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Gargalionis AN, Papavassiliou KA, Basdra EK, Papavassiliou AG. Exploiting tumor mechanomedicine for lung cancer treatment. Cancer Lett 2024; 604:217229. [PMID: 39276916 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024] [Imported: 09/18/2024]
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Mentis AFA, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. Do 'cancer mutations' stand only for cancer? Translational and clinical implications. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:684-686. [PMID: 37414648 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
DNA mutations represent a hallmark of cancer. However, next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches have revealed that similar somatic mutations are present in healthy tissues as well as in those of several diseases, aging, abnormal vascular formation, and in placental development. These findings call for a reappraisal of whether such mutations are pathognomonic for cancer and provide further mechanistic, diagnostic, and therapeutic implications.
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Gargalionis AN, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. Implication of mTOR Signaling in NSCLC: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives. Cells 2023; 12:2014. [PMID: 37566093 PMCID: PMC10416991 DOI: 10.3390/cells12152014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway represents a central cellular kinase that controls cell survival and metabolism. Increased mTOR activation, along with upregulation of respective upstream and downstream signaling components, have been established as oncogenic features in cancer cells in various tumor types. Nevertheless, mTOR pathway therapeutic targeting has been proven to be quite challenging in various clinical settings. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a frequent type of solid tumor in both genders, where aberrant regulation of the mTOR pathway contributes to the development of oncogenesis, apoptosis resistance, angiogenesis, cancer progression, and metastasis. In this context, the outcome of mTOR pathway targeting in clinical trials still demonstrates unsatisfactory results. Herewith, we discuss recent findings regarding the mechanisms and therapeutic targeting of mTOR signaling networks in NSCLC, as well as future perspectives for the efficient application of treatments against mTOR and related protein molecules.
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Piperi C, Markouli M, Gargalionis AN, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. Deciphering glioma epitranscriptome: focus on RNA modifications. Oncogene 2023:10.1038/s41388-023-02746-y. [PMID: 37322070 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02746-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Gliomas are highly malignant tumors accounting for the majority of brain neoplasms. They are characterized by nuclear atypia, high mitotic rate and cellular polymorphism that often contributes to aggressiveness and resistance to standard therapy. They often associate with challenging treatment approaches and poor outcomes. New treatment strategies or regimens to improve the efficacy of glioma treatment require a deeper understanding of glioma occurrence and development as well as elucidation of their molecular biological characteristics. Recent studies have revealed RNA modifications as a key regulatory mechanism involved in tumorigenesis, tumor progression, immune regulation, and response to therapy. The present review discusses research advances on several RNA modifications involved in glioma progression and tumor microenvironment (TME) immunoregulation as well as in the development of adaptive drug resistance, summarizing current progress on major RNA modification targeting strategies.
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Manou M, Kanakoglou DS, Loupis T, Vrachnos DM, Theocharis S, Papavassiliou AG, Piperi C. Role of Histone Deacetylases in the Pathogenesis of Salivary Gland Tumors and Therapeutic Targeting Options. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10038. [PMID: 37373187 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) comprise a rare and heterogenous category of benign/malignant neoplasms with progressively increasing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underpinning their pathogenesis, poor prognosis, and therapeutic treatment efficacy. Emerging data are pointing toward an interplay of genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to their heterogeneity and diverse clinical phenotypes. Post-translational histone modifications such as histone acetylation/deacetylation have been shown to actively participate in the pathobiology of SGTs, further suggesting that histone deacetylating factors (HDACs), selective or pan-HDAC inhibitors (HDACis), might present effective treatment options for these neoplasms. Herein, we describe the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the pathology of the different types of SGTs, focusing on histone acetylation/deacetylation effects on gene expression as well as the progress of HDACis in SGT therapy and the current status of relevant clinical trials.
