1
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Perry JM, Zhao M. Editorial: Stem cells and the immune system. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1310268. [PMID: 37928908 PMCID: PMC10622785 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1310268] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John M. Perry
- Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Meng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Zaarour RF, Ribeiro M, Azzarone B, Kapoor S, Chouaib S. Tumor microenvironment-induced tumor cell plasticity: relationship with hypoxic stress and impact on tumor resistance. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1222575. [PMID: 37886168 PMCID: PMC10598765 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1222575] [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: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of tumor interaction with stromal components during carcinogenesis is crucial for the design of efficient cancer treatment approaches. It is widely admitted that tumor hypoxic stress is associated with tumor aggressiveness and thus impacts susceptibility and resistance to different types of treatments. Notable biological processes that hypoxia functions in include its regulation of tumor heterogeneity and plasticity. While hypoxia has been reported as a major player in tumor survival and dissemination regulation, the significance of hypoxia inducible factors in cancer stem cell development remains poorly understood. Several reports indicate that the emergence of cancer stem cells in addition to their phenotype and function within a hypoxic tumor microenvironment impacts cancer progression. In this respect, evidence showed that cancer stem cells are key elements of intratumoral heterogeneity and more importantly are responsible for tumor relapse and escape to treatments. This paper briefly reviews our current knowledge of the interaction between tumor hypoxic stress and its role in stemness acquisition and maintenance. Our review extensively covers the influence of hypoxia on the formation and maintenance of cancer stem cells and discusses the potential of targeting hypoxia-induced alterations in the expression and function of the so far known stem cell markers in cancer therapy approaches. We believe that a better and integrated understanding of the effect of hypoxia on stemness during carcinogenesis might lead to new strategies for exploiting hypoxia-associated pathways and their targeting in the clinical setting in order to overcome resistance mechanisms. More importantly, at the present time, efforts are oriented towards the design of innovative therapeutical approaches that specifically target cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- RF. Zaarour
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - M. Ribeiro
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - B. Azzarone
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - S. Kapoor
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - S. Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
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3
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Erratum: IGF2BP family of RNA-binding proteins regulate innate and adaptive immune responses in cancer cells and tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1297519. [PMID: 37828983 PMCID: PMC10565654 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1297519] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1224516.].
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4
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Mekapogu AR, Suárez CA, Wang JY. Editorial: Exploring cancer stem cells signaling pathways. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1274509. [PMID: 37664073 PMCID: PMC10471960 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1274509] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alpha R. Mekapogu
- Cancer and Stem Cell Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Kolling Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Cecilia A. Suárez
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Complejos, Instituto de Física Interdisciplinaria y Aplicada (INFINA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) – Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jenny Y. Wang
- Cancer and Stem Cell Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Kolling Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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5
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Elcheva IA, Gowda CP, Bogush D, Gornostaeva S, Fakhardo A, Sheth N, Kokolus KM, Sharma A, Dovat S, Uzun Y, Schell TD, Spiegelman VS. IGF2BP family of RNA-binding proteins regulate innate and adaptive immune responses in cancer cells and tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1224516. [PMID: 37503349 PMCID: PMC10369348 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1224516] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BP1, IGF2BP2, and IGF2BP3) are a family of RNA-binding proteins that play an essential role in the development and disease by regulating mRNA stability and translation of critical regulators of cell division and metabolism. Genetic and chemical inhibition of these proteins slows down cancer cell proliferation, decreases invasiveness, and prolongs life span in a variety of animal models. The role of RNA-binding proteins in the induction of tissues' immunogenicity is increasingly recognized, but, the impact of the IGF2BPs family of proteins on the induction of innate and adaptive immune responses in cancer is not fully understood. Here we report that downregulation of IGF2BP1, 2, and 3 expression facilitates the expression of interferon beta-stimulated genes. IGF2BP1 has a greater effect on interferon beta and gamma signaling compared to IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP3 paralogs. We demonstrate that knockdown or knockout of IGF2BP1, 2, and 3 significantly potentiates inhibition of cell growth induced by IFNβ and IFNγ. Mouse melanoma cells with Igf2bp knockouts demonstrate increased expression of MHC I (H-2) and induce intracellular Ifn-γ expression in syngeneic T-lymphocytes in vitro. Increased immunogenicity, associated with Igf2bp1 inhibition, "inflames" mouse melanoma tumors microenvironment in SM1/C57BL/6 and SW1/C3H mouse models measured by a two-fold increase of NK cells and tumor-associated myeloid cells. Finally, we demonstrate that the efficiency of anti-PD1 immunotherapy in the mouse melanoma model is significantly more efficient in tumors that lack Igf2bp1 expression. Our retrospective data analysis of immunotherapies in human melanoma patients indicates that high levels of IGF2BP1 and IGF2BP3 are associated with resistance to immunotherapies and poor prognosis. In summary, our study provides evidence of the role of IGF2BP proteins in regulating tumor immunogenicity and establishes those RBPs as immunotherapeutic targets in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina A. Elcheva
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Chethana P. Gowda
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Daniel Bogush
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Svetlana Gornostaeva
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Anna Fakhardo
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Neil Sheth
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Kathleen M. Kokolus
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Arati Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Sinisa Dovat
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Yasin Uzun
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Todd D. Schell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Vladimir S. Spiegelman
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
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6
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Herzog AE, Somayaji R, Nör JE. Bmi-1: A master regulator of head and neck cancer stemness. Front Oral Health 2023; 4:1080255. [PMID: 36726797 PMCID: PMC9884974 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2023.1080255] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers are composed of a diverse group of malignancies, many of which exhibit an unacceptably low patient survival, high morbidity and poor treatment outcomes. The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis provides an explanation for the substantial patient morbidity associated with treatment resistance and the high frequency of tumor recurrence/metastasis. Stem cells are a unique population of cells capable of recapitulating a heterogenous organ from a single cell, due to their capacity to self-renew and differentiate into progenitor cells. CSCs share these attributes, in addition to playing a pivotal role in cancer initiation and progression by means of their high tumorigenic potential. CSCs constitute only a small fraction of tumor cells but play a major role in tumor initiation and therapeutic evasion. The shift towards stem-like phenotype fuels many malignant features of a cancer cell and mediates resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Bmi-1 is a master regulator of stem cell self-renewal as part of the polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and has emerged as a prominent player in cancer stem cell biology. Bmi-1 expression is upregulated in CSCs, which is augmented by tumor-promoting factors and various conventional chemotherapies. Bmi-1+ CSCs mediate chemoresistance and metastasis. On the other hand, inhibiting Bmi-1 rescinds CSC function and re-sensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapy. Therefore, elucidating the functional role of Bmi-1 in CSC-mediated cancer progression may unveil an attractive target for mechanism-based, developmental therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the parallels in the role of Bmi-1 in stem cell biology of health and disease and explore how this can be leveraged to advance clinical treatment strategies for head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E. Herzog
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, Endodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Ritu Somayaji
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, Endodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jacques E. Nör
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, Endodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States,Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School; Ann Arbor, MI, United States,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan College of Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI, United States,Universityof Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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7
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Aramini B, Masciale V. Editorial: Aldehyde dehydrogenase in clinical settings: Potential biomarker and therapeutic target in solid tumors. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 9:1116908. [PMID: 36687443 PMCID: PMC9846756 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1116908] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Aramini
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine—DIMES of the Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, G.B. Morgagni—L. Pierantoni Hospital, Forlí, Italy,*Correspondence: Beatrice Aramini ✉
| | - Valentina Masciale
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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8
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Abstract
Stem cells with the capacity of self-renewal and differentiation play pivotal roles in normal tissues and malignant tumors. Whereas stem cells are supposed to be genetically identical to their non-stem cell counterparts, cell stemness is deliberately regulated by a dynamic network of molecular mechanisms. Reversible post-translational protein modifications (PTMs) are rapid and reversible non-genetic processes that regulate essentially all physiological and pathological process. Numerous studies have reported the involvement of post-translational protein modifications in the acquirement and maintenance of cell stemness. Recent studies underscore the importance of protein sumoylation, i.e., the covalent attachment of the small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMO), as a critical post-translational protein modification in the stem cell populations in development and tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize the functions of protein sumoylation in different kinds of normal and cancer stem cells. In addition, we describe the upstream regulators and the downstream effectors of protein sumoylation associated with cell stemness. We also introduce the translational studies aiming at sumoylation to target stem cells for disease treatment. Finally, we propose future directions for sumoylation studies in stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhong Zhu
- Intelligent Pathology Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Panpan Liang
- Intelligent Pathology Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Cuiying Chu
- Intelligent Pathology Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Aili Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States,*Correspondence: Aili Zhang, ; Wenchao Zhou,
| | - Wenchao Zhou
- Intelligent Pathology Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China,*Correspondence: Aili Zhang, ; Wenchao Zhou,
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9
