1
|
Huang YC, Sung MY, Lin TK, Kuo CY, Hsu YC. Chinese herbal medicine compound of flavonoids adjunctive treatment for oral cancer. J Formos Med Assoc 2024; 123:830-836. [PMID: 37919197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral cancer is a prevalent global issue, with oral squamous cell carcinoma constituting the majority of cases. Standard treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are available but may have adverse effects. Molecular gene therapy, focusing on genetic mutations linked to oral cancer, presents a promising alternative.In this study, we evaluated 27 chemotherapeutic drugs and 63 Chinese herbal medicines for their effectiveness, categorized them by their cellular mechanisms, and identified potential adjuvant therapy candidates for oral cancer. Our findings highlight the impact of natural flavonoids on oral cancer cells, inducing apoptosis, and confirming their potential in molecular genetic analysis. In conclusion, the natural compounds present in Chinese herbal medicine, particularly flavonoids, offer a promising avenue to target specific genetic mutations in oral cancer cells. This approach may reduce the risks associated with oral cancer treatment and pave the way for innovative adjuvant therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chao Huang
- Health Services Training Center HSTC, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Min-Yi Sung
- Department of Dentistry, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Kun Lin
- School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Pharmaceutical Management Division, Medical Affairs Bureau, Ministry of National Defense, Taiwan
| | - Chan-Yen Kuo
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chiung Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Center for Astronautical Physics and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang W, Lopez McDonald MC, Hariprasad R, Hamilton T, Frank DA. Oncogenic STAT Transcription Factors as Targets for Cancer Therapy: Innovative Strategies and Clinical Translation. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1387. [PMID: 38611065 PMCID: PMC11011165 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071387] [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: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in our understanding of molecular aspects of oncogenesis, cancer remains a leading cause of death. The malignant behavior of a cancer cell is driven by the inappropriate activation of transcription factors. In particular, signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs), which regulate many critical cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation, are frequently activated inappropriately in a wide spectrum of human cancers. Multiple signaling pathways converge on the STATs, highlighting their importance in the development and progression of oncogenic diseases. STAT3 and STAT5 are two members of the STAT protein family that are the most frequently activated in cancers and can drive cancer pathogenesis directly. The development of inhibitors targeting STAT3 and STAT5 has been the subject of intense investigations in the last decade, although effective treatment options remain limited. In this review, we investigate the specific roles of STAT3 and STAT5 in normal physiology and cancer biology, discuss the opportunities and challenges in pharmacologically targeting STAT proteins and their upstream activators, and offer insights into novel therapeutic strategies to identify STAT inhibitors as cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiyuan Wang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (W.W.); (M.C.L.M.); (T.H.)
| | - Melanie Cristina Lopez McDonald
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (W.W.); (M.C.L.M.); (T.H.)
| | | | - Tiara Hamilton
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (W.W.); (M.C.L.M.); (T.H.)
| | - David A. Frank
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (W.W.); (M.C.L.M.); (T.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ijaz S, Iqbal J, Abbasi BA, Tufail A, Yaseen T, Uddin S, Usman K, Ullah R, Bibi H, Inam P, Sagindykova E, Gürer ES, Habtemariam S, Calina D, Sharifi-Rad J. Current stage of preclinical and clinical development of guggulsterone in cancers: Challenges and promises. Cell Biol Int 2024; 48:128-142. [PMID: 38148708 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Throughout human history, the utilization of medicinal herbs has been recognized as a crucial defense against various ailments, including cancer. Natural products with potential anticancer properties, capable of inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, have garnered substantial attention. One such agent under investigation is guggulsterone (GS), a phytosterol derived from the gum resin of the Commiphora mukul tree. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of recent studies elucidating the anticancer molecular mechanisms and molecular targets of GS, guiding future research and potential applications as an adjuvant drug in cancer therapy. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies have explored the biological activities of the active ingredients in Commiphora mukul. Specifically, GS emerges as a potential cancer chemopreventive and therapeutic agent. The investigations delve into the impact of GS on constitutively activated survival pathways, including Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), and PI3-kinase/AKT signaling pathways. These pathways regulate antiapoptotic and proinflammatory genes, exerting control over growth and inflammatory responses. The findings highlight the potential of GS in disrupting survival pathways crucial for cancer cell viability. The inhibition of JAK/STAT, NF-kB, and PI3-kinase/AKT signaling pathways positions GS as a promising candidate for cancer therapy. The review synthesizes evidence from diverse studies, underscoring the multifaceted biological activities of GS in cancer prevention and treatment. To advance our understanding, future clinical and translational studies are imperative to determine effective doses in humans. Additionally, there is a need for the development of new pharmaceutical forms of GS to optimize therapeutic effects. This comprehensive review provides a foundation for ongoing research, offering insights into the potential of GS as a valuable addition to the armamentarium against cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shumaila Ijaz
- Division of Science and Technology, Department of Botany, University of Education, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Javed Iqbal
- Department of Botany, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | | | - Aasma Tufail
- Division of Science and Technology, Department of Botany, University of Education, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Tabassum Yaseen
- Department of Botany, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Siraj Uddin
- Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Kiran Usman
- Department of Botany, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Rafi Ullah
- Department of Botany, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Haseena Bibi
- Department of Botany, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Palwasha Inam
- Department of Botany, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Elvira Sagindykova
- Faculty of Science and Technology, The Caspian University of Technology and Engineering Named after Sh.Yessenov, Aktau, Kazakhstan
| | - Eda Sönmez Gürer
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research & Herbal Analysis Services UK, University of Greenwich, Kent, UK
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Thomas P, Selvakumar SC, Preethi KA, Sekar D. Expression profiling of signal transducer and activator of transcription3 in oral squamous cell carcinoma in south Indian population. Minerva Dent Oral Sci 2024; 73:37-44. [PMID: 37878241 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6329.23.04840-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is widely acknowledged as the most prevalent form of oral malignancy. The annual identification of approximately 540,000 new cases of OSCC highlights its significant impact. The survival rate beyond 5 years postsurgery remains low. The role of signal transducer and activator of transcription3 (STAT3), a signaling protein involved in various cellular processes, has garnered attention. Aberrant activation of STAT3 has been implicated in OSCC progression and aggressiveness. Understanding the impact of STAT3 dysregulation on OSCC outcomes could provide valuable insights for developing targeted therapies. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the expression levels of STAT3 in OSCC and normal tissues of the same patients. METHODS The expression levels of STAT3 in 63 OSCC samples were detected by qRT-PCR and compared to patient-matched-non-tumor oral tissues. Data were normalized to internal controls, and fold change in STAT3 expression was calculated using the ∆∆Ct method. Correlations between expression level and clinicopathologic characteristics like staging and grading of OSCC samples were also analyzed. RESULTS Our findings demonstrated that STAT3 expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.0001) in OSCC patients compared to normal control tissue. Furthermore, we also observed a positive correlation between elevated STAT3 expression and higher OSCC histological grades when compared to the normal tissue. Well differentiated OSCC showed a slightly lower expression compared to the other two grades. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the involvement of STAT3 in OSCC tumorigenesis. We propose that STAT3 might be used as a potential biomarker for OSCC. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the mechanistic basis for the observed associations and to explore STAT3's potential as a therapeutic target in OSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Thomas
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Annoor Dental College and Hospital, Muvattupuzha, India
| | - Sushmaa C Selvakumar
- RNA Biology Lab, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science (SIMATS), Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - K Auxzilia Preethi
- RNA Biology Lab, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science (SIMATS), Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Durairaj Sekar
- RNA Biology Lab, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science (SIMATS), Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha University, Chennai, India -
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vastrad SJ, Ritesh G, V SS, Saraswathy GR, Augustine D, Alzahrani KJ, Alzahrani FM, Halawani IF, Ashi H, Alshahrani M, Hassan RN, Baeshen HA, Saravanan KS, Satish KS, Vutukuru P, Patil S. Panoramic view of key cross-talks underpinning the oral squamous cell carcinoma stemness - unearthing the future opportunities. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1247399. [PMID: 38170015 PMCID: PMC10759990 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1247399] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The clinical management of oral cancer is often frequented with challenges that arise from relapse, recurrence, invasion and resistance towards the cornerstone chemo and radiation therapies. The recent conceptual advancement in oncology has substantiated the role of cancer stem cells (CSC) as a predominant player of these intricacies. CSC are a sub-group of tumor population with inherent adroitness to self-renew with high plasticity. During tumor evolution, the structural and functional reprogramming persuades the cancer cells to acquire stem-cell like properties, thus presenting them with higher survival abilities and treatment resistance. An appraisal on key features that govern the stemness is of prime importance to confront the current challenges encountered in oral cancer. The nurturing niche of CSC for maintaining its stemness characteristics is thought to be modulated by complex multi-layered components encompassing neoplastic cells, extracellular matrix, acellular components, circulatory vessels, various cascading signaling molecules and stromal cells. This review focuses on recapitulating both intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that impart the stemness. There are contemplating evidences that demonstrate the role of transcription factors (TF) in sustaining the neoplastic stem cell's pluripotency and plasticity alongside the miRNA in regulation of crucial genes involved in the transformation of normal oral mucosa to malignancy. This review illustrates the interplay between miRNA and various known TF of oral cancer such as c-Myc, SOX, STAT, NANOG and OCT in orchestrating the stemness and resistance features. Further, the cross-talks involved in tumor micro-environment inclusive of cytokines, macrophages, extra cellular matrix, angiogenesis leading pathways and influential factors of hypoxia on tumorigenesis and CSC survival have been elucidated. Finally, external factorial influence of oral microbiome gained due to the dysbiosis is also emphasized. There are growing confirmations of the possible roles of microbiomes in the progression of oral cancer. Given this, an attempt has been made to explore the potential links including EMT and signaling pathways towards resistance and stemness. This review provides a spectrum of understanding on stemness and progression of oral cancers at various regulatory levels along with their current therapeutic knowledge. These mechanisms could be exploited for future research to expand potential treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soujanya J. Vastrad
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Giri Ritesh
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sowmya S. V
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Dominic Augustine
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Khalid J. Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fuad M. Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim F. Halawani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
- Haematology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, AI Abdeyah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Heba Ashi
- Department of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alshahrani
- Department of Endodontic, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Nabil Hassan
- Department of Biological Sciences (Genome), Faculty of Sciences, King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hosam Ali Baeshen
- Department of Orthodontics Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Bengaluru, India
| | - Kamatchi Sundara Saravanan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Kshreeraja S. Satish
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Pravallika Vutukuru
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Shankargouda Patil