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Papavassiliou KA, Basdra EK, Papavassiliou AG. The emerging promise of tumour mechanobiology in cancer treatment. Eur J Cancer 2023; 190:112938. [PMID: 37390803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.112938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Tumour cell biomechanics has lately came to the fore as a disparate feature that fosters cancer development and progression. Tumour mechanosensing entails a mechanical interplay amongst tumour cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells of the tumour microenvironment (TME). Sensory receptors (mechanoceptors) detect changes of extracellular mechanical inputs such as various types of mechanical forces/stress and trigger oncogenic signalling pathways advocating for cancer initiation, growth, survival, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and immune evasion. Moreover, alterations in ECM stiffness and potentiation of mechanostimulated transcriptional regulatory molecules (transcription factors/cofactors) have been shown to strongly correlate with resistance to anticancer drugs. On this basis, new mechanosensitive proteins emerge as potential therapeutic targets and/or biomarkers in cancer. Accordingly, tumour mechanobiology arises as a promising field that can potentially provide novel combinatorial regimens to reverse drug resistance, as well as offer unprecedented targeting approaches that may help to more effectively treat a large proportion of solid tumours and their complications. Here, we highlight recent findings regarding various aspects of tumour mechanobiology in the clinical setting and discuss evidence-based perspectives of developing diagnostic/prognostic tools and therapeutic approaches that exploit tumour-TME physical associations.
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Papavassiliou KA, Anagnostopoulos N, Papavassiliou AG. Lung Cancer through Transcription Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119461. [PMID: 37298412 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The body of knowledge on the molecular mechanisms that drive lung cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), is continuously growing [...].
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Gargalionis AN, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. Targeting the YAP/TAZ mechanotransducers in solid tumour therapeutics. J Cell Mol Med 2023. [PMID: 37226849 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
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Papavassiliou KA, Marinos G, Papavassiliou AG. Targeting YAP/TAZ in Combination with PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Cells 2023; 12:cells12060871. [PMID: 36980211 PMCID: PMC10047112 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients has improved in the last decade as a result of introducing new therapeutics, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, in the clinic. Still, some NSCLC patients do not benefit from these therapies due to intrinsic resistance or the development of acquired resistance and their malignant disease progresses. Further research on the molecular underpinnings of NSCLC pathobiology is required in order to discover clinically relevant molecular targets that regulate tumor immunity and to develop reasonable therapeutic combinations that will promote the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Yes-associated Protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), the final effectors of the Hippo signaling transduction pathway, are emerging as key players in NSCLC development and progression. Herein, we overview studies that have investigated the oncogenic role of YAP/TAZ in NSCLC, focusing on immune evasion, and highlight the therapeutic potential of combining YAP/TAZ inhibitory agents with immune checkpoint inhibitors for the management of NSCLC patients.
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Klonou A, Korkolopoulou P, Giannopoulou AI, Kanakoglou DS, Pampalou A, Gargalionis AN, Sarantis P, Mitsios A, Sgouros S, Papavassiliou AG, Piperi C. Histone H3K9 methyltransferase SETDB1 overexpression correlates with pediatric high-grade gliomas progression and prognosis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:387-401. [PMID: 36811655 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02294-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs) are heterogeneous, diffuse, and highly infiltrative tumors with dismal prognosis. Aberrant post-translational histone modifications with elevated histone 3 lysine trimethylation (H3K9me3) have been recently implicated in pHGGs' pathology, conferring to tumor heterogeneity. The present study investigates the potential involvement of H3K9me3 methyltransferase SETDB1 in the cellular function, progression, and clinical significance of pHGG. The bioinformatic analysis detected SETDB1 enrichment in pediatric gliomas compared to the normal brain, as well as positive and negative correlations with a proneural and mesenchymal signature, respectively. In our cohort of pHGGs, SETDB1 expression was significantly increased compared to pLGG and normal brain tissue and correlated with p53 expression, as well as reduced patients' survival. In accordance, H3K9me3 levels were also elevated in pHGG compared to the normal brain and were associated with worse patient survival. Gene silencing of SETDB1 in two patient-derived pHGG cell lines showed a significant reduction in cell viability followed by reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. SETDB1 silencing further reduced cell migration of pHGG cells and the expression of the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and vimentin. mRNA analysis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers upon SETDB1 silencing showed a reduction in SNAI1 levels and downregulation of CDH2 along with the EMT regulator gene MARCKS. In addition, SETDB1 silencing significantly increased the bivalent tumor suppressor gene SLC17A7 mRNA levels in both cell lines, indicating its implication in the oncogenic process.Altogether, our findings demonstrate a predominant oncogenic role of SETDB1 in pHGG which along with elevated H3K9me3 levels correlate significantly to tumor progression and inferior patients' survival. There is evidence that targeting SETDB1 may effectively inhibit pHGG progression, providing a novel insight into the therapeutic strategies for pediatric gliomas. KEY MESSAGES: SETDB1 gene expression is enriched in pHGG compared to normal brain. SETDB1 expression is increased in pHGG tissues and associates with reduced patients' survival. Gene silencing of SETDB1 reduces cell viability and migration. SETDB1 silencing affects mesenchymal markers expression. SETDB1 silencing upregulates SLC17A7 levels. SETDB1 has an oncogenic role in pHGG.