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Clark GC, Hampton JD, Koblinski JE, Quinn B, Mahmoodi S, Metcalf O, Guo C, Peterson E, Fisher PB, Farrell NP, Wang XY, Mikkelsen RB. Radiation induces ESCRT pathway dependent CD44v3 + extracellular vesicle production stimulating pro-tumor fibroblast activity in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:913656. [PMID: 36106109 PMCID: PMC9465418 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.913656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in radiotherapeutic strategies, acquired resistance remains a major obstacle, leading to tumor recurrence for many patients. Once thought to be a strictly cancer cell intrinsic property, it is becoming increasingly clear that treatment-resistance is driven in part by complex interactions between cancer cells and non-transformed cells of the tumor microenvironment. Herein, we report that radiotherapy induces the production of extracellular vesicles by breast cancer cells capable of stimulating tumor-supporting fibroblast activity, facilitating tumor survival and promoting cancer stem-like cell expansion. This pro-tumor activity was associated with fibroblast production of the paracrine signaling factor IL-6 and was dependent on the expression of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan CD44v3 on the vesicle surface. Enzymatic removal or pharmaceutical inhibition of its heparan sulfate side chains disrupted this tumor-fibroblast crosstalk. Additionally, we show that the radiation-induced production of CD44v3+ vesicles is effectively silenced by blocking the ESCRT pathway using a soluble pharmacological inhibitor of MDA-9/Syntenin/SDCBP PDZ1 domain activity, PDZ1i. This population of vesicles was also detected in the sera of human patients undergoing radiotherapy, therefore representing a potential biomarker for radiation therapy and providing an opportunity for clinical intervention to improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene Chatman Clark
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,*Correspondence: Gene Chatman Clark,
| | - James David Hampton
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Jennifer E. Koblinski
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Bridget Quinn
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,Department of Radiation Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Sitara Mahmoodi
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Olga Metcalf
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Chunqing Guo
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Erica Peterson
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B. Fisher
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Nicholas P. Farrell
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Xiang-Yang Wang
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States,VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Ross B. Mikkelsen
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,Department of Radiation Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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10
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Machida K, Tahara SM. Immunotherapy and Microbiota for Targeting of Liver Tumor-Initiating Stem-like Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2381. [PMID: 35625986 PMCID: PMC9139909 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer contains tumor-initiating stem-like cells (TICs) that are resistant to therapies. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence has increased twice over the past few decades, while the incidence of other cancer types has trended downward globally. Therefore, an understanding of HCC development and therapy resistance mechanisms is needed for this incurable malignancy. This review article describes links between immunotherapies and microbiota in tumor-initiating stem-like cells (TICs), which have stem cell characteristics with self-renewal ability and express pluripotency transcription factors such as NANOG, SOX2, and OCT4. This review discusses (1) how immunotherapies fail and (2) how gut dysbiosis inhibits immunotherapy efficacy. Gut dysbiosis promotes resistance to immunotherapies by breaking gut immune tolerance and activating suppressor immune cells. Unfortunately, this leads to incurable recurrence/metastasis development. Personalized medicine approaches targeting these mechanisms of TIC/metastasis-initiating cells are emerging targets for HCC immunotherapy and microbiota modulation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keigo Machida
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2011 Zonal Ave., 503C-HMR, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA;
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11
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dePadua M, Kulothungan P, Lath R, Prasad R, Madamchetty K, Atmakuri S, Ragamouni S, Gandhari M, Khandrika L, Jain J. Establishment and Characterization of Brain Cancer Primary Cell Cultures From Patients to Enable Phenotypic Screening for New Drugs. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:778193. [PMID: 35370679 PMCID: PMC8970592 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.778193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma (DIG), is a rare tumor arising mainly during the first 2 years of life. Molecular characterization of these benign yet rapidly proliferating tumors has been limited to evaluating a few mutations in few genes. Our aim was to establish a live cell culture to enable the understanding of the cellular processes driving the non-malignant growth of these tumors. Methods: Tumor tissue from a rare non-infantile 8-year-old female DIG patient was dissociated and digested using collagenase to establish live cultures. Both 2D monolayer and 3D neurospheres were successfully cultured and characterized for proliferative potential, intrinsic plasticity, presence of cancer stem cells and the expression of stem cell markers. Cells cultured as 3D were embedded as tissue blocks. Immunohistochemistry was performed in both tissue and 3D sections for markers including synaptophysin, vimentin, neurofilament and MIB-1. Mutation analysis by NGS was performed using a-100 gene panel. Results: Using immunohistochemistry, the 3D cultures were shown to express markers as in the original DIG tumor tissue indicating that the spheroid cultures were able to maintain the heterogeneity found in the original tumor. Cells continued proliferating past passage 10 indicative of immortalization. Enrichment of cancer stem cells was observed in neurospheres by FACS using CD133 antibody and RT-PCR. Mutation analysis indicated the presence of germline mutations in three genes and somatic mutations in two other genes. Conclusion: A spontaneous cell line-like cell culture with high percentage of stem cells has been established from a DIG tumor for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle dePadua
- Department of Pathology, Apollo Hospital, Apollo Health City, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Rahul Lath
- Department of Neurosciences, Apollo Hospital, Apollo Health City, Hyderabad, India
| | - Ravikanti Prasad
- Department of Radiology, Apollo Hospital, Apollo Health City, Hyderabad, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jugnu Jain
- Saarum Sciences Pvt Ltd., Hyderabad, India.,Sapien Biosciences Pvt Ltd., Hyderabad, India
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12
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Yu PC, Liu D, Han ZX, Liang F, Hao CY, Lei YT, Guo CR, Wang WH, Li XH, Yang XN, Li CZ, Yu Y, Fan YZ. Thymopentin-Mediated Inhibition of Cancer Stem Cell Stemness Enhances the Cytotoxic Effect of Oxaliplatin on Colon Cancer Cells. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:779715. [PMID: 35242031 PMCID: PMC8886222 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.779715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymopentin (TP5) is an immunomodulatory pentapeptide that has been widely used in malignancy patients with immunodeficiency due to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Here, we propose that TP5 directly inhibits the stemness of colon cancer cells HCT116 and therefore enhances the cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin (OXA) in HCT116 cells. In the absence of serum, TP5 was able to induce cancer stemness reduction in cultured HCT116 cells and significantly reduced stemness-related signals, such as the expression of surface molecular markers (CD133, CD44 and CD24) and stemness-related genes (ALDH1, SOX2, Oct-4 and Nanog), and resulted in altered Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Acetylcholine receptors (AchRs) are implicated in this process. OXA is a common chemotherapeutic agent with therapeutic effects in various cancers. Although TP5 had no direct effect on the proliferation of HCT116, this pentapeptide significantly increased the sensitivity of HCT116 to OXA, where the effect of TP5 on the stemness of colon cancer cells through stimulation of AchRs may contribute to this process. Our results provide a promising strategy for increasing the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents by incorporating immunomodulatory peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Cheng Yu
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Di Liu
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zeng-Xiang Han
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Three Departments of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Fang Liang
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cui-Yun Hao
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun-Tao Lei
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang-Run Guo
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen-Hui Wang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xing-Hua Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Na Yang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang-Zhu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Utilization of Woody Oil Resource, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha, China
| | - Ye Yu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying-Zhe Fan
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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13
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Yang H, Wang L, Zheng Y, Hu G, Ma H, Shen L. Knockdown of zinc finger protein 267 suppresses diffuse large B-cell lymphoma progression, metastasis, and cancer stem cell properties. Bioengineered 2022; 13:1686-1701. [PMID: 35001816 PMCID: PMC8805851 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2014644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger protein 267 (ZNF267) is a member of the Kruppel-like transcription factor family, which regulates various biological processes such as cell proliferation and differentiation. However, the biological significance of ZNF267 and its potential role in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remain to be documented. Experiments were herein conducted to study the role of ZNF267 in DLBCL. real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR and Western blotting assays were conducted to detect the expression of ZNF267 in tissues and cells. Tissue microarray and bioinformatics analyses of public data were also done to detect the expression status and clinical significance of ZNF267. Functional cell experiments including CCK8 assay, colony formation assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU) assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, transwell assay, and wound healing assay were conducted to study the effects of ZNF267 knockdown and overexpression on cell proliferation and mobility. Xenograft assay was also conducted to confirm the effects of ZNF267 knockdown in vivo. In the present study, we found ZNF267 was significantly upregulated in DLBCL and predicted a poor survival outcome based on the bioinformatics analysis. Functionally, the knockdown of ZNF267 resulted in less cell proliferation and mobility, whereas the overexpression led to enhanced cell proliferation and mobility. Animal experiments also confirmed that ZNF267 silence contributed to less tumor growth and less lung metastasis. Further analysis showed that ZFN267 knockdown resulted in decreased epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell (CSC) properties. Our results suggest that ZNF267 is an oncogene in DLBCL and its silence could compromise the aggression of DLBCL, which makes ZNF267 a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Linmei Wang
- Department of Resoiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yingbin Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guiming Hu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Ma
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liyun Shen
