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Uehara M, Domoto T, Takenaka S, Takeuchi O, Shimasaki T, Miyashita T, Minamoto T. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β: the nexus of chemoresistance, invasive capacity, and cancer stemness in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Drug Resist 2024; 7:4. [PMID: 38318525 PMCID: PMC10838383 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The treatment of pancreatic cancer remains a significant clinical challenge due to the limited number of patients eligible for curative (R0) surgery, failures in the clinical development of targeted and immune therapies, and the pervasive acquisition of chemotherapeutic resistance. Refractory pancreatic cancer is typified by high invasiveness and resistance to therapy, with both attributes related to tumor cell stemness. These malignant characteristics mutually enhance each other, leading to rapid cancer progression. Over the past two decades, numerous studies have produced evidence of the pivotal role of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β in the progression of over 25 different cancer types, including pancreatic cancer. In this review, we synthesize the current knowledge on the pathological roles of aberrant GSK3β in supporting tumor cell proliferation and invasion, as well as its contribution to gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer. Importantly, we discuss the central role of GSK3β as a molecular hub that mechanistically connects chemoresistance, tumor cell invasion, and stemness in pancreatic cancer. We also discuss the involvement of GSK3β in the formation of desmoplastic tumor stroma and in promoting anti-cancer immune evasion, both of which constitute major obstacles to successful cancer treatment. Overall, GSK3β has characteristics of a promising therapeutic target to overcome chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Uehara
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Takahiro Domoto
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Satoshi Takenaka
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Toyama City Hospital, Toyama 939-8511, Japan
| | - Osamu Takeuchi
- Biomedical Laboratory, Department of Research, Kitasato University Kitasato Institute Hospital, Tokyo 108-8642, Japan
| | - Takeo Shimasaki
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada 920-0293, Japan
| | - Tomoharu Miyashita
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Toyama City Hospital, Toyama 939-8511, Japan
| | - Toshinari Minamoto
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
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2
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Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process by which epithelial cells lose their characteristics and acquire mesenchymal traits to promote cell movement. This program is aberrantly activated in human cancers and endows tumor cells with increased abilities in tumor initiation, cell migration, invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance. The EMT program in tumors is rarely binary and often leads to a series of gradual or intermediate epithelial-mesenchymal states. Functionally, epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) improves the fitness of cancer cells during tumor progression and in response to therapies. Here, we discuss the most recent advances in our understanding of the diverse roles of EMP in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance and address major clinical challenges due to EMP-driven phenotypic heterogeneity in cancer. Uncovering novel molecular markers and key regulators of EMP in cancer will aid the development of new therapeutic strategies to prevent cancer recurrence and overcome therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Fontana
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - Aida Mestre-Farrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
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3
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Tatsch JM, Furman DP, Nobre RM, Wurzer KM, da Silva LC, Picheth GF, Ramos EA, Acco A, Klassen G. Dulaglutide as a demethylating agent to improve the outcome of breast cancer. Epigenomics 2023; 15:1309-1322. [PMID: 38174426 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Dulaglutide emerged as a promising therapeutic option for diabetes mellitus Type 2 (DM2). Aims: Owing to epigenetic similarities between the pathophysiology of DM2 and breast cancer (BC), we investigated the antitumor effect of dulaglutide. Materials & methods: To investigate the effect of dulaglutide, we analyzed the expression of methylated gene promoter regions in BC (ESR1, CDH1 and ADAM33). Results: Dulaglutide increased the expression of ESR1, CDH1 and ADAM33 up to fourfold in the MDA-MB-231 lineage by demethylating the gene promoter regions. This effect was translated to in vivo antitumoral activity and revealed significant tumor inhibition by combining the half-dose of methotrexate with dulaglutide. Conclusion: This therapy may mitigate the severe side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia M Tatsch
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Diana P Furman
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Mb Nobre
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Karin M Wurzer
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Liziane Cm da Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Guilherme F Picheth
- Department of Biochemistry Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Edneia As Ramos
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Alexandra Acco
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Giseli Klassen
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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4
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Rago V, Perri A, Di Agostino S. New Therapeutic Perspectives in Prostate Cancer: Patient-Derived Organoids and Patient-Derived Xenograft Models in Precision Medicine. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2743. [PMID: 37893116 PMCID: PMC10604340 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the major goals in the advancement of basic cancer research focuses on the development of new anticancer therapies. To understand the molecular mechanisms of cancer progression, acquired drug resistance, and the metastatic process, the use of preclinical in vitro models that faithfully summarize the properties of the tumor in patients is still a necessity. The tumor is represented by a diverse group of cell clones, and in recent years, to reproduce in vitro preclinical tumor models, monolayer cell cultures have been supplanted by patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and cultured organoids derived from the patient (PDO). These models have proved indispensable for the study of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its interaction with tumor cells. Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common neoplasia in men in the world. It is characterized by genomic instability and resistance to conventional therapies. Despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, PCa remains a leading cause of cancer death. Here, we review the studies of the last 10 years as the number of papers is growing very fast in the field. We also discuss the discovered limitations and the new challenges in using the organoid culture system and in using PDXs in studying the prostate cancer phenotype, performing drug testing, and developing anticancer molecular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Rago
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Anna Perri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Silvia Di Agostino
