressing the activation of canonical Wnt signaling. Additionally, we predicted that the m6A reader, YTHDF3, shares common binding sites with hsa-Let-7d-5p. Enforced expression of Let-7d post-transcriptionally decreases the levels of YTHDF3. The repression of Let-7d by Wnt signaling releases the stimulation of m6A modification by YTHDF3, promoting the translation of circFBXW7-185AA. This creates a positive feedback loop contributing to the cascade of cancer initiation and promotion. CONCLUSIONS Our bench study, in vivo experiments, and clinical validation have unequivocally shown that circFBXW7 effectively inhibits the abilities of LUAD stem cells and reverses resistance to TKIs by modulating Wnt pathway functions through the action of circFBXW7-185AA on β-catenin ubiquitination and inhibition. The regulatory role of circRNA in Osimertinib treatment has been rarely reported, and our findings reveal that this process operates under the influence of m6A modification. These results highlight the tremendous potential of this approach in enhancing therapeutic strategies and overcoming resistance to multiple TKI treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zi-Yang Peng
- School of Future Technology, National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery & Regenerative Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Thoracic Surgery & Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Cancer Centre, Xi'an City, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Thoracic Surgery & Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Cancer Centre, Xi'an City, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ning Du
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Thoracic Surgery & Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Cancer Centre, Xi'an City, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Da-Peng Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Thoracic Surgery & Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Cancer Centre, Xi'an City, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Thoracic Surgery & Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Cancer Centre, Xi'an City, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yun-Feng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Thoracic Surgery & Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Cancer Centre, Xi'an City, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Lei Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Operating Centre, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ye Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology & Operation, Operating Centre, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shou-Ching Tang
- LSU School of Medicine, LSU-LCMC Cancer Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA
| | - Hong Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Thoracic Surgery & Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Cancer Centre, Xi'an City, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yi-Ping Yang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shaanxi Provincial Tumor Hospital, Shaanxi, 710061, Xi'an City, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Thoracic Surgery & Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Cancer Centre, Xi'an City, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China.
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
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Castagnoli L, Corso S, Franceschini A, Raimondi A, Bellomo SE, Dugo M, Morano F, Prisciandaro M, Brich S, Belfiore A, Vingiani A, Di Bartolomeo M, Pruneri G, Tagliabue E, Giordano S, Pietrantonio F, Pupa SM. Fatty acid synthase as a new therapeutic target for HER2-positive gastric cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023; 46:661-676. [PMID: 36753044 PMCID: PMC10205874 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00769-x] [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] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Trastuzumab is an HER2-specific agent approved as the gold-standard therapy for advanced HER2-positive (HER2+) gastric cancer (GC), but the high rate and rapid appearance of resistance limit its clinical efficacy, resulting in the need to identify new vulnerabilities. Defining the drivers influencing HER2+ cancer stem cell (CSC) maintenance/survival could represent a clinically useful strategy to counteract tumor growth and therapy resistance. Accumulating evidence show that targeting crucial metabolic hubs, as the fatty acid synthase (FASN), may be clinically relevant. METHODS FASN protein and transcript expression were examined by WB and FACS and by qRT-PCR and GEP analyses, respectively, in trastuzumab-sensitive and trastuzumab-resistant HER2+ GC cell lines cultured in adherent (2D) or gastrosphere promoting (3D) conditions. Molecular data were analyzed in silico in public HER2+ GC datasets. The effectiveness of the FASN inhibitor TVB3166 to overcome anti-HER2 therapy resistance was tested in vitro in gastrospheres forming efficiency bioassays and in vivo in mice bearing trastuzumab-resistant GC cells. RESULTS We compared the transcriptome profiles of HER2+ GC cells cultured in 2D versus 3D conditions finding a significant enrichment of FASN in 3D cultures. FASN upregulation significantly correlated with high stemness score and poor prognosis in HER2+ GC cases. TVB3166 treatment significantly decreased GCSCs in all cell targets. HER2 and FASN cotargeting significantly decreased the capability to form gastrospheres versus monotherapy and reduced the in vivo growth of trastuzumab-resistant GC cells. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that cotargeting HER2 and FASN increase the benefit of anti-HER2 therapy representing a new opportunity for metabolically combating trastuzumab-resistant HER2+ GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Castagnoli
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Corso
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Alma Franceschini
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Raimondi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Erika Bellomo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Matteo Dugo