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Li S, Chen R, Luo W, Lin J, Chen Y, Wang Z, Lin W, Li B, Wang J, Yang J. Identification of a Four Cancer Stem Cell-Related Gene Signature and Establishment of a Prognostic Nomogram Predicting Overall Survival of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2022; 25:2070-2081. [PMID: 35048799 DOI: 10.2174/1386207325666220113142212] [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: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are now being considered as the initial component in the development of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). Our aim was to develop a CSCrelated signature to assess the prognosis of PAAD patients for the optimization of treatment. METHODS Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between pancreatic tumor and normal tissue in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were screened out, and the weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to identify the CSC-related gene sets. Then, univariate, Lasso Cox regression analyses and multivariate Cox regression were applied to construct a prognostic signature using the CSC-related genes. Its prognostic performance was validated in TCGA and ICGC cohorts. Furthermore, Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify independent prognostic factors in PAAD, and a prognostic nomogram was established. RESULTS The Kaplan-Meier analysis, ROC curve and C-index indicated the good performance of the CSC-related signature at predicting overall survival (OS). Univariate Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression revealed that the CSC-related signature was an independent prognostic factor in PAAD. The nomogram was superior to the risk model and AJCC stage in predicting OS. In terms of mutation and tumor immunity, patients in the high-risk group had higher tumor mutation burden (TMB) scores than patients in the low-risk group, and the immune score and the ESTIMATE score were significantly lower in the high-risk group. Moreover, according to the results of principal component analysis (PCA) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), the low-risk and high-risk groups displayed different stemness statuses based on the risk model. CONCLUSION Our study identified four CSC-related gene signatures and established a prognostic nomogram that reliably predicts OS in PAAD. The findings may support new ideas for screening therapeutic targets to inhibit stem characteristics and the development of PAAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanghua Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery I, General Surgery Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery I, General Surgery Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wang Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery I, General Surgery Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinyu Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery I, General Surgery Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunlong Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery I, General Surgery Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuangxiong Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery I, General Surgery Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery I, General Surgery Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baihong Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery I, General Surgery Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery I, General Surgery Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery I, General Surgery Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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15
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Li D, Zhao K, Zhao Z, Jiang B, Gong X, Zhang Y, Guo Y, Xiao H, Wang Y, Liu H, Yi C, Gu W. High Expression MicroRNA-206 Inhibits the Growth of Tumor Cells in Human Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:751833. [PMID: 34900997 PMCID: PMC8656228 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.751833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is a common type of soft tissue sarcoma and a serious threat to human health. MFH often relapses locally after the curettage is related to the residual cancer stem cells (CSCs). Currently, the dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) has been found to be closely related to the recurrence of CSCs. However, whether dysregulations of miRNAs exist in MFH, CSCs remained unknown. Methods: In this study, miRNAs in MFH CSCs and MFH common cells were examined by gene probe. Then, target genes and their functions involved in the signal pathway were predicted by the relevant database. Finally, the miRNAs’ target regulatory network was constructed. Furthermore, the miRNAs and target genes were identified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, whereas miRNA analogs and antagonists were transfected in tumor cells to investigate cell proliferation ability further. Results: Results showed that a total of 47 miRNAs were found, including 16 that were upregulated and 31 that were downregulated. The screened differential miRNA showed a different expression in the cell resistant strains compared with the control group. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed that the relative abundance of seven miRNAs and four target genes varied significantly. The encouraging issue is that we found Hsa-miR-206 significantly inhibited MFH proliferative activity. Conclusion: Hsa-miR-206 played a key role in regulating MFH CSC properties that might be a representative marker and target for the diagnosis and treatment of MFH in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejian Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ziwen Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Bo Jiang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xianxu Gong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yingqi Guo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chengqing Yi
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenguang Gu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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16
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Huang H, Hou J, Liu K, Liu Q, Shen L, Liu B, Lu Q, Zhang N, Che L, Li J, Jiang S, Wang B, Wen Q, Hu L, Gao J. RAB27A-dependent release of exosomes by liver cancer stem cells induces Nanog expression in their differentiated progenies and confers regorafenib resistance. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 36:3429-3437. [PMID: 34258777 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Regorafenib is a potent multikinase inhibitor for the second-line targeted therapy against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, drug resistance is emerging in clinical settings. Although cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered as key determinate of drug sensitivity, it remains unclear how CSCs may communicate with the differentiated counterparts (non-CSC) to dictate therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, we sought to investigate the regorafenib resistance mechanism of CSCs in HCC. METHODS We used sphere formation and soft agar colony formation assays to evaluate the stemness capacity of cancer cells. Cell viability assay was performed to detect the sensitivity of cancer cells to regorafenib. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to analyze gene expression. Mouse xenograft tumor model was performed to assess Regorafenib sensitivity in vivo. RESULTS Exosomes are highly enriched in CSC supernatant compared with that of non-CSC, and RAB27A mediates exosome secretion from CSCs to maintain stem-like phenotype and regorafenib insensitivity. Moreover, exosomes released by CSCs upregulate the expression of Nanog in non-CSC, while depleting Nanog sensitizes non-CSC to regorafenib in the presence of CSC exosomes. Consistently, analysis of TCGA datasets reveals that RAB27A expression tightly correlates with Nanog in HCC tissues. More importantly, depletion of RAB27A downregulates Nanog expression and sensitizes cancer cells to regorafenib in nude mice. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that CSCs release exosomes in a RAB27A-dependent manner to induce Nanog expression and regorafenib resistance in differentiated cells, targeting this exosome signaling between distinct cellular subsets may be a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jue Hou
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Kewei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Liting Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Biying Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ni Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Linrong Che
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jinyang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qinglian Wen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lu Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Chisari A, Golán I, Campisano S, Gélabert C, Moustakas A, Sancho P, Caja L. Glucose and Amino Acid Metabolic Dependencies Linked to Stemness and Metastasis in Different Aggressive Cancer Types. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:723798. [PMID: 34588983 PMCID: PMC8473699 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.723798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant cells are commonly characterised by being capable of invading tissue, growing self-sufficiently and uncontrollably, being insensitive to apoptosis induction and controlling their environment, for example inducing angiogenesis. Amongst them, a subpopulation of cancer cells, called cancer stem cells (CSCs) shows sustained replicative potential, tumor-initiating properties and chemoresistance. These characteristics make CSCs responsible for therapy resistance, tumor relapse and growth in distant organs, causing metastatic dissemination. For these reasons, eliminating CSCs is necessary in order to achieve long-term survival of cancer patients. New insights in cancer metabolism have revealed that cellular metabolism in tumors is highly heterogeneous and that CSCs show specific metabolic traits supporting their unique functionality. Indeed, CSCs adapt differently to the deprivation of specific nutrients that represent potentially targetable vulnerabilities. This review focuses on three of the most aggressive tumor types: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and glioblastoma (GBM). The aim is to prove whether CSCs from different tumour types share common metabolic requirements and responses to nutrient starvation, by outlining the diverse roles of glucose and amino acids within tumour cells and in the tumour microenvironment, as well as the consequences of their deprivation. Beyond their role in biosynthesis, they serve as energy sources and help maintain redox balance. In addition, glucose and amino acid derivatives contribute to immune responses linked to tumourigenesis and metastasis. Furthermore, potential metabolic liabilities are identified and discussed as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Chisari
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Irene Golán
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sabrina Campisano
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Caroline Gélabert
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Patricia Sancho
- Translational Research Unit, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, IIS Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laia Caja
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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18
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Harland A, Liu X, Ghirardello M, Galan MC, Perks CM, Kurian KM. Glioma Stem-Like Cells and Metabolism: Potential for Novel Therapeutic Strategies. Front Oncol 2021; 11:743814. [PMID: 34532295 PMCID: PMC8438230 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.743814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) were first described as a population which may in part be resistant to traditional chemotherapeutic therapies and responsible for tumour regrowth. Knowledge of the underlying metabolic complexity governing GSC growth and function may point to potential differences between GSCs and the tumour bulk which could be harnessed clinically. There is an increasing interest in the direct/indirect targeting or reprogramming of GSC metabolism as a potential novel therapeutic approach in the adjuvant or recurrent setting to help overcome resistance which may be mediated by GSCs. In this review we will discuss stem-like models, interaction between metabolism and GSCs, and potential current and future strategies for overcoming GSC resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Harland
- Brain Tumour Research Centre, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Xia Liu
- Brain Tumour Research Centre, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Mattia Ghirardello
- Galan Research Group, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - M Carmen Galan
- Galan Research Group, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Claire M Perks
- IGFs and Metabolic Endocrinology Group, Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, Southmead Hospital, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Kathreena M Kurian
- Brain Tumour Research Centre, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Oh SJ, Noh KH, Song KH, Kim TW. Interaction between SCP3 and JAB1 Confers Cancer Therapeutic Resistance and Stem-like Properties through EGF Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168839. [PMID: 34445562 PMCID: PMC8396186 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3), a member of the Cor1 family, has been implicated in cancer progression, and therapeutic resistance, as well as cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties. Previously, we demonstrated that SCP3 promotes these aggressive phenotypes via hyperactivation of the AKT signaling pathway; however, the underlying mechanisms responsible for SCP3-induced AKT activation remain to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that the EGF-EGFR axis is the primary route through which SCP3 acts to activate AKT signaling. SCP3 triggers the EGFR-AKT pathway through transcriptional activation of EGF. Notably, neutralization of secreted EGF by its specific monoclonal antibody reversed SCP3-mediated aggressive phenotypes with a concomitant reversal of EGFR-AKT activation. In an effort to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying SCP3-induced transcriptional activation of EGF, we identified Jun activation domain-binding protein 1 (JAB1) as a binding partner of SCP3 using a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assay system, and we demonstrated that SCP3 induces EGF transcription through physical interaction with JAB1. Thus, our findings establish a firm molecular link among SCP3, EGFR, and AKT by identifying the novel roles of SCP3 in transcriptional regulation. We believe that these findings hold important implications for controlling SCP3high therapeutic-refractory cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Jin Oh
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Kyung Hee Noh
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea;
| | - Kwon-Ho Song
- Department of Cell Biology, Daegu Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu 42472, Korea
- Correspondence: (K.-H.S.); (T.W.K.); Tel.: +82-053-650-4752 (K.-H.S.); +82-02-2286-1301 (T.W.K.)
| | - Tae Woo Kim
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
- Correspondence: (K.-H.S.); (T.W.K.); Tel.: +82-053-650-4752 (K.-H.S.); +82-02-2286-1301 (T.W.K.)