- College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, UT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Park DG, Jin B, Lee WW, Kim HJ, Kim JH, Choi SJ, Hong SD, Shin JA, Cho SD. Apoptotic activity of genipin in human oral squamous cell carcinoma in vitro by regulating STAT3 signaling. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:1319-1329. [PMID: 37792550 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Genipin, a natural compound derived from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, was reported to have activity against various cancer types. In this study, we determined the underlying mechanism for genipin-induced cell death in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The growth-inhibitory effects of genipin in human OSCC cells was examined by the Cell Counting Kit-8 and soft agar assays. The effects of genipin on apoptosis were assessed by nuclear morphological changes by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining, measurement of the sub-G1 population, and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining. The underlying mechanism of genipin activity was analyzed by western blot analysis, subcellular fractionation of the nucleus and cytoplasm, immunocytochemistry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Genipin inhibited the growth of OSCC cells and induced apoptosis, which was mediated by a caspase-dependent pathway. Genipin reduced the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) at Tyr705 and its nuclear localization. Furthermore, inhibition of p-STAT3Tyr705 levels following genipin treatment was required for the reduction of survivin and myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) expression, leading to apoptotic cell death. The genipin-mediated reduction in survivin and Mcl-1 expression was caused by transcriptional and/or posttranslational regulatory mechanisms. The results provide insight into the regulatory mechanism by which genipin induces apoptotic cell death through the abrogation of nuclear STAT3 phosphorylation and suggest that genipin may represent a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of human OSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Guk Park
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bohwan Jin
- Laboratory Animal Center, CHA Biocomplex, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Won W Lee
- Laboratory Animal Center, CHA Biocomplex, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ji Kim
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Kim
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Jung Choi
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Doo Hong
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Ae Shin
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Dae Cho
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
O'Meara CH, Jafri Z, Khachigian LM. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Small-Molecule Immunotherapies and the Emerging Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Therapeutic Strategies for Head and Neck Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11695. [PMID: 37511453 PMCID: PMC10380483 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of many cancer types, including head and neck cancers (HNC). When checkpoint and partner proteins bind, these send an "off" signal to T cells, which prevents the immune system from destroying tumor cells. However, in HNC, and indeed many other cancers, more people do not respond and/or suffer from toxic effects than those who do respond. Hence, newer, more effective approaches are needed. The challenge to durable therapy lies in a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between immune cells, tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. This will help develop therapies that promote lasting tumorlysis by overcoming T-cell exhaustion. Here we explore the strengths and limitations of current ICI therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We also review emerging small-molecule immunotherapies and the growing promise of neutrophil extracellular traps in controlling tumor progression and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Connor H O'Meara
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Zuhayr Jafri
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Levon M Khachigian
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Al-Hetty HRAK, Abdulameer SJ, Alkubaisy SA, Zaid SA, Jalil AT, Jasim IK. STAT3 signaling in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a candidate therapeutic target. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 245:154425. [PMID: 37019018 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis which is lethal in over 90% of cases despite the standard therapies. Mainly activated by Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a key transcription factor, capable of exerting the expression of multitude of genes involved in survival. Moreover, STAT3 activity is regulated by the interleukin 28 receptor α (IL28RA) and glutathione s-transferase mu-3 (GSTM3), up-regulation of both contributes to the invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells. In this regard, STAT3 overactivity has an important pathogenic role in the development of PDAC as it is associated with enhanced cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis. STAT3-associated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase 3 and 9 are implicated in the angiogenic and metastatic behavior of the PDAC. Multitude of evidence underline the protective role of STAT3 inhibition against PDAC both in cell cultures and in tumor grafts. However, specific inhibition of STAT3 was not feasible until recently, when a selective potent chemical STAT3 inhibitor, termed N4, were developed and it turned out to be highly effective against PDAC in vitro, as well as in vivo. This review aims to discuss the most recent advances in our understanding of STAT3 role in the pathogenesis of PDAC and its therapeutic applications.
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Head and neck cancers are a heterogeneous group of highly aggressive tumors and collectively represent the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Most head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Current multimodal treatment concepts combine surgery, chemotherapy, irradiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapeutics. Recent scientific advancements have enabled a more precise molecular characterization of HNSCC and revealed novel therapeutic targets and prognostic/predictive biomarkers. Notably, HNSCC is characterized by complex relations between stromal, epithelial, and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME consists of different subsets of immune cells that infiltrate the tumors and interact with the tumor cells or with each other. Understanding multiple pivotal factors in HNSCC tumorigenesis and tumor progression may help define novel targets and develop more effective therapies for patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in the molecular biology of HNSCC and their effects on clinical oncology; it is meant for a broad readership in the head and neck cancers field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subramanya Pandruvada
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
| | - Remi Kessler
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Ann Thai
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Qureshy Z, Li H, Zeng Y, Rivera J, Cheng N, Peterson CN, Kim MO, Ryan WR, Ha PK, Bauman JE, Wang SJ, Long SR, Johnson DE, Grandis JR. STAT3 Activation as a Predictive Biomarker for Ruxolitinib Response in Head and Neck Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:4737-4746. [PMID: 35929989 PMCID: PMC10024606 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Increased activity of STAT3 is associated with progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Upstream activators of STAT3, such as JAKs, represent potential targets for therapy of solid tumors, including HNSCC. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects of ruxolitinib, a clinical JAK1/2 inhibitor, in HNSCC preclinical models, including patient-derived xenografts (PDX) from patients treated on a window-of-opportunity trial. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN HNSCC cell lines were treated with ruxolitinib, and the impact on activated STAT3 levels, cell growth, and colony formation was assessed. PDXs were generated from patients with HNSCC who received a brief course of neoadjuvant ruxolitinib on a clinical trial. The impact of ruxolitinib on tumor growth and STAT3 activation was assessed. RESULTS Ruxolitinib inhibited STAT3 activation, cellular growth, and colony formation of HNSCC cell lines. Ruxolitinib treatment of mice bearing an HNSCC cell line-derived xenograft significantly inhibited tumor growth compared with vehicle-treated controls. The response of HNSCC PDXs derived from patients on the clinical trial mirrored the responses seen in the neoadjuvant setting. Baseline active STAT3 (pSTAT3) and total STAT3 levels were lower, and ruxolitinib inhibited STAT3 activation in a PDX from a patient whose disease was stable on ruxolitinib, compared with a PDX from a patient whose disease progressed on ruxolitinib and where ruxolitinib treatment had minimal impact on STAT3 activation. CONCLUSIONS Ruxolitinib exhibits antitumor effects in HNSCC preclinical models. Baseline pSTAT3 or total STAT3 levels in the tumor may serve as predictive biomarkers to identify patients most likely to respond to ruxolitinib.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoya Qureshy
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Yan Zeng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jose Rivera
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Ning Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Christopher N Peterson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Mi-Ok Kim
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - William R Ryan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Patrick K Ha
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Julie E Bauman
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Steven J Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Steven R Long
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Daniel E Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Oliveira MM, Bonturi CR, Salu BR, Oliva MLV, Mortara RA, Orikaza CM. Modulation of STAT-1, STAT-3, and STAT-6 activities in THP-1 derived macrophages infected with two Trypanosoma cruzi strains. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1038332. [PMID: 36389843 PMCID: PMC9643828 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1038332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative protozoan of Chagas' Disease, a neglected tropical disease that affects 6-7 million people worldwide. Interaction of the parasite with the host immune system is a key factor in disease progression and chronic symptoms. Although the human immune system is capable of controlling the disease, the parasite has numerous evasion mechanisms that aim to maintain intracellular persistence and survival. Due to the pronounced genetic variability of T. cruzi, co-infections or mixed infections with more than one parasite strain have been reported in the literature. The intermodulation in such cases is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the co-infection of T. cruzi strains G and CL compared to their individual infections in human macrophages derived from THP-1 cells activated by classical or alternative pathways. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that trypomastigotes were more infective than extracellular amastigotes (EAs) and that strain G could infect more macrophages than strain CL. Classically activated macrophages showed lower number of infected cells and IL-4-stimulated cells displayed increased CL-infected macrophages. However, co-infection was a rare event. CL EAs decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas G trypomastigotes displayed increased ROS detection in classically activated cells. Co-infection did not affect ROS production. Monoinfection by strain G or CL mainly induced an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile by decreasing inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β) and/or increasing IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β. Co-infection led to a predominant inflammatory milieu, with reduced IL-10 and TGF-β, and/or promotion of IFN-γ and IL-1β release. Infection by strain G reduced activation of intracellular signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) factors. In EAs, monoinfections impaired STAT-1 activity and promoted phosphorylation of STAT-3, both changes may prolong cell survival. Coinfected macrophages displayed pronounced activation of all STATs examined. These activations likely promoted parasite persistence and survival of infected cells. The collective results demonstrate that although macrophages respond to both strains, T. cruzi can modulate the intracellular environment, inducing different responses depending on the strain, parasite infective form, and co-infection or monoinfection. The modulation influences parasite persistence and survival of infected cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Martins Oliveira
- ¹Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Ramalho Bonturi
- ²Biochemistry Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Ramos Salu
- ²Biochemistry Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Luiza Vilela Oliva
- ²Biochemistry Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renato Arruda Mortara
- ¹Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina Mary Orikaza
- ¹Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Adan H, Guy S, Arulanandam R, Geletu M, Daniel J, Raptis L. Activated Src requires Cadherin-11, Rac, and gp130 for Stat3 activation and survival of mouse Balb/c3T3 fibroblasts. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1502-1513. [PMID: 35411090 PMCID: PMC9576600 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00462-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that engagement of cadherins, cell to cell adhesion molecules, triggers a dramatic increase in levels and activity of the Rac/Cdc42 small GTPases, which is followed by secretion of IL6 family cytokines and activation of their common receptor, gp130, in an autocrine manner. This results in phosphorylation of the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-3 (Stat3) on tyrosine-705, which then dimerizes, migrates to the nucleus, and activates transcription of genes involved in cell division and survival. In the present report we demonstrate that, in mouse Balb/c3T3 fibroblasts, mutationally activated Src527F also increases Rac levels, leading to secretion of IL6 family cytokines and gp130 activation, which triggers the Stat3-ptyr705 increase. Interestingly, our results also demonstrate that cadherin-11 is required to preserve gp130 levels for IL6 family signaling. At the same time, however, activated Src527F downregulates cadherin-11, in a quantitative manner. As a result, Src527F expression to intermediate levels allows sufficient cadherin-11, hence gp130 levels for Stat3 activation, as expected. However, expressed to high levels, Src527F eliminates cadherin-11, hence gp130 signaling, thus abolishing Stat3-ptyr705 stimulation. Taken together, these data establish for the first time a loop between Src, cadherin-11, gp130, and Stat3 activation. This fine balance between Src527F and cadherin-11 levels which is required for Stat3 activation and cellular survival could have significant therapeutic implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanad Adan