- Department of Medical Oncology-Breast Cancer Unit Clinical Translational and Immunotherapy Research, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Morano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Prisciandaro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Brich
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Vingiani
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Di Bartolomeo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Pruneri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elda Tagliabue
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Filippo Pietrantonio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Serenella M Pupa
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
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Mishra AB, Nishank SS. Therapeutic targeting approach on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity to combat cancer metastasis. Med Oncol 2023; 40:190. [PMID: 37247000 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02049-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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) is a process in which epithelial cells lose their characteristics and acquire mesenchymal properties, leading to increased motility and invasiveness, which are key factors in cancer metastasis. Targeting EMP has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to combat cancer metastasis. Various strategies have been developed to target EMP, including inhibition of key signaling pathways, such as TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch, that regulate EMP, as well as targeting specific transcription factors, such as Snail, Slug, and Twist, that promote EMP. Additionally, targeting the tumor microenvironment, which plays a critical role in promoting EMP, has also shown promise. Several preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of EMP-targeting therapies in inhibiting cancer metastasis. However, further research is needed to optimize these strategies and improve their clinical efficacy. Overall, therapeutic targeting of EMP represents a promising approach for the development of novel cancer therapies that can effectively inhibit metastasis, a major cause of cancer-related mortality.
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41
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Yehya A, Youssef J, Hachem S, Ismael J, Abou-Kheir W. Tissue-specific cancer stem/progenitor cells: Therapeutic implications. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:323-341. [PMID: 37342220 PMCID: PMC10277968 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i5.323] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation are the standard therapeutic modalities for treating cancer. These approaches are intended to target the more mature and rapidly dividing cancer cells. However, they spare the relatively quiescent and intrinsically resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs) subpopulation residing within the tumor tissue. Thus, a temporary eradication is achieved and the tumor bulk tends to revert supported by CSCs' resistant features. Based on their unique expression profile, the identification, isolation, and selective targeting of CSCs hold great promise for challenging treatment failure and reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. Yet, targeting CSCs is limited mainly by the irrelevance of the utilized cancer models. A new era of targeted and personalized anti-cancer therapies has been developed with cancer patient-derived organoids (PDOs) as a tool for establishing pre-clinical tumor models. Herein, we discuss the updated and presently available tissue-specific CSC markers in five highly occurring solid tumors. Additionally, we highlight the advantage and relevance of the three-dimensional PDOs culture model as a platform for modeling cancer, evaluating the efficacy of CSC-based therapeutics, and predicting drug response in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Yehya
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Joe Youssef
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Sana Hachem
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Jana Ismael
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
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Zhou H, Luo J, Mou K, Peng L, Li X, Lei Y, Wang J, Lin S, Luo Y, Xiang L. Stress granules: functions and mechanisms in cancer. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:86. [PMID: 37179344 PMCID: PMC10182661 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01030-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress granules (SGs) are non-enveloped structures formed primarily via protein and RNA aggregation under various stress conditions, including hypoxia and viral infection, as well as oxidative, osmotic, and heat-shock stress. SGs assembly is a highly conserved cellular strategy to reduce stress-related damage and promote cell survival. At present, the composition and dynamics of SGs are well understood; however, data on the functions and related mechanisms of SGs are limited. In recent years, SGs have continued to attract attention as emerging players in cancer research. Intriguingly, SGs regulate the biological behavior of tumors by participating in various tumor-associated signaling pathways, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, chemotherapy resistance, radiotherapy resistance, and immune escape. This review discusses the roles and mechanisms of SGs in tumors and suggests novel directions for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhou
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Kelin Mou
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lin Peng
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyue Li
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yulin Lei
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jianmei Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Sheng Lin
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yuhao Luo
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China.
| | - Li Xiang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China.