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20
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Fan Q, Li L, Wang TL, Emerson RE, Xu Y. A Novel ZIP4-HDAC4-VEGFA Axis in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153821. [PMID: 34359722 PMCID: PMC8345154 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite tremendous research efforts, epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains one of the most difficult cancers to detect early and treat successfully for >5-year survival. We have recently shown that ZIP4, a zinc transporter, is a novel cancer stem cell (CSC) marker and a therapeutic target for EOC. The current work focuses on developing new strategies to target ZIP4 and inhibit its CSC activities in EOC. We found that cells expressing high levels of ZIP4 were supersensitive to a group of inhibitors called HDACis. One of the major targets of these inhibitors is a protein called HDAC4. We revealed the new molecular bases for the ZIP4-HDAC4 axis and tested the efficacies of targeting this axis in the lab and in mouse models. Our study provides a new mechanistic-based targeting strategy for EOC. Abstract We have recently identified ZIP4 as a novel cancer stem cell (CSC) marker in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). While it converts drug-resistance to cisplatin (CDDP), we unexpectedly found that ZIP4 induced sensitization of HGSOC cells to histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis). Mechanistically, ZIP4 selectively upregulated HDAC IIa HDACs, with little or no effect on HDACs in other classes. HDAC4 knockdown (KD) and LMK-235 inhibited spheroid formation in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo, with hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1α) and endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) as functional downstream mediators of HDAC4. Moreover, we found that ZIP4, HDAC4, and HIF1α were involved in regulating secreted VEGFA in HGSOC cells. Furthermore, we tested our hypothesis that co-targeting CSC via the ZIP4-HDAC4 axis and non-CSC using CDDP is necessary and highly effective by comparing the effects of ZIP4-knockout/KD, HDAC4-KD, and HDACis, in the presence or absence of CDDP on tumorigenesis in mouse models. Our results showed that the co-targeting strategy was highly effective. Finally, data from human HGSOC tissues showed that ZIP4 and HDAC4 were upregulated in a subset of recurrent tumors, justifying the clinical relevance of the study. In summary, our study provides a new mechanistic-based targeting strategy for HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qipeng Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 950 W. Walnut St. R2-E380, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Lihong Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 600 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
| | - Tian-Li Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Oncology, and Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA;
| | - Robert E. Emerson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Health Pathology Laboratory, 350 W. 11th Street, Room 4010, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 950 W. Walnut St. R2-E380, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(317)-274-3972
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21
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Okutachi S, Manoharan GB, Kiriazis A, Laurini C, Catillon M, McCormick F, Yli-Kauhaluoma J, Abankwa D. A Covalent Calmodulin Inhibitor as a Tool to Study Cellular Mechanisms of K-Ras-Driven Stemness. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:665673. [PMID: 34307350 PMCID: PMC8296985 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.665673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the highly mutated oncoprotein K-Ras4B (hereafter K-Ras) was shown to drive cancer cell stemness in conjunction with calmodulin (CaM). We previously showed that the covalent CaM inhibitor ophiobolin A (OphA) can potently inhibit K-Ras stemness activity. However, OphA, a fungus-derived natural product, exhibits an unspecific, broad toxicity across all phyla. Here we identified a less toxic, functional analog of OphA that can efficiently inactivate CaM by covalent inhibition. We analyzed a small series of benzazulenones, which bear some structural similarity to OphA and can be synthesized in only six steps. We identified the formyl aminobenzazulenone 1, here named Calmirasone1, as a novel and potent covalent CaM inhibitor. Calmirasone1 has a 4-fold increased affinity for CaM as compared to OphA and was active against K-Ras in cells within minutes, as compared to hours required by OphA. Calmirasone1 displayed a 2.5–4.5-fold higher selectivity for KRAS over BRAF mutant 3D spheroid growth than OphA, suggesting improved relative on-target activity. Importantly, Calmirasone1 has a 40–260-fold lower unspecific toxic effect on HRAS mutant cells, while it reaches almost 50% of the activity of novel K-RasG12C specific inhibitors in 3D spheroid assays. Our results suggest that Calmirasone1 can serve as a new tool compound to further investigate the cancer cell biology of the K-Ras and CaM associated stemness activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunday Okutachi
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Ganesh Babu Manoharan
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Alexandros Kiriazis
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Christina Laurini
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Marie Catillon
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Frank McCormick
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Cancer Research Technology Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., National Cancer Institute RAS Initiative, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Daniel Abankwa
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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22
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Ripari LB, Norton ES, Bodoque-Villar R, Jeanneret S, Lara-Velazquez M, Carrano A, Zarco N, Vazquez-Ramos CA, Quiñones-Hinojosa A, de la Rosa-Prieto C, Guerrero-Cázares H. Glioblastoma Proximity to the Lateral Ventricle Alters Neurogenic Cell Populations of the Subventricular Zone. Front Oncol 2021; 11:650316. [PMID: 34268110 PMCID: PMC8277421 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.650316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite current strategies combining surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Tumor location plays a key role in the prognosis of patients, with GBM tumors located in close proximity to the lateral ventricles (LVs) resulting in worse survival expectancy and higher incidence of distal recurrence. Though the reason for worse prognosis in these patients remains unknown, it may be due to proximity to the subventricular zone (SVZ) neurogenic niche contained within the lateral wall of the LVs. We present a novel rodent model to analyze the bidirectional signaling between GBM tumors and cells contained within the SVZ. Patient-derived GBM cells expressing GFP and luciferase were engrafted at locations proximal, intermediate, and distal to the LVs in immunosuppressed mice. Mice were either sacrificed after 4 weeks for immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor and SVZ or maintained for survival analysis. Analysis of the GFP+ tumor bulk revealed that GBM tumors proximal to the LV show increased levels of proliferation and tumor growth than LV-distal counterparts and is accompanied by decreased median survival. Conversely, numbers of innate proliferative cells, neural stem cells (NSCs), migratory cells and progenitors contained within the SVZ are decreased as a result of GBM proximity to the LV. These results indicate that our rodent model is able to accurately recapitulate several of the clinical aspects of LV-associated GBM, including increased tumor growth and decreased median survival. Additionally, we have found the neurogenic and cell division process of the SVZ in these adult mice is negatively influenced according to the presence and proximity of the tumor mass. This model will be invaluable for further investigation into the bidirectional signaling between GBM and the neurogenic cell populations of the SVZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisina B Ripari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Emily S Norton
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Jacksonville, FL, United States.,Regenerative Sciences Training Program, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Raquel Bodoque-Villar
- Translational Research Unit, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Stephanie Jeanneret
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States.,Faculty of Psychology and Sciences of Education, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Anna Carrano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Natanael Zarco
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | | | | | - Carlos de la Rosa-Prieto
- Department of Medical Sciences, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
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23
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Addeo M, Di Paola G, Verma HK, Laurino S, Russi S, Zoppoli P, Falco G, Mazzone P. Gastric Cancer Stem Cells: A Glimpse on Metabolic Reprogramming. Front Oncol 2021; 11:698394. [PMID: 34249759 PMCID: PMC8262334 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.698394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most widespread causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Recently, emerging implied that gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) play an important role in the initiation and progression of GC. This subpopulation comprises cells with several features, such as self-renewal capability, high proliferating rate, and ability to modify their metabolic program, which allow them to resist current anticancer therapies. Metabolic pathway intermediates play a pivotal role in regulating cell differentiation both in tumorigenesis and during normal development. Thus, the dysregulation of both anabolic and catabolic pathways constitutes a significant opportunity to target GCSCs in order to eradicate the tumor progression. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about metabolic phenotype that supports GCSC proliferation and we overview the compounds that selectively target metabolic intermediates of CSCs that can be used as a strategy in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Addeo
- Istituto di Ricerche Genetiche Gaetano Salvatore Biogem Scarl, Ariano Irpino, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Di Paola
- Istituto di Ricerche Genetiche Gaetano Salvatore Biogem Scarl, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Henu Kumar Verma
- Istituto di Ricerche Genetiche Gaetano Salvatore Biogem Scarl, Ariano Irpino, Italy.,IEOS-CNR, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore" - National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Laurino
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS)-centro di riferimento oncologico della basilicata (CROB), Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Sabino Russi
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS)-centro di riferimento oncologico della basilicata (CROB), Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Pietro Zoppoli
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS)-centro di riferimento oncologico della basilicata (CROB), Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Geppino Falco
- Istituto di Ricerche Genetiche Gaetano Salvatore Biogem Scarl, Ariano Irpino, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,IEOS-CNR, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore" - National Research Council, Naples, Italy.,Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS)-centro di riferimento oncologico della basilicata (CROB), Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Pellegrino Mazzone
- Istituto di Ricerche Genetiche Gaetano Salvatore Biogem Scarl, Ariano Irpino, Italy
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24
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Chen SZ, Ling Y, Yu LX, Song YT, Chen XF, Cao QQ, Yu H, Chen C, Tang JJ, Fan ZC, Miao YS, Dong YP, Tao JY, Monga SPS, Wen W, Wang HY. 4-phenylbutyric acid promotes hepatocellular carcinoma via initiating cancer stem cells through activation of PPAR-α. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e379. [PMID: 33931972 PMCID: PMC8087947 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims 4‐phenylbutyric acid (4‐PBA) is a low molecular weight fatty acid that is used in clinical practice to treat inherited urea cycle disorders. In previous reports, it acted as a chemical chaperone inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response signaling. A few studies have suggested its function against hepatic fibrosis in mice models. However, its role in hepatocarcinogenesis remained unknown. Methods 4‐PBA was administered alone or in combination with diethylnitrosamine to investigate its long‐term effect on liver tumorigenesis. The role of 4‐PBA in oncogene‐induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mice model using sleeping beauty system co‐expressed with hMet and β‐catenin point mutation (S45Y) was also observed. RNA‐seq and PCR array were used to screen the pathways and genes involved. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to explore the effect of 4‐PBA on liver and validate the underlying mechanism. Results 4‐PBA alone didn't cause liver tumor in long term. However, it promoted liver tumorigenesis in HCC mice models via initiation of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) through Wnt5b‐Fzd5 mediating β‐catenin signaling. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR)‐α induced by 4‐PBA was responsible for the activation of β‐catenin signaling. Thus, intervention of PPAR‐α reversed 4‐PBA‐induced initiation of LCSCs and HCC development in vivo. Further study revealed that 4‐PBA could not only upregulate the expression of PPAR‐α transcriptionally but also enhance its stabilization via protecting it from proteolysis. Moreover, high PPAR‐α expression predicted poor prognosis in HCC patients. Conclusions 4‐PBA could upregulate PPAR‐α to initiate LCSCs by activating β‐catenin signaling pathway, promoting HCC at early stage. Therefore, more discretion should be taken to monitor the potential tumor‐promoting effect of 4‐PBA under HCC‐inducing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Zhen Chen
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Ling
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Le-Xing Yu
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Ting Song
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-Qi Cao
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Yu
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Can Chen
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jiao-Jiao Tang
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Cancer Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zhe-Cai Fan
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Shan Miao
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Ping Dong
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jun-Yan Tao
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Satdarshan P S Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Wen Wen
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Yang Wang
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.,Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China.,Cancer Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
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25
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Pantazaka E, Vardas V, Roumeliotou A, Kakavogiannis S, Kallergi G. Clinical Relevance of Mesenchymal- and Stem-Associated Phenotypes in Circulating Tumor Cells Isolated from Lung Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2158. [PMID: 33947159 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Lung cancer is the most frequent malignancy in the world. Most lung cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. To make matters worse, the survival of patients is very poor. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), albeit rare, have been portrayed as essential players in the progression of lung cancer. It is definitely not easy being a CTC. First, they escape from the primary tumor, then they travel in the bloodstream, have to survive really harsh conditions, and finally, they form metastases. The adoption of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition as well as cancer stem cell features has been suggested to allow CTCs to survive and metastasize. This review will focus on how these features can be used to estimate the prognosis of lung cancer patients. Abstract Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Among the types of lung cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is more common, while small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is less frequent yet more aggressive. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), albeit rare, have been portrayed as essential players in the progression of lung cancer. CTCs are considered to adopt an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype and characteristics of cancer stem cells (CSCs). This EMT (or partial) phenotype affords these cells the ability to escape from the primary tumor, travel into the bloodstream, and survive extremely adverse conditions, before colonizing distant foci. Acquisition of CSC features, such as self-renewal, differentiation, and migratory potential, further reflect CTCs’ invasive potential. CSCs have been identified in lung cancer, and expression of EMT markers has previously been correlated with poor clinical outcomes. Thus far, a vast majority of studies have concentrated on CTC detection and enumeration as a prognostic tools of patients’ survival or for monitoring treatment efficacy. In this review, we highlight EMT and CSC markers in CTCs and focus on the clinical significance of these phenotypes in the progression of both non-small- and small-cell lung cancer.
