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Liu M, Wang Y, Wang C, Li P, Qiu J, Yang N, Sun M, Han L. A Microfluidic 3D-Tumor-Spheroid Model for the Evaluation of Targeted Therapies from Angiogenesis-Related Cytokines at the Single Spheroid Level. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2402321. [PMID: 39126126 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202402321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a key player in drug resistance to targeted therapies for breast cancer. The average expression of angiogenesis-related cytokines is widely associated with the treatments of target therapies for a population of cells or spheroids, overlooking the distinct responses for individuals. In this work, a highly integrated microfluidic platform is developed for the generation of monodisperse multicellular tumor spheroids (MTSs), drug treatments, and the measurement of cytokines for individual MTSs in a single chip. The platform allows the correlation evaluation between cytokine secretion and drug treatment at the level of individual spheroids. For validation, quantities of six representative proangiogenic cytokines are tested against treatments with four model drugs at varying times and concentrations. By applying a linear regression model, significant correlations are established between cytokine secretion and the treated drug concentration for individual spheroids. The proposed platform provides a high-throughput method for the investigation of the molecular mechanism of the cytokine response to targeted therapies and paves the way for future drug screening using predictive regression models at the single-spheroid level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Liu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Yihe Wang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Ping Li
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Jiaoyan Qiu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Ningkai Yang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Mingyuan Sun
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Lin Han
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Biomarker and Artificial Intelligence Application, Jinan, 250100, P. R. China
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2
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Habli Z, Zantout A, Al-Haj N, Saab R, El-Sabban M, Khraiche ML. Single-Cell Fluidic Force Spectroscopy Reveals Dynamic Mechanical Fingerprints of Malignancy in Breast Cancer. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 39105773 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c06335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The interplay between cancer cell physical characteristics and metastatic potential highlights the significance of cancer cell mechanobiology. Using fluidic-based single-cell force spectroscopy (SCFS), quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D), and a model of cells with a spectrum of metastatic potential, we track the progression of biomechanics across the metastatic states by measuring cell-substrate and cell-to-cell adhesion forces, cell spring constant, cell height, and cell viscoelasticity. Compared to highly metastatic cells, cells in the lower spectrum of metastatic ability are found to be systematically stiffer, less viscoelastic, and larger. These mechanical transformations in cells within a cluster correlate with cells' metastatic potential but are significantly absent in single cells. Additionally, the response to chemotherapy is found to be highly dependent on cell viscoelastic properties in terms of both response time and magnitude. Shifts in cell softness and elasticity might serve as mechanoadaptive mechanisms during cancer cell metastasis, contributing to our understanding of metastasis and the effectiveness of potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeina Habli
- Neural Engineering and Nanobiosensors Group, Biomedical Engineering Program, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Ahmad Zantout
- Neural Engineering and Nanobiosensors Group, Biomedical Engineering Program, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Nadine Al-Haj
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Raya Saab
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94304, United States
| | - Marwan El-Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Massoud L Khraiche
- Neural Engineering and Nanobiosensors Group, Biomedical Engineering Program, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
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3
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Rehman A, Marigliano M, Torsiello M, La Noce M, Papaccio G, Tirino V, Del Vecchio V, Papaccio F. Adipose Stem Cells and Their Interplay with Cancer Cells and Mitochondrial Reservoir: A New Promising Target. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2769. [PMID: 39123496 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) significantly influence tumor progression within the tumor microenvironment (TME). This review examines the pro-tumorigenic roles of ASCs, focusing on paracrine signaling, direct cell-cell interactions, and immunomodulation. ASC-mediated mitochondrial transfer through tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) and gap junctions (GJs) plays a significant role in enhancing cancer cell survival and metabolism. Cancer cells with dysfunctional mitochondria acquire mitochondria from ASCs to meet their metabolic needs and thrive in the TME. Targeting mitochondrial transfer, modulating ASC function, and influencing metabolic pathways are potential therapeutic strategies. However, challenges like TME complexity, specificity, safety concerns, and resistance mechanisms must be addressed. Disrupting the ASC-cancer cell-mitochondria axis offers a promising approach to cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Rehman
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Histology and Embryology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via L. Armanni 5, 80128 Naples, NA, Italy
| | - Martina Marigliano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Via S. Allende 43, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Martina Torsiello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Histology and Embryology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via L. Armanni 5, 80128 Naples, NA, Italy
| | - Marcella La Noce
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Histology and Embryology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via L. Armanni 5, 80128 Naples, NA, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Papaccio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Histology and Embryology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via L. Armanni 5, 80128 Naples, NA, Italy
| | - Virginia Tirino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Histology and Embryology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via L. Armanni 5, 80128 Naples, NA, Italy
| | - Vitale Del Vecchio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Histology and Embryology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via L. Armanni 5, 80128 Naples, NA, Italy
| | - Federica Papaccio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Via S. Allende 43, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
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4
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Kofman K, Levin M. Bioelectric pharmacology of cancer: A systematic review of ion channel drugs affecting the cancer phenotype. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 191:25-39. [PMID: 38971325 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a pernicious and pressing medical problem; moreover, it is a failure of multicellular morphogenesis that sheds much light on evolutionary developmental biology. Numerous classes of pharmacological agents have been considered as cancer therapeutics and evaluated as potential carcinogenic agents; however, these are spread throughout the primary literature. Here, we briefly review recent work on ion channel drugs as promising anti-cancer treatments and present a systematic review of the known cancer-relevant effects of 109 drugs targeting ion channels. The roles of ion channels in cancer are consistent with the importance of bioelectrical parameters in cell regulation and with the functions of bioelectric signaling in morphogenetic signals that act as cancer suppressors. We find that compounds that are well-known for having targets in the nervous system, such as voltage-gated ion channels, ligand-gated ion channels, proton pumps, and gap junctions are especially relevant to cancer. Our review suggests further opportunities for the repurposing of numerous promising candidates in the field of cancer electroceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Kofman
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, USA.
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5
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Abu Bakar NFAB, Yeo ZL, Hussin F, Madhavan P, Lim V, Jemon K, Prabhakaran P. Synergistic effects of combined cisplatin and Clinacanthus nutans extract on triple negative breast cancer cells. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2023; 18:1220-1236. [PMID: 37250812 PMCID: PMC10209459 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most invasive breast cancer subtype enriched with cancer stem cells. TNBCs do not express estrogen, progesterone, or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) receptors, making them difficult to be targeted by existing chemotherapy treatments. In this study, we attempted to identify the effects of combined cisplatin and Clinacanthus nutans treatment on MDA-MD-231 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells, which represent TNBC subtypes. Methods The phytochemical fingerprint of C. nutans ethanolic leaf extract was evaluated by LC-MS/MS analysis. We investigated the effects of cisplatin (0-15.23 μg/mL), C. nutans (0-50 μg/mL), and a combination of cisplatin (3.05 μg/mL) and C. nutans (0-50 μg/mL), on cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, mRNA expression in cancer stem cells (CD49f, KLF4), and differentiation markers (TUBA1A, KRT18) in TNBC cells. In addition, we also studied the interaction between cisplatin and C. nutans. Results Derivatives of fatty acids, carboxylic acid ester, and glycosides, were identified as the major bioactive compounds with potential anticancer properties in C. nutans leaf extract. Reductions in cell viability (0-78%) and proliferation (2-77%), as well as a synergistic anticancer effect, were identified in TNBC cells when treated with a combination of cisplatin and C. nutans. Furthermore, apoptotic induction via increased caspase-3/7 activity (MDA-MB-231: 2.73-fold; MDA-MB-468: 3.53-fold), and a reduction in cell invasion capacity to 36%, were detected in TNBC cells when compared to single cisplatin and C. nutans treatments. At the mRNA level, cisplatin and C. nutans differentially regulated specific genes that are responsible for proliferation and differentiation. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that the combination of cisplatin and C. nutans represents a potential treatment for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhin Leng Yeo
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Malaysia
| | - Faisal Hussin
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Malaysia
| | - Priya Madhavan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Vuanghao Lim
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Khairunadwa Jemon
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Malaysia
| | - Praseetha Prabhakaran
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Malaysia
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6
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Wang C, Shen Y, Ma Y. Bifidobacterium infantis-Mediated Herpes Simplex Virus-TK/Ganciclovir Treatment Inhibits Cancer Metastasis in Mouse Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11721. [PMID: 37511481 PMCID: PMC10380465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have found that Bifidobacterium infantis-mediated herpes simplex virus-TK/ganciclovir (BF-TK/GCV) reduces the expression of VEGF and CD146, implying tumor metastasis inhibition. However, the mechanism by which BF-TK/GCV inhibits tumor metastasis is not fully studied. Here, we comprehensively identified and quantified protein expression profiling for the first time in gastric cancer (GC) cells MKN-45 upon BF-TK/GCV treatment using quantitative proteomics. A total of 159 and 72 differential expression proteins (DEPs) were significantly changed in the BF-TK/GCV/BF-TK and BF-TK/GCV/BF/GCV comparative analysis. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis enriched some metastasis-related pathways such as gap junction and cell adhesion molecules pathways. Moreover, the transwell assay proved that BF-TK/GCV inhibited the invasion and migration of tumor cells. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry (IHC) demonstrated that BF-TK/GCV reduced the expression of HIF-1α, mTOR, NF-κB1-p105, VCAM1, MMP13, CXCL12, ATG16, and CEBPB, which were associated with tumor metastasis. In summary, BF-TK/GCV inhibited tumor metastasis, which deepened and expanded the understanding of the antitumor mechanism of BF-TK/GCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changdong Wang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Molecular Medicine & Cancer Research Center, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yanxi Shen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Molecular Medicine & Cancer Research Center, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yongping Ma
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Molecular Medicine & Cancer Research Center, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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7
