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Hernández-Magaña A, Bensussen A, Martínez-García JC, Álvarez-Buylla ER. Engineering principles for rationally design therapeutic strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1404319. [PMID: 38939509 PMCID: PMC11208463 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1404319] [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: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The search for new therapeutic strategies against cancer has favored the emergence of rationally designed treatments. These treatments have focused on attacking cell plasticity mechanisms to block the transformation of epithelial cells into cancerous cells. The aim of these approaches was to control particularly lethal cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma. However, they have not been able to control the progression of cancer for unknown reasons. Facing this scenario, emerging areas such as systems biology propose using engineering principles to design and optimize cancer treatments. Beyond the possibilities that this approach might offer, it is necessary to know whether its implementation at a clinical level is viable or not. Therefore, in this paper, we will review the engineering principles that could be applied to rationally design strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma, and discuss whether the necessary elements exist to implement them. In particular, we will emphasize whether these engineering principles could be applied to fight hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Bensussen
- Departamento de Control Automático, Cinvestav-IPN, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Elena R. Álvarez-Buylla
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad (C3), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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2
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Thakur C, Qiu Y, Pawar A, Chen F. Epigenetic regulation of breast cancer metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:597-619. [PMID: 37857941 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10146-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Recurrent metastasis is associated with poor patient outcomes and poses a significant challenge in breast cancer therapies. Cancer cells adapting to a new tissue microenvironment is the key event in distant metastasis development, where the disseminating tumor cells are likely to acquire genetic and epigenetic alterations during the process of metastatic colonization. Despite several decades of research in this field, the exact mechanisms governing metastasis are not fully understood. However, emerging body of evidence indicates that in addition to genetic changes, epigenetic reprogramming of cancer cells and the metastatic niche are paramount toward successful metastasis. Here, we review and discuss the latest knowledge about the salient attributes of metastasis and epigenetic regulation in breast cancer and crucial research domains that need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Thakur
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
| | - Yiran Qiu
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Aashna Pawar
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Fei Chen
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
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3
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Xu P, Liu K, Huang S, Lv J, Yan Z, Ge H, Cheng Q, Chen Z, Ji P, Qian Y, Li B, Xu H, Yang L, Xu Z, Zhang D. N 6-methyladenosine-modified MIB1 promotes stemness properties and peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer cells by ubiquitinating DDX3X. Gastric Cancer 2024; 27:275-291. [PMID: 38252226 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-023-01463-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peritoneal metastasis (PM), one of the most typical forms of metastasis in advanced gastric cancer (GC), indicates a poor prognosis. Exploring the potential molecular mechanism of PM is urgently necessary, as it has not been well studied. E3 ubiquitin ligase has been widely established to exert a biological function in various cancers, but its mechanism of action in GC with PM remains unknown. METHODS The effect of MIB1 on PM of GC was confirmed in vitro and in vivo. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and mass spectrometry demonstrated the association between MIB1 and DDX3X. Western blot, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence determined that DDX3X was ubiquitylated by MIB1 and promoted stemness. We further confirmed that METTL3 promoted the up-regulation of MIB1 by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), luciferase reporter assay and other experiments. RESULTS We observed that the E3 ubiquitin ligase Mind bomb 1 (MIB1) was highly expressed in PMs, and patients with PM with high MIB1 expression showed a worse prognosis than those with low MIB1 expression. Mechanistically, our study demonstrated that the E3 ubiquitin ligase MIB1 promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression and stemness in GC cells by degrading DDX3X. In addition, METTL3 mediated m6A modification to stabilize MIB1, which required the m6A reader IGF2BP2. CONCLUSIONS Our study elucidated the specific molecular mechanism by which MIB1 promotes PM of GC, and suggested that targeting the METTL3-MIB1-DDX3X axis may be a promising therapeutic strategy for GC with PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Kanghui Liu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shansong Huang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jialun Lv
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhengyuan Yan
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Surgery, Nanjing Lishui People's Hospital, Nanjing, 211200, China
| | - Han Ge
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zetian Chen
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peicheng Ji
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yawei Qian
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zekuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Diancai Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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4
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Li T, Xing S, Liu Y. Simultaneous Proximity DNAzyme-Activated Duplexed Protein-Specific Glycosylation Imaging on Cell Surface via Bioorthogonal Chemistry. Anal Chem 2023; 95:17790-17797. [PMID: 37994926 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03869] [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: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Due to the scarcity of strategies to evaluate the multiple subtype monosaccharides in one specific protein simultaneously within a single assay, understanding the glycosylation mechanisms and revealing their roles in disease development become extremely challenging. Herein, a strategy of proximity DNAzyme-activated fluorescence imaging of multiplex saccharides in a protein on the cell surface via bio-orthogonal chemistry is reported. The multichannel proximity DNAzyme-activated fluorescence recovery enabled the highly selective and effective imaging analysis of multiplexed protein-specific glycosylation in situ and has been demonstrated. This strategy is successfully applied to visualize the sialylation and fucosylation in four specific proteins on different cell lines and evaluate the variations of protein-specific glycosylation in response to the alterations of the cellular physiological status. More importantly, the quantitative tracking of the terminal sialyation and fucosylation changes at the single-protein level is realized by assigning the target protein as the native reference, which has the potential to be a versatile platform for glycobiology research and clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory for Analytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Simin Xing
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory for Analytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory for Analytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
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Vydra N, Toma-Jonik A, Janus P, Mrowiec K, Stokowy T, Głowala-Kosińska M, Sojka DR, Olbryt M, Widłak W. An Increase in HSF1 Expression Directs Human Mammary Epithelial Cells toward a Mesenchymal Phenotype. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4965. [PMID: 37894333 PMCID: PMC10605143 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204965] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
HSF1 is a well-known heat shock protein expression regulator in response to stress. It also regulates processes important for growth, development or tumorigenesis. We studied the HSF1 influence on the phenotype of non-tumorigenic human mammary epithelial (MCF10A and MCF12A) and several triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. MCF10A and MCF12A differ in terms of HSF1 levels, morphology, growth in Matrigel, expression of epithelial (CDH1) and mesenchymal (VIM) markers (MCF10A are epithelial cells; MCF12A resemble mesenchymal cells). HSF1 down-regulation led to a reduced proliferation rate and spheroid formation in Matrigel by MCF10A cells. However, it did not affect MCF12A proliferation but led to CDH1 up-regulation and the formation of better organized spheroids. HSF1 overexpression in MCF10A resulted in reduced CDH1 and increased VIM expression and the acquisition of elongated fibroblast-like morphology. The above-mentioned results suggest that elevated levels of HSF1 may direct mammary epithelial cells toward a mesenchymal phenotype, while a lowering of HSF1 could reverse the mesenchymal phenotype to an epithelial one. Therefore, HSF1 may be involved in the remodeling of mammary gland architecture over the female lifetime. Moreover, HSF1 levels positively correlated with the invasive phenotype of triple-negative breast cancer cells, and their growth was inhibited by the HSF1 inhibitor DTHIB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Vydra
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeże Armii Krajowej 15, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland; (A.T.-J.); (P.J.); (K.M.); (M.G.-K.); (D.R.S.); (M.O.)
| | - Agnieszka Toma-Jonik
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeże Armii Krajowej 15, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland; (A.T.-J.); (P.J.); (K.M.); (M.G.-K.); (D.R.S.); (M.O.)
| | - Patryk Janus
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeże Armii Krajowej 15, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland; (A.T.-J.); (P.J.); (K.M.); (M.G.-K.); (D.R.S.); (M.O.)
| | - Katarzyna Mrowiec
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeże Armii Krajowej 15, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland; (A.T.-J.); (P.J.); (K.M.); (M.G.-K.); (D.R.S.); (M.O.)
| | - Tomasz Stokowy
- Scientific Computing Group, IT Division, University of Bergen, N-5008 Bergen, Norway;
| | - Magdalena Głowala-Kosińska
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeże Armii Krajowej 15, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland; (A.T.-J.); (P.J.); (K.M.); (M.G.-K.); (D.R.S.); (M.O.)
| | - Damian Robert Sojka
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeże Armii Krajowej 15, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland; (A.T.-J.); (P.J.); (K.M.); (M.G.-K.); (D.R.S.); (M.O.)
| | - Magdalena Olbryt
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeże Armii Krajowej 15, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland; (A.T.-J.); (P.J.); (K.M.); (M.G.-K.); (D.R.S.); (M.O.)
| | - Wiesława Widłak
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeże Armii Krajowej 15, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland; (A.T.-J.); (P.J.); (K.M.); (M.G.-K.); (D.R.S.); (M.O.)
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Kang E, Kim HK, Lee HB, Han W. Never in mitosis gene A-related kinase-8 promotes proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness of breast cancer cells via β-catenin signalling activation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6829. [PMID: 37100815 PMCID: PMC10133229 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32631-3] [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: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Never in mitosis gene A (NIMA)-related kinase-8 (NEK8) is involved in cell cycle progression, cytoskeleton development, and DNA damage repair. However, its role in breast cancer has not yet been explored. To investigate this, NEK8 was knocked down in MDA-MB-231, BT549, and HCC38 breast cancer cell lines. We observed a decrease in cell proliferation and colony formation owing to regulation of the G1/S and G2/M transitions. Furthermore, the expression of several cell cycle regulatory proteins was altered, including that of cyclin D1, cyclin B1, CDK4, CDK2, and surviving. NEK8 knockdown impaired cell migration and invasion as well as reduced the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers. Regarding stem-cell characteristics, NEK8 knockdown decreased the tumour sphere formation, aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, and stem-cell marker expression, including that of CD44, Sox2, Oct4a, and Nanog. Further analysis revealed that NEK8 interacts with β-catenin. Also, NEK8 knockdown promoted β-catenin degradation. NEK8-silenced MDA-MB-231 cells inhibited xenograft tumour growth, metastasis, and tumour initiation in vivo. Using the Oncomine and TNMplot public databases, we found a significant correlation between NEK8 overexpression and poor clinical outcomes in breast cancer patients. Thus, NEK8 may be a crucial regulator of breast cancer progression and a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunji Kang
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Kyu Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Byoel Lee
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonshik Han
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Liu J, Smith S, Wang C. Photothermal Attenuation of Cancer Cell Stemness, Chemoresistance, and Migration Using CD44-Targeted MoS 2 Nanosheets. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:1989-1999. [PMID: 36827209 PMCID: PMC10497231 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) play key roles in chemoresistance, tumor metastasis, and clinical relapse. However, current CSC inhibitors lack specificity, efficacy, and applicability to different cancers. Herein, we introduce a nanomaterial-based approach to photothermally induce the differentiation of CSCs, termed "photothermal differentiation", leading to the attenuation of cancer cell stemness, chemoresistance, and metastasis. MoS2 nanosheets and a moderate photothermal treatment were applied to target a CSC surface receptor (i.e., CD44) and modulate its downstream signaling pathway. This treatment forces the more stem-like cancer cells to lose the mesenchymal phenotype and adopt an epithelial, less stem-like state, which shows attenuated self-renewal capacity, more response to anticancer drugs, and less invasiveness. This approach could be applicable to various cancers due to the broad availability of the CD44 biomarker. The concept of using photothermal nanomaterials to regulate specific cellular activities driving the differentiation of CSCs offers a new avenue for treating refractory cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyuan Liu
- Nanoscience and Biomedical Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701, United States
- BioSystems Networks & Translational Research (BioSNTR), 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701, United States
| | - Steve Smith
- Nanoscience and Biomedical Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701, United States
- BioSystems Networks & Translational Research (BioSNTR), 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701, United States
| | - Congzhou Wang
- Nanoscience and Biomedical Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701, United States
- BioSystems Networks & Translational Research (BioSNTR), 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701, United States
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8
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Bates M, Mohamed BM, Ward MP, Kelly TE, O'Connor R, Malone V, Brooks R, Brooks D, Selemidis S, Martin C, O'Toole S, O'Leary JJ. Circulating tumour cells: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188863. [PMID: 36796527 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188863] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
This review is an overview of the current knowledge regarding circulating tumour cells (CTCs), which are potentially the most lethal type of cancer cell, and may be a key component of the metastatic cascade. The clinical utility of CTCs (the "Good"), includes their diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential. Conversely, their complex biology (the "Bad"), including the existence of CD45+/EpCAM+ CTCs, adds insult to injury regarding their isolation and identification, which in turn hampers their clinical translation. CTCs are capable of forming microemboli composed of both non-discrete phenotypic populations such as mesenchymal CTCs and homotypic and heterotypic clusters which are poised to interact with other cells in the circulation, including immune cells and platelets, which may increase their malignant potential. These microemboli (the "Ugly") represent a prognostically important CTC subset, however, phenotypic EMT/MET gradients bring additional complexities to an already challenging situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Bates
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland.