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43
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Nairuz T, Mahmud Z, Manik RK, Kabir Y. Cancer stem cells: an insight into the development of metastatic tumors and therapy resistance. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023:10.1007/s12015-023-10529-x. [PMID: 37129728 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10529-x] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The term "cancer stem cells" (CSCs) refers to cancer cells that exhibit traits parallel to normal stem cells, namely the potential to give rise to every type of cell identified in a tumor microenvironment. It has been found that CSCs usually develops from other neoplastic cells or non-cancerous somatic cells by acquiring stemness and malignant characteristics through particular genetic modifications. A trivial number of CSCs, identified in solid and liquid cancer, can give rise to an entire tumor population with aggressive anticancer drug resistance, metastasis, and invasiveness. Besides, cancer stem cells manipulate their intrinsic and extrinsic features, regulate the metabolic pattern of the cell, adjust efflux-influx efficiency, modulate different signaling pathways, block apoptotic signals, and cause genetic and epigenetic alterations to retain their pluripotency and ability of self-renewal. Notably, to keep the cancer stem cells' ability to become malignant cells, mesenchymal stem cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, etc., interact with one another. Furthermore, CSCs are characterized by the expression of particular molecular markers that carry significant diagnostic and prognostic significance. Because of this, scientific research on CSCs is becoming increasingly imperative, intending to understand the traits and behavior of cancer stem cells and create more potent anticancer therapeutics to fight cancer at the CSC level. In this review, we aimed to elucidate the critical role of CSCs in the onset and spread of cancer and the characteristics of CSCs that promote severe resistance to targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahsin Nairuz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Zimam Mahmud
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Rasel Khan Manik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Yearul Kabir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh.
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Hu X, Liu X, Khatri U, Wu J. The heterogeneous transition state of resistance to RET kinase inhibitors converges on ERK1/2-driven Aurora A/B kinases. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 68:100958. [PMID: 36990046 PMCID: PMC10149623 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.100958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM While most patients with RET-altered cancer responded to the RET protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) pralsetinib (BLU667) and selpercatinib (LOXO292), few achieved a complete response. Heterogeneity in residual tumors makes it difficult to target their diverse genetic alterations individually. The aim of this study is to characterize the cancer cells that persist under continuous RET TKI treatment and identify the shared vulnerability of these cells. METHODS We analyzed residual RET-altered cancer cells under prolonged RET TKI treatment by whole exome sequencing (WES), RNA-seq analysis, and drug-sensitivity screening. These were followed by tumor xenograft experiments of mono- and combinational drug treatments. RESULTS BLU667- and LOXO292-tolerated persisters were cellularly heterogeneous, contained slowly proliferating cells, regained low levels of active ERK1/2, and displayed plasticity in growth rate, which we designated as in the transition state of resistance (TSR). TSR cells were genetically heterogeneous. Aurora A/B kinases were among the most significantly upregulated genes and that the MAPK pathway activity had significantly higher transcript footprints. MEK1/2 and Aurora kinase inhibitors were the most effective drugs when combined with a RET kinase inhibitor. In a TSR tumor model, combination of BLU667 with an Aurora kinase or a MEK1/2 kinase inhibitor caused TSR tumor regression. CONCLUSION Our experiments reveal that the heterogeneous TSR cancer cells under continuous RET TKI treatment converge on the targetable ERK1/2-driven Aurora A/B kinases. The discovery of the targetable convergent point in the genetically heterogeneous TSR points to an effective combination therapy approach to eliminate the residual tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqing Hu
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Xuan Liu
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Ujjwol Khatri
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Jie Wu
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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Talebi A, de Laat V, Spotbeen X, Dehairs J, Rambow F, Rogiers A, Vanderhoydonc F, Rizotto L, Planque M, Doglioni G, Motamedi S, Nittner D, Roskams T, Agostinis P, Bechter O, Boecxstaens V, Garmyn M, O'Farrell M, Wagman A, Kemble G, Leucci E, Fendt SM, Marine JC, Swinnen JV. Pharmacological induction of membrane lipid poly-unsaturation sensitizes melanoma to ROS inducers and overcomes acquired resistance to targeted therapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:92. [PMID: 37072838 PMCID: PMC10114329 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02664-7] [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] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the key limitations of targeted cancer therapies is the rapid onset of therapy resistance. Taking BRAF-mutant melanoma as paradigm, we previously identified the lipogenic regulator SREBP-1 as a central mediator of resistance to MAPK-targeted therapy. Reasoning that lipogenesis-mediated alterations in membrane lipid poly-unsaturation lie at the basis of therapy resistance, we targeted fatty acid