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26
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Yu L, Guo QM, Wang Y, Xu Y, Liu L, Zhang XT. EpCAM expression in esophageal cancer and its correlation with immunotherapy of solitomab. J Thorac Dis 2021; 13:2404-2413. [PMID: 34012588 PMCID: PMC8107559 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-21-442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Background Recurrence of esophageal cancer (EC) after chemotherapy may mainly be explained by the existence of chemotherapy-resistant cells, and an effective drug against chemotherapy-resistant cells is highly sought. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of bispecific antibody solitomab combined with γ δ T cells on Eca109 cell spheres. Methods We cultured Eca109 cell spheres in serum-free medium, and the morphological differences between wild-type Eca109 cells and Eca109 cell spheres were compared by microscope and flow cytometry. Different concentrations of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (Nab-PTX) and cisplatin were used to treat the two groups of cells and compare their drug resistance. Flow cytometry was then used to detect the expression level of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and the cytotoxicity of γ δ T cells combined with bispecific antibody solitomab on the two groups. Results Flow cytometry analysis showed that Eca109 cell spheres were smaller in size and had less cytoplasmic granules and CCK-8 assay showed that the viability of Eca109 cell spheres treated with different concentrations of Nab-PTX and cisplatin was significantly higher than that of wild-type Eca109 cells (P<0.05). Flow cytometry also showed that the expression level of EpCAM on Eca109 cell spheres was higher than that of wild-type Eca109 cells. Co-culture experiment showed that there was no significant difference in the cytotoxicity of γ δ T cells to wild-type Eca109 cells and Eca109 cell spheres without solitomab. However, after adding solitomab, the cytotoxicity of γ δ T cells to Eca109 cell spheres was significantly higher than that of wild-type Eca109 cells (P<0.05). Conclusions EC Eca109 cell spheres have strong stem cell characteristics such as multidrug resistance and may contain a high proportion of EC stem cells. Further, EC Eca109 cell spheres have a high expression level of EpCAM, and EpCAM may be one of the markers of EC stem cells. Therefore, EpCAM could be used as a potential molecular target of immunotherapy for EC, and solitomab may become an effective immunotherapeutic drug for chemotherapy-resistant EC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Yu
- Department of Stereotactic Radiotherapy, Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qing-Ming Guo
- Biotherapy Center, Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Stereotactic Radiotherapy, Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Stereotactic Radiotherapy, Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Stereotactic Radiotherapy, Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao-Tao Zhang
- Department of Stereotactic Radiotherapy, Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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27
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Ruiu R, Barutello G, Arigoni M, Riccardo F, Conti L, Peppino G, Annaratone L, Marchiò C, Mengozzi G, Calogero RA, Cavallo F, Quaglino E. Identification of TENM4 as a Novel Cancer Stem Cell-Associated Molecule and Potential Target in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040894. [PMID: 33672732 PMCID: PMC7924390 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) experience shorter overall survival compared to non-TNBC patients because of the high incidence of recurrences and metastases. This is due to the capacity of aggressive cancer cell subpopulations named cancer stem cells (CSC) to resist current therapies. To design more effective therapeutic strategies for TNBC patients, in this study we sought to identify functional targets expressed on CSC. Our analyses led us to propose teneurin 4 (TENM4) as a promising candidate for drug- and immune-based therapies due to its role in CSC self-renewal and migratory capacity and the inverse correlation between its expression and survival of TNBC patients. In addition, TENM4 detection in the plasma of tumor-bearing patients endorses its potentiality as a disease detection marker. Abstract Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is insensitive to endocrine and Her2-directed therapies, making the development of TNBC-targeted therapies an unmet medical need. Since patients with TNBC frequently show a quicker relapse and metastatic progression compared to other breast cancer subtypes, we hypothesized that cancer stem cells (CSC) could have a role in TNBC. To identify putative TNBC CSC-associated targets, we compared the gene expression profiles of CSC-enriched tumorspheres and their parental cells grown as monolayer. Among the up-regulated genes coding for cell membrane-associated proteins, we selected Teneurin 4 (TENM4), involved in cell differentiation and deregulated in tumors of different histotypes, as the object for this study. Meta-analysis of breast cancer datasets shows that TENM4 mRNA is up-regulated in invasive carcinoma specimens compared to normal breast and that high expression of TENM4 correlates with a shorter relapse-free survival in TNBC patients. TENM4 silencing in mammary cancer cells significantly impaired tumorsphere-forming ability, migratory capacity and Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) phosphorylation. Moreover, we found higher levels of TENM4 in plasma from tumor-bearing mice and TNBC patients compared to the healthy controls. Overall, our results indicate that TENM4 may act as a novel biomarker and target for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ruiu
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (R.R.); (G.B.); (M.A.); (F.R.); (L.C.); (G.P.); (R.A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Giuseppina Barutello
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (R.R.); (G.B.); (M.A.); (F.R.); (L.C.); (G.P.); (R.A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Maddalena Arigoni
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (R.R.); (G.B.); (M.A.); (F.R.); (L.C.); (G.P.); (R.A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Federica Riccardo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (R.R.); (G.B.); (M.A.); (F.R.); (L.C.); (G.P.); (R.A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Laura Conti
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (R.R.); (G.B.); (M.A.); (F.R.); (L.C.); (G.P.); (R.A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Giulia Peppino
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (R.R.); (G.B.); (M.A.); (F.R.); (L.C.); (G.P.); (R.A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Laura Annaratone
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (L.A.); (C.M.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy;
| | - Caterina Marchiò
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (L.A.); (C.M.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy;
| | - Giulio Mengozzi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy;
- Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Raffaele Adolfo Calogero
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (R.R.); (G.B.); (M.A.); (F.R.); (L.C.); (G.P.); (R.A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (R.R.); (G.B.); (M.A.); (F.R.); (L.C.); (G.P.); (R.A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Elena Quaglino
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (R.R.); (G.B.); (M.A.); (F.R.); (L.C.); (G.P.); (R.A.C.); (F.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0116706457
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28
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Tanabe S. Editorial: Protein Functional Changes and Signaling Transduction in Cancer Stem Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:761678. [PMID: 34604099 PMCID: PMC8479187 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.761678] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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29
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Fan Q, Zhang W, Emerson RE, Xu Y. ZIP4 Is a Novel Cancer Stem Cell Marker in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3692. [PMID: 33316986 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is one of the most deadly and heterogenic cancers. We have recently shown that ZIP4 (gene name SLC39A4), a zinc transporter, is functionally involved in cancer stem cell (CSC)-related cellular activities in HGSOC. Here, we identified ZIP4 as a novel CSC marker in HGSOC. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS)-sorted ZIP4+, but not ZIP4- cells, formed spheroids and displayed self-renewing and differentiation abilities. Over-expression of ZIP4 conferred drug resistance properties in vitro. ZIP4+, but not ZIP4- cells, formed tumors/ascites in vivo. We conducted limiting dilution experiments and showed that 100-200 ZIP4+ cells from both PE04 and PEA2 cells formed larger tumors than those from 100-200 ALDH+ cells in mice. Mechanistically, we found that ZIP4 was an upstream regulator of another CSC-marker, NOTCH3, in HGSOC cells. NOTCH3 was functionally involved in spheroid formation in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo in HGSOC. Genetic compensation studies showed that NOTCH3, but not NOTCH1, was a critical downstream mediator of ZIP4. Furthermore, NOTCH3, but not NOTCH1, physically bound to ZIP4. Collectively, our data suggest that ZIP4 is a novel CSC marker and the new ZIP4-NOTCH3 axis represents important therapeutic targets in HGSOC.