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Ghannoum S, Fantini D, Zahoor M, Reiterer V, Phuyal S, Leoncio Netto W, Sørensen Ø, Iyer A, Sengupta D, Prasmickaite L, Mælandsmo GM, Köhn-Luque A, Farhan H. A combined experimental-computational approach uncovers a role for the Golgi matrix protein Giantin in breast cancer progression. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010995. [PMID: 37068117 PMCID: PMC10159355 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of how speed and persistence of cell migration affects the growth rate and size of tumors remains incomplete. To address this, we developed a mathematical model wherein cells migrate in two-dimensional space, divide, die or intravasate into the vasculature. Exploring a wide range of speed and persistence combinations, we find that tumor growth positively correlates with increasing speed and higher persistence. As a biologically relevant example, we focused on Golgi fragmentation, a phenomenon often linked to alterations of cell migration. Golgi fragmentation was induced by depletion of Giantin, a Golgi matrix protein, the downregulation of which correlates with poor patient survival. Applying the experimentally obtained migration and invasion traits of Giantin depleted breast cancer cells to our mathematical model, we predict that loss of Giantin increases the number of intravasating cells. This prediction was validated, by showing that circulating tumor cells express significantly less Giantin than primary tumor cells. Altogether, our computational model identifies cell migration traits that regulate tumor progression and uncovers a role of Giantin in breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salim Ghannoum
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Damiano Fantini
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Muhammad Zahoor
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Veronika Reiterer
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Santosh Phuyal
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Waldir Leoncio Netto
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øystein Sørensen
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arvind Iyer
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Debarka Sengupta
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, New Delhi, India
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi, India
| | - Lina Prasmickaite
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunhild Mari Mælandsmo
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Biology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Alvaro Köhn-Luque
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hesso Farhan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Gholami M, Klashami ZN, Ebrahimi P, Mahboobipour AA, Farid AS, Vahidi A, Zoughi M, Asadi M, Amoli MM. Metformin and long non-coding RNAs in breast cancer. J Transl Med 2023; 21:155. [PMID: 36849958 PMCID: PMC9969691 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03909-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cancer and cause of death in women. In recent years many studies investigated the association of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), as novel genetic factors, on BC risk, survival, clinical and pathological features. Recent studies also investigated the roles of metformin treatment as the firstline treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D) played in lncRNAs expression/regulation or BC incidence, outcome, mortality and survival, separately. This comprehensive study aimed to review lncRNAs associated with BC features and identify metformin-regulated lncRNAs and their mechanisms of action on BC or other types of cancers. Finally, metformin affects BC by regulating five BC-associated lncRNAs including GAS5, HOTAIR, MALAT1, and H19, by several molecular mechanisms have been described in this review. In addition, metformin action on other types of cancers by regulating ten lncRNAs including AC006160.1, Loc100506691, lncRNA-AF085935, SNHG7, HULC, UCA1, H19, MALAT1, AFAP1-AS1, AC026904.1 is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Gholami
- Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeynab Nickhah Klashami
- Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pirooz Ebrahimi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata, Italy
| | | | - Amir Salehi Farid
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aida Vahidi
- Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Zoughi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojgan Asadi
- Metabolomics and Genomics Research Center Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa M Amoli
- Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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El-Hajjar L, Saliba J, Karam M, Shaito A, El Hajj H, El-Sabban M. Ubiquitin-Related Modifier 1 (URM-1) Modulates Cx43 in Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032958. [PMID: 36769280 PMCID: PMC9917400 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap-junction-forming connexins are exquisitely regulated by post-translational modifications (PTMs). In particular, the PTM of connexin 43 (Cx43), a tumor suppressor protein, regulates its turnover and activity. Here, we investigated the interaction of Cx43 with the ubiquitin-related modifier 1 (URM-1) protein and its impact on tumor progression in two breast cancer cell lines, highly metastatic triple-negative MDA-MB-231 and luminal breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines. To evaluate the subsequent modulation of Cx43 levels, URM-1 was downregulated in these cells. The transcriptional levels of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and the metastatic phenotype were assessed. We demonstrated that Cx43 co-localizes and interacts with URM-1, and URMylated Cx43 was accentuated upon cellular stress. The significant upregulation of small ubiquitin-like modifier-1 (SUMO-1) was also observed. In cells with downregulated URM-1, Cx43 expression significantly decreased, and SUMOylation by SUMO-1 was affected. The concomitant expression of EMT markers increased, leading to increased proliferation, migration, and invasion potential. Inversely, the upregulation of URM-1 increased Cx43 expression and reversed EMT-induced processes, underpinning a role for this PTM in the observed phenotypes. This study proposes that the URMylation of Cx43 in breast cancer cells regulates its tumor suppression properties and contributes to breast cancer cell malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layal El-Hajjar
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon
| | - Jessica Saliba
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut P.O. Box 90656, Lebanon
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut P.O. Box 100, Lebanon
| | - Mario Karam
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon
| | - Abdullah Shaito
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University Doha, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon
| | - Marwan El-Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +961-(1)-350000 (ext. 4765)
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10
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The Multifaceted Role of Connexins in Tumor Microenvironment Initiation and Maintenance. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020204. [PMID: 36829482 PMCID: PMC9953436 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Today's research on the processes of carcinogenesis and the vital activity of tumor tissues implies more attention be paid to constituents of the tumor microenvironment and their interactions. These interactions between cells in the tumor microenvironment can be mediated via different types of protein junctions. Connexins are one of the major contributors to intercellular communication. They form the gap junctions responsible for the transfer of ions, metabolites, peptides, miRNA, etc., between neighboring tumor cells as well as between tumor and stromal cells. Connexin hemichannels mediate purinergic signaling and bidirectional molecular transport with the extracellular environment. Additionally, connexins have been reported to localize in tumor-derived exosomes and facilitate the release of their cargo. A large body of evidence implies that the role of connexins in cancer is multifaceted. The pro- or anti-tumorigenic properties of connexins are determined by their abundance, localization, and functionality as well as their channel assembly and non-channel functions. In this review, we have summarized the data on the contribution of connexins to the formation of the tumor microenvironment and to cancer initiation and progression.
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11
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Zhou M, Zheng M, Zhou X, Tian S, Yang X, Ning Y, Li Y, Zhang S. The roles of connexins and gap junctions in the progression of cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:8. [PMID: 36639804 PMCID: PMC9837928 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-01009-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs), which are composed of connexins (Cxs), provide channels for direct information exchange between cells. Cx expression has a strong spatial specificity; however, its influence on cell behavior and information exchange between cells cannot be ignored. A variety of factors in organisms can modulate Cxs and subsequently trigger a series of responses that have important effects on cellular behavior. The expression and function of Cxs and the number and function of GJs are in dynamic change. Cxs have been characterized as tumor suppressors in the past, but recent studies have highlighted the critical roles of Cxs and GJs in cancer pathogenesis. The complex mechanism underlying Cx and GJ involvement in cancer development is a major obstacle to the evolution of therapy targeting Cxs. In this paper, we review the post-translational modifications of Cxs, the interactions of Cxs with several chaperone proteins, and the effects of Cxs and GJs on cancer. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Zhou
- grid.265021.20000 0000 9792 1228Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070 People’s Republic of China
| | - Minying Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300121 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyue Zhou
- grid.265021.20000 0000 9792 1228Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shifeng Tian
- grid.265021.20000 0000 9792 1228Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Yang
- grid.216938.70000 0000 9878 7032Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yidi Ning
- grid.216938.70000 0000 9878 7032Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuwei Li
- grid.417031.00000 0004 1799 2675Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, 300121 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300121 People’s Republic of China
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El-Harakeh M, Saliba J, Sharaf Aldeen K, Haidar M, El Hajjar L, Awad MK, Hashash JG, Shirinian M, El-Sabban M. Expression of the methylcytosine dioxygenase ten-eleven translocation-2 and connexin 43 in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:5845-5864. [PMID: 36353202 PMCID: PMC9639657 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i40.5845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) constitutes a substantial risk factor for colorectal cancer. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a protein that forms gap junction (GJ) complexes involved in intercellular communication, and its expression is altered under pathological conditions, such as IBD and cancer. Recent studies have implicated epigenetic processes modulating DNA methylation in the pathogenesis of diverse inflammatory and malignant diseases. The ten-eleven translocation-2 (TET-2) enzyme catalyzes the demethylation, hence, regulating the activity of various cancer-promoting and tumor-suppressor genes.
AIM To investigate Cx43 and TET-2 expression levels and presence of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) marks under inflammatory conditions both in vitro and in vivo.
METHODS TET-2 expression was evaluated in parental HT-29 cells and in HT-29 cells expressing low or high levels of Cx43, a putative tumor-suppressor gene whose expression varies in IBD and colorectal cancer, and which has been implicated in the inflammatory process and in tumor onset. The dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis model was reproduced in BALB/c mice to evaluate the expression of TET-2 and Cx43 under inflammatory conditions in vivo. In addition, archived colon tissue sections from normal, IBD (ulcerative colitis), and sporadic colon adenocarcinoma patients were obtained and evaluated for the expression of TET-2 and Cx43. Expression levels were reported at the transcriptional level by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and at the translational level by Western blotting and immunofluorescence.
RESULTS Under inflammatory conditions, Cx43 and TET-2 expression levels increased compared to non-inflammatory conditions. TET-2 upregulation was more pronounced in Cx43-deficient cells. Moreover, colon tissue sections from normal, ulcerative colitis, and sporadic colon adenocarcinoma patients corroborated that Cx43 expression increased in IBD and decreased in adenocarcinoma, compared to tissues from non-IBD subjects. However, TET-2 expression and 5-hmC mark levels decreased in samples from patients with ulcerative colitis or cancer. Cx43 and TET-2 expression levels were also investigated in an experimental colitis mouse model. Interestingly, mice exposed to carbenoxolone (CBX), a GJ inhibitor, had upregulated TET-2 levels. Collectively, these results show that TET-2 levels and activity increased under inflammatory conditions, in cells downregulating gap junctional protein Cx43, and in colon tissues from mice exposed to CBX.