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Park CR, Lee M, Lee SY, Kang D, Park SJ, Lee DC, Koo H, Park YG, Yu SL, Jeong IB, Kwon SJ, Kang J, Lee EB, Son JW. Regulating POLR3G by MicroRNA-26a-5p as a promising therapeutic target of lung cancer stemness and chemosensitivity. Noncoding RNA Res 2023; 8:273-281. [PMID: 36949748 PMCID: PMC10025963 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) identified in lung cancer exhibit resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. Therefore, a technology for controlling CSCs is needed to overcome such resistance to cancer therapy. Various evidences about the association between epithelial-mesenchymal transition related transcriptomic alteration and acquisition of CSC phenotype have been proposed recently. Down-regulated miR-26a-5p is closely related to mesenchymal-like lung cancer cell lines. These findings suggest that miR-26a-5p might be involved in lung cancer stemness. RNA polymerase III subunit G (POLR3G) was selected as a candidate target of miR-26a-5p related to cancer stemness. It was found that miR-26a-5p directly regulates the expression of POLR3G.Overexpression of miR-26a-5p induced a marked reduction of colony formation and sphere formation. Co-treatment of miR-26a-5p and paclitaxel decreased cell growth, suggesting that miR-26a-5p might play a role as a chemotherapy sensitizer. In the cancer genome atlas data, high miR-26a-5p and low POLR3G expression were also related to higher survival rate of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. These results suggest that miR-26a-5p can suppress lung cancer stemness and make cancer cell become sensitive to chemotherapy. This finding provides a novel insight into a potential lung cancer treatment by regulating stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Ryul Park
- Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, 44033, Republic of Korea
| | - Minhyeok Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Yel Lee
- Myunggok Research Institute for Medical Science, Konyang University, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Daeun Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Jin Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Chul Lee
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Koo
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Gyu Park
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Lan Yu
- Myunggok Research Institute for Medical Science, Konyang University, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - In Beom Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Jung Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeku Kang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Eung Bae Lee
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- Corresponding author. Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 130, Dongdeok-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji Woong Son
- Department of Internal Medicine, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
- Corresponding author. Department of Internal Medicine, Konyang University Hospital, 158, Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Murai T, Matsuda S. Fatty Acid Metabolites and the Tumor Microenvironment as Potent Regulators of Cancer Stem Cell Signaling. Metabolites 2023; 13:709. [PMID: 37367867 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13060709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Individual cancer cells are not equal but are organized into a cellular hierarchy in which only a rare few leukemia cells can self-renew in a manner reminiscent of the characteristic stem cell properties. The PI3K/AKT pathway functions in a variety of cancers and plays a critical role in the survival and proliferation of healthy cells under physiologic conditions. In addition, cancer stem cells might exhibit a variety of metabolic reprogramming phenotypes that cannot be completely attributed to the intrinsic heterogeneity of cancer. Given the heterogeneity of cancer stem cells, new strategies with single-cell resolution will become a powerful tool to eradicate the aggressive cell population harboring cancer stem cell phenotypes. Here, this article will provide an overview of the most important signaling pathways of cancer stem cells regarding their relevance to the tumor microenvironment and fatty acid metabolism, suggesting valuable strategies among cancer immunotherapies to inhibit the recurrence of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Murai
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Satoru Matsuda
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women's University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
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7
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Murai T, Matsuda S. Pleiotropic Signaling by Reactive Oxygen Species Concerted with Dietary Phytochemicals and Microbial-Derived Metabolites as Potent Therapeutic Regulators of the Tumor Microenvironment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12051056. [PMID: 37237922 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12051056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of diseases. ROS are central to cellular redox regulation and act as second messengers to activate redox-sensitive signals. Recent studies have revealed that certain sources of ROS can be beneficial or harmful to human health. Considering the essential and pleiotropic roles of ROS in basic physiological functions, future therapeutics should be designed to modulate the redox state. Dietary phytochemicals, microbiota, and metabolites derived from them can be expected to be developed as drugs to prevent or treat disorders in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Murai
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Satoru Matsuda
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women's University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
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8
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Warrier NM, Kelkar N, Johnson CT, Govindarajan T, Prabhu V, Kumar P. Understanding cancer stem cells and plasticity: Towards better therapeutics. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151321. [PMID: 37137199 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of cancer cells to finally overcome various lines of treatment in due course has always baffled the scientific community. Even with the most promising therapies, relapse is ultimately seen, and this resilience has proved to be a major hurdle in the management of cancer. Accumulating evidence now attributes this resilience to plasticity. Plasticity is the ability of cells to change their properties and is substantial as it helps in normal tissue regeneration or post-injury repair processes. It also helps in the overall maintenance of homeostasis. Unfortunately, this critical ability of cells, when activated incorrectly, can lead to numerous diseases, including cancer. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the plasticity aspect with an emphasis on cancer stem cells (CSCs). We discuss the various forms of plasticity that provide survival advantages to CSCs. Moreover, we explore various factors that affect plasticity. Furthermore, we provide the therapeutic implications of plasticity. Finally, we provide an insight into the future targeted therapies involving plasticity for better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neerada Meenakshi Warrier
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Nachiket Kelkar
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Carol Tresa Johnson
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Vijendra Prabhu
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India.
| | - Praveen Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India.