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Papavassiliou KA, Marinos G, Papavassiliou AG. Combining STAT3-Targeting Agents with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in NSCLC. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020386. [PMID: 36672335 PMCID: PMC9857288 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent therapeutic advances, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains the leading cause of cancer-related death. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor (TF) with multiple tumor-promoting effects in NSCLC, including proliferation, anti-apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, immunosuppression, and drug resistance. Recent studies suggest that STAT3 activation contributes to resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Thus, STAT3 represents an attractive target whose pharmacological modulation in NSCLC may assist in enhancing the efficacy of or overcoming resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we discuss the biological mechanisms through which STAT3 inhibition synergizes with or overcomes resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors and highlight the therapeutic strategy of using drugs that target STAT3 as potential combination partners for immune checkpoint inhibitors in the management of NSCLC patients.
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Stravopodis DJ, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. Vistas in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Treatment: of Kinome and Signaling Networks. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:2002-2005. [PMID: 37151885 PMCID: PMC10158021 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.83574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the prevailing lung cancer type, accounting for ~85% of all lung cancer cases. Despite their initial promise, current chemotherapeutic protocols are reaching their limits. This necessitates the prompt discovery of new molecular drivers and the development of novel regimens for advanced NSCLC. Herein, we pose that there is a need to systematically profile the human kinome activity of NSCLC. Using available state-of-the-art technologies, a wide gamut of kinase activities can be simultaneously mapped and quantified specifically in the primary or metastatic cancer states, with oncogenic kinase functions being likely linked to mutation signatures and malignant features of NSCLC. New chemical compound libraries can then be screened for kinase inhibitory properties in preclinical model systems, with presumptive induction of programmed cell-death subroutines and signaling-disintegration routes serving as major outputs of novel inhibitor tumor-suppressor potentials.
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The Biology and Therapeutic Potential of the Src-YAP Axis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246178. [PMID: 36551659 PMCID: PMC9777266 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common lung cancer type which accounts for the majority (~85%) of all lung cancer cases [...].
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Sarantis P, Trifylli EM, Koustas E, Papavassiliou KA, Karamouzis MV, Papavassiliou AG. Immune Microenvironment and Immunotherapeutic Management in Virus-Associated Digestive System Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13612. [PMID: 36362398 PMCID: PMC9655697 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of cancer is a multifactorial phenomenon, while it constitutes a major global health problem. Viruses are an important factor that is involved in tumorigenesis and is associated with 12.1% of all cancer cases. Major examples of oncogenic viruses which are closely associated with the digestive system are HBV, HCV, EBV, HPV, JCV, and CMV. EBV, HPV, JCV, and CMV directly cause oncogenesis by expressing oncogenic proteins that are encoded in their genome. In contrast, HBV and HCV are correlated indirectly with carcinogenesis by causing chronic inflammation in the infected organs. In addition, the tumor microenvironment contains various immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, as well as several growth factors, cytokines, and other tumor-secreted molecules that play a key role in tumor growth, progression, and migration, while they are closely interrelated with the virus. The presence of T-regulatory and B-regulatory cells in the tumor microenvironment plays an important role in the anti-tumor immune reaction. The tumor immune microenvironments differ in each type of cancer and depend on viral infection. The alterations in the immune microenvironment caused by viruses are also reflected in the effectiveness of immunotherapy. The present review aims at shedding light on the association between viruses and digestive system malignancies, the characteristics of the tumor immune microenvironment that develop, and the possible treatments that can be administered.