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Stephanie Guy
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Rozanne Arulanandam
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Mulu Geletu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Juliet Daniel
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Leda Raptis
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jia L, Huang P, Lin T, Lin C, Ding X, Lin L, Zhu L, Zhou Z. CircPUM1 Knockdown Confers Radiosensitivity in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Regulating the miR-580/STAT3 Pathway. Front Genet 2022; 13:907219. [PMID: 36092922 PMCID: PMC9452959 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.907219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: CircPUM1 acts as an oncogene in a variety of tumors, and there is no related research on oral squamous cell carcinoma. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of CircPUM1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma radiotherapy. Methods: Radio-resistant cell lines were established by increasing the X-ray dose. Analysis of CircPUM1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma was carried out using bioinformatics tools. Cell proliferation was analyzed with CCK-8 and colony formation. Protein and gene expressions were detected by Western blotting and qPCR. RNA interference inhibits endogenous gene expression. A luciferase reporter system and immunoprecipitation were used to validate the target of CircPUM1. Result: CircPUM1 was highly expressed in OSCC. The higher the expression level of CircPUM1 in OSCC, the worse the clinical features and prognosis. Knockdown of CircPUM1 enhances the sensitivity of OSCC cells to X-rays, and expression of exogenous CircPUM1 makes OSCC cells acquire radiation resistance. The absence of CircPUM1 blocked the cells in the G0/G1 phase and triggered apoptosis. The prediction of mir-580-binding site, luciferase reporter system, and immunoprecipitation confirmed that mir-580 is the binding site of CircPUM1. In addition, STAT3 was predicted and confirmed as the binding site of mir-580. Overexpression of STAT3 partially attenuated the radiosensitivity of OSCC cells to knockdown of CircPUM1. Conclusion: CircPUM1 has the oncogene expression profile in oral squamous cell carcinoma; patients with high expression of CircPUM1 have less benefit from radiotherapy and need more frequent follow-up. In addition, CircPUM1 may be a potential therapeutic target for oral squamous cell carcinoma. The CircPUM1/mir-580/STAT3 axis has a certain effect on the radiosensitivity of OSCC. These results suggest that patients with low expression of CircPUM1 may gain more benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linghui Jia
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial of Stomatological Key laboratory of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Pengcheng Huang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial of Stomatological Key laboratory of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tingting Lin
- Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, China
| | - Chunyan Lin
- Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, China
| | - Xiaofen Ding
- Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, China
| | - Liping Lin
- Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, China
| | - Lifeng Zhu
- Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, China
- *Correspondence: Zhilian Zhou, ; Lifeng Zhu,
| | - Zhilian Zhou
- Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, China
- *Correspondence: Zhilian Zhou, ; Lifeng Zhu,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Khatoon E, Hegde M, Kumar A, Daimary UD, Sethi G, Bishayee A, Kunnumakkara AB. The multifaceted role of STAT3 pathway and its implication as a potential therapeutic target in oral cancer. Arch Pharm Res 2022; 45:507-534. [PMID: 35987863 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-022-01398-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oral cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, and it has become a matter of serious concern due to the alarming rise in its incidence rate worldwide. Despite recent advancements in oral cancer treatment strategies, there are no significant improvements in patient's survival rate. Among the numerous cell signaling pathways involved in oral cancer development and progression, STAT3 is known to play a multifaceted oncogenic role in shaping the tumor pathophysiology. STAT3 hyperactivation in oral cancer contributes to survival, proliferation, invasion, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, metastasis, immunosuppression, chemoresistance, and poor prognosis. A plethora of pre-clinical and clinical studies have documented the role of STAT3 in the initiation and development of oral cancer and showed that STAT3 inhibition holds significant potential in the prevention and treatment of this cancer. However, to date, targeting STAT3 activation mainly involves inhibiting the upstream signaling molecules such as JAK and IL-6 receptors. The major challenge in targeting STAT3 lies in the complexity of its phosphorylation- and dimerization-independent functions, which are not affected by disrupting the upstream regulators. The present review delineates the significance of the STAT3 pathway in regulating various hallmarks of oral cancer. In addition, it highlights the STAT3 inhibitors identified to date through various preclinical and clinical studies that can be employed for the therapeutic intervention in oral cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elina Khatoon
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India.,DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India
| | - Mangala Hegde
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India.,DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India
| | - Aviral Kumar
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India.,DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India
| | - Uzini Devi Daimary
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India.,DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA.
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India. .,DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Novel Systemic Treatment Modalities Including Immunotherapy and Molecular Targeted Therapy for Recurrent and Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147889. [PMID: 35887235 PMCID: PMC9320653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are the sixth most common cancers worldwide. More than half of patients with HNSCC eventually experience disease recurrence and/or metastasis, which can threaten their long-term survival. HNSCCs located in the oral cavity and larynx are usually associated with tobacco and/or alcohol use, whereas human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly HPV16 infection, is increasingly recognized as a cause of oropharyngeal HNSCC. Despite clinical, histologic, and molecular differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCCs, current treatment approaches are the same. For recurrent disease, these strategies include chemotherapy, immunotherapy with PD-1-inhibitors, or a monoclonal antibody, cetuximab, that targets epidermal growth factor; these therapies can be administered either as single agents or in combination. However, these treatment strategies carry a high risk of toxic side effects; therefore, more effective and less toxic treatments are needed. The landscape of HNSCC therapy is changing significantly; numerous clinical trials are underway to test novel therapeutic options like adaptive cellular therapy, antibody-drug conjugates, new targeted therapy agents, novel immunotherapy combinations, and therapeutic vaccines. This review helps in understanding the various developments in HNSCC therapy and sheds light on the path ahead in terms of further research in this field.
Collapse
|
16
|
Ni Y, Low JT, Silke J, O’Reilly LA. Digesting the Role of JAK-STAT and Cytokine Signaling in Oral and Gastric Cancers. Front Immunol 2022; 13:835997. [PMID: 35844493 PMCID: PMC9277720 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.835997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
When small proteins such as cytokines bind to their associated receptors on the plasma membrane, they can activate multiple internal signaling cascades allowing information from one cell to affect another. Frequently the signaling cascade leads to a change in gene expression that can affect cell functions such as proliferation, differentiation and homeostasis. The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) and the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) are the pivotal mechanisms employed for such communication. When deregulated, the JAK-STAT and the TNF receptor signaling pathways can induce chronic inflammatory phenotypes by promoting more cytokine production. Furthermore, these signaling pathways can promote replication, survival and metastasis of cancer cells. This review will summarize the essentials of the JAK/STAT and TNF signaling pathways and their regulation and the molecular mechanisms that lead to the dysregulation of the JAK-STAT pathway. The consequences of dysregulation, as ascertained from founding work in haematopoietic malignancies to more recent research in solid oral-gastrointestinal cancers, will also be discussed. Finally, this review will highlight the development and future of therapeutic applications which modulate the JAK-STAT or the TNF signaling pathways in cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Ni
- Central Laboratory, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun T. Low
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - John Silke
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Lorraine A. O’Reilly
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang H, Man Q, Huo F, Gao X, Lin H, Li S, Wang J, Su F, Cai, L, Shi Y, Liu, B, Bu L. STAT3 pathway in cancers: Past, present, and future. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e124. [PMID: 35356799 PMCID: PMC8942302 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a member of the STAT family, discovered in the cytoplasm of almost all types of mammalian cells, plays a significant role in biological functions. The duration of STAT3 activation in normal tissues is a transient event and is strictly regulated. However, in cancer tissues, STAT3 is activated in an aberrant manner and is induced by certain cytokines. The continuous activation of STAT3 regulates the expression of downstream proteins associated with the formation, progression, and metastasis of cancers. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms of STAT3 regulation and designing inhibitors targeting the STAT3 pathway are considered promising strategies for cancer treatment. This review aims to introduce the history, research advances, and prospects concerning the STAT3 pathway in cancer. We review the mechanisms of STAT3 pathway regulation and the consequent cancer hallmarks associated with tumor biology that are induced by the STAT3 pathway. Moreover, we summarize the emerging development of inhibitors that target the STAT3 pathway and novel drug delivery systems for delivering these inhibitors. The barriers against targeting the STAT3 pathway, the focus of future research on promising targets in the STAT3 pathway, and our perspective on the overall utility of STAT3 pathway inhibitors in cancer treatment are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han‐Qi Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Qi‐Wen Man
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Head Neck OncologySchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Fang‐Yi Huo
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Xin Gao
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Hao Lin
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Su‐Ran Li
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Jing Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Fu‐Chuan Su
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Lulu Cai,
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceDepartment of PharmacySchool of MedicineSichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Yi Shi
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory MedicineSichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Bing Liu,
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Head Neck OncologySchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Lin‐Lin Bu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Head Neck OncologySchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Temporal Bone Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Molecular Markers Involved in Carcinogenesis, Behavior, and Prognosis: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094536. [PMID: 35562926 PMCID: PMC9100168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma (TBSCC) is an uncommon malignancy with a poor prognosis in advanced cases. The dismal outcome of advanced TBSSC cases is largely due to the cancer’s local aggressiveness and the complex anatomy of this region, as well as to persistent pitfalls in diagnosis and treatment. Molecular changes occur in malignancies before any morphological changes become visible, and are responsible for the disease’s clinical behavior. The main purpose of this critical systematic review is to assess the level of knowledge on the molecular markers involved in the biology, behavior, and prognosis of TBSCC. A search (updated to March 2022) was run in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases without publication date limits for studies investigating molecular markers in cohorts of patients with primary TBSCC. The search terms used were: “temporal bone” OR “external auditory canal” OR “ear”, AND “cancer” OR “carcinoma” OR “malignancy”. We preliminarily decided not to consider series with less than five cases. Twenty-four case series of TBSCC were found in which different analytical techniques had been used to study the role of several biomarkers. In conclusion, only very limited information on the prognostic role of molecular markers in TBSCC are currently available; prospective, multi-institutional, international prognostic studies should be planned to identify the molecular markers involved in the clinical behavior and prognosis of TBSCC. A further, more ambitious goal would be to find targets for therapeutic agents able to improve disease-specific survival in patients with advanced TBSCC.