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Yu ZL, Liu J, Ning ZK, Tian HK, Wu X, Huang YF, Wu ZC, Zong Z, Zhou TC. The TGF-β/Smad 2/3 signaling pathway is involved in Musashi2-induced invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:261-276. [PMID: 36345938 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To identify Musashi2 as an effective biomarker regulated by the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway for the precise diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) through bioinformatic tools and experimental verification. The Cancer Genome Atlas, Timer, and Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to clarify the expression of Musashi2 and its influence on the prognosis of CRC. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) was used to activate the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway to identify whether it could regulate the expression and function of Musashi2. Western blot analysis and quantitative PCR analyses were conducted to verify the expression of Musashi2. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), EdU, wound healing, and Transwell assays were conducted to reveal the role of Musashi2 in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC. Musashi2 was upregulated in CRC and promoted proliferation and metastasis. TGF-β1 increased the expression of Musashi2, while the antagonist inducer of type II TGF-β receptor degradation-1 (ITD-1) decreased the expression. CCK8 and EdU assays demonstrated that inhibition of Musashi2 or use of ITD-1 lowered proliferation ability. The Transwell and wound healing assays showed that the migration and invasion abilities of CRC cells could be regulated by Musashi2. The above functions could be enhanced by TGF-β1 by activating the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway and reversed by ITD-1. A positive correlation was found between Musashi2 and the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. TGF-β1 activates the TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway to stimulate the expression of Musashi2, which promotes the progression of CRC. Musashi2 might become a target gene for the development of new antitumor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Lin Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhi Kun Ning
- Department of Day Ward, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hua Kai Tian
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xun Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ying Feng Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zi Chun Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhen Zong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tai Cheng Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery and Hernia Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Liang L, Kaufmann AM. The Significance of Cancer Stem Cells and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Metastasis and Anti-Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032555. [PMID: 36768876 PMCID: PMC9917228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified and characterized in both hematopoietic and solid tumors. Their existence was first predicted by Virchow and Cohnheim in the 1870s. Later, many studies showed that CSCs can be identified and isolated by their expression of specific cell markers. The significance of CSCs with respect to tumor biology and anti-cancer treatment lies in their ability to maintain quiescence with very slow proliferation, indefinite self-renewal, differentiation, and trans-differentiation such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its reverse process mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). The ability for detachment, migration, extra- and intravasation, invasion and thereby of completing all necessary steps of the metastatic cascade highlights their significance for metastasis. CSCs comprise the cancer cell populations responsible for tumor growth, resistance to therapies and cancer metastasis. In this review, the history of the CSC theory, their identification and characterization and their biology are described. The contribution of the CSC ability to undergo EMT for cancer metastasis is discussed. Recently, novel strategies for drug development have focused on the elimination of the CSCs specifically. The unique functional and molecular properties of CSCs are discussed as possible therapeutic vulnerabilities for the development of novel anti-metastasis treatments. Prospectively, this may provide precise personalized anti-cancer treatments with improved therapeutic efficiency with fewer side effects and leading to better prognosis.
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11
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Anbiyaiee A, Ramazii M, Bajestani SS, Meybodi SM, Keivan M, Khoshnam SE, Farzaneh M. The function of LncRNA-ATB in cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:1-9. [PMID: 35597865 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02848-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer as a progressive and complex disease is caused by early chromosomal changes and stimulated cellular transformation. Previous studies reported that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play pivotal roles in the initiation, maintenance, and progression of cancer cells. LncRNA activated by TGF-β (ATB) has been shown to be dysregulated in different types of cancer. Aberrant expression of lncRNA-ATB plays an important role in the progression of diverse malignancies. High expression of LncRNA-ATB is associated with cancer cell growth, proliferation, metastasis, and EMT. LncRNA-ATB by targeting various signaling pathways and microRNAs (miRNAs) can trigger cancer pathogenesis. Therefore, lncRNA-ATB can be a novel target for cancer prediction and diagnosis. In this review, we will focus on the function of lncRNA-ATB in various types of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Anbiyaiee
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ramazii
- Kerman University of Medical Sciences, University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | | | | | - Mona Keivan
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Seyed Esmaeil Khoshnam
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Wang H, Mi K. Emerging roles of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the cellular plasticity of cancer cells. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1110881. [PMID: 36890838 PMCID: PMC9986440 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1110881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular plasticity is a well-known dynamic feature of tumor cells that endows tumors with heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance and alters their invasion-metastasis progression, stemness, and drug sensitivity, thereby posing a major challenge to cancer therapy. It is becoming increasingly clear that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a hallmark of cancer. The dysregulated expression of ER stress sensors and the activation of downstream signaling pathways play a role in the regulation of tumor progression and cellular response to various challenges. Moreover, mounting evidence implicates ER stress in the regulation of cancer cell plasticity, including epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, drug resistance phenotype, cancer stem cell phenotype, and vasculogenic mimicry phenotype plasticity. ER stress influences several malignant characteristics of tumor cells, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stem cell maintenance, angiogenic function, and tumor cell sensitivity to targeted therapy. The emerging links between ER stress and cancer cell plasticity that are implicated in tumor progression and chemoresistance are discussed in this review, which may aid in formulating strategies to target ER stress and cancer cell plasticity in anticancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Breast Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Kun Mi
- Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Xu L, Chen Z, Wang Y, Li Y, Wang Z, Li F, Xi X. Polyphyllin VII as a Potential Drug for Targeting Stemness in Hepatocellular Cancer via STAT3 Signaling. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2023; 23:325-331. [PMID: 36284387 DOI: 10.2174/1568009623666221024103834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND At present, the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is disturbed by the treatment failure and recurrence caused by the residual liver cancer stem cells (CSCs). Therefore, drugs targeting HCC CSCs should be able to effectively eliminate HCC and prevent its recurrence. In this study, we demonstrated the effect of Polyphyllin VII (PP7) on HCC CSCs and explored their potential mechanism. METHODS HepG2 and Huh7 cells were used to analyze the antitumor activity of PP7 by quantifying cell growth and metastasis as well as to study the effect on stemness. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that PP7 promoted apoptosis and significantly inhibited proliferation and migration of both HepG2 and Huh7 cells. PP7 also inhibited tumor spheroid formation and induced significant changes in the expression of stemness markers (CD133 and OCT-4). These effects of PP7 were mediated by STAT3 signaling. CONCLUSION PP7 can effectively suppress tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis and inhibit stemness through regulation of STAT3 signaling pathway in liver cancer cells. Our data would add more evidence to further clarify the therapeutic effect of PP7 against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuhang Xu
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, No. 30 Renmin Nanlu, Shiyan City, Hubei Province 442000, P.R. China
| | - Ziqi Chen
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, No. 30 Renmin Nanlu, Shiyan City, Hubei Province 442000, P.R. China
| | - Yangbin Wang
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, No. 30 Renmin Nanlu, Shiyan City, Hubei Province 442000, P.R. China
| | - Yulin Li
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, No. 30 Renmin Nanlu, Shiyan City, Hubei Province 442000, P.R. China
| | - Zhongyu Wang
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, No. 30 Renmin Nanlu, Shiyan City, Hubei Province 442000, P.R. China
| | - Fangzhou Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Shiyan, No. 30 Renmin Nanlu, Shiyan City, Hubei Province 442000, P.R. China