synthase (FASN) as key player in this pathway to evoke an exquisite vulnerability to clinical inducers of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby rationalizing a novel clinically actionable combination therapy to overcome therapy resistance. METHODS Using gene expression analysis and mass spectrometry-based lipidomics of BRAF-mutant melanoma cell lines, melanoma PDX and clinical data sets, we explored the association of FASN expression with membrane lipid poly-unsaturation and therapy-resistance. Next, we treated therapy-resistant models with a preclinical FASN inhibitor TVB-3664 and a panel of ROS inducers and performed ROS analysis, lipid peroxidation tests and real-time cell proliferation assays. Finally, we explored the combination of MAPK inhibitors, TVB-3664 and arsenic trioxide (ATO, as a clinically used ROS-inducer) in Mel006 BRAF mutant PDX as a gold model of therapy resistance and assessed the effect on tumor growth, survival and systemic toxicity. RESULTS We found that FASN expression is consistently increased upon the onset of therapy resistance in clinical melanoma samples, in cell lines and in Mel006 PDX and is associated with decreased lipid poly-unsaturation. Forcing lipid poly-unsaturation in therapy-resistant models by combining MAPK inhibition with FASN inhibition attenuated cell proliferation and rendered cells exquisitely sensitive to a host of ROS inducers. In particular, the triple combination of MAPK inhibition, FASN inhibition, and the clinical ROS-inducing compound ATO dramatically increased survival of Mel006 PDX models from 15 to 72% with no associated signs of toxicity. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that under MAPK inhibition the direct pharmacological inhibition of FASN evokes an exquisite vulnerability to inducers of ROS by increasing membrane lipid poly-unsaturation. The exploitation of this vulnerability by combining MAPK and/or FASN inhibitors with inducers of ROS greatly delays the onset of therapy resistance and increases survival. Our work identifies a clinically actionable combinatorial treatment for therapy-resistant cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Talebi
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, LKI, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vincent de Laat
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, LKI, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Xander Spotbeen
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, LKI, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jonas Dehairs
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, LKI, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Florian Rambow
- Department of Applied Computational Cancer Research, Institute for AI in Medicine (IKIM), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Aljosja Rogiers
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frank Vanderhoydonc
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, LKI, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lara Rizotto
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory for RNA Cancer Biology, LKI, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Trace PDX Platform, LKI, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mélanie Planque
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, LKI, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ginevra Doglioni
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, LKI, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sahar Motamedi
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, LKI, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - David Nittner
- Histopathology Expertise Center, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tania Roskams
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrizia Agostinis
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Oliver Bechter
- LKI, Department of General Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Boecxstaens
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Department of Surgical Oncology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marjan Garmyn
- Department of Oncology and Dermatology, Laboratory of Dermatology, University Hospitals Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marie O'Farrell
- Sagimet Biosciences, 155 Bovet Rd, San Mateo, CA, 94402, USA
| | - Alan Wagman
- 3-V Biosciences, Inc, 3715 Haven Ave, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - George Kemble
- Sagimet Biosciences, 155 Bovet Rd, San Mateo, CA, 94402, USA
| | - Eleonora Leucci
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory for RNA Cancer Biology, LKI, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Trace PDX Platform, LKI, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah-Maria Fendt
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, LKI, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johannes V Swinnen
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, LKI, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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Saleem HM, Ramaiah P, Gupta J, Jalil AT, Kadhim NA, Alsaikhan F, Ramírez-Coronel AA, Tayyib NA, Guo Q. Nanotechnology-empowered lung cancer therapy: From EMT role in cancer metastasis to application of nanoengineered structures for modulating growth and metastasis. Environ Res 2023:115942. [PMID: 37080268 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in both males and females, and it is the first causes of cancer-related deaths. Chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy are conventional treatment of lung cancer and recently, immunotherapy has been also appeared as another therapeutic strategy for lung tumor. However, since previous treatments have not been successful in cancer therapy and improving prognosis and survival rate of lung tumor patients, new studies have focused on gene therapy and targeting underlying molecular pathways involved in lung cancer progression. Nanoparticles have been emerged in