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Gargalionis AN, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. Mechanobiology of solid tumors. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166555. [PMID: 36150659 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] [Imported: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical features of cancer cells emerge as a distinct trait during development and progression of solid tumors. Herein, we discuss recent key findings regarding the impact of various types of mechanical stresses on cancer cell properties. Data suggest that different mechanical forces, alterations of matrix rigidity and tumor microenvironment facilitate cancer hallmarks, especially invasion and metastasis. Moreover, a subset of mechanosensory proteins are responsible for mediating mechanically induced oncogenic signaling and response to chemotherapy. Delineating cancer dynamics and decoding of respective signal transduction mechanisms will provide new therapeutic strategies against solid tumors in the future.
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Koustas E, Trifylli EM, Sarantis P, Papadopoulos N, Aloizos G, Tsagarakis A, Damaskos C, Garmpis N, Garmpi A, Papavassiliou AG, Karamouzis MV. Implication of gut microbiome in immunotherapy for colorectal cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:1665-1674. [PMID: 36187397 PMCID: PMC9516653 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i9.1665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) constitutes the third most frequently reported malignancy in the male population and the second most common in women in the last two decades. Colon carcinogenesis is a complex, multifactorial event, resulting from genetic and epigenetic aberrations, the impact of environmental factors, as well as the disturbance of the gut microbial ecosystem. The relationship between the intestinal microbiome and carcinogenesis was relatively undervalued in the last decade. However, its remarkable effect on metabolic and immune functions on the host has been in the spotlight as of recent years. There is a strong relationship between gut microbiome dysbiosis, bowel pathogenicity and responsiveness to anti-cancer treatment; including immunotherapy. Modifications of bacteriome consistency are closely associated with the immunologic response to immunotherapeutic agents. This condition that implies the necessity of gut microbiome manipulation. Thus, creatingan optimal response for CRC patients to immunotherapeutic agents. In this paper, we will review the current literature observing how gut microbiota influence the response of immunotherapy on CRC patients.
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Giannopoulou AI, Kanakoglou DS, Papavassiliou AG, Piperi C. Insights into the multi-faceted role of Pioneer transcription factors in glioma formation and progression with targeting options. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188801. [PMID: 36113627 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] [Imported: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Pioneer transcription factors (TFs) present an important subtype of transcription factors which are vital for cell programming during embryonic development and cellular memory during mitotic growth, as well as cell fate reprogramming. Pioneer TFs can engage specific target binding sites on nucleosomal DNA to attract chromatin remodeling complexes, cofactors, and other transcription factors, ultimately controlling gene expression by shaping locally the epigenome. The priority of binding that they exhibit in contrast to other transcription factors and their involvement in crucial events regarding cell fate, has implicated their aberrant function in the pathogenesis of several disorders including carcinogenesis. Emerging experimental data indicate that certain Pioneer TFs are highly implicated in gliomas development, in neoplastic cell proliferation, angiogenic processes, resistance to therapy, and patient survival. Herein, we describe the main structural characteristics and functional mechanisms of pioneer TFs, focusing on their central role in the pathogenesis and progression of gliomas. We further highlight the current treatment options ranging from natural agents (oleanolic acid) to a variety of chemical compounds (APR-246, COTI-2) and discuss potential delivery systems, including nanoparticles, viral vectors, and intracellular protein delivery techniques.
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Nasiri-Ansari N, Androutsakos T, Flessa CM, Kyrou I, Siasos G, Randeva HS, Kassi E, Papavassiliou AG. Endothelial Cell Dysfunction and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Concise Review. Cells 2022; 11:2511. [PMID: 36010588 PMCID: PMC9407007 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide. It is strongly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and other metabolic syndrome features. Reflecting the underlying pathogenesis and the cardiometabolic disorders associated with NAFLD, the term metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has recently been proposed. Indeed, over the past few years, growing evidence supports a strong correlation between NAFLD and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, independent of the presence of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. This implies that NAFLD may also be directly involved in the pathogenesis of CVD. Notably, liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) dysfunction appears to be implicated in the progression of NAFLD via numerous mechanisms, including the regulation of the inflammatory process, hepatic stellate activation, augmented vascular resistance, and the distortion of microcirculation, resulting in the progression of NAFLD. Vice versa, the liver secretes inflammatory molecules that are considered pro-atherogenic and may contribute to vascular endothelial dysfunction, resulting in atherosclerosis and CVD. In this review, we provide current evidence supporting the role of endothelial cell dysfunction in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and NAFLD-associated atherosclerosis. Endothelial cells could thus represent a "golden target" for the development of new treatment strategies for NAFLD and its comorbid CVD.