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30
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Teixeira FCOB, Vijaya Kumar A, Kumar Katakam S, Cocola C, Pelucchi P, Graf M, Kiesel L, Reinbold R, Pavão MSG, Greve B, Götte M. The Heparan Sulfate Sulfotransferases HS2ST1 and HS3ST2 Are Novel Regulators of Breast Cancer Stem-Cell Properties. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:559554. [PMID: 33102470 PMCID: PMC7546021 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.559554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Heparan sulfate (HS) is a glycosaminoglycan found mainly in its protein-conjugated form at the cell surface and the extracellular matrix. Its high sulfation degree mediates functional interactions with positively charged amino acids in proteins. 2-O sulfation of iduronic acid and 3-O sulfation of glucosamine in HS are mediated by the sulfotransferases HS2ST and HS3ST, respectively, which are dysregulated in several cancers. Both sulfotransferases regulate breast cancer cell viability and invasion, but their role in cancer stem cells (CSCs) is unknown. Breast CSCs express characteristic markers such as CD44+/CD24−/low, CD133 and ALDH1 and are involved in tumor initiation, formation, and recurrence. We studied the influence of HS2ST1 and HS3ST2 overexpression on the CSC phenotype in breast cancer cell lines representative of the triple-negative (MDA-MB-231) and hormone-receptor positive subtype (MCF-7). The CD44+/CD24−/low phenotype was significantly reduced in MDA-MB-231 cells after overexpression of both enzymes, remaining unaltered in MCF-7 cells. ALDH1 activity was increased after HS2ST1 and HS3ST2 overexpression in MDA-MB-231 cells and reduced after HS2ST1 overexpression in MCF-7 cells. Colony and spheroid formation were increased after HS2ST1 and HS3ST2 overexpression in MCF-7 cells. Moreover, MDA-MB-231 cells overexpressing HS2ST1 formed more colonies and could not generate spheres. The phenotypic changes were associated with complex changes in the expression of the stemness-associated notch and Wnt-signaling pathways constituents, syndecans, heparanase and Sulf1. The results improve our understanding of breast CSC function and mark a subtype-specific impact of HS modifications on the CSC phenotype of triple-negative and hormone receptor positive breast cancer model cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe C O B Teixeira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Archana Vijaya Kumar
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Sampath Kumar Katakam
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Cinzia Cocola
- Istituto di Tecnologie Biomediche, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Segrate, Italy
| | - Paride Pelucchi
- Istituto di Tecnologie Biomediche, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Segrate, Italy
| | - Monika Graf
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Ludwig Kiesel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Rolland Reinbold
- Istituto di Tecnologie Biomediche, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Segrate, Italy
| | - Mauro S G Pavão
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Burkhard Greve
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiooncology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Götte
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
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Liu CL, Chen YJ, Fan MH, Liao YJ, Mao TL. Characteristics of CD133-Sustained Chemoresistant Cancer Stem-Like Cells in Human Ovarian Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6467. [PMID: 32899775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered to be the origin of ovarian cancer (OC) development, recurrence, and chemoresistance. We investigated changes in expression levels of the CSC biomarker, cluster of differentiation 133 (CD133), from primary OC cell lines to induction of CSC-spheres in an attempt to explore the mechanisms related to modulation of stemness, drug resistance, and tumorigenesis in CSCs, thus facilitating the search for new therapeutics for OC. The effect of CD133 overexpression on the induction of CSC properties was evaluated by sphere-forming assays, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, cell viability assays, and in vivo xenograft experiments. Moreover, the potential signaling molecules that participate in CD133 maintenance of stemness were screened by RNA-sequencing. CD133 expression was upregulated during OCSC induction and chemotherapeutic drug treatment over time, which increased the expressions of stemness-related markers (SOX2, OCT4, and Nanog). CD133 overexpression also promoted tumorigenesis in NOD/SCID mice. Several signalings were controlled by CD133 spheres, including extracellular matrix receptor interactions, chemokine signaling, and Wnt signaling, all of which promote cell survival and cell cycle progression. Our findings suggest that CD133 possesses the ability to maintain functional stemness and tumorigenesis of OCSCs by promoting cell survival signaling and may serve as a potential target for stem cell-targeted therapy of OC.
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Manzo G. Defined Mathematical Relationships Among Cancer Cells Suggest Modular Growth in Tumor Progression and Highlight Developmental Features Consistent With a Para-Embryonic Nature of Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:804. [PMID: 32984319 PMCID: PMC7484490 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Several similarities between the embryo development and the cancer process suggest the para-embryonic nature of tumors. Starting from an initial cancer stem cell (i-CSC) as a para-embryonic stem cell (p-ESC), a hierarchic sequence of CSCs (CSC1s, CSC2s, CSC3s) and non-CSCs [cancer progenitor cells (CPCs), cancer differentiated cells (CDCs)] would be generated, mimicking an ectopic rudimentary ontogenesis. Such a proposed heterogeneous cell hierarchy within the tumor structure would suggest a tumor growth model consistent with experimental data reported for mammary tumors. By tabulating the theoretical data according to this model, it is possible to identify defined mathematical relationships between cancer cells (CSCs and non-CSCs) that are surprisingly similar to experimental data. Moreover, starting from this model, it is possible to speculate that, during progression, tumor growth would occur in a modular way that recalls the propagation of tumor spheres in vitro. All these considerations favor a comparison among normal blastocysts (as in vitro embryos), initial avascular tumors (as in vivo abnormal blastocysts) and tumor spheres (as in vitro abnormal blastocysts). In conclusion, this work provides further support for the para-embryonic nature of the cancer process, as recently theorized.
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33
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Julian LM, Stanford WL. Organelle Cooperation in Stem Cell Fate: Lysosomes as Emerging Regulators of Cell Identity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:591. [PMID: 32733892 PMCID: PMC7358313 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of stem cell fate is best understood at the level of gene and protein regulatory networks, though it is now clear that multiple cellular organelles also have critical impacts. A growing appreciation for the functional interconnectedness of organelles suggests that an orchestration of integrated biological networks functions to drive stem cell fate decisions and regulate metabolism. Metabolic signaling itself has emerged as an integral regulator of cell fate including the determination of identity, activation state, survival, and differentiation potential of many developmental, adult, disease, and cancer-associated stem cell populations and their progeny. As the primary adenosine triphosphate-generating organelles, mitochondria are well-known regulators of stem cell fate decisions, yet it is now becoming apparent that additional organelles such as the lysosome are important players in mediating these dynamic decisions. In this review, we will focus on the emerging role of organelles, in particular lysosomes, in the reprogramming of both metabolic networks and stem cell fate decisions, especially those that impact the determination of cell identity. We will discuss the inter-organelle interactions, cell signaling pathways, and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms with which lysosomes engage and how these activities impact metabolic signaling. We will further review recent data that position lysosomes as critical regulators of cell identity determination programs and discuss the known or putative biological mechanisms. Finally, we will briefly highlight the potential impact of elucidating mechanisms by which lysosomes regulate stem cell identity on our understanding of disease pathogenesis, as well as the development of refined regenerative medicine, biomarker, and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M. Julian
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - William L. Stanford
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Wang Q, Yu C, Yue C, Liu X. Fusobacterium nucleatum produces cancer stem cell characteristics via EMT-resembling variations. Int J Clin Exp Pathol 2020; 13:1819-1828. [PMID: 32782710 PMCID: PMC7414483] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the involvement of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell (CSC) characteristics induced by Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) in colorectal cancer (CRC) in vitro. METHODS SW480 and HCT116 cells were co-cultivated with Fn. Western blot (WB) and real-time PCR were used for detecting EMT markers' expression. CSC-resembling phenotypes were observed through migration, intrusion, and spherical colony formation assays. Flow cytometry was employed for sorting, based on the expression of CD44. RESULTS It was displayed that Fn infection was responsible for an EMT phenotype associated with an increase in mesenchymal markers (Snail1, Vimentin, and ZEB1) as well as CD44 expression. Fn treatment induced stronger expressions of such markers when MOI increased. Furthermore, infection resulted in augmented migration, intrusion, and tumorsphere formation capacities. Cell classification implicated that mere CD44high cells exhibited CSC characteristics and mesenchymal phenotype (MP) in vitro, accompanied with augmented tumor-causing capacity over CD44low cells. Finally, we demonstrated IL-6/STAT3 pathway was involved in EMT-CSC-resembling behavior of CRC cells. CONCLUSION All of these data suggest that Fn reveals CSC-resembling characteristics through activating IL-6/STAT3 and eliciting EMT-resembling variations in colorectal epithelial cells (CECs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational CollegeNanjing, China
| | - Chen Yu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Chao Yue
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Prevention and Control for Occupational Disease, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Prevention and ControlNanjing, China
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35
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Al-Sowayan BS, Al-Shareeda AT, Alrfaei BM. Cancer Stem Cell-Exosomes, Unexposed Player in Tumorigenicity. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:384. [PMID: 32317966 PMCID: PMC7147348 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Batla S. Al-Sowayan
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Cell Therapy & Cancer Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center/King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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36
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Yan Z, Wang R, Su Q. A novel cancer stem cell-based classification model for the tumorigenesis and development of colorectal cancer. Transl Cancer Res 2019; 8:2621-2623. [PMID: 35117019 PMCID: PMC8798201 DOI: 10.21037/tcr.2019.10.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogenetic disease. Although multiple hypotheses and models have been indicated, there is still no robust method to distinguish the heterogeneity of cancer. Evidence has been provided showing that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in the origin and progression of cancer. In this opinion article, based on the theory of CSCs, we propose a novel CSC-based classification model (CSCCM) to explain the origin and progression of colorectal cancer, which would explain some confusing clinical phenomena and distinguish the heterogeneity of colorectal cancer from its origin. We further suggest that this model can presently be incorporated into the cancer progression theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaopeng Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Critical Medicine, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Qi Su
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
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37
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Xu Y. Targeting Lysophosphatidic Acid in Cancer: The Issues in Moving from Bench to Bedside. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101523. [PMID: 31658655 PMCID: PMC6826372 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the clear demonstration of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)'s pathological roles in cancer in the mid-1990s, more than 1000 papers relating LPA to various types of cancer were published. Through these studies, LPA was established as a target for cancer. Although LPA-related inhibitors entered clinical trials for fibrosis, the concept of targeting LPA is yet to be moved to clinical cancer treatment. The major challenges that we are facing in moving LPA application from bench to bedside include the intrinsic and complicated metabolic, functional, and signaling properties of LPA, as well as technical issues, which are discussed in this review. Potential strategies and perspectives to improve the translational progress are suggested. Despite these challenges, we are optimistic that LPA blockage, particularly in combination with other agents, is on the horizon to be incorporated into clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 950 W. Walnut Street R2-E380, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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38
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Shen Y, Pu K, Zheng K, Ma X, Qin J, Jiang L, Li J. Differentially Expressed microRNAs in MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 Pancreas Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines are Involved in Cancer Stem Cell Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4473. [PMID: 31510100 PMCID: PMC6770012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies, and thus better understanding of its molecular pathology is crucial for us to devise more effective treatment of this deadly disease. As cancer cell line remains a convenient starting point for discovery and proof-of-concept studies, here we report the miRNA expression characteristics of two cell lines, MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1, and discovered three miRNAs (miR-7-5p, let-7d, and miR-135b-5p) that are involved in cancer stem cells (CSCs) suppression. After transfection of each miRNA's mimic into PANC-1 cells which exhibits higher stemness feature than MIA-PaCa-2 cells, partial reduction of CSC surface markers and inhibition of tumor sphere formation were observed. These results enlighten us to consider miRNAs as potential therapeutic agents for pancreatic cancer patients via specific and effective inhibition of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Shen
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Nano-Bio-Chem Centre, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Kefeng Pu
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Nano-Bio-Chem Centre, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Kexiao Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Nano-Bio-Chem Centre, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xiaochuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jingyi Qin
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Nano-Bio-Chem Centre, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Nano-Bio-Chem Centre, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jiong Li
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Nano-Bio-Chem Centre, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China.