CONCLUSION These results suggest that TET-2 expression levels, as well as Cx43 expression levels, are modulated in models of intestinal inflammation. We hypothesize that TET-2 may demethylate genes involved in inflammation and tumorigenesis, such as Cx43, potentially contributing to intestinal inflammation and associated carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad El-Harakeh
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
- UR GPF Laboratory of Biodiversity and Functional Genomics, Faculty of Science, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
| | - Jessica Saliba
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut 1533, Lebanon
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Dekwaneh, Sin el Fil 1552, Lebanon
| | - Kawthar Sharaf Aldeen
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
| | - May Haidar
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
| | - Layal El Hajjar
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
| | - Mireille Kallassy Awad
- UR GPF Laboratory of Biodiversity and Functional Genomics, Faculty of Science, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
| | - Jana G Hashash
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
| | - Margret Shirinian
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
| | - Marwan El-Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
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Jones JC, Bodenstine TM. Connexins and Glucose Metabolism in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710172. [PMID: 36077565 PMCID: PMC9455984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are a family of transmembrane proteins that regulate diverse cellular functions. Originally characterized for their ability to mediate direct intercellular communication through the formation of highly regulated membrane channels, their functions have been extended to the exchange of molecules with the extracellular environment, and the ability to modulate numerous channel-independent effects on processes such as motility and survival. Notably, connexins have been implicated in cancer biology for their context-dependent roles that can both promote or suppress cancer cell function. Moreover, connexins are able to mediate many aspects of cellular metabolism including the intercellular coupling of nutrients and signaling molecules. During cancer progression, changes to substrate utilization occur to support energy production and biomass accumulation. This results in metabolic plasticity that promotes cell survival and proliferation, and can impact therapeutic resistance. Significant progress has been made in our understanding of connexin and cancer biology, however, delineating the roles these multi-faceted proteins play in metabolic adaptation of cancer cells is just beginning. Glucose represents a major carbon substrate for energy production, nucleotide synthesis, carbohydrate modifications and generation of biosynthetic intermediates. While cancer cells often exhibit a dependence on glycolytic metabolism for survival, cellular reprogramming of metabolic pathways is common when blood perfusion is limited in growing tumors. These metabolic changes drive aggressive phenotypes through the acquisition of functional traits. Connections between glucose metabolism and connexin function in cancer cells and the surrounding stroma are now apparent, however much remains to be discovered regarding these relationships. This review discusses the existing evidence in this area and highlights directions for continued investigation.
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14
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Yerlikaya S, Djamgoz MB. Oleamide, a Sleep-Inducing Compound: Effects on Ion Channels and Cancer. Bioelectricity 2022. [DOI: 10.1089/bioe.2022.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Serife Yerlikaya
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa B.A. Djamgoz
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Biotechnology Research Center, Cyprus International University, Haspolat, Nicosia, TRNC, Mersin 10, Turkey
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15
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The Role of Connexin in Ophthalmic Neovascularization and the Interaction between Connexin and Proangiogenic Factors. J Ophthalmol 2022; 2022:8105229. [PMID: 35783340 PMCID: PMC9242797 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8105229] [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: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of new blood vessels is an important physiological process that occurs during development. When the body is injured, new blood vessel formation helps the body recuperate by supplying more oxygen and nutrients. However, this mechanism can have a negative effect. In ophthalmologic diseases, such as corneal new blood vessels, neonatal vascular glaucoma, and diabetes retinopathy, the formation of new blood vessels has become a critical component in patient survival. Connexin is a protein that regulates the cellular and molecular material carried by cells. It has been demonstrated that it is widely expressed in vascular endothelial cells, where it forms a slit connection between adjacent cells to promote cell-cell communication via hemichannels, as well as substance exchange into intracellular environments. Numerous studies have demonstrated that connexin in vascular endothelial cells plays an important role in angiogenesis and vascular leakage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect between the angiogenesis-associated factor and the connexin. It also reveals the effect of connexin on ophthalmic neovascularization.
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16
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Haefliger JA, Meda P, Alonso F. Endothelial Connexins in Developmental and Pathological Angiogenesis. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2022; 12:a041158. [PMID: 35074793 PMCID: PMC9159259 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) constitute a large family of transmembrane proteins that form gap junction channels, which enable the direct transfer of small signaling molecules from cell to cell. In blood vessels, Cx channels allow the endothelial cells (ECs) to respond to external and internal cues as a whole and, thus, contribute to the maintenance of vascular homeostasis. While the role of Cxs has been extensively studied in large arteries, a growing body of evidence suggests that they also play a role in the formation of microvascular networks. Since the formation of new blood vessels requires the coordinated response of ECs to external stimuli, endothelial Cxs may play an important role there. Recent studies in developmental and pathologic models reveal that EC Cxs regulate physiological and pathological angiogenesis through canonical and noncanonical functions, making these proteins potential therapeutic targets for the development of new strategies aimed at a better control of angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo Meda
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Medical Center, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Florian Alonso
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux (INSERM U1045), Université de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
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17
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Tabadkani M, Bani N, Gharib M, Ziaeemehr A, Samadi S, Rastgar-Moghadam A, Mehramiz M, Alavi N, Moetamani-Ahmadi M, Samadian MM, Vahaz F, Daghigh-Bazaz ZS, Rajabian M, Rahbarian R, Ramshini H, Khazaei M, Ferns GA, Shaidsales S, Avan A. Association between the Cx371019 C > T genetic variant and risk of breast cancer. Meta Gene 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2021.100925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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18
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Pulido T, Velarde MC, Alimirah F. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype: Fueling a wound that never heals. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 199:111561. [PMID: 34411604 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Wound healing is impaired with advanced age and certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity. Moreover, common cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, can cause unintended tissue damage and impair wound healing. Available wound care treatments are not always effective, as some wounds fail to heal or recur after treatment. Hence, a more thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of chronic, nonhealing wounds may offer new ideas for the development of effective wound care treatments. Cancers are sometimes referred to as wounds that never heal, sharing mechanisms similar to wound healing. We describe in this review how cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) contribute to chronic wounds versus cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Pulido
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | - Michael C Velarde
- Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, 1101, Philippines.
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19
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Glucose-limiting conditions induce an invasive population of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells with increased connexin 43 expression and membrane localization. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:223-236. [PMID: 33591483 PMCID: PMC7991056 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-020-00601-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is a homeostatic process mediated by membrane channels composed of a protein family known as connexins. Alterations to channel activity can modulate suppression or facilitation of cancer progression. These varying roles are influenced by the cancer cell genetic profile and the context-dependent mechanisms of a dynamic extracellular environment that encompasses fluctuations to nutrient availability. To better explore the effects of altered cellular metabolism on GJIC in breast cancer, we generated a derivative of the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 optimized for growth in low-glucose. Reduced availability of glucose is commonly encountered during tumor development and leads to metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells. MDA-MB-231 low-glucose adapted cells exhibited a larger size with improved cell–cell contact and upregulation of cadherin-11. Additionally, increased protein levels of connexin 43 and greater plasma membrane localization were observed with a corresponding improvement in GJIC activity compared to the parental cell line. Since GJIC has been shown to affect cellular invasion in multiple cancer cell types, we evaluated the invasive qualities of these cells using multiple three-dimensional Matrigel growth models. Results of these experiments demonstrated a significantly more invasive phenotype. Moreover, a decrease in invasion was noted when GJIC was inhibited. Our results indicate a potential response of triple-negative breast cancer cells to reduced glucose availability that results in changes to GJIC and invasiveness. Delineation of this relationship may help elucidate mechanisms by which altered cancer cell metabolism affects GJIC and how cancer cells respond to nutrient availability in this regard.
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20
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Wisitpongpun P, Suphrom N, Potup P, Nuengchamnong N, Calder PC, Usuwanthim K. In Vitro Bioassay-Guided Identification of Anticancer Properties from Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaf against the MDA-MB-231 Cell Line. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13120464. [PMID: 33333817 PMCID: PMC7765196 DOI: 10.3390/ph13120464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO) is a medicinal plant distributed across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. MO has been used in the traditional treatment of various diseases including cancer. This study aimed to perform bioassay-guided fractionation and identification of bioactive compounds from MO leaf against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. MO leaf was sequentially extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and ethanol. The most effective extract was subjected to fractionation. MO extract and its derived fractions were continuously screened for anti-cancer activities. The strongest fraction was selected for re-fractionation and identification of bioactive compounds using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis. The best anticancer activities were related to the fraction no. 7-derived crude EtOAc extract. This fraction significantly reduced cell viability and clonogenic growth and increased cells apoptosis. Moreover, sub-fraction no. 7.7-derived fraction no. 7 was selected for the identification of bioactive compounds. There were 10 candidate compounds tentatively identified by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS. Three of identified compounds (7-octenoic acid, oleamide, and 1-phenyl-2-pentanol) showed anticancer activities by inducing cell cycle arrest and triggering apoptosis through suppressed Bcl-2 expression which subsequently promotes activation of caspase 3, indicators for the apoptosis pathway. This study identified 10 candidate compounds that may have potential in the field of anticancer substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prapakorn Wisitpongpun
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit (CMIRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand; (P.W.); (P.P.)
| | - Nungruthai Suphrom
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand;
| | - Pachuen Potup
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit (CMIRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand; (P.W.); (P.P.)
| | - Nitra Nuengchamnong
- Science Laboratory Centre, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand;
| | - Philip C. Calder
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK;
| | - Kanchana Usuwanthim
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit (CMIRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand; (P.W.); (P.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-89-780-3878
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21
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Mulkearns-Hubert EE, Reizes O, Lathia JD. Connexins in Cancer: Jekyll or Hyde? Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1654. [PMID: 33321749 PMCID: PMC7764653 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression, localization, and function of connexins, the protein subunits that comprise gap junctions, are often altered in cancer. In addition to cell-cell coupling through gap junction channels, connexins also form hemichannels that allow communication between the cell and the extracellular space and perform non-junctional intracellular activities. Historically, connexins have been considered tumor suppressors; however, they can also serve tumor-promoting functions in some contexts. Here, we review the literature surrounding connexins in cancer cells in terms of specific connexin functions and propose that connexins function upstream of most, if not all, of the hallmarks of cancer. The development of advanced connexin targeting approaches remains an opportunity for the field to further interrogate the role of connexins in cancer phenotypes, particularly through the use of in vivo models. More specific modulators of connexin function will both help elucidate the functions of connexins in cancer and advance connexin-specific therapies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Mulkearns-Hubert
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (O.R.); (J.D.L.)
| | - Ofer Reizes
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (O.R.); (J.D.L.)