| | - Bashir M Mohamed
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Mark P Ward
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Tanya E Kelly
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Roisin O'Connor
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Victoria Malone
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Robert Brooks
- Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Doug Brooks
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Stavros Selemidis
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Cara Martin
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Sharon O'Toole
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - John J O'Leary
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
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9
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Rizvi SF, Hasan A, Parveen S, Mir SS. Untangling the complexity of heat shock protein 27 in cancer and metastasis. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 736:109537. [PMID: 36738981 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Heat shock protein 27 is a type of molecular chaperone whose expression gets up-regulated due to reaction towards different stressful triggers including anticancer treatments. It is known to be a major player of resistance development in cancer cells, whereby cells are sheltered against the therapeutics that normally activate apoptosis. Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) is one of the highly expressed proteins during various cellular insults and is a strong tumor survival factor. HSP27 influences various cellular pathways associated with cancer cell survival and growth such as apoptosis, autophagy, metastasis, angiogenesis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, etc. HSP27 is molecular machinery which prevents the clumping of numerous substrates or client proteins which get mutated in cancer. It has been reported in several studies that targeting HSP27 is difficult because of its dynamic structure and absence of an ATP-binding site. Here, in this review, we have summarized different modulators of HSP27 and their mechanism of action as well. Effect of deregulated HSP27 in various cancer models, limitations of targeting HSP27, resistance against the conventional drugs generated due to the overexpression of HSP27, and measures to counteract this effect have also been discussed here in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suroor Fatima Rizvi
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow, 226026, India; Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow, 226026, India.
| | - Adria Hasan
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow, 226026, India; Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow, 226026, India.
| | - Sana Parveen
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow, 226026, India; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow, 226026, India.
| | - Snober S Mir
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow, 226026, India; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow, 226026, India.
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10
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Lien K, Mayer W, Herrera R, Padilla NT, Cai X, Lin V, Pholcharoenchit R, Palefsky J, Tugizov SM. HIV-1 Proteins gp120 and Tat Promote Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Invasiveness of HPV-Positive and HPV-Negative Neoplastic Genital and Oral Epithelial Cells. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0362222. [PMID: 36314970 PMCID: PMC9770004 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03622-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated anogenital and oropharyngeal cancer in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals is substantially higher than in HIV-uninfected individuals. HIV may also be a risk factor for the development of HPV-negative head and neck, liver, lung, and kidney cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying HIV-1-associated increase of epithelial malignancies are not fully understood. Here, we showed that HPV-16-immortalized anal AKC-2 and cervical CaSki epithelial cells that undergo prolonged exposure to cell-free HIV-1 virions or HIV-1 viral proteins gp120 and tat respond with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and increased invasiveness. Similar responses were observed in HPV-16-infected SCC-47 and HPV-16-negative HSC-3 oral epithelial cancer cells that were cultured with these viral proteins. EMT induced by gp120 and tat led to detachment of poorly adherent cells from the culture substratum; these cells remained capable of reattachment, upon which they coexpressed both E-cadherin and vimentin, indicative of an intermediate stage of EMT. The reattached cells also expressed stem cell markers CD133 and CD44, which may play a critical role in cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Inhibition of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and MAPK signaling and vimentin expression, and restoration of E-cadherin expression reduced HIV-induced EMT and the invasive activity of HPV-16-immortalized anal and cervical epithelial cells. Collectively, our results suggest that these approaches along with HIV viral suppression with antiretroviral therapy (ART) might be useful to limit the role of HIV-1 infection in the acceleration of HPV-associated or HPV-independent epithelial neoplasia. IMPORTANCE HPV-16-immortalized genital and oral epithelial cells and HPV-negative oral cancer cells that undergo prolonged contact with cell-free HIV-1 virions or with viral proteins gp120 and tat respond by becoming more invasive. EMT cells induced by HIV-1 in cultures of HPV-16-immortalized anal and cervical epithelial cells express the stem cell markers CD133 and CD44. These results suggest that the interaction of HIV-1 with neoplastic epithelial cells may lead to their de-differentiation into cancer stem cells that are resistant to apoptosis and anti-cancer drugs. Thus, this pathway may play a critical role in the development of invasive cancer. Inhibition of TGF-β1 and MAPK signaling and vimentin expression, and restoration of E-cadherin expression reduced HIV-induced EMT and the invasiveness of HPV-16-immortalized anal and cervical epithelial cells. Taken together, these results suggest that these approaches might be exploited to limit the role of HIV-1 infection in the acceleration of HPV-associated or HPV-independent epithelial neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Lien
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Wasima Mayer
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rossana Herrera
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nicole T. Padilla
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Xiaodan Cai
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Vicky Lin
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Joel Palefsky
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sharof M. Tugizov
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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11
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Piorecka K, Kurjata J, Stanczyk WA. Acriflavine, an Acridine Derivative for Biomedical Application: Current State of the Art. J Med Chem 2022; 65:11415-11432. [PMID: 36018000 PMCID: PMC9469206 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
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Acriflavine (ACF) has been known for years as an antibacterial
drug. The identification of key oncogenic mechanisms has brought,
in recent years, a significant increase in studies on ACF as a multipurpose
drug that would improve the prognosis for cancer patients. ACF interferes
with the expression of the hypoxia inducible factor, thus acting on
metastatic niches of tumors and significantly enhancing the effects
of other anticancer therapies. It has been recognized as the most
potent HIF-1 inhibitor out of the 336 drugs approved by the FDA. This
work presents up-to-date knowledge about the mechanisms of action
of ACF and its related prodrug systems in the context of anticancer
and SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory properties. It explains the multitask nature
of this drug and suggests mechanisms of ACF’s action on the
coronavirus. Other recent reports on ACF-based systems as potential
antibacterial and antiviral drugs are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Piorecka
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences,Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jan Kurjata
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences,Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
| | - Wlodzimierz A Stanczyk
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences,Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
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12
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Wei L, Hu N, Ye M, Xi Z, Wang Z, Xiong L, Yang N, Shen Y. Overexpression of 14-3-3ζ primes disease recurrence, metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition in NSCLC. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:5838-5854. [PMID: 35876652 PMCID: PMC9365555 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is disappointing because disease recurrence and distant metastasis inevitably occurred. The aim of the present study is to identify novel biomarkers predicting tumor recurrence and metastasis. The 14-3-3ζ protein has been extensively described as a tumor promoter in a panel of solid tumors, including NSCLC. However, there is a big gap regarding the knowledge between 14-3-3ζ and NSCLC recurrence. In this study, we found that overexpression of 14-3-3ζ was more frequent in NSCLC tumor tissues with tumor recurrence. By using scratch healing assay and transwell assay, we demonstrated that NSCLC cells with high expression of 14-3-3ζ gained increased motile and invasive capacity, whereas siRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous 14-3-3ζ abrogated cancer cell dissemination. Intriguingly, we found that NSCLC cells underwent epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) after the induction of 14-3-3ζ in vitro and in vivo. These findings could be readily recaptured in clinical setting since we showed that NSCLC tumor specimen with high expression of 14-3-3ζ revealed biological features of EMT. Overexpression of 14-3-3ζ also enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt and promoted the proliferation of NSCLC cell lines. In agreement with this notion, we reported that NSCLC cells with high expression of 14-3-3ζ became resistant to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. These findings strongly suggested that 14-3-3ζ as a novel biomarker predicting risks of disease recurrence and screening 14-3-3ζ status may be a promising approach to select patients who experienced high risks of cancer recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Wei
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Nan Hu
- Department of Stomatology, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Mingxiang Ye
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Zhilong Xi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Lei Xiong
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Nan Yang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China
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13
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Niculescu VF. Cancer genes and cancer stem cells in tumorigenesis: Evolutionary deep homology and controversies. Genes Dis 2022; 9:1234-1247. [PMID: 35873035 PMCID: PMC9293697 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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14