Collapse
|
19
|
Danesh Pouya F, Rasmi Y, Nemati M. Signaling Pathways Involved in 5-FU Drug Resistance in Cancer. Cancer Invest 2022; 40:516-543. [PMID: 35320055 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2022.2055050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Anti-metabolite drugs prevent the synthesis of essential cell growth compounds. 5-fluorouracil is used as an anti-metabolic drug in various cancers in the first stage of treatment. Unfortunately, in some cancers, 5-fluorouracil has low effectiveness because of its drug resistance. Studies have shown that drug resistance to 5-fluorouracil is due to the activation of specific signaling pathways and increased expressions of enzymes involved in drug metabolites. However, when 5-fluorouracil is used in combination with other drugs, the sensitivity of cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil increases, and the effect of drug resistance is reversed. This study discusses how the function of 5-fluorouracil in JAK/STAT, Wnt, Notch, NF-κB, and hedgehogs in some cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fahima Danesh Pouya
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Yousef Rasmi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Nemati
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wondergem NE, Nijenhuis DNLM, Poell JB, Leemans CR, Brakenhoff RH, van de Ven R. At the Crossroads of Molecular Biology and Immunology: Molecular Pathways for Immunological Targeting of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 2:647980. [PMID: 35047999 PMCID: PMC8757702 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2021.647980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Recent advances in immunotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have led to implementation of anti-programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) immunotherapy to standard of care for recurrent/metastatic HNSCC. However, the majority of tumors do not respond to these therapies, indicating that these tumors are not immunogenic or other immunosuppressive mechanisms might be at play. Aim: Given their role in carcinogenesis as well as in immune modulation, we discuss the relation between the STAT3, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Wnt signaling pathways to identify potential targets to empower the immune response against HNSCC. Results: We focused on three pathways. First, STAT3 is often overactivated in HNSCC and induces the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines, thereby promoting recruitment of immune suppressive regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME) while hampering the development of dendritic cells. Second, PI3K/AKT/mTOR mutational activation results in increased tumor proliferation but could also be important in HNSCC immune evasion due to the downregulation of components in the antigen-processing machinery. Third, canonical Wnt signaling is overactivated in >20% of HNSCC and could be an interesting pleotropic target since it is related to increased tumor cell proliferation and the development of an immunosuppressive HNSCC TME. Conclusion: The molecular pathology of HNSCC is complex and heterogeneous, varying between sites and disease etiology (i.e., HPV). The in HNSCC widely affected signaling pathways STAT3, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Wnt are implicated in some of the very mechanisms underlying immune evasion of HNSCC, thereby representing promising targets to possibly facilitate immunotherapy response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niels E Wondergem
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dennis N L M Nijenhuis
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jos B Poell
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - C René Leemans
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ruud H Brakenhoff
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rieneke van de Ven
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wei LY, Lin HC, Tsai FC, Ko JY, Kok SH, Cheng SJ, Lee JJ, Chia JS. Effects of Interleukin-6 on STAT3-regulated signaling in oral cancer and as a prognosticator of patient survival. Oral Oncol 2021; 124:105665. [PMID: 34891076 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2021.105665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) produces an inflammatory microenvironment enriched with cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6); however, the underlying molecular mechanisms of OSCC progression are unclear. We aimed to delineate the STAT3-mediated signaling pathways involved in tumor cell survival and growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry was used to semi-quantitate IL-6 and STAT3 in 111 OSCC tissues. IL-6-induced STAT3 signaling pathways and effects on tumor cell survival and progression were investigated in vitro and in xenograft mouse models. Effects of blocking IL-6-induced activation of STAT3 in an OSCC cell line were determined in vitro. RESULTS A higher level of IL-6 or STAT3 in situ was associated with an unfavorable prognosis in OSCC patients with regard to both disease-free and overall survival rates. Overexpressed or exogenous IL-6 could induce SAS cell proliferationin vitroand significantly enhanced tumor growthin vivo. In addition, knockdown or inhibition of STAT3 expression in SAS cells significantly reduced tumor growth and abolished the responsiveness to IL-6 stimulation. Siltuximab or Tocilizumab could also significantly suppress IL-6-induced STAT3 phosphorylation and STAT3 nuclear translocation, resulting in a significant decrease of downstream anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and survivin. CONCLUSION The IL-6 level in the tumor microenvironment could serve as a stage-independent predictor of OSCC progression and survival. Further, IL-6 may play a role in this disease through STAT3-dependent upregulation of anti-apoptotic genes and subsequent proliferation of tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ying Wei
- Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Bei-hu Branch, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Chao Lin
- Graduate Institute of Immunology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Chiao Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jenq-Yuh Ko
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sang-Heng Kok
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jung Cheng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jang-Jaer Lee
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jean-San Chia
- Graduate Institute of Immunology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lin X, Chen H, Xie Y, Zhou X, Wang Y, Zhou J, Long S, Hu Z, Zhang S, Qiu W, Zeng Z, Liu L. Combination of CTLA-4 blockade with MUC1 mRNA nanovaccine induces enhanced anti-tumor CTL activity by modulating tumor microenvironment of triple negative breast cancer. Transl Oncol 2021; 15:101298. [PMID: 34875483 PMCID: PMC8652013 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) is the main reason for the failure of many immunotherapies that directly stimulate anti-tumor immune response. Anti-CTLA-4 antibody may reduce effector regulatory T (Treg) cell numbers and their suppressive activity in the TME. We have previously reported that combination of anti-CTLA-4 antibody with MUC1 mRNA nanovaccine may mutually enhance each single treatment. But the enhancement mechanism of therapeutic efficacy of MUC1 mRNA nanovaccine plus anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) is unknown. In this study, anti-tumor CTL activity induced by combination of CTLA-4 Blockade with MUC1 mRNA nanovaccine and immunosuppressive factors in the TME of triple negative breast cancer were investigated. The results demonstrated that combined therapy with nanovaccine and anti-CTLA-4 mAb could induce stronger anti-tumor CTL response than each monotherapy, result in significantly decreased numbers of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), Treg cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) and tumor vasculature in the TME, downregulated levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and transforming growth factor-β, and significantly upregulated levels of IFN-γ and interleukin-12 as well as increased number of CD8+ T cell, and appear more effective than either nanovaccine or anti-CTLA-4 mAb alone at increasing level of apoptosis in tumor cells. In addition, combination immunotherapy could significantly downregulated the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signal pathway. Therefore, it can be concluded that combination of CTLA-4 blockade with MUC1 mRNA nanovaccine enhances anti-tumor cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity by reducing immunosuppressive TME and inhibiting tumor-promoting STAT3 signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Biological and Medical Engineering/Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province/Engineering Research Center of Medical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Hedan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biological and Medical Engineering/Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province/Engineering Research Center of Medical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Ying Xie
- Key Laboratory of Biological and Medical Engineering/Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province/Engineering Research Center of Medical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biological and Medical Engineering/Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province/Engineering Research Center of Medical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biological and Medical Engineering/Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province/Engineering Research Center of Medical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biological and Medical Engineering/Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province/Engineering Research Center of Medical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Shiqi Long
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Zuquan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Biological and Medical Engineering/Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province/Engineering Research Center of Medical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Shichao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biological and Medical Engineering/Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province/Engineering Research Center of Medical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Wei Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Biological and Medical Engineering/Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province/Engineering Research Center of Medical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Zhu Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Biological and Medical Engineering/Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province/Engineering Research Center of Medical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China.
| | - Lina Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biological and Medical Engineering/Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province/Engineering Research Center of Medical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ho AS, Robinson A, Shon W, Laury A, Raedschelders K, Venkatraman V, Holewinski R, Zhang Y, Shiao SL, Chen MM, Mallen-St Clair J, Lin DC, Zumsteg ZS, Van Eyk JE. Comparative Proteomic Analysis of HPV(+) Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Recurrence. J Proteome Res 2021; 21:200-208. [PMID: 34846153 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.1c00757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Deintensification therapy for human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV(+) OPSCC) is under active investigation. An adaptive treatment approach based on molecular stratification could identify high-risk patients predisposed to recurrence and better select for appropriate treatment regimens. Collectively, 40 HPV(+) OPSCC FFPE samples (20 disease-free, 20 recurrent) were surveyed using mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis via data-independent acquisition to obtain fold change and false discovery differences. Ten-year overall survival was 100.0 and 27.7% for HPV(+) disease-free and recurrent cohorts, respectively. Of 1414 quantified proteins, 77 demonstrated significant differential expression. Top enriched functional pathways included those involved in programmed cell death (73 proteins, p = 7.43 × 10-30), apoptosis (73 proteins, p = 5.56 × 10-9), β-catenin independent WNT signaling (47 proteins, p = 1.45 × 10-15), and Rho GTPase signaling (69 proteins, p = 1.09 × 10-5). PFN1 (p = 1.0 × 10-3), RAD23B (p = 2.9 × 10-4), LDHB (p = 1.0 × 10-3), and HINT1 (p = 3.8 × 10-3) pathways were significantly downregulated in the recurrent cohort. On functional validation via immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, 46.9% (PFN1), 71.9% (RAD23B), 59.4% (LDHB), and 84.4% (HINT1) of cases were corroborated with mass spectrometry findings. Development of a multilateral molecular signature incorporating these targets may characterize high-risk disease, predict treatment response, and augment current management paradigms in head and neck cancer.
Collapse
|
24
|
Crawford M, Liu X, Cheng YSL, Tsai RY. Nucleostemin upregulation and STAT3 activation as early events in oral epithelial dysplasia progression to squamous cell carcinoma. Neoplasia 2021; 23:1289-1299. [PMID: 34785448 PMCID: PMC8605099 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Most low-grade oral epithelial dysplasia remains static or regress, but a significant minority of them (4-11%) advances to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) within a few years. To monitor the progression of epithelial dysplasia for early cancer detection, we investigated the expression profiles of nucleostemin (NS) and phospho-STAT3 (p-STAT3) in rodent and human samples of dysplasia and OSCCs. In a 4NQO-induced rat oral carcinogenesis model, the number and distribution of NS and p-STAT3-positive cells increased in hyperplastic, dysplastic, and neoplastic lesions compared to normal epithelium. In human samples, the NS signal significantly increased in high-grade dysplasia and poorly differentiated OSCC, whereas p-STAT3 was more ubiquitously expressed than NS and showed increased intensity in high-grade dysplasia and both well and poorly differentiated OSCC. Analyses of human dysplastic samples with longitudinally followed outcomes revealed that cells with prominent nucleolar NS signals were more abundant in low-grade dysplasia that advanced to OSCC in 2 or 3 years than those remaining static for 7-14 years. These results suggest that NS upregulation and STAT3 activation are early events in the progression of low-grade dysplasia to OSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Crawford
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, 2121 W Holcombe Blvd, Rm 517, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoqin Liu
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, 2121 W Holcombe Blvd, Rm 517, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Yi-Shing L Cheng
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, 3302 Gaston Ave, Dallas, Texas 75246, USA.
| | - Robert Yl Tsai
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, 2121 W Holcombe Blvd, Rm 517, Houston, Texas 77030, USA; Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Cinobufagin Exerts Anticancer Activity in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells through Downregulation of ANO1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222112037. [PMID: 34769467 PMCID: PMC8584692 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222112037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Anoctamin1 (ANO1), a calcium-activated chloride channel, is frequently overexpressed in several cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). OSCC is a highly aggressive cancer and the most common oral malignancy. ANO1 has been proposed as a potential candidate for targeted anticancer therapy. In this study, we performed a cell-based screening to identify novel regulators leading to the downregulation of ANO1, and discovered cinobufagin, which downregulated ANO1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma CAL-27 cells. ANO1 protein levels were significantly reduced by cinobufagin in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of ~26 nM. Unlike previous ANO1 inhibitors, short-term (≤10 min) exposure to cinobufagin did not alter ANO1 chloride channel activity and ANO1-dependent intestinal smooth muscle contraction, whereas long-term (24 h) exposure to cinobufagin significantly reduced phosphorylation of STAT3 and mRNA expression of ANO1 in CAL-27 cells. Notably, cinobufagin inhibited cell proliferation of CAL-27 cells expressing high levels of ANO1 more potently than that of ANO1 knockout CAL-27 cells. In addition, cinobufagin significantly reduced cell migration and induced caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage in CAL-27 cells. These results suggest that downregulation of ANO1 by cinobufagin is a potential mechanism for the anticancer effect of cinobufagin in OSCC.