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Markouli M, Strepkos D, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG, Piperi C. Crosstalk of Epigenetic and Metabolic Signaling Underpinning Glioblastoma Pathogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112655. [PMID: 35681635 PMCID: PMC9179868 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epigenetic mechanisms can modulate key genes involved in the cellular metabolism of glioblastomas and participate in their pathogenesis by increasing their heterogeneity, plasticity, and malignancy. Although most epigenetic modifications can primarily promote the activity of metabolic pathways, they may also exert an inhibitory role. The detection of key metabolic alterations in gliomas regulated by epigenetic mechanisms will enable drug development and effective molecular targeting, improvement of therapeutic schemes, and patients’ management. Abstract Metabolic alterations in neoplastic cells have recently gained increasing attention as a main topic of research, playing a crucial regulatory role in the development and progression of tumors. The interplay between epigenetic modifications and metabolic pathways in glioblastoma cells has emerged as a key pathogenic area with great potential for targeted therapy. Epigenetic mechanisms have been demonstrated to affect main metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, gluconeogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, TCA cycle, lipid, and glutamine metabolism by modifying key regulatory genes. Although epigenetic modifications can primarily promote the activity of metabolic pathways, they may also exert an inhibitory role. In this way, they participate in a complex network of interactions that regulate the metabolic behavior of malignant cells, increasing their heterogeneity and plasticity. Herein, we discuss the main epigenetic mechanisms that regulate the metabolic pathways in glioblastoma cells and highlight their targeting potential against tumor progression.
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Papavassiliou KA, Gargalionis AN, Papavassiliou AG. Polycystins, mechanotransduction and cancer development. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:2741-2743. [PMID: 35366054 PMCID: PMC9077297 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
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Katsianou MA, Papavassiliou KA, Gargalionis AN, Agrogiannis G, Korkolopoulou P, Panagopoulos D, Themistocleous MS, Piperi C, Basdra EK, Papavassiliou AG. Polycystin‐1 regulates cell proliferation and migration through AKT/mTORC2 pathway in a human craniosynostosis cell model. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:2428-2437. [PMID: 35285136 PMCID: PMC8995461 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion of skull sutures and has a severe pathological impact on childrens’ life. Mechanical forces are capable of triggering biological responses in bone cells and regulate osteoblastogenesis in cranial sutures, leading to premature closure. The mechanosensitive proteins polycystin‐1 (PC1) and polycystin‐2 (PC2) have been documented to play an important role in craniofacial proliferation and development. Herein, we investigated the contribution of PC1 to the pathogenesis of non‐syndromic craniosynostosis and the associated molecular mechanisms. Protein expression of PC1 and PC2 was detected in bone fragments derived from craniosynostosis patients via immunohistochemistry. To explore the modulatory role of PC1 in primary cranial suture cells, we further abrogated the function of PC1 extracellular mechanosensing domain using a specific anti‐PC1 IgPKD1 antibody. Effect of IgPKD1 treatment was evaluated with cell proliferation and migration assays. Activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway components was further detected via Western blot in primary cranial suture cells following IgPKD1 treatment. PC1 and PC2 are expressed in human tissues of craniosynostosis. PC1 functional inhibition resulted in elevated proliferation and migration of primary cranial suture cells. PC1 inhibition also induced activation of AKT, exhibiting elevated phospho (p)‐AKT (Ser473) levels, but not 4EBP1 or p70S6K activation. Our findings indicate that PC1 may act as a mechanosensing molecule in cranial sutures by modulating osteoblastic cell proliferation and migration through the PC1/AKT/mTORC2 cascade with a potential impact on the development of non‐syndromic craniosynostosis.