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College, Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Justin D. Lathia
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (O.R.); (J.D.L.)
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College, Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
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22
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Connexins-Therapeutic Targets in Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239119. [PMID: 33266154 PMCID: PMC7730856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) are members of a protein family that forms intercellular channels localised in gap junction (GJ) plaques and single transmembrane channels called hemichannels. They participate in intercellular communication or communication between the intracellular and extracellular environments. Connexins affect cell homeostasis, growth and differentiation by enabling the exchange of metabolites or by interfering with various signalling pathways. Alterations in the functionality and the expression of connexins have been linked to the occurrence of many diseases. Connexins have been already linked to cancers, cardiac and brain disorders, chronic lung and kidney conditions and wound healing processes. Connexins have been shown either to suppress cancer tumour growth or to increase tumorigenicity by promoting cancer cell growth, migration and invasiveness. A better understanding of the complexity of cancer biology related to connexins and intercellular communication could result in the design of novel therapeutic strategies. The modulation of connexin expression may be an effective therapeutic approach in some types of cancers. Therefore, one important challenge is the search for mechanisms and new drugs, selectively modulating the expression of various connexin isoforms. We performed a systematic literature search up to February 2020 in the electronic databases PubMed and EMBASE. Our search terms were as follows: connexins, hemichannels, cancer and cancer treatment. This review aims to provide information about the role of connexins and gap junctions in cancer, as well as to discuss possible therapeutic options that are currently being studied.
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The Signaling Duo CXCL12 and CXCR4: Chemokine Fuel for Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12103071. [PMID: 33096815 PMCID: PMC7590182 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy in women. In this review, we explore the role of the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway in breast cancer. We show that the CXCL12/CXCR4 cascade is involved in nearly every aspect of breast cancer tumorigenesis including proliferation, cell motility and distant metastasis. Moreover, we summarize current knowledge about the CXCL12/CXCR4-targeted therapies. Due to the critical roles of this pathway in breast cancer and other malignancies, we believe that audiences in different fields will find this overview helpful. Abstract The CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling pathway has emerged in the recent years as a key player in breast cancer tumorigenesis. This pathway controls many aspects of breast cancer development including cancer cell proliferation, motility and metastasis to all target organs. Moreover, the CXCL12/CXCR4 cascade affects both immune and stromal cells, creating tumor-supporting microenvironment. In this review, we examine state-of-the-art knowledge about detrimental roles of the CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling, discuss its therapeutic potential and suggest further research directions beneficial both for basic research and personalized medicine in breast cancer.
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Liu Y, Wang L, Liu J, Xie X, Hu H, Luo F. Anticancer Effects of ACT001 via NF-κB Suppression in Murine Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Line 4T1. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:5131-5139. [PMID: 32617021 PMCID: PMC7326172 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s244748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE ACT001 is a novel sesquiterpene lactone derivative with anticancer effects, including the reversal of tamoxifen resistance in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells. However, few studies have investigated the anticancer effects of ACT001 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ACT001 on TNBC and the potential mechanism underlying these effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS The anticancer effects of ACT001 on the murine TNBC cell line 4T1 were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, animal experiments, TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting analysis. RESULTS ACT001 induced apoptosis in 4T1 cells by upregulating B cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein expression. Moreover, ACT001 markedly decreased levels of secretory granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in 4T1 tumors, decreased the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and reduced angiogenesis. Furthermore, GM-CSF promoted angiogenesis and the proliferation of MDSCs in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, ACT001 suppressed phospho-NF-κB and IκB-α levels in 4T1 cells, thereby further decreasing GM-CSF levels. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that ACT001 exerts its anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis in murine TNBC cell line 4T1 and regulates the tumor microenvironment by attenuating angiogenesis and accumulation of MDSCs in 4T1 tumors. The underlying mechanism may involve the suppression of NF-κB activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyang Liu
- Lung Cancer Center, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- Lung Cancer Center, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiewei Liu
- Lung Cancer Center, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiao Xie
- Lung Cancer Center, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haoyue Hu
- Lung Cancer Center, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng Luo
- Lung Cancer Center, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
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Zhu T, Wang Z, Wang G, Hu Z, Ding H, Li R, Sun J. Long non-coding RNA ZFAS1 promotes the expression of EPAS1 in gastric cardia adenocarcinoma. J Adv Res 2020; 28:7-15. [PMID: 33364040 PMCID: PMC7753234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2020.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
LncRNA (Long non-coding RNA) ZFAS1 (zinc finger antisense 1) functions as the oncogene in multiple cancers, including gastric cancer. However, its function and underlying mechanism in the GCA (gastric cardia adenocarcinoma), the most aggressive type of gastric cancer, remain unknown. We demonstrated here that the LncRNA ZFAS1 was up-regulated in GCA tissues. Furthermore, the elevated level of ZFAS1 was significantly associated with the GCA metastasis and cancer recurrence. It was also demonstrated to be an independent prognostic indicator of disease-free survival and overall survival for GCA patients. RNA sequencing showed that the up-regulated ZFAS1 was tightly associated with the down-regulated hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF1) and up-regulated EPAS1 (Endothelial PAS domain protein 1, also known as HIF2). In vitro studies showed that the ZFAS1 could bind to EPAS1, enhance its abilities to epigenetically silence the HIF1, and promote its own expression in GCA cell lines. In the animal model, co-delivering the EPAS1 and the ZFAS1 antisense oligos could significantly boost up their therapeutic effects on tumor growth. Thus, targeting ZFAS1 and EPAS1 might be an alternative therapeutic option in GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, PR China
| | - Zhuoyin Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, PR China
| | - Guojun Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, PR China
| | - Zhihao Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, PR China
| | - Hengxuan Ding
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, PR China
| | - Ruixin Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, PR China
| | - Junfeng Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, PR China
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Saleem MZ, Nisar MA, Alshwmi M, Din SRU, Gamallat Y, Khan M, Ma T. Brevilin A Inhibits STAT3 Signaling and Induces ROS-Dependent Apoptosis, Mitochondrial Stress and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:435-450. [PMID: 32021288 PMCID: PMC6970270 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s228702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women across the globe. Despite concerted efforts to improve the prevailing treatment modalities, the overall prognosis of breast cancer remains unsatisfactory. Recently, antiproliferative activity of Brevilin A (Brv-A), a sesquiterpene lactone compound of Centipeda minima, has been unveiled in various cancer types. Here, we have explored anticancer activity of Brv-A in MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells by targeting various pathways. Materials and Methods Cell proliferation rate was determined by CCK-8 and clonogenic assay. Cellular morphological changes were observed under phase contrast microscope while calcein-AM and PI was used for live/dead assay. Cell cycle assay was performed by flow cytometry. Apoptotic cell percentage was determined by Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometric analysis. ROS generation and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured using commercially available kits while protein expression was measured by Western blotting. Results In our study, Brv-A exerted antiproliferative effect through mitotic arrest at G2/M phase of cell cycle and induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Induction of apoptosis by Brv-A was found to be associated with ROS generation by targeting NOX2 and NOX3, mitochondrial dysfunction (MMP dissipation and Bcl-2 family proteins modulation), DNA fragmentation, JNK and p38 MAPK activation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by increasing Bip/GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP protein expressions and inhibition of STAT3 activation via decreased phosphorylation of JAK2 and SRC. Pretreatment of NAC, a ROS scavenger, partially reversed the aforesaid cellular events indicating ROS generation as the primary event to modulate cellular targets for induction of apoptosis. Besides, Brv-A has also been documented for inhibition of cell migration via decrease in COX-2 and MMP-2 expression. Conclusion Taken together, Brv-A induces G2/M phase arrest, ROS-dependent apoptosis, ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibits STAT3 activation in MCF-7 cells signifying it to be one of the potential anticancer therapeutics in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Zubair Saleem
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Azhar Nisar
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Mohammed Alshwmi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Syed Riaz Ud Din
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaser Gamallat
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Khan
- Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab 54590, Pakistan
| | - Tonghui Ma
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, People's Republic of China
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Qu Q, Li Y, Fang X, Zhang L, Xue C, Ge X, Wang X, Jiang Y. Differentially expressed tRFs in CD5 positive relapsed & refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma and the bioinformatic analysis for their potential clinical use. Biol Direct 2019; 14:23. [PMID: 31775867 PMCID: PMC6882323 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-019-0255-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patients diagnosed as diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with CD5 positive normally have a worse outcome and poorly respond to the regulatory treatment strategy. Results We recently reported differently expressed tRFs and their potential target-genes of tRFs in patients with CD5+ R/R DLBCL. Differently expressed tRFs were detected by Illumina NextSeq instrument and the results were verified by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR. tRF2Cancer database was searched to compared with the results. Further research was performed through bio-informatic analysis including gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses, etc. A total of 308 tRFs were identified. Two sequences (AS-tDR-008946, AS-tDR-013492) were chosen for further investigated. Conclusions The results of Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the target genes including NEDD4L and UBA52 and several associated pathways including PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK might be involved in the development of CD5+ R/R DLBCL. Our preliminary study on the associated tRFs might provide a valuable measure to explore the pathogenesis and progression of CD5+ R/R DLBCL. Reviewers This article was reviewed by Zhen Qing Ye, Nagarajan Raju and Jin Zhuang Dou.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyuan Qu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No.324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No.324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaosheng Fang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No.324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No.324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Xue
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No.324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueling Ge
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No.324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No.324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No.324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China.