Collapse
|
26
|
Liu C, Nakano-Tateno T, Satou M, Chik C, Tateno T. Emerging role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in pituitary adenomas. Endocr J 2021; 68:1143-1153. [PMID: 34248112 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej21-0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenomas are benign tumours that can cause an individual various clinical manifestations including tumour mass effects and/or the diverse effects of abnormal pituitary hormone secretion. Given the morbidity and limited treatment options for pituitary adenomas, there is a need for better biomarkers and treatment options. One molecule that is of specific interest is the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a transcription factor that plays a critical role in mediating cytokine-induced changes in gene expression. In addition, STAT3 controls cell proliferation by regulating mitochondrial activity. Not only does activation of STAT3 play a crucial role in tumorigenesis, including pituitary tumorigenesis, but a number of studies also demonstrate pharmacological STAT3 inhibition as a promising treatment approach for many types of tumours, including pituitary tumours. This review will focus on the role of STAT3 in different pituitary adenomas, in particular, growth hormone-producing adenomas and null cell adenomas. Furthermore, how STAT3 is involved in the cell proliferation and hormone regulation in pituitary adenomas and its potential role as a molecular therapeutic target in pituitary adenomas will be summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyndy Liu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tae Nakano-Tateno
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Motoyasu Satou
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Constance Chik
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Toru Tateno
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Kordbacheh F, Farah CS. Molecular Pathways and Druggable Targets in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3453. [PMID: 34298667 PMCID: PMC8307423 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, affecting an ever increasing global population. Despite advances in diagnostic technology and surgical approaches to manage these conditions, survival rates have only marginally improved and this has occurred mainly in developed countries. Some improvements in survival, however, have been a result of new management and treatment approaches made possible because of our ever-increasing understanding of the molecular pathways triggered in head and neck oncogenesis, and the growing understanding of the abundant heterogeneity of this group of cancers. Some important pathways are common to other solid tumours, but their impact on reducing the burden of head and neck disease has been less than impressive. Other less known and little-explored pathways may hold the key to the development of potential druggable targets. The extensive work carried out over the last decade, mostly utilising next generation sequencing has opened up the development of many novel approaches to head and neck cancer treatment. This paper explores our current understanding of the molecular pathways of this group of tumours and outlines associated druggable targets which are deployed as therapeutic approaches in head and neck oncology with the ultimate aim of improving patient outcomes and controlling the personal and economic burden of head and neck cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Kordbacheh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- ACRF Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Camile S. Farah
- The Australian Centre for Oral Oncology Research & Education, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Genomics for Life, Brisbane, QLD 4064, Australia
- Anatomical Pathology, Australian Clinical Labs, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Head and Neck Cancer Signalling Laboratory, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Bhat GR, Hyole RG, Li J. Head and neck cancer: Current challenges and future perspectives. Adv Cancer Res 2021; 152:67-102. [PMID: 34353444 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck cancers are a heterogeneous, aggressive and genetically complex collection of malignancies of the oral cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, paranasal sinuses and salivary glands, which are difficult to treat. About 90% of all head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Larynx and Oral cavity carcinomas are generally related with tobacco consumption, alcohol abuse (or both), but pharynx carcinomas are generally associated with infection of human papillomavirus (HPV), especially HPV-16 subtype. Thus, usually HNSCC can be separated into HPV-negative and HPV-positive categories. Despite substantial efforts invested into therapeutic development of HNSCC, the 5-year survival rate of patients with HNSCC still remains dismal. The primary reason being late diagnosis, recurrent metastasis, relapse and resistance to therapies. Currently surgery and radiotherapy represent the baseline treatment options for most initial stage HNSCC patients, but these treatments are associated with significant morbidity and poor prognosis. Moreover, the issue of resistance to both radiotherapy/chemotherapy and recurrent relapse are common in HNSCC. Elucidation of the genetic landscape, tumor microenvironment and aberrant signaling pathways have generated new insights into the molecular pathogenesis of this disease. Thus, the scientific research has therefore been focused on the understanding of HNSCC biology and immunobiology to identification of predictive/prognostic biomarkers, which will be key to develop more effective targeted therapies with less toxicity and high specificity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gh Rasool Bhat
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Rosalie G Hyole
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Jiong Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Alam M, Mishra R. Bcl-xL expression and regulation in the progression, recurrence, and cisplatin resistance of oral cancer. Life Sci 2021; 280:119705. [PMID: 34111459 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bcl-xL is an anti-apoptotic molecule, but its role in the progression and recurrent/ drug-resistant oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is poorly understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of one hundred twenty-five human OSCC tissue specimens including twenty-nine adjacent normals (AN), sixty-nine primary tumors (PT), twenty-seven recurrent chemoradiation resistance (RCRT) samples, and oral tongue SCC derived cisplatin-resistant (CisR SCC-4/-9) cells were used, for this study. Protein/mRNA expression levels of Bcl-xL and its regulation by ERK1/2, Stat-3, p53, NFκB, AP-1 (components: c-Jun, c-Fos, and Fra-2) molecules, and cell viability were measured by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, RT-PCR, and MTT analysis. Further, the individual and synergistic effects of Fra-2 (siRNA) and nimbolide were tested in CisR SCC-4/-9 cells. RESULTS Progressive increase of Bcl-xL expression and its transcriptional-deregulation was observed with OSCC progression and resistance. Among all the possible upstream regulators of Bcl-xL, such as ERK1/2, Stat-3, p53, AP-1, and NFκB, the TF AP-1 (r = 0.644, p = 0.0001) showed maximum association with Bcl-xL mRNA expression. Though differential expression of AP-1 components were detected in OSCC specimens, with more striking positive-correction of c-Jun (r = 0.381, p = 0.049), c-Fos (r = 0.139, p = 0.488, ns) and Fra-2 (r = 0.664, p = 0.0001) with Bcl-xL expression observed stronger in RCRT tumor subgroup. Further, knockdown of Fra-2 and the application of plant-based phytochemical nimbolide decreased Bcl-xL expression and induced apoptosis in CisR SCC-4/-9 cells. CONCLUSION Collectively, we have demonstrated the role of Bcl-xL and AP-1 (Fra-2), causing OSCC progression and cisplatin resistance. Targeting Bcl-xL upstream pathway along with the application of nimbolide might be beneficial in eliminating drug-resistant OSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manzar Alam
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Ratu-Lohardaga Road, Brambe, Ranchi 835205, Jharkhand, India.
| | - Rajakishore Mishra
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Ratu-Lohardaga Road, Brambe, Ranchi 835205, Jharkhand, India.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Holzscheck N, Falckenhayn C, Söhle J, Kristof B, Siegner R, Werner A, Schössow J, Jürgens C, Völzke H, Wenck H, Winnefeld M, Grönniger E, Kaderali L. Modeling transcriptomic age using knowledge-primed artificial neural networks. NPJ Aging Mech Dis 2021; 7:15. [PMID: 34075044 PMCID: PMC8169742 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-021-00068-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of 'age clocks', machine learning models predicting age from biological data, has been a major milestone in the search for reliable markers of biological age and has since become an invaluable tool in aging research. However, beyond their unquestionable utility, current clocks offer little insight into the molecular biological processes driving aging, and their inner workings often remain non-transparent. Here we propose a new type of age clock, one that couples predictivity with interpretability of the underlying biology, achieved through the incorporation of prior knowledge into the model design. The clock, an artificial neural network constructed according to well-described biological pathways, allows the prediction of age from gene expression data of skin tissue with high accuracy, while at the same time capturing and revealing aging states of the pathways driving the prediction. The model recapitulates known associations of aging gene knockdowns in simulation experiments and demonstrates its utility in deciphering the main pathways by which accelerated aging conditions such as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, as well as pro-longevity interventions like caloric restriction, exert their effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Holzscheck
- Front End Innovation, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany.