treatment of lung cancer that can mediate targeted delivery of drugs and genes. Nanoparticles protect drugs and genes against unexpected interactions in blood circulation and improve their circulation time. Nanoparticles can induce phototherapy in lung cancer ablation and mediating cell death. Nanoparticles can induce photothermal and photodynamic therapy in lung cancer. The nanostructures can impair metastasis of lung cancer and suppress EMT in improving drug sensitivity. Metastasis is one of the drawbacks observed in lung cancer that promotes migration of tumor cells and allows them to establish new colony in secondary site. EMT can occur in lung cancer and promotes tumor invasion. EMT is not certain to lung cancer and it can be observed in other human cancers, but since lung cancer has highest incidence rate, understanding EMT function in lung cancer is beneficial in improving prognosis of patients. EMT induction in lung cancer promotes tumor invasion and it can also lead to drug resistance and radio-resistance. Moreover, non-coding RNAs and pharmacological compounds can regulate EMT in lung cancer and EMT-TFs such as Twist and Slug are important modulators of lung cancer invasion that are discussed in current review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Muwafaq Saleem
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Al-Maarif University College, AL-Anbar, Iraq.
| | | | - Jitendra Gupta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Pin Code 281406, UP, India
| | - Abduladheem Turki Jalil
- Medical Laboratories Techniques Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Hilla, 51001, Iraq.
| | | | - Fahad Alsaikhan
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Andrés Alexis Ramírez-Coronel
- Azogues Campus Nursing Career, Health and Behavior Research Group (HBR), Psychometry and Ethology Laboratory, Catholic University of Cuenca, Ecuador; Epidemiology and Biostatistics Research Group, CES University, Colombia; Educational Statistics Research Group (GIEE), National University of Education, Ecuador
| | - Nahla A Tayyib
- Faculty of Nursing, Umm Al- Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Qingdong Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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47
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Dhital B, Rodriguez-Bravo V. Mechanisms of chromosomal instability (CIN) tolerance in aggressive tumors: surviving the genomic chaos. Chromosome Res 2023; 31:15. [PMID: 37058263 PMCID: PMC10104937 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-023-09724-w] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a pervasive feature of human cancers involved in tumor initiation and progression and which is found elevated in metastatic stages. CIN can provide survival and adaptation advantages to human cancers. However, too much of a good thing may come at a high cost for tumor cells as excessive degree of CIN-induced chromosomal aberrations can be detrimental for cancer cell survival and proliferation. Thus, aggressive tumors adapt to cope with ongoing CIN and most likely develop unique susceptibilities that can be their Achilles' heel. Determining the differences between the tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing effects of CIN at the molecular level has become one of the most exciting and challenging aspects in cancer biology. In this review, we summarized the state of knowledge regarding the mechanisms reported to contribute to the adaptation and perpetuation of aggressive tumor cells carrying CIN. The use of genomics, molecular biology, and imaging techniques is significantly enhancing the understanding of the intricate mechanisms involved in the generation of and adaptation to CIN in experimental models and patients, which were not possible to observe decades ago. The current and future research opportunities provided by these advanced techniques will facilitate the repositioning of CIN exploitation as a feasible therapeutic opportunity and valuable biomarker for several types of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittiny Dhital
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Thomas Jefferson University Graduate School, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Veronica Rodriguez-Bravo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Kumari S, Kumar S, Muthuswamy S. RNA N6-methyladenosine modification in regulating cancer stem cells and tumor immune microenvironment and its implication for cancer therapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:1621-1633. [PMID: 35796777 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04158-z] [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: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Therapy resistance is a well-known phenomenon in cancer treatment. It can be intrinsic or acquired, accountable for frequent tumor relapse and death worldwide. The interplay between cancer cells and their neighboring environment can activate complex signaling mechanisms influencing epigenetic changes and maintain cancer cell survival leading to the malignant phenotype. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are tumor-initiating cells (TICs) and constitute the primary source of drug resistance and tumor recurrence. Studies have shown that cancer cells exhibit dysregulated RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) "writers," "erasers," and "readers" levels after acquiring drug resistance. The present review provides novel insight into the role of m6A modifiers involved in CSC generation, cancer cell proliferation, and therapy resistance. m6A RNA modifications in the cross-talk between CSC and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) have also been highlighted. Further, we have discussed the therapeutic potential of targeting m6A machinery for cancer diagnosis and the development of new therapies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhadra Kumari
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