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Wu Q, Arnheim AD, Finley SD. In silico mouse study identifies tumour growth kinetics as biomarkers for the outcome of anti-angiogenic treatment. J R Soc Interface 2019; 15:rsif.2018.0243. [PMID: 30135261 PMCID: PMC6127173 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2018.0243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a crucial step in tumour progression, as this process allows tumours to recruit new blood vessels and obtain oxygen and nutrients to sustain growth. Therefore, inhibiting angiogenesis remains a viable strategy for cancer therapy. However, anti-angiogenic therapy has not proved to be effective in reducing tumour growth across a wide range of tumours, and no reliable predictive biomarkers have been found to determine the efficacy of anti-angiogenic treatment. Using our previously established computational model of tumour-bearing mice, we sought to determine whether tumour growth kinetic parameters could be used to predict the outcome of anti-angiogenic treatment. A model trained with datasets from six in vivo mice studies was used to generate a randomized in silico tumour-bearing mouse population. We analysed tumour growth in untreated mice (control) and mice treated with an anti-angiogenic agent and determined the Kaplan–Meier survival estimates based on simulated tumour volume data. We found that the ratio between two kinetic parameters, k0 and k1, which characterize the tumour's exponential and linear growth rates, as well as k1 alone, can be used as prognostic biomarkers of the population survival outcome. Our work demonstrates a robust, quantitative approach for identifying tumour growth kinetic parameters as prognostic biomarkers and serves as a template that can be used to identify other biomarkers for anti-angiogenic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhui Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alyssa D Arnheim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stacey D Finley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA .,Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Zheng S, Lin F, Zhang M, Mu N, Ge X, Fu J. Long non-coding RNA AK001058 regulates tumor growth and angiogenesis in colorectal cancer via methylation of ADAMTS12. Am J Transl Res 2019; 11:6117-6123. [PMID: 31632580 PMCID: PMC6789272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer, a common gastrointestinal malignant tumor, has been a leading cause of cancer related deaths. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in regulating cancer development. The aim of this study was to investigate the role and potential mechanism of lncRNA AK001058 in colorectal cancer. To establish tumor xenografts, BALB/c nude mice received subcutaneously injection of SW480 cells with transfection targeting AK001058 (overexpression or knockdown). Tumor growth was observed and recorded. The relative gene expression levels were determined by quantitative real-time PCR or western blot. Cell apoptosis was determined by tunnel analysis. Microvessel morphology changes were detected by H&E staining. Methylation level of CpG island was analyzed using methylation specific PCR. The results showed that AK001058 overexpression notably accelerated tumor growth. AK001058 overexpression also decreased cell apoptosis, worsened microvessel morphology and increased the expression of VEGFA and angiopoietin II. Moreover, AK001058 decreased the expression of ADAMTS12 by increasing its methylation level. Nevertheless, AK001058 knockdown exerted the opposite function. Therefore, AK001058 knockdown could effectively inhibit tumor growth mostly accounting for decreased cell apoptosis and tumor angiogenesis, which was partly dependent on the high methylation level of ADATS12. These data provided a novel therapeutic strategy of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Huangyan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou First People's Hospital Taizhou 318020, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feng Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Huangyan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou First People's Hospital Taizhou 318020, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Huangyan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou First People's Hospital Taizhou 318020, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ning Mu
- Department of General Surgery, Huangyan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou First People's Hospital Taizhou 318020, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaogang Ge
- Department of General Surgery, Huangyan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou First People's Hospital Taizhou 318020, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junhui Fu
- Department of General Surgery, Huangyan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou First People's Hospital Taizhou 318020, Zhejiang, China
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Abstract
As the leading cause of death in cancer, there is an urgent need to develop treatments to target the dissemination of primary tumor cells to secondary organs, known as metastasis. Bioelectric signaling has emerged in the last century as an important controller of cell growth, and with the development of current molecular tools we are now beginning to identify its role in driving cell migration and metastasis in a variety of cancer types. This review summarizes the currently available research for bioelectric signaling in solid tumor metastasis. We review the steps of metastasis and discuss how these can be controlled by bioelectric cues at the level of a cell, a population of cells, and the tissue. The role of ion channel, pump, and exchanger activity and ion flux is discussed, along with the importance of the membrane potential and the relationship between ion flux and membrane potential. We also provide an overview of the evidence for control of metastasis by external electric fields (EFs) and draw from examples in embryogenesis and regeneration to discuss the implications for endogenous EFs. By increasing our understanding of the dynamic properties of bioelectric signaling, we can develop new strategies that target metastasis to be translated into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. Payne
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Madeleine J. Oudin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
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Aasen T, Leithe E, Graham SV, Kameritsch P, Mayán MD, Mesnil M, Pogoda K, Tabernero A. Connexins in cancer: bridging the gap to the clinic. Oncogene 2019; 38:4429-4451. [PMID: 30814684 PMCID: PMC6555763 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0741-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions comprise arrays of intercellular channels formed by connexin proteins and provide for the direct communication between adjacent cells. This type of intercellular communication permits the coordination of cellular activities and plays key roles in the control of cell growth and differentiation and in the maintenance of tissue homoeostasis. After more than 50 years, deciphering the links among connexins, gap junctions and cancer, researchers are now beginning to translate this knowledge to the clinic. The emergence of new strategies for connexin targeting, combined with an improved understanding of the molecular bases underlying the dysregulation of connexins during cancer development, offers novel opportunities for clinical applications. However, different connexin isoforms have diverse channel-dependent and -independent functions that are tissue and stage specific. This can elicit both pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects that engender significant challenges in the path towards personalised medicine. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of connexins and gap junctions in cancer, with particular focus on the recent progress made in determining their prognostic and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond Aasen
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Autonomous University of Barcelona, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Edward Leithe
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and K.G. Jebsen Colorectal Cancer Research Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sheila V Graham
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Petra Kameritsch
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, München, Germany
| | - María D Mayán
- CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Marc Mesnil
- STIM Laboratory, Faculté des Sciences Fondamentales et Appliquées, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Kristin Pogoda
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, München, Germany
| | - Arantxa Tabernero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
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Cx43 Expression Correlates with Breast Cancer Metastasis in MDA-MB-231 Cells In Vitro, In a Mouse Xenograft Model and in Human Breast Cancer Tissues. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040460. [PMID: 30939738 PMCID: PMC6521103 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins regulate multiple cellular functions and are considered tumor suppressors. Connexin43 (Cx43) is frequently down-regulated in breast tumors. However, Cx43 regulation during cancer onset and metastasis is complex and context-dependent. We investigated the effect of Cx43 over-expression or knock-down on the metastatic potential of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo and in human breast cancer tissues. MDA-MB-231 cells over-expressing (Cx43D) or down-regulating Cx43 (shCx43) were generated and used in proliferation, migration, and invasion assays. The regulation of genes/proteins implicated in progression, invasion and metastasis was assessed in vitro and in immune-compromized mice injected with MDA-MB-231, Cx43D or shCx43 cells. Primary tumor onset/growth, metastasis and overall survival of these animals was monitored and evaluated. In addition, Cx43 expression in human breast carcinoma samples was assessed by qPCR. Cx43 over-expression increased protein levels of epithelial markers E-cadherin and zonula occludens 1 expression and resulted in the sequestration of β-catenin at the cell membrane, while Cx43 knock-down induced protein expression of the mesenchymal marker N-cadherin and an increased invasive potential of shCx43 cells. In vivo, in mice xenografted with breast cancer cells, Cx43 over-expression decreased tumor volume, attenuated cell metastasis to lungs and liver and increased overall mice survival. Importantly, the expression of Cx43 in triple negative human breast cancer tissues is also down-regulated. Collectively, Cx43 over-expression induced an epithelial-like phenotype in MDA-MB-231 cells and suppressed tumor growth and metastasis to secondary organs in vivo. In contrast, Cx43 knock-down in MDA-MB-231 cells induced a mesenchymal phenotype with increased cell invasion leading to an enhanced metastatic phenotype. These data provide evidence for a pivotal role of Cx43 in breast cancer metastasis and support the potential targeting of connexins in breast cancer therapy.