- Institute for Bioinformatics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
| | | | - Jörn Söhle
- Front End Innovation, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Boris Kristof
- Front End Innovation, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Siegner
- Front End Innovation, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany
| | - André Werner
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Janka Schössow
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Clemens Jürgens
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Henry Völzke
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Horst Wenck
- Front End Innovation, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Lars Kaderali
- Institute for Bioinformatics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Yan Z, Hong S, Song Y, Bi M. microR-4449 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation via Regulation of SOCS3 and Activation of STAT3 Signaling. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:3029-3039. [PMID: 33854373 PMCID: PMC8039016 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s266153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs), which represented a critical level of gene expression modulation, regulated the development of colorectal cancer. However, the functions of numerous miRNAs remain unclear in colorectal cancer. Methods The microarray data of GSE115513 were retrieved; subsequently, the differentially expressed miRNAs between 411 colon tumors and 381 normal colon mucosa were analyzed. Real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and bioinformatic analysis were applied to examine the expression of miR-4449 in collected colorectal tumors and published microarray data. The activity of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling was detected by Western blotting and RT-qPCR. Dual-Luciferase assay and bioinformatic analysis were used to confirm the interaction between suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) and miR-4449. Loss of function and rescue assays were performed to study the involvement of miR-4449 and SOCS3 in cell proliferation and apoptosis of colorectal cancer. Results Herein, we identified miR-4449 as a novel upregulated miRNA in colorectal cancer. Our data suggested that miR-4449 downregulation blocked the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells accompanied with the elevation of cell apoptosis. Decreased expression of miR-4449 led to inactivation of STAT3 pathway as indicated by dephosphorylation of STAT3 and downregulation of STAT3 target genes, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), c-Myc, baculovirus inhibitor of apoptosis containing 5 (BIRC5). Furthermore, SOCS3, a negative regulator of STAT3 pathway, was found to be a target gene of miR-4449. The data also showed that the inactivation of STAT3 pathway by miR-4449 inhibitor was realized by targeting SOCS3. Moreover, the biological function of miR-4449 downregulation was reversed by SOCS3 knockdown in colorectal cancer cells. Conclusion The current study revealed that miR-4449 promoted cell proliferation of colorectal cancer and was a promising potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenkun Yan
- Department of Endoscopy Center, The Third Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, People's Republic of China
| | - Sen Hong
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, People's Republic of China
| | - Yumei Song
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Tumor Hospital of Jilin Province, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, People's Republic of China
| | - Miaomiao Bi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Regulation of Glycolysis in Head and Neck Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1280:219-230. [PMID: 33791985 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-51652-9_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) glycolysis is an important factor for the advancement of the disease and metastasis. Upregulation of glycolysis leads to decreased sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiation. HNSCC cells maintain constitutive glycolytic flux generating metabolic intermediates for the synthesis of amino acids, nucleotides, and fats for cell survival and disease progression. There are several pathways such as PI3K/Akt, EGFR, and JAK-STAT that contribute a major role in metabolic alteration in HNSCC. Recent studies have demonstrated that cancer-associated fibroblasts abundant in the HNSCC tumor microenvironment play a major role in HNSCC metabolic alteration via hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met cross signaling. Despite therapeutic advancement, HNSCC lacks broad range of therapeutic interventions for the treatment of the disease. Thus, understanding the different key players involved in glucose metabolism and targeting them would lead to the development of novel drugs for the treatment of HNSCC.
Collapse
|
33
|
Bcl-xL: A Focus on Melanoma Pathobiology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052777. [PMID: 33803452 PMCID: PMC7967179 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is the main mechanism by which multicellular organisms eliminate damaged or unwanted cells. To regulate this process, a balance between pro-survival and pro-apoptotic proteins is necessary in order to avoid impaired apoptosis, which is the cause of several pathologies, including cancer. Among the anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-xL exhibits a high conformational flexibility, whose regulation is strictly controlled by alternative splicing and post-transcriptional regulation mediated by transcription factors or microRNAs. It shows relevant functions in different forms of cancer, including melanoma. In melanoma, Bcl-xL contributes to both canonical roles, such as pro-survival, protection from apoptosis and induction of drug resistance, and non-canonical functions, including promotion of cell migration and invasion, and angiogenesis. Growing evidence indicates that Bcl-xL inhibition can be helpful for cancer patients, but at present, effective and safe therapies targeting Bcl-xL are lacking due to toxicity to platelets. In this review, we summarized findings describing the mechanisms of Bcl-xL regulation, and the role that Bcl-xL plays in melanoma pathobiology and response to therapy. From these findings, it emerged that even if Bcl-xL plays a crucial role in melanoma pathobiology, we need further studies aimed at evaluating the involvement of Bcl-xL and other members of the Bcl-2 family in the progression of melanoma and at identifying new non-toxic Bcl-xL inhibitors.
Collapse
|
34
|
Shiah JV, Grandis JR, Johnson DE. Targeting STAT3 with Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras and Next-Generation Antisense Oligonucleotides. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:219-228. [PMID: 33203730 PMCID: PMC7888537 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
STAT3 has been recognized for its key role in the progression of cancer, where it is frequently upregulated or constitutively hyperactivated, contributing to tumor cell proliferation, survival, and migration, as well as angiogenesis and suppression of antitumor immunity. Given the ubiquity of dysregulated STAT3 activity in cancer, it has long been considered a highly attractive target for the development of anticancer therapies. Efforts to target STAT3, however, have proven to be especially challenging, perhaps owing to the fact that transcription factors lack targetable enzymatic activity and have historically been considered "undruggable." Small-molecule inhibitors targeting STAT3 have been limited by insufficient selectivity and potency. More recently, therapeutic approaches that selectively target STAT3 protein for degradation have been developed, offering novel strategies that do not rely on inhibition of upstream pathways or direct competitive inhibition of the STAT3 protein. Here, we review these emerging approaches, including the development of STAT3 proteolysis targeting chimera agents, as well as preclinical and clinical studies of chemically stabilized antisense molecules, such as the clinical agent AZD9150. These therapeutic strategies may robustly reduce the cellular activity of oncogenic STAT3 and overcome the historical limitations of less selective small molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie V Shiah
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Daniel E Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Tolomeo M, Cascio A. The Multifaced Role of STAT3 in Cancer and Its Implication for Anticancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020603. [PMID: 33435349 PMCID: PMC7826746 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 is one of the most complex regulators of transcription. Constitutive activation of STAT3 has been reported in many types of tumors and depends on mechanisms such as hyperactivation of receptors for pro-oncogenic cytokines and growth factors, loss of negative regulation, and excessive cytokine stimulation. In contrast, somatic STAT3 mutations are less frequent in cancer. Several oncogenic targets of STAT3 have been recently identified such as c-myc, c-Jun, PLK-1, Pim1/2, Bcl-2, VEGF, bFGF, and Cten, and inhibitors of STAT3 have been developed for cancer prevention and treatment. However, despite the oncogenic role of STAT3 having been widely demonstrated, an increasing amount of data indicate that STAT3 functions are multifaced and not easy to classify. In fact, the specific cellular role of STAT3 seems to be determined by the integration of multiple signals, by the oncogenic environment, and by the alternative splicing into two distinct isoforms, STAT3α and STAT3β. On the basis of these different conditions, STAT3 can act both as a potent tumor promoter or tumor suppressor factor. This implies that the therapies based on STAT3 modulators should be performed considering the pleiotropic functions of this transcription factor and tailored to the specific tumor type.
Collapse
|
36
|
Chen G, Xu L, Ye G, Lin J, Meng Z, Shen Y. Overexpression of a Long Non-Coding RNA BC037916 is Associated with Pancreatic Tumorigenesis and Poor Prognosis. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 13:13451-13463. [PMID: 33447050 PMCID: PMC7801918 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s282350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies. Accumulating evidence supports for the critical contribution of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) to the cancer development and progression. We tried to identify novel lncRNAs involved in the pancreatic carcinogenesis. Materials and Methods Two independent datasets (Gene Expression Omnibus datasets: GSE16515 and GSE32688) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The level of BC037916 was detected in pancreatic cancer tissues and adjacent no-tumorous tissues (n=86) by qRT-PCR. Effects of BC037916 on proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells were examined. Results We identified a novel lncRNA BC037916 involved in the pancreatic carcinogenesis by analyzing GEO datasets. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that 86.0% (74/86) pancreatic cancer tissues had increased BC037916 expression as compared with normal counterparts. Further, positive correlation was observed between BC037916 expression and clinical stage, primary tumor, and regional lymph node invasion. Importantly, BC037916 was an independent prognostic factor of pancreatic cancer. Functionally, knockdown of BC037916 repressed cell proliferation, inhibited cell invasion, halted cell cycle progression, and promoted apoptosis in both PANC-1 and SW1990 cells. In contrast, overexpression of BC037916 in CAPAN-1 had opposite effects. Moreover, silencing of BC037916 significantly inhibited the tumor growth of xenografted SW1990 cells in vivo. Results of Western blot assays suggested that BC037916 knockdown also suppressed the activation of JAK2/STAT3 and TGF-β signaling. Further experiments suggested that BC037916 positively regulated the expression of Twist through miR-3145-3p. Conclusion BC037916 exhibited oncogenic potential in pancreatic cancer development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Chen
- Department of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Litao Xu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanxiong Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People's Hospital of Lishui, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhua Lin
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Meng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yehua Shen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Liu Y, Liao S, Bennett S, Tang H, Song D, Wood D, Zhan X, Xu J. STAT3 and its targeting inhibitors in osteosarcoma. Cell Prolif 2020; 54:e12974. [PMID: 33382511 PMCID: PMC7848963 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is one of seven STAT family members involved with the regulation of cellular growth, differentiation and survival. STAT proteins are conserved among eukaryotes and are important for biological functions of embryogenesis, immunity, haematopoiesis and cell migration. STAT3 is widely expressed and located in the cytoplasm in an inactive form. STAT3 is rapidly and transiently activated by tyrosine phosphorylation by a range of signalling pathways, including cytokines from the IL‐6 family and growth factors, such as EGF and PDGF. STAT3 activation and subsequent dimer formation initiates nuclear translocation of STAT3 for the regulation of target gene transcription. Four STAT3 isoforms have been identified, which have distinct biological functions. STAT3 is considered a proto‐oncogene and constitutive activation of STAT3 is implicated in the development of various cancers, including multiple myeloma, leukaemia and lymphomas. In this review, we focus on recent progress on STAT3 and osteosarcoma (OS). Notably, STAT3 is overexpressed and associated with the poor prognosis of OS. Constitutive activation of STAT3 in OS appears to upregulate the expression of target oncogenes, leading to OS cell transformation, proliferation, tumour formation, invasion, metastasis, immune evasion and drug resistance. Taken together, STAT3 is a target for cancer therapy, and STAT3 inhibitors represent potential therapeutic candidates for the treatment of OS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Liu
- Department of Spine and Osteopathic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,Division of Regenerative Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shijie Liao
- Division of Regenerative Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,Department of Trauma Orthopedic and Hand Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Samuel Bennett
- Division of Regenerative Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Haijun Tang
- Department of Orthopedic, Guangxi hospital for nationalities, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Dezhi Song
- Division of Regenerative Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - David Wood
- Division of Regenerative Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Xinli Zhan
- Department of Spine and Osteopathic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,Division of Regenerative Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiake Xu