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Najafi M, Ahmadi A, Mortezaee K. Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling as a target for cancer therapy: an updated review. Cell Biol Int 2019; 43:1206-1222. [PMID: 31136035 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is activated in a wide spectrum of human tumors, exhibiting cardinal oncogenic roles and sustained inhibition of this pathway is considered as a primary goal in clinic. Within this pathway, receptor tyrosine kinases such as epithelial growth factor receptor, mesenchymal-epithelial transition, and AXL act as upstream regulators of RAS/RAF/MEK/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase. MAPK signaling is active in both early and advanced stages of tumorigenesis, and it promotes tumor proliferation, survival, and metastasis. MAPK regulatory effects on cellular constituent of the tumor microenvironment is for immunosuppressive purposes. Cross-talking between MAPK with oncogenic signaling pathways including WNT, cyclooxygenase-2, transforming growth factor-β, NOTCH and (in particular) with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is contributed to the multiplication of tumor progression and drug resistance. Developing resistance (intrinsic or acquired) to MAPK-targeted therapy also occurs due to heterogeneity of tumors along with mutations and negative feedback loop of interactions exist between various kinases causing rebound activation of this signaling. Multidrug regimen is a preferred therapeutic avenue for targeting MAPK signaling. To enhance patient tolerance and to mitigate potential adversarial effects related to the combination therapy, determination of a desired dose and drug along with pre-evaluation of cancer-type-specific kinase mutation and sensitivity, especially for patients receiving triplet therapy is an urgent need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Najafi
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Ahmadi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 48175-861, Iran
| | - Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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40
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Loret N, Denys H, Tummers P, Berx G. The Role of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Ovarian Cancer Progression and Therapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E838. [PMID: 31213009 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of all gynecologic malignancies and the eighth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. The main reasons for this poor prognosis are late diagnosis; when the disease is already in an advanced stage, and the frequent development of resistance to current chemotherapeutic regimens. Growing evidence demonstrates that apart from its role in ovarian cancer progression, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can promote chemotherapy resistance. In this review, we will highlight the contribution of EMT to the distinct steps of ovarian cancer progression. In addition, we will review the different types of ovarian cancer resistance to therapy with particular attention to EMT-mediated mechanisms such as cell fate transitions, enhancement of cancer cell survival, and upregulation of genes related to drug resistance. Preclinical studies of anti-EMT therapies have yielded promising results. However, before anti-EMT therapies can be effectively implemented in clinical trials, more research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms leading to EMT-induced therapy resistance.
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Uemura S, Ishida T, Thwin KKM, Yamamoto N, Tamura A, Kishimoto K, Hasegawa D, Kosaka Y, Nino N, Lin KS, Takafuji S, Mori T, Iijima K, Nishimura N. Dynamics of Minimal Residual Disease in Neuroblastoma Patients. Front Oncol 2019; 9:455. [PMID: 31214500 PMCID: PMC6558004 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a common extracranial solid tumor of neural crest (NC) origin that accounts for up to 15% of all pediatric cancer deaths. The disease arises from a transient population of NC cells that undergo an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and generate diverse cell-types and tissues. Patients with neuroblastoma are characterized by their extreme heterogeneity ranging from spontaneous regression to malignant progression. More than half of newly diagnosed patients present highly metastatic tumors and are stratified into a high-risk group with dismal outcome. As many as 20% of high-risk patients have residual disease that is refractory or progressive during induction chemotherapy. Although a majority of high-risk patients achieve remission, larger part of those patients has minimal residual disease (MRD) that causes relapse even after additional consolidation therapy. MRD is composed of drug-resistant tumor cells and dynamically presented as cancer stem cells (CSCs) in residual tumors, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood (PB), and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in bone marrow (BM) and other metastatic sites. EMT appears to be a key mechanism for cancer cells to acquire MRD phenotypes and malignant aggressiveness. Due to the restricted availability of residual tumors, PB and BM have been used to isolate and analyze CTCs and DTCs to evaluate MRD in cancer patients. In addition, recent technical advances make it possible to use circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) shed from tumor cells into PB for MRD evaluation. Because MRD can be detected by tumor-specific antigens, genetic or epigenetic changes, and mRNAs, numerous assays using different methods and samples have been reported to detect MRD in cancer patients. In contrast to the tumor-specific gene-rearrangement-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and the oncogenic fusion-gene-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and several solid tumors, the clinical significance of MRD remains to be established in neuroblastoma. Given the extreme heterogeneity of neuroblastoma, dynamics of MRD in neuroblastoma patients will hold a key to the clinical validation. In this review, we summarize the biology and detection methods of cancer MRD in general and evaluate the available assays and clinical significance of neuroblastoma MRD to clarify its dynamics in neuroblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suguru Uemura
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Ishida
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kobe Children's Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Khin Kyae Mon Thwin
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Yamamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tamura
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kobe Children's Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kenji Kishimoto
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kobe Children's Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Daiichiro Hasegawa
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kobe Children's Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kosaka
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kobe Children's Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Nanako Nino
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kyaw San Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Satoru Takafuji
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takeshi Mori
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kobe Children's Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kazumoto Iijima
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Nishimura
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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Harrop R, O’Neill E, Stern PL. Cancer stem cell mobilization and therapeutic targeting of the 5T4 oncofetal antigen. Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother 2019; 7:2515135518821623. [PMID: 30719508 PMCID: PMC6348545 DOI: 10.1177/2515135518821623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) can act as the cellular drivers of tumors harnessing stem cell properties that contribute to tumorigenesis either as founder elements or by the gain of stem cell traits by the malignant cells. Thus, CSCs can self-renew and generate the cellular heterogeneity of tumors including a hierarchical organization similar to the normal tissue. While the principle tumor growth contribution is often from the non-CSC components, it is the ability of small numbers of CSCs to avoid the effects of therapeutic strategies that can contribute to recurrence after treatment. However, identifying and characterizing CSCs for therapeutic targeting is made more challenging by their cellular potency being influenced by a particular tissue niche or by the capacity of more committed cells to regain stem cell functions. This review discusses the properties of CSCs including the limitations of the available cell surface markers, the assays that document tumor initiation and clonogenicity, the roles of epithelial mesenchymal transition and molecular pathways such as Notch, Wnt, Hippo and Hedgehog. The ability to target and eliminate CSCs is thought to be critical in the search for curative cancer treatments. The oncofetal tumor-associated antigen 5T4 (TBGP) has been linked with CSC properties in several different malignancies. 5T4 has functional attributes that are relevant to the spread of tumors including through EMT, CXCR4/CXCL12, Wnt, and Hippo pathways which may all contribute through the mobilization of CSCs. There are several different immunotherapies targeting 5T4 in development including antibody-drug conjugates, antibody-targeted bacterial super-antigens, a Modified Vaccinia Ankara-basedvaccine and 5T4-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cells. These immune therapies would have the advantage of targeting both the bulk tumor as well as mobilized CSC populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Harrop
- Oxford BioMedica plc, Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford, OX4 6LT, UK
| | - Eric O’Neill
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter L. Stern
- Division of Molecular & Clinical Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Lin JC, Tsai JT, Chao TY, Ma HI, Liu WH. The STAT3/Slug Axis Enhances Radiation-Induced Tumor Invasion and Cancer Stem-like Properties in Radioresistant Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:E512. [PMID: 30551687 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10120512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) requires radiotherapy (RT) as a part of definitive management strategy. RT is highly effective, destroying cancer cells that may exist around the surgical tumor bed. However, GBM still has a poor prognosis and a high local recurrence rate after RT. Accumulating research indicates that GBM contains cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), which are radioresistant and result in therapeutic failure. Additionally, GBM cells can aggressively invade normal brain tissue, inducing therapeutic failure. Using clinical observations, we evaluated the effect of radiation on tumor control. We also explored the biomolecular pathways that connect radioresistance and CSC- and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated phenotypes in patient-derived GBM cells. Transwell and microarray assay demonstrated that radioresistant GBM cells (GBM-R2I2) exhibit increased invasion and self-renewal abilities compared with parental GBM cells. Finally, to identify potential mechanisms underlying these observations, we used a PCR array to search for molecular markers of cell motility. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) directly bound to the Slug promoter in a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Reduced STAT3 decreased Slug expression and suppressed cell invasion in GBM-R2I2 cells while increasing Slug reversed these effects. In addition, STAT3 knockdown significantly inhibited CSC properties, synergistically increased the radiotherapeutic effect, and effectively increased the survival rate in vivo. We deciphered a new pathway of GBM radioresistance, invasion, and recurrence via the STAT3/Slug axis that could be a new target of GBM therapy.