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Pilarczyk G, Papenfuß F, Bestvater F, Hausmann M. Spatial Arrangements of Connexin43 in Cancer Related Cells and Re-Arrangements under Treatment Conditions: Investigations on the Nano-Scale by Super-Resolution Localization Light Microscopy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030301. [PMID: 30836676 PMCID: PMC6468626 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer studies suggest that the spatial localization of connexin43 (Cx43) could play an important role during tumor genesis and the formation of metastasis. Cx43 has been shown to be upregulated in cancer cells; thereby a shift from Cx43 normal localization in gap junctions in the cell membrane towards a primarily cytoplasmic localization was observed in many studies. So far neither the spatial arrangements of Cx43 in breast cancer cells nor the effects of treatment outcome (ionizing radiation and antibody therapy) on the spatial arrangements of Cx43, have been microscopically studied on the nanoscale. This has brought up the idea to study the micro- and nanoscaled spatial Cx43 arrangements in a model of breast cancer-related cell types, i.e., SkBr3 breast cancer cells, BJ fibroblasts, and primary human internal mammary artery endothelial cells (HIMAECs). The cells were treated with neuregulin1 (NRG1), trastuzumab (Herceptin), or 6MeV-photon irradiation at a dose of 4 Gy. NRG1 stimulates further NRG1 release in the tumor endothelium that may lead to an enhanced tumor protective effect whereas Herceptin, used in antibody treatment, works in an antagonistic fashion to NRG1. After fluorescent labelling with specific antibodies, the molecular positions of Cx43 in the perinuclear cytosol and in the cell periphery at the membrane were determined for the three treatment related applications (NRG1, trastuzumab, 4 Gy irradiation) using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). These techniques enable investigations of Cx43 enrichment and topological arrangements of Cx43 molecules from the micro-scale of a whole cell to the nano-scale of single molecules. In SkBr3 cells with and without radiation treatment high density accumulations were detected which seem to be diluted after NRG1 and trastuzumab treatment although the SMLM distance frequency distributions did not significantly vary. In BJ fibroblasts and HIMAECs differences between periphery and perinuclear cytosol were observed after the different treatment processes. HIMAECs showed significant Cx43 accumulation after NRG1, trastuzumab, and radiation treatment in the perinuclear region whereas in the periphery radiation has less influence as compared to the control. BJ cells were reacting to the treatments by Cx43 accumulations in the perinuclear region but also in the periphery. In conclusion, it was shown that by using CLSM and super-resolution SMLM, treatment effects on the spatial and thus functional arrangements of Cx43 became detectable for investigations of tumor response mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Götz Pilarczyk
- Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of High Content Analysis of the Cell "HiCell", BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Franziska Papenfuß
- Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Felix Bestvater
- Core Facility Unit Light Microscopy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Michael Hausmann
- Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Liu F, Liu L, Wang Z, Chen L, Yu J, Xu X. The role of ethanol in the pathogenesis of non‑bacterial prostatitis. Mol Med Rep 2019; 19:3848-3854. [PMID: 30816531 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.9991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic prostatitis (CP) is a common disease within the field of urology, and it is difficult to treat. Prostatitis mainly occurs in young men and presents with various clinical symptoms, manifested as urinary frequency, urinary urgency, urinary pain, prolonged urination, dysuria and other urinary abnormalities. There are various forms of the syndrome that can cause discomfort or pain in the perineum, the lower abdomen, the penis, the scrotum and the lumbosacral area. To investigate CP in more detail, animal models are necessary to determine the etiology of prostatitis and develop new, specific drug therapies. In the present study, Sprague Dawley rats that were induced to develop a model of chronic and non‑bacterial prostatitis drank ethanol or water to determine the effects of ethanol on prostatitis. Total antioxidant capacity, the concentration of inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor‑α and interleukin‑1β, and the expression changes of α1‑adrenoreceptor were measured. The susceptibility of ethanol‑drinking rats to CP was confirmed and some simple mechanism of this susceptibility was investigated to further guide the diagnosis and treatment of patients with prostatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Liu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital, Shanghai 201499, P.R. China
| | - Lintao Liu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital, Shanghai 201499, P.R. China
| | - Zhong Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital, Shanghai 201499, P.R. China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital, Shanghai 201499, P.R. China
| | - Jianjun Yu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital, Shanghai 201499, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolin Xu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital, Shanghai 201499, P.R. China
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EL-Hajjar L, Jalaleddine N, Shaito A, Zibara K, Kazan JM, El-Saghir J, El-Sabban M. Bevacizumab induces inflammation in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line and in a mouse model. Cell Signal 2019; 53:400-412. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Effects of VEGFR1 + hematopoietic progenitor cells on pre-metastatic niche formation and in vivo metastasis of breast cancer cells. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2018; 145:411-427. [PMID: 30483898 PMCID: PMC6373264 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-018-2802-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The pre-metastatic niche has been shown to play a critical role in tumor metastasis, and its formation is closely related to the tumor microenvironment. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we successfully established a mouse model of lung metastasis using luciferase-expressing MDA-MB-435s cells. In this model, recruitment of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR1)+CD133+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) was gradually increased in lung but gradually decreased after the formation of tumor colonies in lung. We also established a highly metastatic MDA-MB-435s (MDA-MB-435s-HM) cell line from the mouse model. Changes in protein profiles in different culture conditions were investigated by protein microarray analysis. The levels of CXC chemokine ligand 16, interleukin (IL)-2Rα, IL-2Rγ, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-9, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-α, stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)-1 and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin were significantly greater (> fivefold) in the culture medium from MDA-MB-435s-HM cells than in that from MDA-MB-435s cells. Moreover, the levels of MMP-9, PDGFR-α, and PECAM-1 were significantly greater in the co-culture medium of MDA-MB-435s-HM cells and CD133+ HPCs than in that from MDA-MB-435s-HM cells. Differentially expressed proteins were validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and expression of their transcripts was confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, inhibition of MMP-9, PDGFR-α, and PECAM-1 by their specific inhibitors or antibodies significantly decreased cell migration, delayed lung metastasis, and decreased recruitment of VEGFR1+CD133+ HPCs into lung. Intra-hepatic growth of HPCs enhanced the invasive growth of MDA-MB-435s-HM cells in the liver. Our data indicate that VEGFR1+CD133+ HPCs contribute to lung metastasis.
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Zhang L, Chen C, Duanmu J, Wu Y, Tao J, Yang A, Yin X, Xiong B, Gu J, Li C, Liu Z. Cryptotanshinone inhibits the growth and invasion of colon cancer by suppressing inflammation and tumor angiogenesis through modulating MMP/TIMP system, PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling and HIF-1α nuclear translocation. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 65:429-437. [PMID: 30388517 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological effects of CPT on CT26 colon cancer cells in vivo and in vitro, and to reveal the potential mechanism. CPT suppressed the proliferation and growth of CT26 colon cancer in vitro and in vivo. CPT inhibited the invasion of CT26 cells in vitro, and decreased the protein expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 but increased those of tissue inhibitor of metallopeptidase-1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2 in vitro and in vivo. It also inhibited tumor cell-induced angiogenesis of endothelial cells in vitro and rat aortic ring angiogenesis ex vivo, and possibly by suppressing angiogenesis-associated factors. CPT suppressed the expressions of inflammatory factors in vivo and in vitro. Mechanism studies showed that CPT inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, as evidenced by decreased expressions of phospho-PI3K (p-PI3K), p-Akt and p-mTOR. Moreover, CPT significantly suppressed the nuclear expression but increased the cytosolic expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Collectively, CPT inhibited the growth, invasion, inflammation and angiogenesis in CT26 colon cancer, and at least partly, by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling and the nuclear translocation of HIF-1α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Chang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jiaxin Duanmu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Yan Wu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Jinhua Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Aihua Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Nantong Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226018, China
| | - Xiaoqin Yin
- Department of pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Biao Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jingya Gu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Chunling Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Zhaoguo Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, China.
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Hara Y, Torii R, Ueda S, Kurimoto E, Ueda E, Okura H, Tatano Y, Yagi H, Ohno Y, Tanaka T, Masuko K, Masuko T. Inhibition of tumor formation and metastasis by a monoclonal antibody against lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:3171-3182. [PMID: 30058195 PMCID: PMC6172044 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although cancer metastasis is associated with poor prognosis, the mechanisms of this event, especially via lymphatic vessels, remain unclear. Lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE‐1) is expressed on lymphatic vessel endothelium and is considered to be a specific marker of lymphatic vessels, but it is unknown how LYVE‐1 is involved in the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. We produced rat monoclonal antibodies (mAb) recognizing the extracellular domain of mouse LYVE‐1, and investigated the roles of LYVE‐1 in tumor formation and metastasis. The mAb 38M and 64R were selected from hybridoma clones created by cell fusion between spleen cells of rats immunized with RH7777 rat hepatoma cells expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐fused mouse LYVE‐1 proteins and mouse myeloma cells. Two mAb reacted with RH7777 and HEK293F human embryonic kidney cells expressing GFP‐fused mouse LYVE‐1 proteins in a GFP expression‐dependent manner, and each recognized a distinct epitope. On immunohistology, the 38M mAb specifically stained lymphatic vessels in several mouse tissues. In the wound healing assay, the 64R mAb inhibited cell migration of HEK293F cells expressing LYVE‐1 and mouse lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC), as well as tube formation by LEC. Furthermore, this mAb inhibited primary tumor formation and metastasis to lymph nodes in metastatic MDA‐MB‐231 xenograft models. This shows that LYVE‐1 is involved in primary tumor formation and metastasis, and it may be a promising molecular target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Hara
- Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashiosaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryota Torii
- Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashiosaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shiho Ueda
- Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashiosaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Erina Kurimoto
- Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashiosaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Eri Ueda
- Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashiosaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Okura
- Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashiosaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yutaka Tatano
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Faculty of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, Otawara, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hideki Yagi
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Faculty of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, Otawara, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Ohno
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hyogo University of Health Sciences, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Tanaka
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hyogo University of Health Sciences, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Kazue Masuko
- Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashiosaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takashi Masuko
- Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashiosaka, Osaka, Japan
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Sharma P, Kumar S. Metformin inhibits human breast cancer cell growth by promoting apoptosis via a ROS-independent pathway involving mitochondrial dysfunction: pivotal role of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2018; 41:637-650. [PMID: 30088260 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-018-0398-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite a growing body of evidence indicating a potential efficacy of the anti-diabetic metformin as anti-cancer agent, the exact mechanism underlying this efficacy has remained largely unknown. Here, we aimed at assessing putative mechanisms associated with the ability of metformin to reduce the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. METHODS A battery of in vitro assays including MTT, colony formation, NBT and scratch wound healing assays were performed to assess the viability, proliferation, anti-oxidative potential and migration of breast cancer-derived MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and T47D cells, respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays along with fluorescence microscopy were used to assess apoptotic parameters. Quantification of SOD, Bcl-2, Bax, MMPs, miR-21 and miR-155 expression was performed using qRT-PCR. RESULTS We found that metformin inhibited the growth, proliferation and clonogenic potential of the breast cancer-derived cells tested. ROS levels were found to be significantly reduced by metformin and, concomitantly, superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoforms were found to be upregulated. Mitochondrial dysfunction was observed in metformin treated cells, indicating apoptosis. In metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells, migration was found to be suppressed by metformin through deregulation of the matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9. The oncogenic microRNAs miR-21 and miR-155 were found to be downregulated by metformin, which may be correlated with the suppression of cell proliferation and/or migration. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that metformin may play a pivotal role in modulating the anti-oxidant system, including the SOD machinery, in breast cancer-derived cells. Our observations were validated by in silico analyses, indicating a close interaction between SOD and metformin. We also found that metformin may inhibit breast cancer-derived cell proliferation through apoptosis induction via the mitochondrial pathway. Finally, we found that metformin may modulate the pro-apoptotic Bax, anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, MMP-2, MMP-9, miR-21 and miR-155 expression levels. These findings may be instrumental for the clinical management and/or (targeted) treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prateek Sharma
- Centre for Biosciences, School of Basic and Applied Science, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151001, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Centre for Biosciences, School of Basic and Applied Science, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151001, India.