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Sleeman JP. Therapy resistance and metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2023; 40:123-124. [PMID: 36952078 PMCID: PMC10113283 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-023-10205-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P Sleeman
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, ECAS, Ludolf-Krehl-Str. 13 - 17, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
- Karlsruhe Institute for Technology (KIT), IBCS-BIP, Campus Nord, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
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50
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Schnöller LE, Piehlmaier D, Weber P, Brix N, Fleischmann DF, Nieto AE, Selmansberger M, Heider T, Hess J, Niyazi M, Belka C, Lauber K, Unger K, Orth M. Systematic in vitro analysis of therapy resistance in glioblastoma cell lines by integration of clonogenic survival data with multi-level molecular data. Radiat Oncol 2023; 18:51. [PMID: 36906590 PMCID: PMC10007763 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-023-02241-4] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite intensive basic scientific, translational, and clinical efforts in the last decades, glioblastoma remains a devastating disease with a highly dismal prognosis. Apart from the implementation of temozolomide into the clinical routine, novel treatment approaches have largely failed, emphasizing the need for systematic examination of glioblastoma therapy resistance in order to identify major drivers and thus, potential vulnerabilities for therapeutic intervention. Recently, we provided proof-of-concept for the systematic identification of combined modality radiochemotherapy treatment vulnerabilities via integration of clonogenic survival data upon radio(chemo)therapy with low-density transcriptomic profiling data in a panel of established human glioblastoma cell lines. Here, we expand this approach to multiple molecular levels, including genomic copy number, spectral karyotyping, DNA methylation, and transcriptome data. Correlation of transcriptome data with inherent therapy resistance on the single gene level yielded several candidates that were so far underappreciated in this context and for which clinically approved drugs are readily available, such as the androgen receptor (AR). Gene set enrichment analyses confirmed these results, and identified additional gene sets, including reactive oxygen species detoxification, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (MTORC1) signaling, and ferroptosis/autophagy-related regulatory circuits to be associated with inherent therapy resistance in glioblastoma cells. To identify pharmacologically accessible genes within those gene sets, leading edge analyses were performed yielding candidates with functions in thioredoxin/peroxiredoxin metabolism, glutathione synthesis, chaperoning of proteins, prolyl hydroxylation, proteasome function, and DNA synthesis/repair. Our study thus confirms previously nominated targets for mechanism-based multi-modal glioblastoma therapy, provides proof-of-concept for this workflow of multi-level data integration, and identifies novel candidates for which pharmacological inhibitors are readily available and whose targeting in combination with radio(chemo)therapy deserves further examination. In addition, our study also reveals that the presented workflow requires mRNA expression data, rather than genomic copy number or DNA methylation data, since no stringent correlation between these data levels could be observed. Finally, the data sets generated in the present study, including functional and multi-level molecular data of commonly used glioblastoma cell lines, represent a valuable toolbox for other researchers in the field of glioblastoma therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Emanuel Schnöller
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Piehlmaier
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics (ZYTO), Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Peter Weber
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics (ZYTO), Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Group 'Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer' Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Nikko Brix
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Felix Fleischmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Edward Nieto
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Selmansberger
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics (ZYTO), Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Theresa Heider
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics (ZYTO), Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Julia Hess
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics (ZYTO), Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Group 'Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer' Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Niyazi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany.,Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BKFZ), Munich, Germany
| | - Claus Belka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Group 'Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer' Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany.,Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BKFZ), Munich, Germany
| | - Kirsten Lauber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Group 'Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer' Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
| | - Kristian Unger
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics (ZYTO), Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany. .,Clinical Cooperation Group 'Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer' Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Michael Orth
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
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