| | - Xueyan Xi
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, No. 30 Renmin Nanlu, Shiyan City, Hubei Province 442000, P.R. China.,Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, No. 30 Renmin Nanlu, Shiyan City, Hubei Province 442000, P.R. China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, No. 30 Renmin Nanlu, Shiyan City, Hubei Province 442000, P.R. China
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14
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Bryl R, Piwocka O, Kawka E, Mozdziak P, Kempisty B, Knopik-Skrocka A. Cancer Stem Cells-The Insight into Non-Coding RNAs. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223699. [PMID: 36429127 PMCID: PMC9688207 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Since their initial identification three decades ago, there has been extensive research regarding cancer stem cells (CSCs). It is important to consider the biology of cancer stem cells with a particular focus on their phenotypic and metabolic plasticity, the most important signaling pathways, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) regulating these cellular entities. Furthermore, the current status of therapeutic approaches against CSCs is an important consideration regarding employing the technology to improve human health. Cancer stem cells have claimed to be one of the most important group of cells for the development of several common cancers as they dictate features, such as resistance to radio- and chemotherapy, metastasis, and secondary tumor formation. Therapies which could target these cells may develop into an effective strategy for tumor eradication and a hope for patients for whom this disease remains uncurable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rut Bryl
- Section of Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Research, Natural Sciences Club, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Oliwia Piwocka
- Section of Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Research, Natural Sciences Club, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznań, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznań, Poland
| | - Emilia Kawka
- Section of Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Research, Natural Sciences Club, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Paul Mozdziak
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Division of Anatomy, Medical University of Wrocław, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
- Correspondence: or
| | - Agnieszka Knopik-Skrocka
- Section of Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Research, Natural Sciences Club, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
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15
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Mukherjee AG, Wanjari UR, Gopalakrishnan AV, Bradu P, Sukumar A, Patil M, Renu K, Dey A, Vellingiri B, George A, Ganesan R. Implications of cancer stem cells in diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Life Sci 2022; 312:121211. [PMID: 36414089 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This review provides a detailed study of pancreatic cancer (PC) and the implication of different types of cancers concerning diabetes. The combination of anti-diabetic drugs with other anti-cancer drugs and phytochemicals can help prevent and treat this disease. PC cancer stem cells (CSCs) and how they migrate and develop into malignant tumors are discussed. A detailed explanation of the different mechanisms of diabetes development, which can enhance the pancreatic CSCs' proliferation by increasing the IGF factor levels, epigenetic modifications, DNA damage, and the influence of lifestyle factors like obesity, and inflammation, has been discussed. It also explains how cancer due to diabetes is associated with high mortality rates. One of the well-known diabetic drugs, metformin, can be combined with other anti-cancer drugs and prevent the development of PC and has been taken as one of the prime focus in this review. Overall, this paper provides insight into the relationship between diabetes and PC and the methods that can be employed to diagnose this disease at an earlier stage successfully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
| | - Pragya Bradu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Aarthi Sukumar
- Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Megha Patil
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Kaviyarasi Renu
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700073, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine/Translational Research, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab (CUPB), Bathinda - 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Alex George
- Jubilee Centre for Medical Research, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur, 680005, Kerala, India
| | - Raja Ganesan
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Republic of Korea
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16
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Abstract
Organ-specific metastasis to secondary organs is dependent on the formation of a supportive pre-metastatic niche. This tissue-specific microenvironmental response is thought to be mediated by mutational and epigenetic changes to primary tumour cells resulting in altered cross-talk between cell types. This response is augmented through the release of tumour and stromal signalling mediators including cytokines, chemokines, exosomes and growth factors. Although researchers have elucidated some of the cancer-promoting features that are bespoke to organotropic metastasis to the lungs, it remains unclear if these are organ-specific or generic between organs. Understanding the mechanisms that mediate the metastasis-promoting synergy between the host microenvironment, immunity, and pulmonary structures may elucidate predictive, prognostic and therapeutic markers that could be targeted to reduce the metastatic burden of disease. Herein, we give an updated summary of the known cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the formation of the lung pre-metastatic niche and tissue-specific metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Cucanic
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Rae H Farnsworth
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Steven A Stacker
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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17
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Zhi X, Kuang X, Li J. The Impact of Perioperative Events on Cancer Recurrence and Metastasis in Patients after Radical Gastrectomy: A Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143496. [PMID: 35884557 PMCID: PMC9319233 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Radical gastrectomy is a mainstay therapy for patients with locally resectable gastric cancer (GC). GC patients who are candidates for radical gastrectomy will experience at least part of the following perioperative events: surgery, anesthesia, pain, intraoperative blood loss, allogeneic blood transfusion, postoperative complications, and their related anxiety, depression and stress response. Considerable clinical studies have shown that these perioperative events can promote recurrence and decrease the long-term survival of GC patients. The mechanisms include activation of neural signaling and the inflammatory response, suppression of antimetastatic immunity, increased release of cancer cells into circulation, and delayed adjuvant therapy, which are involved in every step of the invasion-metastasis cascade. Having appreciated these perioperative events and their influence on the risk of GC recurrence, we can now use this knowledge to find strategies that might substantially prevent the deleterious recurrence-promoting effects of perioperative events, potentially increasing cancer-free survival in GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhi
- Department of General Surgery, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang 621000, China;
| | - Xiaohong Kuang
- Department of Hematology, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang 621000, China;
| | - Jian Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang 621000, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+86-0816-2271901
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18
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Primeaux M, Gowrikumar S, Dhawan P. Role of CD44 isoforms in epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2022; 39:391-406. [PMID: 35023031 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-022-10146-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cellular plasticity lies at the core of cancer progression, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. Stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer are concepts that represent a cancer cell's ability to coopt and adapt normal developmental programs to promote survival and expansion. The cancer stem cell model states that a small subset of cancer cells with stem cell-like properties are responsible for driving tumorigenesis and metastasis while remaining especially resistant to common chemotherapeutic drugs. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity describes a cancer cell's ability to transition between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes which drives invasion and metastasis. Recent research supports the existence of stable epithelial/mesenchymal hybrid phenotypes which represent highly plastic states with cancer stem cell characteristics. The cell adhesion molecule CD44 is a widely accepted marker for cancer stem cells, and it lies at a functional intersection between signaling networks regulating both stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. CD44 expression is complex, with alternative splicing producing many isoforms. Interestingly, not only does the pattern of isoform expression change during transitions between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes in cancer, but these isoforms have distinct effects on cell behavior including the promotion of metastasis and stemness. The role of CD44 both downstream and upstream of signaling pathways regulating epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and stemness make this protein a valuable target for further research and therapeutic intervention.