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Liu Y, Song Y, Cao M, Fan W, Cui Y, Cui Y, Zhan Y, Gu R, Tian F, Zhang S, Cai L, Xing Y. A novel EHD1/CD44/Hippo/SP1 positive feedback loop potentiates stemness and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e836. [PMID: 35485206 PMCID: PMC9786223 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence that endocytosis plays a pivotal role in cancer metastasis. In this study, we first identified endocytic and metastasis-associated genes (EMGs) and then investigated the biological functions and mechanisms of EMGs. METHODS Cancer stem cells (CSCs)-like characteristics were evaluated by tumour limiting dilution assays, three-dimensional (3D) spheroid cancer models. Microarray analysis was used to identify the pathways significantly regulated by mammalian Eps15 homology domain protein 1 (EHD1) knockdown. Mass spectrometry (MS) was performed to identify EHD1-interacting proteins. The function of EHD1 as a regulator of cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) endocytic recycling and lysosomal degradation was determined by CD44 biotinylation and recycling assays. RESULTS EHD1 was identified as a significant EMG. Knockdown of EHD1 suppressed CSCs-like characteristics, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells by increasing Hippo kinase cascade activation. Conversely, EHD1 overexpression inhibited the Hippo pathway to promote cancer stemness and metastasis. Notably, utilising MS analysis, the CD44 protein was identified as a potential binding partner of EHD1. Furthermore, EHD1 enhanced CD44 recycling and stability. Indeed, silencing of CD44 or disruption of the EHD1/CD44 interaction enhanced Hippo pathway activity and reduced CSCs-like traits, EMT and metastasis. Interestingly, specificity protein 1 (SP1), a known downstream target gene of the Hippo-TEA-domain family members 1 (TEAD1) pathway, was found to directly bind to the EHD1 promoter region and induce its expression. Among clinical specimens, the EHD1 expression level in LUAD tissues of metastatic patients was higher than that of non-metastatic patients. CONCLUSIONS Our findings emphasise that EHD1 might be a potent anti-metastatic target and present a novel regulatory mechanism by which the EHD1/CD44/Hippo/SP1 positive feedback circuit plays pivotal roles in coupling modules of CSCs-like properties and EMT in LUAD. Targeting this loop may serve as a remedy for patients with advanced metastatic LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuechao Liu
- The Fourth Department of Medical OncologyHarbin Medical University Cancer HospitalHarbinChina
| | - Yang Song
- The First Department of Orthopedic SurgeryThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Mengru Cao
- The Fourth Department of Medical OncologyHarbin Medical University Cancer HospitalHarbinChina
| | - Weina Fan
- The Fourth Department of Medical OncologyHarbin Medical University Cancer HospitalHarbinChina
| | - Yaowen Cui
- The Fourth Department of Medical OncologyHarbin Medical University Cancer HospitalHarbinChina
| | - Yimeng Cui
- The Fourth Department of Medical OncologyHarbin Medical University Cancer HospitalHarbinChina
| | - Yuning Zhan
- The Fourth Department of Medical OncologyHarbin Medical University Cancer HospitalHarbinChina
| | - Ruixue Gu
- The Fourth Department of Medical OncologyHarbin Medical University Cancer HospitalHarbinChina
| | - Fanglin Tian
- The Fourth Department of Medical OncologyHarbin Medical University Cancer HospitalHarbinChina
| | - Shuai Zhang
- The Fourth Department of Medical OncologyHarbin Medical University Cancer HospitalHarbinChina
| | - Li Cai
- The Fourth Department of Medical OncologyHarbin Medical University Cancer HospitalHarbinChina
| | - Ying Xing
- The Fourth Department of Medical OncologyHarbin Medical University Cancer HospitalHarbinChina
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15
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Shen JZ, Qiu Z, Wu Q, Zhang G, Harris R, Sun D, Rantala J, Barshop WD, Zhao L, Lv D, Won KA, Wohlschlegel J, Sangfelt O, Laman H, Rich JN, Spruck C. A FBXO7/EYA2-SCF FBXW7 axis promotes AXL-mediated maintenance of mesenchymal and immune evasion phenotypes of cancer cells. Mol Cell 2022; 82:1123-1139.e8. [PMID: 35182481 PMCID: PMC8934274 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A mesenchymal tumor phenotype associates with immunotherapy resistance, although the mechanism is unclear. Here, we identified FBXO7 as a maintenance regulator of mesenchymal and immune evasion phenotypes of cancer cells. FBXO7 bound and stabilized SIX1 co-transcriptional regulator EYA2, stimulating mesenchymal gene expression and suppressing IFNα/β, chemokines CXCL9/10, and antigen presentation machinery, driven by AXL extracellular ligand GAS6. Ubiquitin ligase SCFFBXW7 antagonized this pathway by promoting EYA2 degradation. Targeting EYA2 Tyr phosphatase activity decreased mesenchymal phenotypes and enhanced cancer cell immunogenicity, resulting in attenuated tumor growth and metastasis, increased infiltration of cytotoxic T and NK cells, and enhanced anti-PD-1 therapy response in mouse tumor models. FBXO7 expression correlated with mesenchymal and immune-suppressive signatures in patients with cancer. An FBXO7-immune gene signature predicted immunotherapy responses. Collectively, the FBXO7/EYA2-SCFFBXW7 axis maintains mesenchymal and immune evasion phenotypes of cancer cells, providing rationale to evaluate FBXO7/EYA2 inhibitors in combination with immune-based therapies to enhance onco-immunotherapy responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Z Shen
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Zhixin Qiu
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Qiulian Wu
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Guoxin Zhang
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - Rebecca Harris
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Dahui Sun
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - William D Barshop
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Linjie Zhao
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Deguan Lv
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | | | - James Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Olle Sangfelt
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Heike Laman
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Jeremy N Rich
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92037, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Charles Spruck
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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16
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Andugulapati SB, Sundararaman A, Lahiry M, Rangarajan A. AMP- activated protein kinase (AMPK) promotes breast cancer stemness and drug resistance. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:274505. [PMID: 35195687 PMCID: PMC9150117 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are a major cause of therapy resistance and tumour progression. Currently, their regulation is not entirely understood. Previous work from our laboratory demonstrated a context-specific pro-tumorigenic role for AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) under anchorage-deprivation and mammosphere formation, which are hallmarks of BCSCs. Therefore, we investigated the role of AMPK in the maintenance of BCSC state/function. AMPK depletion reduces serial sphere formation in vitro and tumour initiation in vivo. Intriguingly, tumour-derived cell analysis using stem cell markers and functional assays revealed that AMPK is required for the maintenance of BCSC populations in vivo. AMPK promotes the expression of stemness genes such as NANOG, SOX2 and BMI1 through the transcriptional upregulation of TWIST via promoter acetylation. Further, AMPK-driven stemness plays a critical role in doxorubicin resistance. Significantly, AMPK activity increased after chemotherapy in patient-derived tumour samples alongside an increase in stemness markers. Importantly, AMPK depletion sensitises mouse tumours to doxorubicin treatment. Our work indicates that targeting of AMPK in conjunction with regular chemotherapy is likely to reduce the stem cell pool and improve chemosensitivity in breast cancers. Summary: AMPK inhibition in conjunction with regular chemotherapy is likely to reduce the stem cell pool and improve chemosensitivity and therapeutic outcomes in breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Balaji Andugulapati
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics; Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Ananthalakshmy Sundararaman
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics; Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Mohini Lahiry
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics; Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Annapoorni Rangarajan
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics; Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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17
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Greaves D, Calle Y. Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Associated Invasive Adhesions in Solid and Haematological Tumours. Cells 2022; 11:649. [PMID: 35203300 PMCID: PMC8869945 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In solid tumours, cancer cells that undergo epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) express characteristic gene expression signatures that promote invasive migration as well as the development of stemness, immunosuppression and drug/radiotherapy resistance, contributing to the formation of currently untreatable metastatic tumours. The cancer traits associated with EMT can be controlled by the signalling nodes at characteristic adhesion sites (focal contacts, invadopodia and microtentacles) where the regulation of cell migration, cell cycle progression and pro-survival signalling converge. In haematological tumours, ample evidence accumulated during the last decade indicates that the development of an EMT-like phenotype is indicative of poor disease prognosis. However, this EMT phenotype has not been directly linked to the assembly of specific forms of adhesions. In the current review we discuss the role of EMT in haematological malignancies and examine its possible link with the progression towards more invasive and aggressive forms of these tumours. We also review the known types of adhesions formed by haematological malignancies and speculate on their possible connection with the EMT phenotype. We postulate that understanding the architecture and regulation of EMT-related adhesions will lead to the discovery of new therapeutic interventions to overcome disease progression and resistance to therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yolanda Calle
- School of Life Sciences and Health, University of Roehampton, London SW15 4JD, UK;
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18
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Bocci F, Zhou P, Nie Q. Single-Cell RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals the Acquisition of Cancer Stem Cell Traits and Increase of Cell-Cell Signaling during EMT Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5726. [PMID: 34830900 PMCID: PMC8616061 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Intermediate cell states (ICSs) during the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are emerging as a driving force of cancer invasion and metastasis. ICSs typically exhibit hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal characteristics as well as cancer stem cell (CSC) traits including proliferation and drug resistance. Here, we analyze several single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) datasets to investigate the relation between several axes of cancer progression including EMT, CSC traits, and cell-cell signaling. To accomplish this task, we integrate computational methods for clustering and trajectory inference with analysis of EMT gene signatures, CSC markers, and cell-cell signaling pathways, and highlight conserved and specific processes across the datasets. Our analysis reveals that "standard" measures of pluripotency often used in developmental contexts do not necessarily correlate with EMT progression and expression of CSC-related markers. Conversely, an EMT circuit energy that quantifies the co-expression of epithelial and mesenchymal genes consistently increases along EMT trajectories across different cancer types and anatomical locations. Moreover, despite the high context specificity of signal transduction across different cell types, cells undergoing EMT always increased their potential to send and receive signals from other cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Bocci
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (F.B.); (P.Z.)
- NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Peijie Zhou
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (F.B.); (P.Z.)
| | - Qing Nie
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (F.B.); (P.Z.)
- NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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19
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Hu W, Zhao Y, Su L, Wu Z, Jiang W, Jiang X, Liu M. Silencing the lncRNA NORAD inhibits EMT of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma stem cells via miR‑26a‑5p. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:743. [PMID: 34435652 PMCID: PMC8430304 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are closely associated with tumor metastasis or recurrence. According to previous literature reports, microRNA (miR)‑26a has an inhibitory effect on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and the long non‑coding RNA (lncRNA) non‑coding RNA activated by DNA damage (NORAD) has been found to interact with miR‑26a‑5p. The present study aimed to investigate the regulation and mechanism of NORAD and miR‑26a‑5p in the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HNSCC stem cells. An ALDEFLUOR stem cell detection kit, a flow cytometer, a self‑renewal ability test and western blotting were used to sort and identify HNSCC stem cells. The ENCORI website and a dual‑luciferase assay were used to assess the relationship between genes. The mRNA and protein expression levels of NORAD, miR‑26a‑5p and EMT‑related genes were detected via reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting. Functional experiments (MTT assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay and Transwell assay) were conducted to analyze the effects of NORAD and miR‑26a‑5p on HNSCC stem cells. The successfully sorted aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)+ cells had a self‑renewal capacity and displayed upregulated expression levels of CD44, Oct‑4 and Nanog. NORAD knockdown, achieved using small interfering (si)RNA, downregulated the expression levels of tumor markers in ALDH+ cells. siNORAD inhibited cell vitality, migration and invasion, as well as promoted apoptosis, increased the expression of epithelial cell markers and decreased the expression of interstitial cell markers in HNSCC stem cells. miR‑26a‑5p was a downstream gene of NORAD, and knockdown of miR‑26a‑5p partially offset the regulatory effect of siNORAD on HNSCC stem cells. Collectively, the present study demonstrated that NORAD knockdown attenuated the migration, invasion and EMT of HNSCC stem cells via miR‑26a‑5p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Hu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Yong Zhao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, XIXI Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, P.R. China
| | - Lizhong Su
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Zuliang Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Wenjing Jiang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoze Jiang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, P.R. China
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20
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Zhuang QS, Sun XB, Chong QY, Banerjee A, Zhang M, Wu ZS, Zhu T, Pandey V, Lobie PE. ARTEMIN Promotes Oncogenicity and Resistance to 5-Fluorouracil in Colorectal Carcinoma by p44/42 MAPK Dependent Expression of CDH2. Front Oncol 2021; 11:712348. [PMID: 34422665 PMCID: PMC8377398 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.712348] [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: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
ARTEMIN (ARTN), one of the glial-cell derived neurotrophic factor family of ligands, has been reported to be associated with a number of human malignancies. In this study, the enhanced expression of ARTN in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) was observed; the expression of ARTN positively correlated with lymph node metastases and advanced tumor stages and predicted poor prognosis. Forced expression of ARTN in CRC cells enhanced oncogenic behavior, mesenchymal phenotype, stem cell-like properties and tumor growth and metastasis in a xenograft model. These functions were conversely inhibited by depletion of endogenous ARTN. Forced expression of ARTN reduced the sensitivity of CRC cells to 5-FU treatment; and 5-FU resistant CRC cells harbored enhanced expression of ARTN. The oncogenic functions of ARTN were demonstrated to be mediated by p44/42 MAP kinase dependent expression of CDH2 (CADHERIN 2, also known as N-CADHERIN). Inhibition of p44/42 MAP kinase activity or siRNA mediated depletion of endogenous CDH2 reduced the enhanced oncogenicity and chemoresistance consequent to forced expression of ARTN induced cell functions; and forced expression of CDH2 rescued the reduced mesenchymal properties and resistance to 5-FU after ARTN depletion. In conclusion, ARTN may be of prognostic and theranostic utility in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Shi Zhuang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin-Bao Sun
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qing-Yun Chong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Arindam Banerjee
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zheng-Sheng Wu
- Department of Pathology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Vijay Pandey
- Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peter E Lobie
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
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21
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The Role of the IL-6 Cytokine Family in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158334. [PMID: 34361105 PMCID: PMC8347315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) plays critical roles during embryonic development, wound repair, fibrosis, inflammation and cancer. During cancer progression, EMP results in heterogeneous and dynamic populations of cells with mixed epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics, which are required for local invasion and metastatic dissemination. Cancer development is associated with an inflammatory microenvironment characterized by the accumulation of multiple immune cells and pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines. Cytokines from the interleukin 6 (IL-6) family play fundamental roles in mediating tumour-promoting inflammation within the tumour microenvironment, and have been associated with chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, infectious diseases and cancer, where some members often act as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. All IL-6 family members signal through the Janus kinase (JAK)–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway and are able to activate a wide array of signalling pathways and transcription factors. In general, IL-6 cytokines activate EMP processes, fostering the acquisition of mesenchymal features in cancer cells. However, this effect may be highly context dependent. This review will summarise all the relevant literature related to all members of the IL-6 family and EMP, although it is mainly focused on IL-6 and oncostatin M (OSM), the family members that have been more extensively studied.
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22
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Javed S, Sood S, Rai B, Bhattacharyya S, Bagga R, Srinivasan R. ALDH1 & CD133 in invasive cervical carcinoma & their association with the outcome of chemoradiation therapy. Indian J Med Res 2021; 154:367-374. [PMID: 35295009 PMCID: PMC9131751 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_709_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & objectives: Chemoradiation is the standard therapy for locally advanced invasive cervical cancer and response to treatment determines the outcome. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) play a role in response to treatment and hence the aim of this study was to evaluate if their levels in pre-treatment biopsies by immunohistochemistry (IHC) could predict response to treatment and outcome. Methods: The study comprised 60 patients with FIGO Stage IIB/III invasive cervical carcinoma treated by chemoradiation. They were divided into two groups based on their clinical outcome: group 1, 30 patients who had no evidence of disease at 48 month follow up and group 2, 30 patients who had disease relapse within 6-12 months of treatment completion. IHC was performed for CSC markers (ALDH1, CD133, Nanog and Oct-4), EMT markers (E-cadherin and vimentin) and squamocolumnar junction (KRT7) markers and H-scores determined. Intergroup comparison was performed. The expression of these markers was also evaluated in histological sections of cervical pre-cancer (CIN1 and CIN3) in comparison to normal cervix. Results: Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3) showed high expression of ALDH1 and KRT7 as compared to normal cervical epithelium. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) and CD133 were overexpressed in 70 and 24 per cent cervical carcinoma cases whereas E-cadherin showed reduced expression in invasive carcinoma as compared to normal controls. ALDH1 overexpression was significantly associated with disease relapse in invasive cervical carcinoma treated by chemoradiation (P<0.01). Interpretation & conclusions: Determination of ALDH1 levels in pre-treatment cervical biopsies of invasive cervical carcinoma may be useful for prediction of response to chemoradiation, with high levels predicting for a poor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifa Javed
- Department of Cytology & Gynecological Pathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Swati Sood
- Department of Cytology & Gynecological Pathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Bhavana Rai
- Department of Radiation Therapy & Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shalmoli Bhattacharyya
- Department of Biophysics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rashmi Bagga
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Radhika Srinivasan
- Department of Cytology & Gynecological Pathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
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23
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Kao CN, Moi SH, Hou MF, Luo CW, Chen FM, Pan MR. RNF8-CDH1 Co-Expression Predicts Clinical Benefit of Chemoradiotherapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11070655. [PMID: 34357122 PMCID: PMC8307233 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11070655] [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: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype and exhibits an overall poor outcome. Due to the lack of targeted therapy, conventional systemic chemotherapy has been the main strategy for the treatment of TNBC. Further evidence has shown that combining radiation with chemotherapy is also a suitable treatment based on DNA repair deficiencies in patients with TNBC. However, the preferred treatment for metastatic TNBC remains unclear. Therefore, identification of biomarkers is an unmet need in personalized therapy for TNBC. RNF8 (ring finger protein 8) is a ubiquitin ligase implicated in TNBC metastasis; however, its role in TNBC pathogenesis is unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the roles of the RNF8-CDH1(Cadherin 1) axis in node-positive TNBC patients. We found that the RNF8high/CDH1low index was significantly higher in patients with TNBC than in patients without TNBC. Furthermore, patients with an RNF8high/CDH1low index displayed poorer outcomes than those with an RNF8low-medium/CDH1medium-high index. Notably, as compared to patients with an RNF8low-medium/CDH1medium-high index, those with an RNF8high/CDH1low index had a poorer survival rate with chemotherapy treatment alone. The combination of radiation and chemotherapy resulted in a better survival rate than chemotherapy alone in patients with an RNF8high/CDH1low index. Taken together, the RNF8high/CDH1low index not only functions as a prognostic and therapeutic marker but may also act as a target in the development of anti-cancer agents for patients with TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-Ni Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (F.-M.C.)
| | - Sin-Hua Moi
- Center of Cancer Program Development, E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Feng Hou
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (F.-M.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.-F.H.); (M.-R.P.); Tel.: +886-7-3121101-6060 (M.-F.H.); +886-7-3121101-5092-94 (M.-R.P.); Fax: +886-7-3218309 (M.-R.P.)
| | - Chi-Wen Luo
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (F.-M.C.)
| | - Fang-Ming Chen
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (F.-M.C.)
| | - Mei-Ren Pan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (M.-F.H.); (M.-R.P.); Tel.: +886-7-3121101-6060 (M.-F.H.); +886-7-3121101-5092-94 (M.-R.P.); Fax: +886-7-3218309 (M.-R.P.)
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24
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Zhang H, Steed A, Co M, Chen X. Cancer stem cells, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, ATP and their roles in drug resistance in cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2021; 4:684-709. [PMID: 34322664 PMCID: PMC8315560 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2021.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cancer stem cell (CSC) state and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activation are tightly interconnected. Cancer cells that acquire the EMT/CSC phenotype are equipped with adaptive metabolic changes to maintain low reactive oxygen species levels and stemness, enhanced drug transporters, anti-apoptotic machinery and DNA repair system. Factors present in the tumor microenvironment such as hypoxia and the communication with non-cancer stromal cells also promote cancer cells to enter the EMT/CSC state and display related resistance. ATP, particularly the high levels of intratumoral extracellular ATP functioning through both signaling pathways and ATP internalization, induces and regulates EMT and CSC. The three of them work together to enhance drug resistance. New findings in each of these factors will help us explore deeper into mechanisms of drug resistance and suggest new resistance-associated markers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyun Zhang
- Department of Biological Science, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.,Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Alexander Steed
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Milo Co
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Xiaozhuo Chen
- Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.,Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
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25
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González-González R, Ortiz-Sarabia G, Molina-Frechero N, Salas-Pacheco JM, Salas-Pacheco SM, Lavalle-Carrasco J, López-Verdín S, Tremillo-Maldonado O, Bologna-Molina R. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Associated with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas: A Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13123027. [PMID: 34204259 PMCID: PMC8234594 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are aggressive, recurrent, and metastatic neoplasms with a high occurrence around the world and can lead to death when not treated appropriately. Several molecules and signaling pathways are involved in the malignant conversion process. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been described in HNSCCs, a major type of aggressive carcinoma. EMT describes the development of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells, which depends on several molecular interactions and signaling pathways that facilitate mesenchymal conversion. This is related to interactions with the microenvironment of the tumor, hypoxia, growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases, and the presence of viral infections. In this review, we focus on the main molecules related to EMT, their interactions with the tumor microenvironment, plasticity phenomena, epigenetic regulation, hypoxia, inflammation, their relationship with immune cells, and the inhibition of EMT in the context of HNSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogelio González-González
- Department of Research, School of Dentistry, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Durango 34000, Mexico; (R.G.-G.); (G.O.-S.); (O.T.-M.)
| | - Gamaliel Ortiz-Sarabia
- Department of Research, School of Dentistry, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Durango 34000, Mexico; (R.G.-G.); (G.O.-S.); (O.T.-M.)
| | - Nelly Molina-Frechero
- Xochimilco Unit, Department of Health Care, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM) Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (N.M.-F.); (J.L.-C.)
| | - José Manuel Salas-Pacheco
- Scientific Research Institute, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Avenida Universidad S/N, Durango 34000, Mexico; (J.M.S.-P.); (S.M.S.-P.)
| | - Sergio Manuel Salas-Pacheco
- Scientific Research Institute, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Avenida Universidad S/N, Durango 34000, Mexico; (J.M.S.-P.); (S.M.S.-P.)
| | - Jesús Lavalle-Carrasco
- Xochimilco Unit, Department of Health Care, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM) Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (N.M.-F.); (J.L.-C.)
| | - Sandra López-Verdín
- Health Science Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 4430, Mexico;
| | - Omar Tremillo-Maldonado
- Department of Research, School of Dentistry, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Durango 34000, Mexico; (R.G.-G.); (G.O.-S.); (O.T.-M.)
| | - Ronell Bologna-Molina
- Department of Research, School of Dentistry, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Durango 34000, Mexico; (R.G.-G.); (G.O.-S.); (O.T.-M.)