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Zoi I, Gargalionis AN, Papavassiliou KA, Nasiri-Ansari N, Piperi C, Basdra EK, Papavassiliou AG. Polycystin-1 and hydrostatic pressure are implicated in glioblastoma pathogenesis in vitro. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:1699-1709. [PMID: 35106909 PMCID: PMC8899169 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanobiological aspects of glioblastoma (GBM) pathogenesis are largely unknown. Polycystin‐1 (PC1) is a key mechanosensitive protein which perceives extracellular mechanical cues and transforms them into intracellular biochemical signals that elicit a change in cell behaviour. The aim of the present study was to investigate if and how PC1 participates in GBM pathogenesis under a mechanically induced microenvironment. Therefore, we subjected T98G GBM cells to continuous hydrostatic pressure (HP) and/or PC1 blockade and evaluated their effect on cell behaviour, the activity of signalling pathways and the expression of mechano‐induced transcriptional regulators and markers associated with properties of cancer cells. According to our data, PC1 and HP affect GBM cell proliferation, clonogenicity and migration; the diameter of GBM spheroids; the phosphorylation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK); the protein expression of transcription cofactors YES‐associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ); and the mRNA expression of markers related to anti‐apoptosis, apoptosis, angiogenesis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and proliferation. Together, our in vitro results suggest that PC1 plays an important role in GBM mechanobiology.
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Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. Transcription factors in glioblastoma - Molecular pathogenesis and clinical implications. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1877:188667. [PMID: 34894431 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] [Imported: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is one of the most lethal human cancers, however, the molecular mechanisms driving GBM remain largely elusive. Recent studies have revealed that transcription factors are significantly involved in GBM biology. Transcription factors (TFs), which are proteins that bind DNA to regulate gene expression, have critical roles at focal points in signaling pathways, orchestrating many cellular processes, such as cell growth and proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, immune responses, and metabolism. Dysregulated or mutated TFs are common in GBM, resulting in aberrant gene expression that promotes tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to conventional therapies. In the present Review, we focus on TFs that are implicated in GBM pathogenesis, highlighting their oncogenic or tumor suppressive functions and describing the molecular mechanisms underlying their effect on GBM cells. We also discuss their use as biomarkers for GBM prognosis and therapeutic response, as well as their targeting with drugs for GBM treatment. Deciphering the role of TFs in the biology of GBM will provide new insights into the pathological mechanisms and reveal novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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The Bumpy Road towards mTOR Inhibition in Glioblastoma: Quo Vadis? Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121809. [PMID: 34944625 PMCID: PMC8698473 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a grade IV astrocytoma, is a lethal brain tumor with a poor prognosis. Despite recent advances in the molecular biology of GBM, neuro-oncologists have very limited treatment options available to improve the survival of GBM patients. A prominent signaling pathway implicated in GBM pathogenesis is that of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). Attempts to target the mTOR pathway with first-generation mTOR inhibitors appeared promising in the preclinical stage; however, results have been disappointing in clinical trials, owing to the heterogeneous nature of GBM, escape mechanisms against treatment, the blood–brain barrier, drug-related toxicities, and the imperfect design of clinical trials, among others. The development of next-generation mTOR inhibitors and their current evaluation in clinical trials have sparked new hope to realize the clinical potential of mTOR inhibitors in GBM. Meanwhile, studies are continuously furthering our understanding of mTOR signaling dysregulation, its downstream effects, and interplay with other signaling pathways in GBM tumors. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether targeting mTOR in GBM will eventually prove to be fruitful or futile.
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Koustas E, Trifylli EM, Sarantis P, Kontolatis NI, Damaskos C, Garmpis N, Vallilas C, Garmpi A, Papavassiliou AG, Karamouzis MV. The Implication of Autophagy in Gastric Cancer Progression. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11121304. [PMID: 34947835 PMCID: PMC8705750 DOI: 10.3390/life11121304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is the fifth most common malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The three entirely variable entities have distinct epidemiology, molecular characteristics, prognosis, and strategies for clinical management. However, many gastric tumors appear to be resistant to current chemotherapeutic agents. Moreover, a significant number of gastric cancer patients, with a lack of optimal treatment strategies, have reduced survival. In recent years, multiple research data have highlighted the importance of autophagy, an essential catabolic process of cytoplasmic component digestion, in cancer. The role of autophagy as a tumor suppressor or tumor promoter mechanism remains controversial. The multistep nature of the autophagy process offers a wide array of targetable points for designing novel chemotherapeutic strategies. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the interplay between gastric cancer development and the autophagy process and decipher the role of autophagy in this kind of cancer. A plethora of different agents that direct or indirect target autophagy may be a novel therapeutic approach for gastric cancer patients.
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