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19
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Ungefroren H, Thürling I, Färber B, Kowalke T, Fischer T, De Assis LVM, Braun R, Castven D, Oster H, Konukiewitz B, Wellner UF, Lehnert H, Marquardt JU. The Quasimesenchymal Pancreatic Ductal Epithelial Cell Line PANC-1-A Useful Model to Study Clonal Heterogeneity and EMT Subtype Shifting. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092057. [PMID: 35565186 PMCID: PMC9101310 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Malignant tumors often escape therapy due to clonal propagation of a subfraction of drug-resistant cancer cells. The underlying phenomenon of intratumoral heterogeneity is driven by epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) involving the developmental programs, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), in which epithelial cells are converted to invasive mesenchymal cells, and the reverse process, mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET), which allows for metastatic outgrowth at distant sites. For therapeutic targeting of EMP, a better understanding of this process is required; however, cellular models with which to study EMP in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are scarce. Using single-cell clonal analysis, we have found the PDAC cell line, PANC-1, to consist of cells with different E/M phenotypes and functional attributes. Parental PANC-1 cultures could be induced in vitro to shift towards either a more mesenchymal or a more epithelial phenotype, and this bidirectional shift was controlled by the small GTPases RAC1 and RAC1b, together identifying PANC-1 cells as a useful model with which to study EMP. Abstract Intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) is an intrinsic feature of malignant tumors that eventually allows a subfraction of resistant cancer cells to clonally evolve and cause therapy failure or relapse. ITH, cellular plasticity and tumor progression are driven by epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the reverse process, MET. During these developmental programs, epithelial (E) cells are successively converted to invasive mesenchymal (M) cells, or back to E cells, by passing through a series of intermediate E/M states, a phenomenon termed E–M plasticity (EMP). The induction of MET has clinical potential as it can block the initial EMT stages that favor tumor cell dissemination, while its inhibition can curb metastatic outgrowth at distant sites. In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), cellular models with which to study EMP or MET induction are scarce. Here, we have generated single cell-derived clonal cultures of the quasimesenchymal PDAC-derived cell line, PANC-1, and found that these differ strongly with respect to cell morphology and EMT marker expression, allowing for their tentative classification as E, E/M or M. Interestingly, the different EMT phenotypes were found to segregate with differences in tumorigenic potential in vitro, as measured by colony forming and invasive activities, and in circadian clock function. Moreover, the individual clones the phenotypes of which remained stable upon prolonged culture also responded differently to treatment with transforming growth factor (TGF)β1 in regard to regulation of growth and individual TGFβ target genes, and to culture conditions that favour ductal-to-endocrine transdifferentiation as a more direct measure for cellular plasticity. Of note, stimulation with TGFβ1 induced a shift in parental PANC-1 cultures towards a more extreme M and invasive phenotype, while exposing the cells to a combination of the proinflammatory cytokines IFNγ, IL1β and TNFα (IIT) elicited a shift towards a more E and less invasive phenotype resembling a MET-like process. Finally, we show that the actions of TGFβ1 and IIT both converge on regulating the ratio of the small GTPase RAC1 and its splice isoform, RAC1b. Our data provide strong evidence for dynamic EMT–MET transitions and qualify this cell line as a useful model with which to study EMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Ungefroren
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (I.T.); (T.K.); (T.F.); (D.C.); (J.-U.M.)
- Clinic for Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, University of Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (B.F.); (R.B.); (U.F.W.)
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D-24105 Kiel, Germany;
- Correspondence:
| | - Isabel Thürling
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (I.T.); (T.K.); (T.F.); (D.C.); (J.-U.M.)
| | - Benedikt Färber
- Clinic for Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, University of Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (B.F.); (R.B.); (U.F.W.)
| | - Tanja Kowalke
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (I.T.); (T.K.); (T.F.); (D.C.); (J.-U.M.)
| | - Tanja Fischer
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (I.T.); (T.K.); (T.F.); (D.C.); (J.-U.M.)
| | - Leonardo Vinícius Monteiro De Assis
- Institute for Neurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (L.V.M.D.A.); (H.O.)
| | - Rüdiger Braun
- Clinic for Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, University of Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (B.F.); (R.B.); (U.F.W.)
| | - Darko Castven
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (I.T.); (T.K.); (T.F.); (D.C.); (J.-U.M.)
| | - Henrik Oster
- Institute for Neurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (L.V.M.D.A.); (H.O.)
| | - Björn Konukiewitz
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D-24105 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Ulrich Friedrich Wellner
- Clinic for Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, University of Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (B.F.); (R.B.); (U.F.W.)
| | | | - Jens-Uwe Marquardt
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (I.T.); (T.K.); (T.F.); (D.C.); (J.-U.M.)
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20
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Zhu Y, Fu F, Wang Z, Qiu F, Deng T, Du B, Zhu Y, Xi X. Polyphyllin VII is a Potential Drug Targeting CD44 Positive Colon Cancer Cells. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2022; 22:426-435. [DOI: 10.2174/1568009622666220304110222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Current therapies for colon cancer are hindered by treatment failure and recurrence mainly due to colon cancer stem cells (CSCs). Thus, treatment using drugs targeting CSCs should be effective in eliminating colon cancer cells and impeding cancer recurrence.