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Luo X, Li J, Yin L, Pan J, Zhang Y, Jiang Z. Role of microRNA 146a on the healing of cornea alkali burn treated with mesenchymal stem cells. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:3203-3210. [PMID: 30066863 PMCID: PMC6102633 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of microRNA 146a (miR146a) on promoting the repair of corneal alkali burn with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). A total of 24 Sprague‑Dawley female rats were divided into a normal group (Control), a normal MSC treatment group (Normal MSCs), an miR146a knockout MSC treatment group (miR146a‑low MSCs) and an miR146a high‑expression MSC treatment group (miR146a‑high MSCs) according to the random number table. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the expression levels of miR146a. MTT assay was performed to measure the cell viability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. The expression levels of p65 nuclear factor (NF)‑κB, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Fas proteins were analyzed by western blotting. MSCs were tested for the secretion levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CD45, interferon (IFN)‑γ and interleukin (IL)‑10 by ELISA. The miR146a‑high MSCs improved cell viability of MSCs and inhibited apoptosis of MSCs following alkali burn. miR146a‑high MSCs decreased the expression levels of p65NF‑κB and PCNA, and enhanced the expression level of Fas. Furthermore, miR146a‑high MSCs improved the cornea opacity and enhanced the inhibition of neovascularization in the rats following alkali burn. miR146a‑high MSCs inhibit the expression of VEGF, CD45, IFN‑γ, while enhanced the expression of IL‑10. Therefore, miR146a promotes the repair of corneal alkali burn in rats treated with MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Luo
- Department of Wounds and Burns, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Jianmin Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Lihui Yin
- Laboratory of Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Jian Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Zipei Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
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Nam JP, Kim S, Kim SW. Design of PEI-conjugated bio-reducible polymer for efficient gene delivery. Int J Pharm 2018; 545:295-305. [PMID: 29698820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The poly(cystaminebis(acrylamide)-diaminohexane) (poly(CBA-DAH)) was designed previously as a bio-reducible efficient gene delivery carrier. However, the high weight ratio required to form the polyplexes between poly(CBA-DAH) with pDNA is still a problem that needs to be addressed. To solve this problem and increase the transfection efficiency, poly(ethylenimine) (PEI, 1.8 kDa) was conjugated to poly(CBA-DAH) via disulfide bond. The PEI conjugated poly(CBA-DAH) (PCDP) can bind with pDNA at a very low weight ratio of 0.5 and above, like PEI 25 kDa, and form the polyplexes with nano-size (102-128 nm) and positive surface charge (27-34 mV). PCDP and PCDP polyplexes had negligible cytotoxicity and indicated similar or better cellular uptake than the comparison groups such as PEI 25 kDa and Lipofectamine® polyplexes. To confirm the transfection efficiency, the plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoded with the luciferase reporter gene (gWiz-Luc) and green fluorescent protein reporter gene (GFP) were used and treated with PCDP into the A549, Huh-7, and Mia PaCa-2 cells. PCDP/pDNA polyplexes showed highest transfection efficiency in all tested cell lines. In the luciferase assay, PCDP polyplexes showed 10.2 times higher gene transfection efficiency than Lipofectamine® polyplexes in mimic in vivo conditions (30% FBS, A549 cells). The VEGF siRNA expressing plasmid (pshVEGF), which is constructed as a therapeutic gene by our previous work, was delivered by PCDP into the cancer cells. The VEGF gene expression of PCDP/pshVEGF polyplexes was dramatically lower than control and the VEGF gene silencing efficiencies of PCDP/pshVEGF (w/w; 10/1) polyplexes were 54% (A549 cells), 77% (Huh-7 cells), and 66% (Mia PaCa-2 cells). In addition, PCDP/pshVEGF had reduced cell viability rates of about 31% (A549 cells), 39% (Huh-7 cells), and 42% (Mia PaCa-2 cells) and showed better results than all comparison groups. In the transfection efficiency and VEGF silencing assay, PCDP polyplexes showed better results than poly(CBA-DAH) at 4-fold lower weight ratio. The data of all experiments demonstrate that the synthesized PCDP could be used for efficient gene delivery and could be widely applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joung-Pyo Nam
- Center for Controlled Chemical Delivery (CCCD), Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
| | - Soyoung Kim
- Center for Controlled Chemical Delivery (CCCD), Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
| | - Sung Wan Kim
- Center for Controlled Chemical Delivery (CCCD), Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States.
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Nashun B, You J, Ji M, Zhao S, Qin L, Chen X. Granuloma formation in the liver is relatively delayed, although sustained, in BCG‑infected mice co‑infected with Plasmodium. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:7764-7768. [PMID: 29620231 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of Plasmodium on the process of granuloma formation in Bacille Calmette‑Guerin (BCG)‑infected mice. Female six‑week‑old BALB/c mice were co‑infected with BCG and Plasmodium. The liver index, pathological alterations and quantity of granulomas in the mice were observed when the mice were co‑injected with BCG and Plasmodium. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was assessed by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR) analysis. In addition, the expression of interleukin (IL)‑10 in liver tissues was observed by RT‑PCR. Following co‑infection with BCG and Plasmodium, the swelling of the liver had been slowly restored to normal, and the time required to allow granulomas to subside had prolonged. In addition, the expression of iNOS increased, while the expression of IL‑10 gradually decreased in Plasmodium‑infected mice. It was concluded that the use of Plasmodium relatively delayed granuloma formation in livers of BCG‑infected mice. In addition, iNOS and IL‑10 are involved in this pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayaer Nashun
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China
| | - Jianlan You
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510530, P.R. China
| | - Musi Ji
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liaobu Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong 523400, P.R. China
| | - Siting Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510530, P.R. China
| | - Li Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510530, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510530, P.R. China
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Kuol N, Stojanovska L, Apostolopoulos V, Nurgali K. Role of the Nervous System in Tumor Angiogenesis. CANCER MICROENVIRONMENT 2018; 11:1-11. [PMID: 29502307 DOI: 10.1007/s12307-018-0207-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The development of cancer involves an intricate process, wherein many identified and unidentified factors play a role. Tumor angiogenesis, growth of new blood vessels, is one of the major prerequisites for tumor growth as tumor cells rely on adequate oxygen and nutrient supply as well as the removal of waste products. Growth factors including VEGF orchestrate the development of angiogenesis. In addition, nervous system via the release of neurotransmitters contributes to tumor angiogenesis. The nervous system governs functional activities of many organs, and, as tumors are not independent organs within an organism, this system is integrally involved in tumor growth and progression via regulating tumor angiogenesis. Various neurotransmitters have been reported to play an important role in tumor angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyanbol Kuol
- Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lily Stojanovska
- Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia. .,Department of Medicine Western Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne, Australia.