- Molecular Pathology Area, School of Dentistry, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
- Correspondence:
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26
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Liu Z, Mi M, Zheng X, Zhang C, Zhu F, Liu T, Wu G, Zhang L. miR-30a/SOX4 Double Negative Feedback Loop is modulated by Disulfiram and regulates EMT and Stem Cell-like properties in Breast Cancer. J Cancer 2021; 12:5053-5065. [PMID: 34234874 PMCID: PMC8247377 DOI: 10.7150/jca.57752] [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: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Both epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells play important roles in development and progression of breast cancer. MicroRNA (miR)-30 family members have been reported to be associated with the regulation of EMT and stem cell phenotypes, however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Methods: miR-30a stable transfectants of breast cancer cell lines were created using a lentiviral system. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to explore miR-30a target genes and SOX4 was selected and identified by dual luciferase reporter assay. The effects of miR-30a and target gene SOX4 on EMT and CSC phenotypes in breast cancer were explored in vitro and in vivo. Results: Overexpression of miR-30a in breast cancer cells inhibited EMT and CSC phenotypes by targeting SOX4. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-30a directly targeted 3'UTR of SOX4, and formed a double-negative feedback loop with SOX4. Functional experiments demonstrated that knockdown of SOX4 suppressed EMT and CSC phenotypes of breast cancer cells through TGF-β/SMAD pathway, which was consistent with the inhibitory effects by overexpression of miR-30a. Additionally, we found disulfiram can upregulate miR-30a expression, and high miR-30a expression was associated with a good prognosis in breast cancer patients through TCGA database. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a novel double-negative loop between miR-30a and SOX4 mediated regulation of EMT and CSC features in breast cancer through TGF-β/SMAD pathway, highlighting a novel therapeutic target for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Liu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mi Mi
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Caijiao Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Wu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liling Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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27
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Zheng C, Yan S, Lu L, Yao H, He G, Chen S, Li Y, Peng X, Cheng Z, Wu M, Zhang Q, Li G, Fu S, Deng X. Lovastatin Inhibits EMT and Metastasis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Stem Cells Through Dysregulation of Cytoskeleton-Associated Proteins. Front Oncol 2021; 11:656687. [PMID: 34150623 PMCID: PMC8212055 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.656687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is more aggressive and has poorer prognosis compared to other subtypes of breast cancer. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process in which epithelial cells transform into mesenchymal-like cells capable of migration, invasion, and metastasis. Recently, we have demonstrated that lovastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor and a lipid-lowering drug, could inhibit stemness properties of cancer stem cells (CSCs) derived from TNBC cell in vitro and in vivo. This study is aimed at investigating whether lovastatin inhibits TNBC CSCs by inhibiting EMT and suppressing metastasis and the mechanism involved. In the present study, we found that lovastatin dysregulated lysine succinylation of cytoskeleton-associated proteins in CSCs derived from TNBC MDA-MB-231 cell. Lovastatin inhibited EMT as demonstrated by down-regulation of the protein levels of Vimentin and Twist in MDA-MB-231 CSCs in vitro and vivo and by reversal of TGF-β1-induced morphological change in MCF10A cells. Lovastatin also inhibited the migration of MDA-MB-231 CSCs. The disruption of cytoskeleton in TNBC CSCs by lovastatin was demonstrated by the reduction of the number of pseudopodia and the relocation of F-actin cytoskeleton. Combination of lovastatin with doxorubicin synergistically inhibited liver metastasis of MDA-MB-231 CSCs. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that higher expression levels of cytoskeleton-associated genes were characteristic of TNBC and predicted survival outcomes in breast cancer patients. These data suggested that lovastatin could inhibit the EMT and metastasis of TNBC CSCs in vitro and in vivo through dysregulation of cytoskeleton-associated proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanjuan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Shichao Yan
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Yao
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Guangchun He
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Sisi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Li
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | | | | | - Mi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiuting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Guifei Li
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Shujun Fu
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiyun Deng
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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28
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Dinca SC, Greiner D, Weidenfeld K, Bond L, Barkan D, Jorcyk CL. Novel mechanism for OSM-promoted extracellular matrix remodeling in breast cancer: LOXL2 upregulation and subsequent ECM alignment. Breast Cancer Res 2021; 23:56. [PMID: 34011405 PMCID: PMC8132418 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-021-01430-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is a serious problem for patients as it metastasizes, decreasing 5-year patient survival from > 95 to ~ 27%. The breast tumor microenvironment (TME) is often saturated with proinflammatory cytokines, such as oncostatin M (OSM), which promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMT) in IDC and increased metastasis. The extracellular matrix (ECM) also plays an important role in promoting invasive and metastatic potential of IDC. Specifically, the reorganization and alignment of collagen fibers in stromal ECM leads to directed tumor cell motility, which promotes metastasis. Lysyl oxidase like-2 (LOXL2) catalyzes ECM remodeling by crosslinking of collagen I in the ECM. We propose a novel mechanism whereby OSM induces LOXL2 expression, mediating stromal ECM remodeling of the breast TME. METHODS Bioinformatics was utilized to determine survival and gene correlation in patients. IDC cell lines were treated with OSM (also IL-6, LIF, and IL-1β) and analyzed for LOXL2 expression by qRT-PCR and immunolabelling techniques. Collagen I contraction assays, 3D invasion assays, and confocal microscopy were performed with and without LOXL2 inhibition to determine the impact of OSM-induced LOXL2 on the ECM. RESULTS Our studies demonstrate that IDC patients with high LOXL2 and OSM co-expression had worse rates of metastasis-free survival than those with high levels of either, individually, and LOXL2 expression is positively correlated to OSM/OSM receptor (OSMR) expression in IDC patients. Furthermore, human IDC cells treated with OSM resulted in a significant increase in LOXL2 mRNA, which led to upregulated protein expression of secreted, glycosylated, and enzymatically active LOXL2. The expression of LOXL2 in IDC cells did not affect OSM-promoted EMT, and LOXL2 was localized to the cytoplasm and/or secreted. OSM-induced LOXL2 promoted an increase in ECM collagen I fiber crosslinking, which led to significant fiber alignment between cells and increased IDC cell invasion. CONCLUSIONS Aligned collagen fibers in the ECM provide pathways for tumor cells to migrate more easily through the stroma to nearby vasculature and tissue. These results provide a new paradigm through which proinflammatory cytokine OSM promotes tumor progression. Understanding the nuances in IDC metastasis will lead to better potential therapeutics to combat against the possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simion C. Dinca
- Biomolecular Sciences Graduate Program, Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, MS1515, Boise, ID 83725 USA
| | - Daniel Greiner
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, MS1515, Boise, ID 83725 USA
| | - Keren Weidenfeld
- Department of Human Biology and Medical Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Laura Bond
- Biomolecular Research Center, Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, MS1515, Boise, ID 83725 USA
| | - Dalit Barkan
- Department of Human Biology and Medical Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Cheryl L. Jorcyk
- Biomolecular Sciences Graduate Program, Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, MS1515, Boise, ID 83725 USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, MS1515, Boise, ID 83725 USA
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29
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Chao X, Tan W, Tsang JY, Tse GM, Hu J, Li P, Hou J, Li M, He J, Sun P. Clinicopathologic and genetic features of metaplastic breast cancer with osseous differentiation: a series of 6 cases. Breast Cancer 2021; 28:1100-1111. [PMID: 33942253 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-021-01246-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Metaplastic breast cancer (MBC) comprises a heterogeneous group of tumors, of which MBC with osseous differentiation (MBC-OD) is extremely rare that only few cases have been reported. This study aimed to present the clinicopathologic and molecular features of MBC-OD. METHODS We collected 6 cases of MBC-OD from five different centers and described its clinicopathologic and molecular characteristics based on the next-generation sequencing. Another 11 cases from the literature were also reviewed to better characterize the tumor. RESULTS The tumor primarily showed an osteosarcoma-like appearance, which composed of high cellularity with spindle cells and osteoblast-like cells producing coarse lace-like neoplastic bone (4/6) or osteoid matrix (6/6). 55 somatic mutations including 39 missenses (70.9%), 9 frameshifts (16.4%), 3 splice sites (5.5%), 3 in-frame InDels (5.5%) and 1 nonsense (1.8%) were identified. TP53 was the most frequently mutated genes (5/6, 83.3%), followed by RB1 (3/6, 50.0%), BCOR (2/6, 33.3%), MED12 (2/6, 33.3%), PIK3CA (2/6, 33.3%), and TET2 (2/6, 33.3%). Genetic alterations suggesting therapies with clinical benefit, including mTOR inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), and poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitor (PARPi), were observed in five cases. The median follow-up was 21 months (range, 3-80 months). Local recurrence was observed in two cases and three patients displayed distant metastasis. Two patients died of the disease at 3 months and 7 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Based on this series, MBC-OD is a highly aggressive breast tumor with osteosarcoma-like morphology and a high incidence of recurrent disease showing specific genetic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Chao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, 510080, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanlin Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, 510080, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Julia Y Tsang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gary M Tse
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jintao Hu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen Hospital of Peking University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinghui Hou
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, 510080, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiehua He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China. .,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, 510080, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Peng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China. .,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, 510080, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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30
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Sphyris N, King C, Hoar J, Werden SJ, Vijay GV, Miura N, Gaharwar A, Sarkar TR. Carcinoma cells that have undergone an epithelial-mesenchymal transition differentiate into endothelial cells and contribute to tumor growth. Oncotarget 2021; 12:823-844. [PMID: 33889304 PMCID: PMC8057273 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27940] [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: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia stimulates neoangiogenesis, promoting tumor outgrowth, and triggers the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which bestows cells with mesenchymal traits and multi-lineage differentiation potential. Here, we investigated whether EMT can confer endothelial attributes upon carcinoma cells, augmenting tumor growth and vascularization. Following orthotopic implantation of MCF-7 human epithelial breast cancer cells into mice, tumors of different sizes were immunostained for markers of hypoxia and EMT. Larger tumors were well-vascularized with CD31-positive cells of human origin. Hypoxic regions, demarcated by HIF-1α staining, exhibited focal areas of E-cadherin loss and elevated levels of vimentin and the EMT-mediator FOXC2. Implantation of MCF-7 cells, co-mixed with human mammary epithelial (HMLE) cells overexpressing the EMT-inducer Snail, markedly potentiated tumor growth and vascularization, compared with MCF-7 cells injected alone or co-mixed with HMLE-vector cells. Intra-tumoral vessels contained CD31-positive cells derived from either donor cell type. FOXC2 knockdown abrogated the potentiating effects of HMLE-Snail cells on MCF-7 tumor growth and vascularization, and compromised endothelial transdifferentiation of mesenchymal cells cultured in endothelial growth medium. Hence, cells that have undergone EMT can promote tumor growth and neovascularization either indirectly, by promoting endothelial transdifferentiation of carcinoma cells, or directly, by acquiring an endothelial phenotype, with FOXC2 playing key roles in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Sphyris
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Present address: Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Cody King
- Department of Biochemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan Hoar
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Steven J Werden
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Geraldine V Vijay
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Naoyuki Miura
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Akhilesh Gaharwar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Tapasree Roy Sarkar
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.,These authors contributed equally to this work
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31