Objective:
To test if PPVII can a potent drug candidate for the treatment of colon cancer by targeting CD44 positive colon cancer cells.
Methods:
In this study, we first demonstrated that CD44 is highly expressed in colon cancer tissues by TCGA/GTEX database analysis and immunohistochemical staining.
Results:
In this study, we first demonstrated that CD44 is highly expressed in colon cancer tissues by TCGA/GTEX database analysis. CD44 had high accuracy as a diagnostic and predictive index for colorectal cancer through Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. At the same time, survival curve analysis also showed that the high expression of CD44 was associated with poor prognosis in patients with colon cancer. CD44 higher expression in colon cancer tissues was further confirmed by immunohistochemical staining, the positive rate of CD44 expression was 87.95%. Then, one of the constituents that derives from the root of Paris polyphylla, Polyphyllin VII (PPVII) has been confirmed to inhibit the migration of colon cancer cells. Our results also demonstrated that PPVII could inhibit the sphere-forming ability of colon cancer cells. Further experiment results showed that PPVII could downregulate the expression of CD44 in colon cancer cells. In addition, PPVII was proved to have inhibitory effects against CD44 positive colon cancer cells.
Conclusion:
Therefore, PPVII might be a potent candidate reagent for the treatment of colon cancer by targeting CD44 positive colon cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine
| | - Fei Fu
- Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine
| | - Zhongyu Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine
| | - Fen Qiu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine
| | - Ting Deng
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine
| | - Boyu Du
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine.
- Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine
- Hubei Key laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research
| | - Yunhe Zhu
- Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine
| | - Xueyan Xi
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine.
- Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine
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21
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Wang M, Zhan F, Cheng H, Li Q. Gambogenic Acid Inhibits Basal Autophagy of Drug-Resistant Hepatoma Cells and Improves Its Sensitivity to Adriamycin. Biol Pharm Bull 2022; 45:63-70. [PMID: 34980780 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b21-00511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Gambogenic acid (GNA) is extracted from plant Gamboge, has a wide range of anti-tumor effects. In this paper, we study the inhibitory effect of GNA on the BEL-7402/ADM of hepatoma resistant cell lines and further study the mechanism of action. Cell viability test represented that GNA could improve the sensitivity of hepatoma drug-resistant cell line BEL-7402/ADM to Adriamycin (ADM), and further study by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining and flow cytometry found that GNA could improve the effect of ADM on promoting apoptosis in BEL-7402/ADM cells, and the activation of apoptosis-related protein was significantly increased, and the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 was significantly increased. Monodansylcadaverine staining and transmission electron microscopy showed that the basal autophagy level of BEL-7402/ADM cells was higher than that of BEL-7402 cells. Further detection of protein expression found that the intracellular LC3-II to LC3-I ratio and Beclin 1 protein expression increased in the combination of GNA and ADM, but the protein level of p62 increased significantly. GNA inhibit protective autophagy in BEL-7402/ADM cells and promote the role of ADM in inducing apoptosis, thereby increasing ADM sensitivity to BEL-7402/ADM cells, and the effect of GNA inhibition of autophagy may be achieved by inhibiting the degradation of autophagosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of R&D of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Fan Zhan
- Huaibei Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital
| | - Hui Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of R&D of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Qinglin Li
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of R&D of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine
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22
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Garg M. Emerging roles of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in invasion-metastasis cascade and therapy resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:131-145. [PMID: 34978017 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-10003-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Strong association of cancer incidence and its progression with mortality highlights the need to decipher the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive tumor cells to rapidly progress to metastatic disease and therapy resistance. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) emerged as a key regulator of metastatic outgrowth. It allows neoplastic epithelial cells to delaminate from their neighbors either individually or collectively, traverse the extracellular matrix (ECM) barrier, enter into the circulation, and establish distal metastases. Plasticity between epithelial and mesenchymal states and the existence of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotypes are increasingly being reported in different tumor contexts. Small subset of cancer cells with stemness called cancer stem cells (CSCs) exhibit plasticity, possess high tumorigenic potential, and contribute to high degree of tumoral heterogeneity. EMP characterized by the presence of dynamic intermediate states is reported to be influenced by (epi)genomic reprograming, growth factor signaling, inflammation, and low oxygen generated by tumor stromal microenvironment. EMP alters the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of tumor cells/CSCs, disrupts tissue homeostasis, induces the reprogramming of angiogenic and immune recognition functions, and renders tumor cells to survive hostile microenvironments and resist therapy. The present review summarizes the roles of EMP in tumor invasion and metastasis and provides an update on therapeutic strategies to target the metastatic and refractory cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minal Garg
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226007, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Tanabe S. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Cancer Stem Cells. Adv Exp Med Biol 2022; 1393:1-49. [PMID: 36587300 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12974-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a cellular phenotypic change from epithelial to mesenchymal-like features, is related to the resistance and metastasis of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Several signal transduction mechanisms induce EMT, which causes the gene expression alteration to induce the acquisition of resistance and metastasis in cancer. EMT is characterized with high gene expression of cadherin 2 (N-cadherin) and vimentin, and sparse cell-cell junction. The cells with EMT-phenotype have migration, metastasis and drug-resistance capacity, which are main characteristics of CSCs. It seems that the main population of CSCs exhibits EMT phenotype, whereas some populations consist of phenotypes other than EMT. In this chapter, EMT mechanism, phenotypic features of EMT and CSCs, signal transduction in EMT and CSCs, differences between EMT and CSCs, and the role of EMT in CSCs are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihori Tanabe
- Division of Risk Assessment, Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, 210-9501, Japan.