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44
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Wang Y, Wang B, Xiao S, Li Y, Chen Q. miR-125a/b inhibits tumor-associated macrophages mediated in cancer stem cells of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting CD90. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:3046-3055. [PMID: 30536969 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [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: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells promote tumorigenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, emerging evidence indicates tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in tumor progression. However, TAMs often occurs with unknown mechanisms. As an important mediator in intercellular communications, exosomes secreted by host cells mediate the exchange of genetic materials and proteins, which involves tumor aggressiveness. The aim of the study was to investigate whether exosomes derived from TAMs mediate stem cell properties in HCC. TAMs were isolated from the tissues of HCC. microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of TAMs were analyzed using miRNA microarray. In vitro cell coculture was further conducted to investigate the crosstalk between TAMs and tumor cells mediated by TAMs exosomes. In this study, we showed that TAMs exosomes promote HCC cell proliferation and stem cell properties. Using miRNA profiles assay, we identified significantly lower levels of miR-125a and miR-125b in exosomes and cell lysate isolated from TAMs. Functional studies revealed that the HCC cells were treated with TAM exosomes or transfected with miR-125a/b suppressed cell proliferation and stem cell properties by targeting CD90, a stem cell marker of HCC stem cells. The study indicated that miR-125a/b targeting CD90 played important roles in cancer stem cells of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Medical School of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingyi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Medical School of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Medical School of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Medical School of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Quanning Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Medical School of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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45
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Ahmadi A, Najafi M, Farhood B, Mortezaee K. Transforming growth factor-β signaling: Tumorigenesis and targeting for cancer therapy. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:12173-12187. [PMID: 30537043 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [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: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a multitasking cytokine such that its aberrant expression is related to cancer progression and metastasis. TGF-β is produced by a variety of cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME), and it is responsible for regulation of the activity of cells within this milieu. TGF-β is a main inducer of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immune evasion, and metastasis during cancer progression. TGF-β exerts most of its functions by acting on TβRI and TβRII receptors in canonical (Smad-dependent) or noncanonical (Smad-independent) pathways. Members of mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, and nuclear factor κβ are involved in the non-Smad TGF-β pathway. TGF-β acts by complex signaling, and deletion in one of the effectors in this pathway may influence the outcome in a diverse way by taking even an antitumor role. The stage and the type of tumor (contextual cues from cancer cells and/or the TME) and the concentration of TGF-β are other important factors determining the fate of cancer (progression or repression). There are a number of ways for targeting TGF-β signaling in cancer, among them the special focus is on TβRII suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Ahmadi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Bagher Farhood
- Departments of Medical Physics and Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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46
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Bahreyni A, Ghorbani E, Fuji H, Ryzhikov M, Khazaei M, Erfani M, Avan A, Hassanian SM, Azadmanesh K. Therapeutic potency of oncolytic virotherapy-induced cancer stem cells targeting in brain tumors, current status, and perspectives. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:2766-2773. [PMID: 30321455 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Brain tumors are the most common form of solid tumors in children and is presently a serious therapeutic challenge worldwide. Traditional treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy was shown to be unsuccessful in targeting brain tumor cancer stem cells (CSCs), leading to recurrent, treatment-resistant secondary malignancies. Oncolytic virotherapy (OV) is an effective antitumor therapeutic strategy which offers a novel, targeted approach for eradicating pediatric brain tumor CSCs by utilizing mechanisms of cell killing that differ from conventional therapies. A number of studies and some clinical trials have therefore investigated the effects of combined therapy of radiations or chemotherapies with oncolytic viruses which provide new insights regarding the effectiveness and improvement of treatment responses for brain cancer patients. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the therapeutic potency of OVs-induced CSCs targeting in the treatment of brain tumors for a better understanding and hence a better management of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Bahreyni
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elnaz Ghorbani
- Department of Microbiology, Al-Zahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Fuji
- Department of Biochemistry, Payame-Noor University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mikhail Ryzhikov
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Washington University, School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Marjan Erfani
- Department of Neurology, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed M Hassanian
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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47
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Akrami H, Mehdizadeh K, Moradi B, Borzabadi Farahani D, Mansouri K, Ghalib Ibraheem Alnajar S. PlGF knockdown induced apoptosis through Wnt signaling pathway in gastric cancer stem cells. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:3268-3276. [PMID: 30203564 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite the fact that much research has focused on gastric cancer, it is still a worldwide concern, because of the difficulties with factors such as signaling pathway crosstalk and gastric cancer stem cell (GCSC). Placental growth factor (PlGF) is one of these factors, and its tumorigenicity potential still remains a question. As a result, we have investigated the effect of PlGF knockdown on apoptosis and genes involved in the Wnt signaling pathway, and apoptosis in cancer stem cells derived from AGS an MKN-45 gastric cancer cell lines. We isolated GCSCs from MKN-45 and AGS cell lines on a nonadherent surface. Then the cell viability, the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction data of the genes involved in the Wnt signaling pathway, and apoptosis were evaluated. Furthermore, DNA laddering was used to show the apoptotic effect and DNA fragmentation caused by the PlGF knockdown. Our investigation revealed that the PlGF knockdown with PlGF-specific small interfering RNA at 40 pmol for GCSCs derived from MKN-45 and AGS at 24 hours can significantly affect the cell viability, the Wnt signaling pathway, and the apoptosis-related genes expression. In conclusion, we showed the PlGF knockdown may induce apoptosis via the Wnt signaling pathway in GCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Akrami
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Kiumars Mehdizadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Behrouz Moradi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Kamran Mansouri
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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48
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Hong D, Fritz AJ, Zaidi SK, van Wijnen AJ, Nickerson JA, Imbalzano AN, Lian JB, Stein JL, Stein GS. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells contribute to breast cancer heterogeneity. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:9136-9144. [PMID: 29968906 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and accounts for ~30% of new cancer cases and 15% of cancer-related deaths. Tumor relapse and metastasis are primary factors contributing to breast cancer-related deaths. Therefore, the challenge for breast cancer treatment is to sustain remission. A driving force behind tumor relapse is breast cancer heterogeneity (both intertumor, between different patients, and intratumor, within the same tumor). Understanding breast cancer heterogeneity is necessary to develop preventive interventions and targeted therapies. A recently emerging concept is that intratumor heterogeneity is driven by cancer stem cells (CSCs) that are capable of giving rise to a multitude of different cells within a tumor. Studies have highlighted linkage of CSC formation with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this review, we summarize the current understanding of breast cancer heterogeneity, links between EMT and CSCs, regulation of EMT by Runx transcription factors, and potential therapeutic strategies targeting these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deli Hong
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Andrew J Fritz
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Sayyed K Zaidi
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Andre J van Wijnen
- Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Anthony N Imbalzano
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, UMass Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Jane B Lian
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Janet L Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Gary S Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
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49
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Lou W, Liu J, Gao Y, Zhong G, Ding B, Xu L, Fan W. MicroRNA regulation of liver cancer stem cells. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:1126-1141. [PMID: 30094089 PMCID: PMC6079154] [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: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of emerging small non-coding RNAs, serve as vital players in modulating multiple biological processes via the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Dysregulated expression of miRNAs in liver cancer is well documented, and the involvement of miRNAs in liver cancer initiation and progression has also been described. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subset of cells known to be at the root of cancer recurrence and resistance to therapy. In this review, we highlight recent reports indicating that miRNAs participate in the regulation of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). The Wnt signaling pathway, TGF-beta signaling pathway, JAK/STAT signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are all closely correlated with the miRNA modulation of LCSCs. In addition, several miRNAs have been demonstrated to be involved in the regulation of LCSCs in response to therapy sensitivity. Targeting LCSCs by regulating the expression of these miRNAs represents a potential therapeutic strategy for treating cancer drug resistance, metastasis and recurrence in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyang Lou
- Program of Innovative Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Organ TransplantationHangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ TransplantationHangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public HealthHangzhou 310000, China
| | - Jingxing Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Changxing People’s Hospital of ZhejiangHuzhou 313100, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yanjia Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, International Hospital of Zhejiang University, Shulan (Hangzhou) HospitalHangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Guansheng Zhong
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Bisha Ding
- Program of Innovative Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Organ TransplantationHangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ TransplantationHangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public HealthHangzhou 310000, China
| | - Liang Xu
- Program of Innovative Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Organ TransplantationHangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ TransplantationHangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public HealthHangzhou 310000, China
| | - Weimin Fan
- Program of Innovative Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Organ TransplantationHangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ TransplantationHangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public HealthHangzhou 310000, China
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South CarolinaCharleston, SC 29425, USA
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50
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Sato M, Kawana K, Adachi K, Fujimoto A, Yoshida M, Nakamura H, Nishida H, Inoue T, Taguchi A, Ogishima J, Eguchi S, Yamashita A, Tomio K, Wada-Hiraike O, Oda K, Nagamatsu T, Osuga Y, Fujii T. Regeneration of cervical reserve cell-like cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): A new approach to finding targets for cervical cancer stem cell treatment. Oncotarget 2017; 8:40935-45. [PMID: 28402962 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical reserve cells are epithelial progenitor cells that are pathologically evident as the origin of cervical cancer. Thus, investigating the characteristics of cervical reserve cells could yield insight into the features of cervical cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this study, we established a method for the regeneration of cervical reserve cell-like properties from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and named these cells induced reserve cell-like cells (iRCs). Approximately 70% of iRCs were positive for the reserve cell markers p63, CK5 and CK8. iRCs also expressed the SC junction markers CK7, AGR2, CD63, MMP7 and GDA. While iRCs expressed neither ERα nor ERβ, they expressed CA125. These data indicated that iRCs possessed characteristics of cervical epithelial progenitor cells. iRCs secreted higher levels of several inflammatory cytokines such as macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) and C-X-C motif ligand 10 (CXCL-10) compared with normal cervical epithelial cells. iRCs also expressed human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), which is an important cell-surface antigen for immune tolerance and carcinogenesis. Together with the fact that cervical CSCs can originate from reserve cells, our data suggested that iRCs were potent immune modulators that might favor cervical cancer cell survival. In conclusion, by generating reserve cell-like properties from iPSCs, we provide a new approach that may yield new insight into cervical cancer stem cells and help find new oncogenic targets.
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