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Moukarzel LA, Ferrando L, Da Cruz Paula A, Brown DN, Geyer FC, Pareja F, Piscuoglio S, Papanastasiou AD, Fusco N, Marchiò C, Abu‐Rustum NR, Murali R, Brogi E, Wen HY, Norton L, Soslow RA, Vincent‐Salomon A, Reis‐Filho JS, Weigelt B. The genetic landscape of metaplastic breast cancers and uterine carcinosarcomas. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:1024-1039. [PMID: 33021035 PMCID: PMC8024717 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) and uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) are rare aggressive cancers, characterized by an admixture of adenocarcinoma and areas displaying mesenchymal/sarcomatoid differentiation. We sought to define whether MBCs and UCSs harbor similar patterns of genetic alterations, and whether the different histologic components of MBCs and UCSs are clonally related. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) data from MBCs (n = 35) and UCSs (n = 57, The Cancer Genome Atlas) were reanalyzed to define somatic genetic alterations, altered signaling pathways, mutational signatures, and genomic features of homologous recombination DNA repair deficiency (HRD). In addition, the carcinomatous and sarcomatous components of an additional cohort of MBCs (n = 11) and UCSs (n = 6) were microdissected separately and subjected to WES, and their clonal relatedness was assessed. MBCs and UCSs harbored recurrent genetic alterations affecting TP53, PIK3CA, and PTEN, similar patterns of gene copy number alterations, and an enrichment in alterations affecting the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related Wnt and Notch signaling pathways. Differences were observed, however, including a significantly higher prevalence of FAT3 and FAT1 somatic mutations in MBCs compared to UCSs, and conversely, UCSs significantly more frequently harbored somatic mutations affecting FBXW7 and PPP2R1A as well as HER2 amplification than MBCs. Genomic features of HRD and biallelic alterations affecting bona fide HRD-related genes were found to be more prevalent in MBCs than in UCSs. The distinct histologic components of MBCs and UCSs were clonally related in all cases, with the sarcoma component likely stemming from a minor subclone of the carcinoma component in the samples with interpretable chronology of clonal evolution. Despite the similar histologic features and pathways affected by genetic alterations, UCSs differ from MBCs on the basis of FBXW7 and PPP2R1A mutations, HER2 amplification, and lack of HRD, supporting the notion that these entities are more than mere phenocopies of the same tumor type in different anatomical sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea A. Moukarzel
- Department of SurgeryMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Lorenzo Ferrando
- Department of PathologyMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of GenoaItaly
| | | | - David N. Brown
- Department of PathologyMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Felipe C. Geyer
- Department of PathologyMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Fresia Pareja
- Department of PathologyMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Salvatore Piscuoglio
- Department of PathologyMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Visceral Surgery Research Laboratory, ClarunisDepartment of BiomedicineUniversity of BaselSwitzerland
| | - Anastasios D. Papanastasiou
- Department of PathologyMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of West AtticaAthensGreece
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Department of PathologyMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Division of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Grande – Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Caterina Marchiò
- Department of PathologyMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of TurinItaly
| | | | - Rajmohan Murali
- Department of PathologyMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Edi Brogi
- Department of PathologyMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Hannah Y. Wen
- Department of PathologyMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Larry Norton
- Department of MedicineMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Robert A. Soslow
- Department of PathologyMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | | | | | - Britta Weigelt
- Department of PathologyMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
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32
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Jia F, Wang Y, Fang Z, Dong J, Shi F, Zhang W, Wang Z, Hu Z. Novel Peptide-Based Magnetic Nanoparticle for Mesenchymal Circulating Tumor Cells Detection. Anal Chem 2021; 93:5670-5675. [PMID: 33788544 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c00577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The monitoring of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has recently served as a promising approach for assessing prognosis and evaluating cancer treatment. We have already developed a CTCs enrichment platform by EpCAM recognition peptide-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (EP@MNPs). However, considering heterogeneous CTCs generated through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), mesenchymal CTCs would be missed with this method. Notably, N-cadherin, overexpressed on mesenchymal CTCs, can facilitate the migration of cancer cells. Hence, we screened a novel peptide targeting N-cadherin, NP, and developed a new CTCs isolation approach via NP@MNPs to complement EpCAM methods' deficiencies. NP@MNPs had a high capture efficiency (about 85%) of mesenchymal CTCs from spiked human blood. Subsequently, CTCs were captured and sequenced at the single-cell level via NP@MNPs and EP@MNPs, RNA profiles of which showed that epithelial and mesenchymal subgroups could be distinguished. Here, a novel CTCs isolation platform laid the foundation for mesenchymal CTCs isolation and subsequent molecular analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Jia
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuehua Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhiguo Fang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jierong Dong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fanghao Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Weikai Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100811, China
| | - Zihua Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Zhiyuan Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,School of Nanoscience and Technology, Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China.,School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, China
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33
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McCart Reed AE, Kalaw EM, Lakhani SR. An Update on the Molecular Pathology of Metaplastic Breast Cancer. BREAST CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2021; 13:161-170. [PMID: 33664587 PMCID: PMC7924111 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s296784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metaplastic breast cancer (MpBC) is a fascinating morphologic sub-type of breast cancer, characterised by intra-tumoural heterogeneity. By definition, these tumors show regions of metaplasia that can present as spindle, squamous, chondroid or even osseous differentiation. MpBC are typically triple-negative, and are therefore not targetable with hormone therapy or anti-HER2 therapies, leaving only chemotherapeutics for management. MpBC are known for their aggressive course and poor response to chemotherapy. We review herein the pathology and molecular landscape of MpBC and discuss opportunities for targetted therapies as well as immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E McCart Reed
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emarene M Kalaw
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sunil R Lakhani
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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34
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Saxena K, Jolly MK, Balamurugan K. Hypoxia, partial EMT and collective migration: Emerging culprits in metastasis. Transl Oncol 2020; 13:100845. [PMID: 32781367 PMCID: PMC7419667 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular biological process involved in migration of primary cancer cells to secondary sites facilitating metastasis. Besides, EMT also confers properties such as stemness, drug resistance and immune evasion which can aid a successful colonization at the distant site. EMT is not a binary process; recent evidence suggests that cells in partial EMT or hybrid E/M phenotype(s) can have enhanced stemness and drug resistance as compared to those undergoing a complete EMT. Moreover, partial EMT enables collective migration of cells as clusters of circulating tumor cells or emboli, further endorsing that cells in hybrid E/M phenotypes may be the 'fittest' for metastasis. Here, we review mechanisms and implications of hybrid E/M phenotypes, including their reported association with hypoxia. Hypoxia-driven activation of HIF-1α can drive EMT. In addition, cyclic hypoxia, as compared to acute or chronic hypoxia, shows the highest levels of active HIF-1α and can augment cancer aggressiveness to a greater extent, including enriching for a partial EMT phenotype. We also discuss how metastasis is influenced by hypoxia, partial EMT and collective cell migration, and call for a better understanding of interconnections among these mechanisms. We discuss the known regulators of hypoxia, hybrid EMT and collective cell migration and highlight the gaps which needs to be filled for connecting these three axes which will increase our understanding of dynamics of metastasis and help control it more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Saxena
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
| | - Kuppusamy Balamurugan
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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35
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Long-Term Helicobacter pylori Infection Switches Gastric Epithelium Reprogramming Towards Cancer Stem Cell-Related Differentiation Program in Hp-Activated Gastric Fibroblast-TGFβ Dependent Manner. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8101519. [PMID: 33023180 PMCID: PMC7599721 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8101519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-induced inflammatory reaction leads to a persistent disturbance of gastric mucosa and chronic gastritis evidenced by deregulation of tissue self-renewal and local fibrosis with the crucial role of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in this process. As we reported before, Hp activated gastric fibroblasts into cells possessing cancer-associated fibroblast properties (CAFs), which secreted factors responsible for EMT process initiation in normal gastric epithelial RGM1 cells. Here, we showed that the long-term incubation of RGM1 cells in the presence of Hp-activated gastric fibroblast (Hp-AGF) secretome induced their shift towards plastic LGR5+/Oct4high/Sox-2high/c-Mychigh/Klf4low phenotype (l.t.EMT+RGM1 cells), while Hp-non-infected gastric fibroblast (GF) secretome prompted a permanent epithelial–myofibroblast transition (EMyoT) of RGM1 cells favoring LGR−/Oct4high/Sox2low/c-Myclow/Klf4high phenotype (l.t.EMT−RGM1 cells). TGFβ1 rich secretome from Hp-reprogrammed fibroblasts prompted phenotypic plasticity and EMT of gastric epithelium, inducing pro-neoplastic expansion of post-EMT cells in the presence of low TGFβR1 and TGFβR2 activity. In turn, TGFβR1 activity along with GF-induced TGFβR2 activation in l.t.EMT−RGM1 cells prompted their stromal phenotype. Collectively, our data show that infected and non-infected gastric fibroblast secretome induces alternative differentiation programs in gastric epithelium at least partially dependent on TGFβ signaling. Hp infection-activated fibroblasts can switch gastric epithelium microevolution towards cancer stem cell-related differentiation program that can potentially initiate gastric neoplasm.
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36
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BeLow M, Osipo C. Notch Signaling in Breast Cancer: A Role in Drug Resistance. Cells 2020; 9:cells9102204. [PMID: 33003540 PMCID: PMC7601482 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that can be subdivided into unique molecular subtypes based on protein expression of the Estrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor, and/or the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2. Therapeutic approaches are designed to inhibit these overexpressed receptors either by endocrine therapy, targeted therapies, or combinations with cytotoxic chemotherapy. However, a significant percentage of breast cancers are inherently resistant or acquire resistance to therapies, and mechanisms that promote resistance remain poorly understood. Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that regulates cell fate, including survival and self-renewal of stem cells, proliferation, or differentiation. Deregulation of Notch signaling promotes resistance to targeted or cytotoxic therapies by enriching of a small population of resistant cells, referred to as breast cancer stem cells, within the bulk tumor; enhancing stem-like features during the process of de-differentiation of tumor cells; or promoting epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Preclinical studies have shown that targeting the Notch pathway can prevent or reverse resistance through reduction or elimination of breast cancer stem cells. However, Notch inhibitors have yet to be clinically approved for the treatment of breast cancer, mainly due to dose-limiting gastrointestinal toxicity. In this review, we discuss potential mechanisms of Notch-mediated resistance in breast cancer cells and breast cancer stem cells, and various methods of targeting Notch through γ-secretase inhibitors, Notch signaling biologics, or transcriptional inhibitors. We also discuss future plans for identification of novel Notch-targeted therapies, in order to reduce toxicity and improve outcomes for women with resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKenna BeLow
- Integrated Cell Biology Program, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60513, USA;
| | - Clodia Osipo
- Integrated Cell Biology Program, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60513, USA;
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60513, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60513, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-708-327-2372
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37
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Marijan S, Markotić A, Mastelić A, Režić-Mužinić N, Pilkington LI, Reynisson J, Čulić VČ. Glycosphingolipid expression at breast cancer stem cells after novel thieno[2,3-b]pyridine anticancer compound treatment. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11876. [PMID: 32680999 PMCID: PMC7368022 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68516-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycosphingolipid expression differs between human breast cancer stem cells (CSC) and cancer non-stem cells (non-CSC). We performed studies of viability, type of cell death, cancer stem cell percent and glycosphingolipid expression on CSC and non-CSC after treatment of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 triple-negative breast cancer cells with a newly developed thienopyridine anticancer compound (3-amino-N-(3-chloro-2-methylphenyl)-5-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrothieno[2,3-b]quinoline-2-carboxamide, 1). Compound 1 was cytotoxic for both breast cancer cell lines and the majority of cells died by treatment-induced apoptosis. The percent of cancer stem cells and number of formed mammospheres was significantly lower. Glycosphingolipids IV6Neu5Ac-nLc4Cer and GalNAc-GM1b (IV3Neu5Ac-Gg5Cer) not reported previously, were identified in both CSCs and non-CSCs. IV6Neu5Ac-nLc4Cer had increased expression in both CSCs and non-CSCs of both cell lines after the treatment with 1, while GM3 (II3Neu5Ac-LacCer) had increased expression only on both cell subpopulations in MDA-MB-231 cell line. GalNAc-GM1b, Gb4Cer (GalNAcβ1-3Galα1-4Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer) and GM2 (II3Neu5Ac-GalNAcβ1-4Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer) were increased only in CSCs of both cell lines while GD3 was decreased in CSC of MDA-MB-231 cell line. Due to its effect in reducing the percentage of cancer stem cells and number of mammospheres, and its influence upon several glycosphingolipid expressions, it can be concluded that compound 1 deserves attention as a potential new drug for triple-negative breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Marijan
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Anita Markotić
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Angela Mastelić
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Režić-Mužinić
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Lisa Ivy Pilkington
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Johannes Reynisson
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Vedrana Čikeš Čulić
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000, Split, Croatia.