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Chiou P, Ohms S, Board PG, Dahlstrom JE, Rangasamy D, Casarotto MG. The Antiviral Drug Efavirenz in Breast Cancer Stem Cell Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6232. [PMID: 34944852 PMCID: PMC8699628 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for tumour initiation, chemo- and radiotherapy resistance and cancer recurrence. CSCs display plasticity that enables them to alter their phenotype and function making them challenging to eliminate. In this study we explore the effects of an antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV/AIDS (Efavirenz) on cancer stem cells derived from multiple breast cancer cell lines. Efavirenz has been previously found to be effective in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancers, and here we show that it is also capable of altering CSC numbers, cell morphology, RNA/microRNA gene expression and levels of epithelial/mesenchymal CSC subtypes. This study shows that, with Efavirenz, it is possible to not only eliminate primary breast cancer cells, but also to promote changes in cell morphology. Abstract Although many breast cancer therapies show initial success in the treatment of the primary tumour, they often fail to eliminate a sub-population of cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). These cells are recognised for their self-renewal properties and for their capacity for differentiation often leading to chemo/radio-resistance. The antiviral drug Efavirenz has been shown to be effective in eliminating triple-negative breast cancer cells, and here we examine its effect on breast CSCs. The effects of Efavirenz on CSCs for several breast cancer cell lines were investigated by examining cellular changes upon drug treatment, including CSC numbers, morphology, RNA/microRNA expression and levels of epithelial/mesenchymal CSC subtypes. Efavirenz treatment resulted in a decrease in the size and number of tumorspheres and a reduction in epithelial-type CSC levels, but an increase in mesenchymal-type CSCs. Efavirenz caused upregulation of several CSC-related genes as well as miR-21, a CSC marker and miR-182, a CSC suppressor gene. We conclude that Efavirenz alters the phenotype and expression of key genes in breast CSCs, which has important potential therapeutic implications.
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Diehl V, Huber LS, Trebicka J, Wygrecka M, Iozzo RV, Schaefer L. The Role of Decorin and Biglycan Signaling in Tumorigenesis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:801801. [PMID: 34917515 PMCID: PMC8668865 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.801801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex and adaptive nature of malignant neoplasm constitute a major challenge for the development of effective anti-oncogenic therapies. Emerging evidence has uncovered the pivotal functions exerted by the small leucine-rich proteoglycans, decorin and biglycan, in affecting tumor growth and progression. In their soluble forms, decorin and biglycan act as powerful signaling molecules. By receptor-mediated signal transduction, both proteoglycans modulate key processes vital for tumor initiation and progression, such as autophagy, inflammation, cell-cycle, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Despite of their structural homology, these two proteoglycans interact with distinct cell surface receptors and thus modulate distinct signaling pathways that ultimately affect cancer development. In this review, we summarize growing evidence for the complex roles of decorin and biglycan signaling in tumor biology and address potential novel therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Diehl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lisa Sophie Huber
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Malgorzata Wygrecka
- Center for Infection and Genomics of the Lung, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Giessen, Germany
| | - Renato V. Iozzo
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology and the Translational Cellular Oncology Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Liliana Schaefer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer refers to a group of some of the worldwide most diagnosed and deadliest pathophysiological conditions that conquered researchers' attention for decades and yet begs for more questions for a full comprehension of its complex cellular and molecular pathology. MAIN BODY The disease conditions are commonly characterized by unrestricted cell proliferation and dysfunctional replicative senescence pathways. In fact, the cell cycle operates under the rigorous control of complex signaling pathways involving cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases assumed to be specific to each phase of the cycle. At each of these checkpoints, the cell is checked essentially for its DNA integrity. Genetic defects observed in these molecules (i.e., cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases) are common features of cancer cells. Nevertheless, each cancer is different concerning its molecular and cellular etiology. These could range from the genetic defects mechanisms and/or the environmental conditions favoring epigenetically harbored homeostasis driving tumorigenesis alongside with the intratumoral heterogeneity with respect to the model that the tumor follows. CONCLUSIONS This review is not meant to be an exhaustive interpretation of carcinogenesis but to summarize some basic features of the molecular etiology of cancer and the intratumoral heterogeneity models that eventually bolster anticancer drug resistance for a more efficient design of drug targeting the pitfalls of the models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Diori Karidio
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, E Block, Ege University, Erzene Mahallesi, Bornova, 35040, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Senay Hamarat Sanlier
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, E Block, Ege University, Erzene Mahallesi, Bornova, 35040, Izmir, Turkey.,ARGEFAR, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35040, Izmir, Turkey
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION High recurrence rates, frequent surveillance strategies, and current multidisciplinary treatment approaches make urothelial carcinoma of bladder (UCB) one of the most expensive cancers to clinically manage. Recent studies have demonstrated a role for autophagy in bladder tumorigenesis. It serves as a tumor suppressor by maintaining genomic integrity and preventing tumor proliferation during initial stages of tumor development. Nevertheless, once established, cancer cells may utilize protective autophagy to endure cellular stress and survive in the adverse environment. Its excessive stimulation supports cancer cells' resistance to therapeutic modalities. AREAS COVERED PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases were searched for recently published studies. This review summarizes emerging roles of autophagy in development/progression of UCB and treatment resistance and explores novel therapeutic targets for prevention of cancer invasion, metastatic spread', and disease relapse. EXPERT OPINION The development of novel therapies via targeting of autophagy may augment current treatment regimens and improve clinical outcomes. Synthetic compounds or plant-based metabolites are reported to enhance cancer therapies by modulating autophagic flux. Successful autophagy-focused therapeutic intervention requires a mechanistic understanding of autophagic effects on tumor initiation and progression and the development of efficient biomarkers to monitor it in tumor tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratishtha Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India
| | - Niraj Kumar
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, India
| | - Minal Garg
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India