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Jayaraman A, Kumar P, Marin S, de Atauri P, Mateo F, M. Thomson T, J. Centelles J, F. Graham S, Cascante M. Untargeted metabolomics reveals distinct metabolic reprogramming in endothelial cells co-cultured with CSC and non-CSC prostate cancer cell subpopulations. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192175. [PMID: 29466368 PMCID: PMC5821452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour angiogenesis is an important hallmark of cancer and the study of its metabolic adaptations, downstream to any cellular change, can reveal attractive targets for inhibiting cancer growth. In the tumour microenvironment, endothelial cells (ECs) interact with heterogeneous tumour cell types that drive angiogenesis and metastasis. In this study we aim to characterize the metabolic alterations in ECs influenced by the presence of tumour cells with extreme metastatic abilities. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were subjected to different microenvironmental conditions, such as the presence of highly metastatic PC-3M and highly invasive PC-3S prostate cancer cell lines, in addition to the angiogenic activator vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), under normoxia. Untargeted high resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based metabolomics revealed significant metabolite differences among the various conditions and a total of 25 significantly altered metabolites were identified including acetyl L-carnitine, NAD+, hypoxanthine, guanine and oleamide, with profile changes unique to each of the experimental conditions. Biochemical pathway analysis revealed the importance of fatty acid oxidation and nucleotide salvage pathways. These results provide a global metabolic preview that could help in selectively targeting the ECs aiding in either cancer cell invasion or metastasis in the heterogeneous tumour microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusha Jayaraman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Praveen Kumar
- Beaumont Health System, Beaumont Research Institute, Royal Oak, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Silvia Marin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro de Atauri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesca Mateo
- Department of Cell Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona, National Research Council (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Timothy M. Thomson
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona, National Research Council (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep J. Centelles
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Stewart F. Graham
- Beaumont Health System, Beaumont Research Institute, Royal Oak, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Marta Cascante
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Schwarz R, Ramer R, Hinz B. Targeting the endocannabinoid system as a potential anticancer approach. Drug Metab Rev 2018; 50:26-53. [PMID: 29390896 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2018.1428344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is currently under intense investigation due to the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid-based drugs as treatment options for a broad variety of diseases including cancer. Besides the canonical endocannabinoid system that includes the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 and the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, recent investigations suggest that other fatty acid derivatives, receptors, enzymes, and lipid transporters likewise orchestrate this system as components of the endocannabinoid system when defined as an extended signaling network. As such, fatty acids acting at cannabinoid receptors (e.g. 2-arachidonoyl glyceryl ether [noladin ether], N-arachidonoyldopamine) as well as endocannabinoid-like substances that do not elicit cannabinoid receptor activation (e.g. N-palmitoylethanolamine, N-oleoylethanolamine) have raised interest as anticancerogenic substances. Furthermore, the endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase, lipid transport proteins of the fatty acid binding protein family, additional cannabinoid-activated G protein-coupled receptors, members of the transient receptor potential family as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors have been considered as targets of antitumoral cannabinoid activity. Therefore, this review focused on the antitumorigenic effects induced upon modulation of this extended endocannabinoid network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rico Schwarz
- a Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Rostock University Medical Center , Rostock , Germany
| | - Robert Ramer
- a Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Rostock University Medical Center , Rostock , Germany
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- a Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Rostock University Medical Center , Rostock , Germany
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Abstract
The recombinant kringle domain of urokinase (UK1) has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis and brain tumor growth in vivo. To avoid limitations in application due to mass production of recombinant protein, we attempted to develop a novel peptide inhibitor from UK1 sequence consisting of 83 amino acids that contains α-helices, loops and β-sheets. We dissected UK1 sequence to seven peptides based on structure and amino acid characteristics, and examined the anti-angiogenic activities for the constructed peptides. Among the tested peptides, UP-7 most potently inhibited the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro, and also potently inhibited in vivo angiogenesis in the mouse matrigel plug assay. Such anti-angiogenic activities were not exerted by the scrambled peptide. At molecular level, UP-7 inhibited growth factor-induced phosphorylation of FAK and ERK1/2. It also suppressed formation of stress fibers and focal adhesions and also inhibited the attachment and spreading of ECs onto immobilized fibronectin. In a lung cancer animal model xenografted with non-UP-7-sensitive NCI-H460 cells, systemic treatment of UP-7 effectively suppressed tumor growth through inhibition of angiogenesis. Interestingly, breast cancer cells such as LM-MDA-MB-231 cells were moderately sensitive to UP-7 in proliferation differently from other cancer cells. UP-7 also inhibited migration, invasion and FAK phosphorylation of LM-MDA-MB-231 cells. Accordingly, UP-7 potently inhibited lung metastatic growth of LM-MDA-MB-231 cells in an experimental metastasis model. Taken together, these results suggest that novel peptide UP-7 can be effectively used for treatment of breast cancer metastatic growth through inhibition of angiogenesis and invasion.
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Wu D, Li B, Liu H, Yuan M, Yu M, Tao L, Dong S, Tong X. In vitro inhibited effect of gap junction composed of Cx43 in the invasion and metastasis of testicular cancer resistanced to cisplatin. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 98:826-833. [PMID: 29571253 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of gap junction intercellular communication composed of connexin on cancer invasion/metastasis has been thoroughly explored; however, its effect on testicular cancer resistanced to chemotherapy is still unclear. In this study, we found that the capability of invasion and migration of I-10/DDP (cisplatin (DDP)-resistance) cells were elevated. Furthermore, the expression of Cx43 and the function of gap junction (GJ) in I-10/DDP cells were decreased compared with parental I-10 cells. Pharmacological inhibition of GJs by oleamide (Olea) enhanced invasion and migration. However, enhancement of GJs by retinoic acid (RA) decreased invasion and migration of I-10/DDP cells. To further clarify the invasion/migration inhibited effect of GJ in the testicular cancer resistanced to DDP, GJ function was modulated by overexpression and knockdown of Cx43 expression. Overexpression of Cx43 reduced invasion and migration of I-10/DDP cells. Conversely, knockdown of Cx43 expression increased invasion and migration of I-10/DDP cells. In summary, GJ composed of Cx43 inhibits I-10/DDP cells invasion and migration, and it may become the potential therapeutic target for testicular cancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, PR China
| | - Beibei Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Lixin County, Anhui, Bozhou, 236700, PR China
| | - Haofeng Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, PR China
| | - Min Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, PR China
| | - Meiling Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, Bengbu, 233004, PR China
| | - Liang Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, PR China
| | - Shuying Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, PR China.
| | - Xuhui Tong
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, PR China.
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Mechanistic modeling quantifies the influence of tumor growth kinetics on the response to anti-angiogenic treatment. PLoS Comput Biol 2017; 13:e1005874. [PMID: 29267273 PMCID: PMC5739350 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors exploit angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature, in order to obtain nutrients required for continued growth and proliferation. Targeting factors that regulate angiogenesis, including the potent promoter vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is therefore an attractive strategy for inhibiting tumor growth. Computational modeling can be used to identify tumor-specific properties that influence the response to anti-angiogenic strategies. Here, we build on our previous systems biology model of VEGF transport and kinetics in tumor-bearing mice to include a tumor compartment whose volume depends on the “angiogenic signal” produced when VEGF binds to its receptors on tumor endothelial cells. We trained and validated the model using published in vivo measurements of xenograft tumor volume, producing a model that accurately predicts the tumor’s response to anti-angiogenic treatment. We applied the model to investigate how tumor growth kinetics influence the response to anti-angiogenic treatment targeting VEGF. Based on multivariate regression analysis, we found that certain intrinsic kinetic parameters that characterize the growth of tumors could successfully predict response to anti-VEGF treatment, the reduction in tumor volume. Lastly, we use the trained model to predict the response to anti-VEGF therapy for tumors expressing different levels of VEGF receptors. The model predicts that certain tumors are more sensitive to treatment than others, and the response to treatment shows a nonlinear dependence on the VEGF receptor expression. Overall, this model is a useful tool for predicting how tumors will respond to anti-VEGF treatment, and it complements pre-clinical in vivo mouse studies. One hallmark of cancer is angiogenesis, the formation of new blood capillaries from pre-existing vessels. Angiogenesis promotes tumor growth by enabling the tumor to obtain oxygen and nutrients from the surrounding microenvironment. Cancer drugs that inhibit angiogenesis ("anti-angiogenic therapies") have focused on inhibiting proteins that promote the growth of new blood vessels. The response to anti-angiogenic therapy is highly variable, and some tumors do not respond at all. Therefore, identifying a biomarker that predicts how specific tumors will respond would be extremely valuable. This work uses a computational model of tumor-bearing mice to investigate the response to anti-angiogenic treatment that targets the potent promoter of angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and how the response is influenced by tumor growth kinetics. We show that certain properties of tumor growth can be used to predict how much the tumor volume will be reduced upon administration of an anti-VEGF drug. This work identifies tumor growth parameters that may be reliable biomarkers for predicting how tumors will respond to anti-VEGF therapy. Our computational model generates novel, testable hypotheses and nicely complements pre-clinical studies of anti-angiogenic therapeutics.
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Yeh ES, Williams CJ, Williams CB, Bonilla IV, Klauber-DeMore N, Phillips SL. Dysregulated connexin 43 in HER2-positive drug resistant breast cancer cells enhances proliferation and migration. Oncotarget 2017; 8:109358-109369. [PMID: 29312613 PMCID: PMC5752526 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a gap junction protein whose function in the development of breast cancer and in breast cancer progression remains unclear. Evidence suggests that Cx43 (GJA1) mRNA and protein expression is altered in breast tumors. However, reports indicate both increased and decreased Cx43 levels in human breast cancer samples. Studies also suggest that loss of Cx43 regulated gap junction intercellular communication is a common feature of breast malignancies that potentially correlates with histological stage. Further evidence suggests that Cx43 (GJA1) mRNA expression is negatively correlated with HER2 positivity but a relationship between Cx43 and HER2 in breast cancer is not well defined. Therefore, in this study, we sought to evaluate the relationship between Cx43 activity, HER2, and drug resistance. Using HER2+ breast cancer cell lines that are sensitive or resistant to HER2 inhibitor, we evaluated Cx43 gap junction function. We found that Cx43 gap junction activity is completely lost in drug resistant HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer cells, whereas Cx43 gap junction activity can be restored by Cx43 overexpression in drug sensitive HER2+ cells. Moreover, the dysregulation of Cx43 resulted in increased tumorigenic and migratory capacity of the HER2+ drug resistant breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Yeh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Christina J Williams
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Carly Bess Williams
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Ingrid V Bonilla
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Nancy Klauber-DeMore
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Stephanie L Phillips
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Collateral Damage Intended-Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Vasculature Are Potential Targets in Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18112355. [PMID: 29112161 PMCID: PMC5713324 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
After oncogenic transformation, tumor cells rewire their metabolism to obtain sufficient energy and biochemical building blocks for cell proliferation, even under hypoxic conditions. Glucose and glutamine become their major limiting nutritional demands. Instead of being autonomous, tumor cells change their immediate environment not only by their metabolites but also by mediators, such as juxtacrine cell contacts, chemokines and other cytokines. Thus, the tumor cells shape their microenvironment as well as induce resident cells, such as fibroblasts and endothelial cells (ECs), to support them. Fibroblasts differentiate into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which produce a qualitatively and quantitatively different extracellular matrix (ECM). By their contractile power, they exert tensile forces onto this ECM, leading to increased intratumoral pressure. Moreover, along with enhanced cross-linkage of the ECM components, CAFs thus stiffen the ECM. Attracted by tumor cell- and CAF-secreted vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), ECs sprout from pre-existing blood vessels during tumor-induced angiogenesis. Tumor vessels are distinct from EC-lined vessels, because tumor cells integrate into the endothelium or even mimic and replace it in vasculogenic mimicry (VM) vessels. Not only the VM vessels but also the characteristically malformed EC-lined tumor vessels are typical for tumor tissue and may represent promising targets in cancer therapy.
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