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38
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Martins-Cardoso K, Almeida VH, Bagri KM, Rossi MID, Mermelstein CS, König S, Monteiro RQ. Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) Promote Pro-Metastatic Phenotype in Human Breast Cancer Cells through Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1542. [PMID: 32545405 PMCID: PMC7352979 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been associated with several steps of tumor progression, including primary growth and metastasis. One of the key features for the acquisition of the metastatic ability is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a complex cellular program. In this study, we evaluated the ability of isolated NETs in modulating the pro-metastatic phenotype of human breast cancer cells. Tumor cells were treated with isolated NETs and then samples were generated for cell migration, quantitative RT-PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry assays. RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were assessed. NETs changed the typical epithelial morphology of MCF7 cells into a mesenchymal phenotype, a process that was accompanied by enhanced migratory properties. Additional EMT traits were observed: increased expression of N-cadherin and fibronectin, while the E-cadherin expression was repressed. Notably, NETs positively regulated the gene expression of several factors linked to the pro-inflammatory and pro-metastatic properties. Analyses of TCGA data showed that samples from breast cancer patients exhibit a significant correlation between pro-tumoral and neutrophil signature gene expression, including several EMT and pro-metastatic factors. Therefore, NETs drive pro-metastatic phenotype in human breast cancer cells through the activation of the EMT program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Martins-Cardoso
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941 590, Brazil; (K.M.-C.); (V.H.A.)
| | - Vitor H. Almeida
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941 590, Brazil; (K.M.-C.); (V.H.A.)
| | - Kayo M. Bagri
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941 590, Brazil; (K.M.B.); (M.I.D.R.); (C.S.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Maria Isabel Doria Rossi
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941 590, Brazil; (K.M.B.); (M.I.D.R.); (C.S.M.); (S.K.)
- Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941 913, Brazil
| | - Claudia S. Mermelstein
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941 590, Brazil; (K.M.B.); (M.I.D.R.); (C.S.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Sandra König
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941 590, Brazil; (K.M.B.); (M.I.D.R.); (C.S.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Robson Q. Monteiro
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941 590, Brazil; (K.M.-C.); (V.H.A.)
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Kong D, Hughes CJ, Ford HL. Cellular Plasticity in Breast Cancer Progression and Therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:72. [PMID: 32391382 PMCID: PMC7194153 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With the exception of non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignant disease among women, with the majority of mortality being attributable to metastatic disease. Thus, even with improved early screening and more targeted treatments which may enable better detection and control of early disease progression, metastatic disease remains a significant problem. While targeted therapies exist for breast cancer patients with particular subtypes of the disease (Her2+ and ER/PR+), even in these subtypes the therapies are often not efficacious once the patient's tumor metastasizes. Increases in stemness or epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in primary breast cancer cells lead to enhanced plasticity, enabling tumor progression, therapeutic resistance, and distant metastatic spread. Numerous signaling pathways, including MAPK, PI3K, STAT3, Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch, amongst others, play a critical role in maintaining cell plasticity in breast cancer. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate breast cancer cell plasticity is essential for understanding the biology of breast cancer progression and for developing novel and more effective therapeutic strategies for targeting metastatic disease. In this review we summarize relevant literature on mechanisms associated with breast cancer plasticity, tumor progression, and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deguang Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Connor J. Hughes
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Pharmacology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Heide L. Ford
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Pharmacology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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Bhatia S, Wang P, Toh A, Thompson EW. New Insights Into the Role of Phenotypic Plasticity and EMT in Driving Cancer Progression. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:71. [PMID: 32391381 PMCID: PMC7190792 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells demonstrate substantial plasticity in their genotypic and phenotypic characteristics. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) can be characterized into dynamic intermediate states and can be orchestrated by many factors, either intercellularly via epigenetic reprograming, or extracellularly via growth factors, inflammation and/or hypoxia generated by the tumor stromal microenvironment. EMP has the capability to alter phenotype and produce heterogeneity, and thus by changing the whole cancer landscape can attenuate oncogenic signaling networks, invoke anti-apoptotic features, defend against chemotherapeutics and reprogram angiogenic and immune recognition functions. We discuss here the role of phenotypic plasticity in tumor initiation, progression and metastasis and provide an update of the modalities utilized for the molecular characterization of the EMT states and attributes of cellular behavior, including cellular metabolism, in the context of EMP. We also summarize recent findings in dynamic EMP studies that provide new insights into the phenotypic plasticity of EMP flux in cancer and propose therapeutic strategies to impede the metastatic outgrowth of phenotypically heterogeneous tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sugandha Bhatia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Peiyu Wang
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alan Toh
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Ribatti D, Tamma R, Annese T. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer: A Historical Overview. Transl Oncol 2020; 13:100773. [PMID: 32334405 PMCID: PMC7182759 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 440] [Impact Index Per Article: 110.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs), the acquisition of mesenchymal features from epithelial cells, occur during some biological processes and are classified into three types: the first type occurs during embryonic development, the second type is associated with adult tissue regeneration, and the third type occurs in cancer progression. EMT occurring during embryonic development in gastrulation, renal development, and the origin and fate of the neural crest is a highly regulated process, while EMT occurring during tumor progression is highly deregulated. EMT allows the solid tumors to become more malignant, increasing their invasiveness and metastatic activity. Secondary tumors frequently maintain the typical histologic characteristics of the primary tumor. These histologic features connecting the secondary metastatic tumors to the primary is due to a process called mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). MET has been demonstrated in different mesenchymal tumors and is the expression of the reversibility of EMT. EMT modulation could constitute an approach to avoid metastasis. Some of the targeted small molecules utilized as antiproliferative agents have revealed to inhibit EMT initiation or maintenance because EMT is regulated through signaling pathways for which these molecules have been designed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
| | - Roberto Tamma
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Annese
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
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Liu H, Chen C, Ma D, Li Y, Yin Q, Li Q, Xiang C. Inhibition of PIM1 attenuates the stem cell-like traits of breast cancer cells by promoting RUNX3 nuclear retention. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:6308-6323. [PMID: 32307917 PMCID: PMC7294145 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Finding out the driver gene critical for the maintenance of breast cancer stem cells (BrCSCs) is important for designing a new strategy to eradicate these cells to improve patient's prognosis. Here, in our study, we revealed that PIM1, an oncogenic serine‐threonine kinase and a well‐proven contributor to the tumorigenesis of breast cancer, was involved in BrCSCs regulation and promised to be a new target for eradicating BrCSCs. In brief, PIM1 could enhance the stem cell–like traits of breast cancer cells by promoting the phosphorylation and cytoplasmic localization of RUNX3. The nuclear dislocation of RUNX3 disabled this tumour suppressor and led to breast cancer cells gaining stem cell–like traits. Inhibition of PIM1 significantly induced the nuclear retention of RUNX3, recovered its transcriptional function and attenuated the stem cell–like properties of breast cancer cells. Those findings deepened our understanding of PIM1's oncogenic effect, underlining the significance of PIM1 in designing a new strategy aimed at BrCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Dongshen Ma
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yubing Li
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qianqian Yin
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Chenxi Xiang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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Shi DM, Shi XL, Xing KL, Zhou HX, Lu LL, Wu WZ. miR-296-5p suppresses stem cell potency of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via regulating Brg1/Sall4 axis. Cell Signal 2020; 72:109650. [PMID: 32320856 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a pivotal event during cancer progression such as relapse and metastasis, is positively correlated with the stemness potency of tumor cells. Our previous study showed that miR-296-5p attenuated EMT program of hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCC) through NRG1/ERBB2/ERBB3 signaling. In the present study, we uncovered that miR-296-5p was able to inhibit the stemness potency of HCC by decreasing the number and size of tumorspheres, downregulating the expression of CSC biomarkers and hampering the ability of tumorigenesis in NOD/SCID mice. Brahma-related gene-1 (Brg1), as the target protein of miR-296-5p detected by bioinformatics methods, activates a series of downstream cascades through directly binding to Sall4 promoter and enhancing Sall4 transcription. Importantly, the higher expressions of Brg1 and Sall4 in tumor tissues of HCC patients suggest poorer prognoses after surgical extraction. In conclusion, miR-296-5p exerts an inhibitory effect on stemness potency of HCC cells via Brg1/Sall4 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Min Shi
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Xiao-Li Shi
- Liver Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Kai-Lin Xing
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Hong-Xin Zhou
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Li-Li Lu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Wei-Zhong Wu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, PR China.