- Division of Regenerative Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Aggarwal N, Yadav J, Thakur K, Bibban R, Chhokar A, Tripathi T, Bhat A, Singh T, Jadli M, Singh U, Kashyap MK, Bharti AC. Human Papillomavirus Infection in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas: Transcriptional Triggers and Changed Disease Patterns. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020. [PMID: 33344262 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.537650,] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous group of cancers. Collectively, HNSCC ranks sixth in incidence rate worldwide. Apart from classical risk factors like tobacco and alcohol, infection of human papillomavirus (HPV) is emerging as a discrete risk factor for HNSCC. HPV-positive HNSCC represent a distinct group of diseases that differ in their clinical presentation. These lesions are well-differentiated, occur at an early age, and have better prognosis. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a specific increase in the proportions of the HPV-positive HNSCC. HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC lesions display different disease progression and clinical response. For tumorigenic-transformation, HPV essentially requires a permissive cellular environment and host cell factors for induction of viral transcription. As the spectrum of host factors is independent of HPV infection at the time of viral entry, presumably entry of HPV only selects host cells that are permissive to establishment of HPV infection. Growing evidence suggest that HPV plays a more active role in a subset of HNSCC, where they are transcriptionally-active. A variety of factors provide a favorable environment for HPV to become transcriptionally-active. The most notable are the set of transcription factors that have direct binding sites on the viral genome. As HPV does not have its own transcription machinery, it is fully dependent on host transcription factors to complete the life cycle. Here, we review and evaluate the current evidence on level of a subset of host transcription factors that influence viral genome, directly or indirectly, in HNSCC. Since many of these transcription factors can independently promote carcinogenesis, the composition of HPV permissive transcription factors in a tumor can serve as a surrogate marker of a separate molecularly-distinct class of HNSCC lesions including those cases, where HPV could not get a chance to infect but may manifest better prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Aggarwal
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Joni Yadav
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Kulbhushan Thakur
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Rakhi Bibban
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Arun Chhokar
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Tanya Tripathi
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Anjali Bhat
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Tejveer Singh
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Mohit Jadli
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Ujala Singh
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Manoj K Kashyap
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.,Amity Medical School, Stem Cell Institute, Amity University Haryana, Amity Education Valley Panchgaon, Gurugram, India
| | - Alok C Bharti
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Qureshy Z, Johnson DE, Grandis JR. Targeting the JAK/STAT pathway in solid tumors. JOURNAL OF CANCER METASTASIS AND TREATMENT 2020; 6:27. [PMID: 33521321 PMCID: PMC7845926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins is associated with the development and progression of solid tumors. However, as transcription factors, these proteins are difficult to target directly. In this review, we summarize the role of targeting Janus kinases (JAKs), upstream activators of STATs, as a strategy for decreasing STAT activation in solid tumors. Preclinical studies in solid tumor cell line models show that JAK inhibitors decrease STAT activation, cell proliferation, and cell survival; in in vivo models, they also inhibit tumor growth. JAK inhibitors, particularly the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib, sensitize cell lines and murine models to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and oncolytic viral therapy. Ten JAK inhibitors have been or are actively being tested in clinical trials as monotherapy or in combination with other agents in patients with solid tumors; two of these inhibitors are already Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders and rheumatoid arthritis, making them attractive agents for use in patients with solid tumors as they are known to be well-tolerated. Four JAK inhibitors (two of which are FDA approved for other indications) have exhibited promising anti-cancer effects in preclinical studies; however, clinical studies specifically assessing their activity against the JAK/STAT pathway in solid tumors have not yet been conducted. In summary, JAK inhibition is a viable option for targeting the JAK/STAT pathway in solid tumors and merits further testing in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoya Qureshy
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco 94158, USA
| | - Daniel E Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco 94158, USA
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco 94158, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ni Z, Zheng Z, Yu E, Zu C, Huang D, Wu K, Hu J, Ye S, Zhuge Q, Yang J, Ruan L. Distribution pattern of invasion-related bio-markers in head Marjolin's ulcer. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:3316-3323. [PMID: 32855703 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Marjolin's ulcer (MU) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous malignancy that typically presented in an area of traumatized or chronically inflamed skin and particularly in burn scars. Among them, the MU in the scalp with extensive invasion of the skull is exceptional and severe. The principle of management for MU is to obtain an early diagnosis and perform prompt surgical interventions. The invasive capacity of MU may vary among different sites of the scalp, which may require different therapeutic strategies for surgical excision. However, no clear evidence has been provided to determine the invasion ability of MU at different regions of the lesion as a surgical guidance. In present study, a 41-year-old female with a 40-year history of scalp ulceration has been examined. After resection of the MU lesion, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to confirm the pathology of the cutaneous malignancy after surgical excision. Furthermore, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR experiment was performed out to determine the expression levels of invasion-associated biomarkers at different sites of the scalp affected by MU. Pathological analysis with H&E staining indicated a differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with invasion of the skull. The invasion-associated biomarkers were highly expressed in the core region compared to the middle region as well as the edge of MU tissue. Taken together, the present study suggests that the expression pattern of invasion-associated biomarkers varies between different regions of the MU lesion. High expression levels in the core region of MU indicates that the resection of the center area may be critical for the successful surgical treatment of MU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Ni
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Zhao Zheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Enxing Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Can Zu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Dongdong Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Ke Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Jiangnan Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Sheng Ye
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Qichuan Zhuge
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Jianjing Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Linhui Ruan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
MHC Class I Downregulation in Cancer: Underlying Mechanisms and Potential Targets for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071760. [PMID: 32630675 PMCID: PMC7409324 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, major advances have been made in cancer immunotherapy. This has led to significant improvement in prognosis of cancer patients, especially in the hematological setting. Nonetheless, translation of these successes to solid tumors was found difficult. One major mechanism through which solid tumors can avoid anti-tumor immunity is the downregulation of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I), which causes reduced recognition by- and cytotoxicity of CD8+ T-cells. Downregulation of MHC-I has been described in 40-90% of human tumors, often correlating with worse prognosis. Epigenetic and (post-)transcriptional dysregulations relevant in the stabilization of NFkB, IRFs, and NLRC5 are often responsible for MHC-I downregulation in cancer. The intrinsic reversible nature of these dysregulations provides an opportunity to restore MHC-I expression and facilitate adaptive anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanisms underlying reversible MHC-I downregulation and describe potential strategies to counteract this reduction in MHC-I antigen presentation in cancer.
Collapse
|
42
|
Ren S, Xing Y, Wang C, Jiang F, Liu G, Li Z, Jiang T, Zhu Y, Piao D. Fraxetin inhibits the growth of colon adenocarcinoma cells via the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signalling pathway. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 125:105777. [PMID: 32504672 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fraxetin, extracted from the bark of Fraxinus rhynchophylla, has been shown to exhibit antitumour and anti-inflammatory pharmacological properties. However, the mechanism underlying its anticancer activity towards colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is not well understood. We aimed to determine the antitumour effect of fraxetin on COAD cell lines and elucidate its biochemical and molecular targets. METHODS The cell lines HCT116 and DLD-1 were used to evaluate the in vitro antitumour efficacy of fraxetin. Cytotoxicity and viability were assessed by CCK-8 and plate colony formation assays. Flow cytometry was used to assess apoptosis and cell cycle progression in fraxetin-treated COAD cells. Western blot, RT-qPCR, molecular docking, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescence analyses were used to gain insights into cellular and molecular mechanisms. Preclinical curative effects were evaluated in nude mouse xenograft models. RESULTS Fraxetin significantly inhibited COAD cell proliferation in both dose- and time-dependent manners, specifically by inducing S-phase cell cycle arrest and triggering intrinsic apoptosis. Additionally, the level of p-JAK2 was decreased by fraxetin via the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signalling pathway. Interestingly, in COAD cells, fraxetin directly targeted the Y1007 and Y1008 residues of JAK2 to suppress its auto- or transphosphorylation, leading to decreased activation of its downstream effector STAT3 and blocking its nuclear translocation. Finally, fraxetin exhibited good tumour growth suppression activity and low toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Fraxetin inhibits the proliferation of COAD cells by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway, providing evidence that targeting JAK2 with fraxetin may offer a novel potential auxiliary therapy for COAD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Ren
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yanwei Xing
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chengbo Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Fengqi Jiang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Guangyu Liu
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ziyi Li
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuekun Zhu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Daxun Piao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Ni JS, Zheng H, Ou YL, Tao YP, Wang ZG, Song LH, Yan HL, Zhou WP. miR-515-5p suppresses HCC migration and invasion via targeting IL6/JAK/STAT3 pathway. Surg Oncol 2020; 34:113-120. [PMID: 32891315 DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as critical modulators of cell migration and invasion, which are the major causes of cancer progression including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the accurate role of miR-515-5p in HCC is still uncertain. Here, we report that miR-515-5p expression is down-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, and associated with absence of capsule formation (p = 0.015)﹑microvascular invasion(p = 0.003)﹑and advantange TNM stage (II-III) (p = 0.014) in HCC patients. Overexpression of miR-515-5p inhibited migration and invasion of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo, while miR-515-5p knockdown has the inverse effect. Moreover, using miRNA databases and dual-luciferase report assay, we find miR-515-5p directly binds to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of interleukin 6 (IL6). In addition, the regulatory association between miR-515-5p and the IL-6/Janus kinase (JNK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) signaling pathway was explored. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-515-5p inhibited the activation of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway, which was rescued by overexpression of IL-6. The results of the current study indicate that miR-515-5p overexpression may serve an important role in inhibiting migration and invasion of HCC cells via suppression of IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway activation. MiR-515-5p may serve as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Sheng Ni
- Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, 200438, China; Department of Reproductive Heredity Center, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang-Liu Ou
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yuan-Ping Tao
- Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zhen-Guang Wang
- Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Li-Hua Song
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Hong-Li Yan
- Department of Reproductive Heredity Center, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei-Ping Zhou
- Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, 200438, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Zhao C, Yang L, Zhou F, Yu Y, Du X, Xiang Y, Li C, Huang X, Xie C, Liu Z, Lin J, Wang L, Liang G, Cui R. Feedback activation of EGFR is the main cause for STAT3 inhibition-irresponsiveness in pancreatic cancer cells. Oncogene 2020; 39:3997-4013. [PMID: 32242147 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1271-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the world's leading causes of cancer-related death. Activation of STAT3 has been reported as a major contributor in pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. However, treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer patients with STAT3 inhibitors often meets drug resistance and heterogeneous response. We found that EGFR activation is a main cause for resistance to STAT3 inhibitors in pancreatic cancer cells, regardless of KRAS mutation status. Mechanistically, inhibition of STAT3 promotes STAT1- and STAT4-mediated TGF-α expression, leading to activation of the EGFR pathway. Combined treatment of pancreatic cancer cells with EGFR and STAT3 inhibitors persistently blocks EGFR and STAT3 signaling, and exerts synergistic antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo, with or without KRAS mutation. Our results indicate that reciprocal cross-talk between STAT3 and EGFR pathways is a key molecular mechanism leading to resistance in pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, the study shows that combined inhibition of both EGFR and STAT3 might overcome drug resistance encountered during treatment with single agent alone. This study suggests an improved therapeutic strategy, through combined treatment with STAT3 and EGFR inhibitors, for pancreatic cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengguang Zhao
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.,Wenzhou University-Wenzhou Medical University Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lehe Yang
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Feng Zhou
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yun Yu
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaojing Du
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Youqun Xiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenglong Li
- College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Congying Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiguo Liu
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiayuh Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Liangxing Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Guang Liang
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China. .,Wenzhou University-Wenzhou Medical University Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Ri Cui
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China. .,The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China. .,Wenzhou University-Wenzhou Medical University Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Mohan CD, Rangappa S, Preetham HD, Chandra Nayaka S, Gupta VK, Basappa S, Sethi G, Rangappa KS. Targeting STAT3 signaling pathway in cancer by agents derived from Mother Nature. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 80:157-182. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
46
|
Aggarwal N, Yadav J, Thakur K, Bibban R, Chhokar A, Tripathi T, Bhat A, Singh T, Jadli M, Singh U, Kashyap MK, Bharti AC. Human Papillomavirus Infection in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas: Transcriptional Triggers and Changed Disease Patterns. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:537650. [PMID: 33344262 PMCID: PMC7738612 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.537650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous group of cancers. Collectively, HNSCC ranks sixth in incidence rate worldwide. Apart from classical risk factors like tobacco and alcohol, infection of human papillomavirus (HPV) is emerging as a discrete risk factor for HNSCC. HPV-positive HNSCC represent a distinct group of diseases that differ in their clinical presentation. These lesions are well-differentiated, occur at an early age, and have better prognosis. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a specific increase in the proportions of the HPV-positive HNSCC. HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC lesions display different disease progression and clinical response. For tumorigenic-transformation, HPV essentially requires a permissive cellular environment and host cell factors for induction of viral transcription. As the spectrum of host factors is independent of HPV infection at the time of viral entry, presumably entry of HPV only selects host cells that are permissive to establishment of HPV infection. Growing evidence suggest that HPV plays a more active role in a subset of HNSCC, where they are transcriptionally-active. A variety of factors provide a favorable environment for HPV to become transcriptionally-active. The most notable are the set of transcription factors that have direct binding sites on the viral genome. As HPV does not have its own transcription machinery, it is fully dependent on host transcription factors to complete the life cycle. Here, we review and evaluate the current evidence on level of a subset of host transcription factors that influence viral genome, directly or indirectly, in HNSCC. Since many of these transcription factors can independently promote carcinogenesis, the composition of HPV permissive transcription factors in a tumor can serve as a surrogate marker of a separate molecularly-distinct class of HNSCC lesions including those cases, where HPV could not get a chance to infect but may manifest better prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Aggarwal
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Joni Yadav
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Kulbhushan Thakur
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Rakhi Bibban
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Arun Chhokar
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Tanya Tripathi
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Anjali Bhat
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Tejveer Singh
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Mohit Jadli
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Ujala Singh
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Manoj K. Kashyap
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
- Amity Medical School, Stem Cell Institute, Amity University Haryana, Amity Education Valley Panchgaon, Gurugram, India
| | - Alok C. Bharti
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
- *Correspondence: Alok C. Bharti,
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Systems biology analysis identifies molecular determinants of chemotherapy-induced diarrhoea. J Mol Med (Berl) 2019; 98:149-159. [PMID: 31848663 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-019-01864-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced diarrhoea (CID) is a common dose-limiting adverse event in patients with cancer. Here, we hypothesise that chemotherapy evokes apoptosis in normal gut epithelium, contributes to CID and that patients with increased risk of CID can be identified using a systems model of BCL-2 protein interactions (DR_MOMP) that calculates the sensitivity of cells to undergo apoptosis. Normal adjacent gut epithelium tissue was collected during resection surgery from a cohort of 35 patients with stage II-III colorectal cancer (CRC) who were subsequently treated with capecitabine, XELOX or FOLFOX. Clinical follow-up, type and grade of adverse events during adjuvant chemotherapy were recorded. The level of five BCL-2 proteins required for the calculation of the DR_MOMP score was quantified together with 62 additional signalling proteins related to apoptotic pathways. Odds ratios for the occurrence of diarrhoea were determined using multinomial logistic regression (MLR). Patients treated with capecitabine who had a DR_MOMP score equal or higher than the mean had a significantly lower frequency of diarrhoea significantly compared to patients below the mean. High DR_MOMP scores indicate high apoptosis resistance. No statistical difference was observed in patients treated with XELOX or FOLFOX. Using MLR, we found that levels of apoptosis-related proteins caspase-8, p53 and XIAP statistically interacted with the DR_MOMP stress dose. Markers of MAPK signalling were prognostic for diarrhoea independently of DR_MOMP. In conclusion, apoptosis sensitivity and MAPK signalling status of the adjacent normal gut epithelium of chemotherapy-naïve patients represent promising biomarkers to identify patients with CRC with increased risk of CID.
Collapse
|
48
|
Pradhan A, Dunn A, Ustiyan V, Bolte C, Wang G, Whitsett JA, Zhang Y, Porollo A, Hu YC, Xiao R, Szafranski P, Shi D, Stankiewicz P, Kalin TV, Kalinichenko VV. The S52F FOXF1 Mutation Inhibits STAT3 Signaling and Causes Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2019; 200:1045-1056. [PMID: 31199666 PMCID: PMC6794119 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201810-1897oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (ACDMPV) is a lethal congenital disorder causing respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension shortly after birth. There are no effective treatments for ACDMPV other than lung transplant, and new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. Although ACDMPV is linked to mutations in the FOXF1 gene, molecular mechanisms through which FOXF1 mutations cause ACDMPV are unknown.Objectives: To identify molecular mechanisms by which S52F FOXF1 mutations cause ACDMPV.Methods: We generated a clinically relevant mouse model of ACDMPV by introducing the S52F FOXF1 mutation into the mouse Foxf1 gene locus using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Immunohistochemistry, whole-lung imaging, and biochemical methods were used to examine vasculature in Foxf1WT/S52F lungs and identify molecular mechanisms regulated by FOXF1.Measurements and Main Results: FOXF1 mutations were identified in 28 subjects with ACDMPV. Foxf1WT/S52F knock-in mice recapitulated histopathologic findings in ACDMPV infants. The S52F FOXF1 mutation disrupted STAT3-FOXF1 protein-protein interactions and inhibited transcription of Stat3, a critical transcriptional regulator of angiogenesis. STAT3 signaling and endothelial proliferation were reduced in Foxf1WT/S52F mice and human ACDMPV lungs. S52F FOXF1 mutant protein did not bind chromatin and was transcriptionally inactive. Furthermore, we have developed a novel formulation of highly efficient nanoparticles and demonstrated that nanoparticle delivery of STAT3 cDNA into the neonatal circulation restored endothelial proliferation and stimulated lung angiogenesis in Foxf1WT/S52F mice.Conclusions: FOXF1 acts through STAT3 to stimulate neonatal lung angiogenesis. Nanoparticle delivery of STAT3 is a promising strategy to treat ACDMPV associated with decreased STAT3 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arun Pradhan
- Department of Pediatrics
- Center for Lung Regenerative Medicine
| | - Andrew Dunn
- Department of Pediatrics
- Center for Lung Regenerative Medicine
- The Materials Science and Engineering Program, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | - Craig Bolte
- Department of Pediatrics
- Center for Lung Regenerative Medicine
| | - Guolun Wang
- Department of Pediatrics
- Center for Lung Regenerative Medicine
| | | | - Yufang Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics
- Center for Lung Regenerative Medicine
| | - Alexey Porollo
- Department of Pediatrics
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, and
| | - Yueh-Chiang Hu
- Department of Pediatrics
- Transgenic Animal and Genome Editing Core Facility, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Rui Xiao
- Baylor Genetics, Houston, Texas; and
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Przemyslaw Szafranski
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Donglu Shi
- The Materials Science and Engineering Program, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Pawel Stankiewicz
- Baylor Genetics, Houston, Texas; and
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ji L, Jiang F, Cui X, Qin C. Talin1 knockdown prohibits the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells via the EMT signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:5408-5416. [PMID: 31612049 PMCID: PMC6781565 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10902] [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: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second highest cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. Talin1 activates integrins, which mediate cell adhesion, proliferation, tumorigenesis and metastasis. The aim of the present study was to determine talin1 expression levels in colorectal cancer (CRC) and investigate the role of talin1 in CRC proliferation and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Talin1 protein expression levels were detected in human CRC and adjacent normal tissues by immunohistochemistry. Talin1 short hairpin RNA and control vectors were designed and stably transfected into HCT116 CRC cells. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay. Cell migratory and invasive capabilities were detected by wound-healing and Matrigel invasion assays. The expression of proteins in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition signaling pathway was determined by western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The effect of talin1 on tumor growth was explored in vivo using BALB/c nude mice. Immunohistochemical analysis of CRC and adjacent normal tissue revealed that talin1 expression was upregulated in CRC. Talin1 knockdown significantly reduced the proliferation, migration and invasive ability of HCT116 cells compared with the control. Protein levels of phosphorylated STAT3 and vimentin were significantly lower in talin1-knockdown HCT116 cell lines compared with the control, whereas protein levels of E-cadherin were increased. Interleukin-6 mRNA levels were significantly increased in patients' blood samples compared with blood samples from healthy controls, as well as in CRC compared with adjacent normal tissue. In vivo experiments demonstrated that talin1 knockdown reduced CRC tumor growth and weight in nude mice. In conclusion, Talin1 knockdown may prevent the proliferation and migration of CRC cells by downregulating various factors involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition process, such as phosphorylated STAT3 and vimentin; therefore, talin1 may provide a novel therapeutic target for CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ji
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China.,Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Feizhao Jiang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Xianping Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Chengkun Qin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Li S, Lee C, Hsu C, Huang H, Su Y. IL‐6 induces haptoglobin expression through activating STAT3 in human head and neck cancer. J Oral Pathol Med 2019; 49:49-54. [DOI: 10.1111/jop.12958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Szu‐Chin Li
- Division of Hematology–Oncology Department of Internal Medicine Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital Chiayi Taiwan
- School of Medicine Tzu Chi University Hualian Taiwan
- Department of Life Science Institute of Molecular Biology National Chung Cheng University Chiayi Taiwan
| | - Ching‐Chih Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration National Yang‐Ming University Taipei Taiwan
- School of Medicine National Yang‐Ming University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Chin‐Mu Hsu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology Department of Internal Medicine Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Hsien‐Bin Huang
- Department of Life Science Institute of Molecular Biology National Chung Cheng University Chiayi Taiwan
| | - Yu‐Chieh Su
- Division of Hematology and Oncology Department of Internal Medicine Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine College of Medicine Kaohsiung Medical University Kaohsiung Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|