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Savelieva OE, Tashireva LA, Kaigorodova EV, Buzenkova AV, Mukhamedzhanov RK, Grigoryeva ES, Zavyalova MV, Tarabanovskaya NA, Cherdyntseva NV, Perelmuter VM. Heterogeneity of Stemlike Circulating Tumor Cells in Invasive Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082780. [PMID: 32316333 PMCID: PMC7216207 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of stem and epithelial–mesenchymal-transition (EMT) features in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) determines their invasiveness, adaptability to the microenvironment, and resistance to proapoptotic signals and chemotherapy. It also allows them to fulfil the role of metastatic “seeds”. We evaluated the heterogeneity of stem CTCs by their CD44, ALDH1, and CD133 expression depending on N-cadherin expression in breast-cancer patients. A total of 38 female patients were selected for this study. CTC phenotypes were determined by flow cytometry before any type of treatment. Multiplex immunofluorescence was used for the evaluation of tumor-cell heterogeneity in primary lesions. In patients who had CD44-CD24- CTCs, a subset of cells with the expression of other stem-cell markers (CD133 and ALDH1) were detected. Expression of CD133 and/or ALDH1 may be associated with expression of N-cadherin: all populations of N-cadherin+ CTCs demonstrate stem features; in the absence of N-cadherin expression, true nonstem (CD44-CD24-CD133-ALDH1-) cells are found. The heterogeneity of stem marker expression in CTCs was observed regardless of N-cadherin expression. In our study, stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) receptor expression in CTCs did not depend on stemlike traits, but was instead associated with N-cadherin expression. Subpopulations of tumor cells, detected both in tumors and blood, were identified. Breast cancer was characterized by pronounced interpersonal and intrapersonal heterogeneity of CTCs by the presence and combination of various stem features and N-cadherin expression. To complete the characterization of stemlike features of CTCs, we suggest the simultaneous use of the three stem markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga E. Savelieva
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.V.K.); (A.V.B.); (E.S.G.); (M.V.Z.); (N.A.T.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(3822)-28-26-86
| | - Liubov A. Tashireva
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.V.K.); (A.V.B.); (E.S.G.); (M.V.Z.); (N.A.T.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Evgeniya V. Kaigorodova
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.V.K.); (A.V.B.); (E.S.G.); (M.V.Z.); (N.A.T.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
- Siberian State Medical University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia;
| | - Angelina V. Buzenkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.V.K.); (A.V.B.); (E.S.G.); (M.V.Z.); (N.A.T.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
- Siberian State Medical University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia;
| | | | - Evgeniya S. Grigoryeva
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.V.K.); (A.V.B.); (E.S.G.); (M.V.Z.); (N.A.T.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Marina V. Zavyalova
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.V.K.); (A.V.B.); (E.S.G.); (M.V.Z.); (N.A.T.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
- Siberian State Medical University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia;
| | - Natalia A. Tarabanovskaya
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.V.K.); (A.V.B.); (E.S.G.); (M.V.Z.); (N.A.T.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Nadezhda V. Cherdyntseva
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.V.K.); (A.V.B.); (E.S.G.); (M.V.Z.); (N.A.T.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Vladimir M. Perelmuter
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.V.K.); (A.V.B.); (E.S.G.); (M.V.Z.); (N.A.T.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
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EpCAM-independent isolation of circulating tumor cells with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell phenotypes using ApoStream® in patients with breast cancer treated with primary systemic therapy. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229903. [PMID: 32214335 PMCID: PMC7098555 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor cells with a mesenchymal phenotype and/or cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are known to contribute to metastasis and drug resistance. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and CTCs reflecting a dedifferentiated CSC phenotype may not be detected using only an anti-EpCAM antibody to capture them. We used an antibody-independent CTC enrichment platform, ApoStream®, which does not rely on any antibody, including anti-EpCAM, to capture EMT- and CSC-CTCs in breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and correlated them to pathological complete response (pCR). METHODS Blood samples from newly diagnosed breast cancer patients were prospectively collected before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (T0), after chemotherapy but before surgery (T1), and after surgery (T2) and processed using ApoStream. CTCs detected were stained with additional markers to define 3 CTC subsets with the following phenotypes: epithelial CTCs (CK+, EpCAM+ or E-cadherin+), EMT-CTCs (β-catenin+ or vimentin+), and CSC-CTCs (CD44+ and CD24low). RESULTS We enrolled 55 patients, 47 of which had data for analysis. EMT-CTCs were detected in 57%, 62%, and 72% and CSC-CTCs in 9%, 22%, and 19% at the T0, T1, and T2 time points, respectively. Counts of epithelial (P = 0.225) and EMT (P = 0.522) phenotypes of CTCs at T0 did not significantly predict pCR. Moreover, no correlation between CTC count change and pCR was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS ApoStream was successful in detecting EMT-CTCs among patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However, EMT-/CSC-CTC counts did not correlate with pCR. Due to the small sample size and heterogeneity of this patient population, further study in a larger cohort of molecularly homogeneous patients is warranted.
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Fan Z, Zheng W, Li H, Wu W, Liu X, Sun Z, Hu H, Du L, Jia Q, Liu Q. LOXL2 upregulates hypoxia‑inducible factor‑1α signaling through Snail‑FBP1 axis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Oncol Rep 2020; 43:1641-1649. [PMID: 32323822 PMCID: PMC7107812 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysyl oxidase‑like 2 (LOXL2), a member of the lysyl oxidase gene family, is involved in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma progression and metastasis. Increased expression of LOXL2 has been identified in several types of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently, LOXL2 has been reported to promote epithelial‑mesenchymal transition by reducing E‑cadherin expression via the upregulation of Snail expression. The present study provided evidence demonstrating that LOXL2 inhibited the expression of fructose‑1, 6‑biphosphatase (FBP1) and enhanced the glycolysis of Huh7 and Hep3B hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines in a Snail‑dependent manner. Overexpression of the point‑mutated form of LOXL2 [LOXL2(Y689F)], which lacks enzymatic activity, does not affect the expression of Snail1 or FBP1. Notably, targeting extracellular LOXL2 of Huh7 cells with a therapeutic antibody was unable to abolish its regulation on the expression of Snail and FBP1. Knockdown of LOXL2 also interrupted the angiogenesis of Huh7 and Hep3B cells, and this effect could be rescued by the overexpression of Snail. Furthermore, upregulation of hypoxia‑inducible factor 1α (HIF‑1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was observed in Huh7 and Hep3B cells expressing wild‑type LOXL2. Notably, the selective LOXL2 inhibitor LOXL2‑IN‑1 could upregulate the expression of FBP1 and inhibit the expression of Snail, HIF‑1α and VEGF in HCC cells, but not in FBP1‑knockdown cells. The results of the present study indicated that the intracellular activity of LOXL2 upregulated HIF‑1α/VEGF signaling pathways via the Snail‑FBP1 axis, and this phenomenon could be inhibited by LOXL2 inhibition. Collectively, these findings further support that LOXL2 exhibits an important role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and implicates LOXL2 as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Wujun Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Xiaogang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Zhongjie Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Haitian Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Lixue Du
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Qingan Jia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Qingguang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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A non-proliferative role of pyrimidine metabolism in cancer. Mol Metab 2020; 35:100962. [PMID: 32244187 PMCID: PMC7096759 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nucleotide metabolism is a critical pathway that generates purine and pyrimidine molecules for DNA replication, RNA synthesis, and cellular bioenergetics. Increased nucleotide metabolism supports uncontrolled growth of tumors and is a hallmark of cancer. Agents inhibiting synthesis and incorporation of nucleotides in DNA are widely used as chemotherapeutics to reduce tumor growth, cause DNA damage, and induce cell death. Thus, the research on nucleotide metabolism in cancer is primarily focused on its role in cell proliferation. However, in addition to proliferation, the role of purine molecules is established as ligands for purinergic signals. However, so far, the role of the pyrimidines has not been discussed beyond cell growth. Scope of the review In this review we present the key evidence from recent pivotal studies supporting the notion of a non-proliferative role for pyrimidine metabolism (PyM) in cancer, with a special focus on its effect on differentiation in cancers from different origins. Major conclusion In leukemic cells, the pyrimidine catabolism induces terminal differentiation toward monocytic lineage to check the aberrant cell proliferation, whereas in some solid tumors (e.g., triple negative breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma), catalytic degradation of pyrimidines maintains the mesenchymal-like state driven by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This review further broadens this concept to understand the effect of PyM on metastasis and, ultimately, delivers a rationale to investigate the involvement of the pyrimidine molecules as oncometabolites. Overall, understanding the non-proliferative role of PyM in cancer will lead to improvement of the existing antimetabolites and to development of new therapeutic options.
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Differential engagement of ORAI1 and TRPC1 in the induction of vimentin expression by different stimuli. J Transl Med 2020; 100:224-233. [PMID: 31243341 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-019-0280-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ca2+ signal is essential in both hypoxia- and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-mediated epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells. This finding suggests that Ca2+-permeable ion channels participate in the induction of expression of some mesenchymal markers such as vimentin. However, the ion channels involved in vimentin expression induction have not been fully characterized. This work sought to define how differential modulation of the calcium signal effects the induction of vimentin and the Ca2+ influx pathways involved. We identified that the intracellular Ca2+ chelator EGTA-AM, cytochalasin D (a modulator of cytoskeletal dynamics and cell morphology), and the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin are all inducers of vimentin in MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells. EGTA-AM- and thapsigargin-mediated induction of vimentin expression in MDA-MB-468 cells involves store-operated Ca2+ entry, as evidenced by sensitivity to silencing of the molecular components of this pathway, STIM1 and ORAI1. In stark contrast, cytochalasin D-mediated vimentin induction was insensitive to silencing of ORAI1, despite sensitivity to silencing of its canonical activator the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ sensor STIM1. Cytochalasin D-mediated vimentin induction was, however, sensitive to silencing of another reported STIM1 target, TRPC1. Subsequent studies identified that EGTA-AM-induced vimentin expression also partially involved a TRPC1-dependent pathway. These studies define a complex interplay between vimentin expression in this model and the specific Ca2+-permeable ion channels involved. The complexity in the engagement of different Ca2+ influx pathways that regulate vimentin induction are opportunities but also potential challenges in targeting Ca2+ signaling to block EMT in cancer cells. Our findings further highlight the need to identify potential indispensable ion channels that can regulate induction of specific mesenchymal markers via different stimuli.
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Abstract
Metastasis is the most important biological potential of malignant tumour cells. A variety of mechanisms is involved in regulating tumour invasion and metastasis and interacts with each other, forming a large regulatory system. Autophagy plays an important role in organisms in maintaining environmental homoeostasis. A large amount of evidence has shown that autophagy is also involved in tumour development processes, including invasion and metastasis. Autophagy not only controls some biological processes in tumour cells but is also affected by the microenvironment. Therefore, the role of autophagy in tumours is far more important and complicated than previously estimated. The role of autophagy in tumour metastasis will be discussed in this chapter.
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Flores-Ramírez I, Baranda-Avila N, Langley E. Breast Cancer Stem Cells and Sex Steroid Hormones. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 14:398-404. [PMID: 30095060 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x13666180810121415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are a small population of tumor-initiating cells that express stem cell-associated markers. In recent years, their properties and mechanisms of regulation have become the focus of intense research due to their intrinsic resistance to conventional cancer therapies. This review describes breast cancer stem cell origin, signaling pathways involved in self-renewal, such as Wnt, Notch and Hedgehog, biomarkers linked to stemness, and the role of sex steroid hormones in BCSC regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Flores-Ramírez
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, México.,Departamento de Investigacion Basica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia, Av. San Fernando No. 22, Col. Seccion XVI, Tlalpan 14080, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Noemi Baranda-Avila
- Departamento de Investigacion Basica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia, Av. San Fernando No. 22, Col. Seccion XVI, Tlalpan 14080, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Langley
- Departamento de Investigacion Basica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia, Av. San Fernando No. 22, Col. Seccion XVI, Tlalpan 14080, CDMX, Mexico
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