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Hu B, Chen Z, Wang X, Chen F, Song Z, Cao C. MicroRNA-148a-3p Directly Targets SERPINE1 to Suppress EMT-Mediated Colon Adenocarcinoma Progression. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:6349-6362. [PMID: 34408494 PMCID: PMC8364830 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s302777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim This research aimed at clarifying the intracellular effect of SERPINE1 in the progression of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) and the underlying mechanism. Methods We obtained the expression profile of SERPINE1 in COAD via the Starbase database and verified it on COAD tissue samples through qRT-PCR and immunoblotting, respectively. Also, miRWalk, TargetScan and miRDB databases were adopted to generate the miRNA prediction that might target SERPINE1, and the gene target miR-148a-3p was confirmed using dual-luciferase assays. The effect of SERPINE1 and miR-148a-3p on COAD was further evaluated by cell experiments. MTT assay was used to detect the change of cell proliferation ability. The invasive and migratory capability of COAD cells was examined using transwell and would healing assays. Cell apoptosis was determined through flow cytometry. The expressions of genes and EMT-associated proteins were evaluated by qRT-PCR and immunoblotting. Further lucubration of the biological relevance of SERPINE1 and miR-148a-3p was conducted using rescue experiments. Results We found that the expression quantities of SERPINE1 in COAD tissues and cell lines were higher than those in corresponding non-cancerous tissues and normal cells. When SERPINE1 expression is reduced, EMT process is inhibited, invasion and proliferation ability of COAD cells are obviously reduced, and apoptosis level is increased. Moreover, SERPINE1 was identified as the target gene of miR-148a-3p. When the expression of miR-148a-3p was enhanced, it was found that the expression of SERPINE1 was reduced. miR-148a-3p played the similar effect of si-SERPINE1 that suppressed the COAD progression. Additionally, we found out that SERPINE1 is validated in hindering the tumor healing effect of miR148a-3p in COAD, including cell growth and invasion. Conclusion Our study suggests that SERPINE1/miR-148a-3p axis has potential as prognostic markers of COAD and provides reference for the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biwen Hu
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenwei Chen
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoguang Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengwei Song
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenxi Cao
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
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Zhou K, Tian KJ, Yan BJ, Gui DD, Luo W, Ren Z, Wei DH, Liu LS, Jiang ZS. A promising field: regulating imbalance of EndMT in cardiovascular diseases. Cell Cycle 2021; 20:1477-1486. [PMID: 34266366 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.1951939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is widely involved in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. Although there is no direct evidence, it is very promising as an effective target for the treatment of these diseases. Endothelial cells need to respond to the complex cardiovascular environment through EndMT, but sustained stimuli will cause the imbalance of EndMT. Blocking the signal transduction promoting EndMT is an effective method to control the imbalance of EndMT. In particular, we also discussed the potential role of endothelial cell apoptosis and autophagy in regulating the imbalance of EndMT. In addition, promoting mesenchymal-endothelial transformation (MEndT) is also a method to control the imbalance of EndMT. However, targeting EndMT to treat cardiovascular disease still faces many challenges. By reviewing the research progress of EndMT, we have put forward some insights and translated them into challenges and opportunities for new treatment strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Kai-Jiang Tian
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Bin-Jie Yan
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Dan-Dan Gui
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Wen Luo
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhong Ren
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Dang-Heng Wei
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lu-Shan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhi-Sheng Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
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30
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Zahan T, Das PK, Akter SF, Habib R, Rahman MH, Karim MR, Islam F. Therapy Resistance in Cancers: Phenotypic, Metabolic, Epigenetic and Tumour Microenvironmental Perspectives. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 20:2190-2206. [PMID: 32748758 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620999200730161829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemoresistance is a vital problem in cancer therapy where cancer cells develop mechanisms to encounter the effect of chemotherapeutics, resulting in cancer recurrence. In addition, chemotherapy- resistant leads to the formation of a more aggressive form of cancer cells, which, in turn, contributes to the poor survival of patients with cancer. OBJECTIVE In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of how the therapy resistance property evolves in cancer cells, contributing factors and their role in cancer chemoresistance, and exemplified the problems of some available therapies. METHODS The published literature on various electronic databases including, Pubmed, Scopus, Google scholar containing keywords cancer therapy resistance, phenotypic, metabolic and epigenetic factors, were vigorously searched, retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS Cancer cells have developed a range of cellular processes, including uncontrolled activation of Epithelial- Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic alterations. These cellular processes play significant roles in the generation of therapy resistance. Furthermore, the microenvironment where cancer cells evolve effectively contributes to the process of chemoresistance. In tumour microenvironment immune cells, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), endothelial cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to the maintenance of therapy-resistant phenotype via the secretion of factors that promote resistance to chemotherapy. CONCLUSION To conclude, as these factors hinder successful cancer therapies, therapeutic resistance property of cancer cells is a subject of intense research, which in turn could open a new horizon to aim for developing efficient therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasnim Zahan
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Plabon K Das
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
| | - Syeda F Akter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
| | - Rowshanul Habib
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Habibur Rahman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rezaul Karim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
| | - Farhadul Islam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh,Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
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31
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Lim JR, Mouawad J, Gorton OK, Bubb WA, Kwan AH. Cancer stem cell characteristics and their potential as therapeutic targets. Med Oncol 2021; 38:76. [PMID: 34050825 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01524-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a tumour subpopulation whose capacity for self-renewal, differentiation and proliferation generates unfavourable patient outcomes, including therapeutic resistance and metastasis. Much research has focused on the generation, biomarkers and therapeutic resistance of CSCs, as well as the development of CSC-targeted therapies. Reviews to date have either addressed general CSC characteristics or focused on CSCs from a well-studied cancer. Increasingly, specific treatment plans based on identification of molecular features and biomarkers of a patient's cancer, rather than classification according to tissue origin or bulk tumour properties, are leading to better patient outcomes. Here, we compare CSC characteristics, specifically their biomarkers and molecular features, and identify those that are common to a number of cancers. Identification of CSC markers that suggest therapeutic strategies has led to several successful in vitro and animal tests, recommending clinical trials of treatments with potentially enhanced therapeutic benefits, especially for recurring cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ann H Kwan
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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32
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Zheng X, Dai F, Feng L, Zou H, Feng L, Xu M. Communication Between Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity and Cancer Stem Cells: New Insights Into Cancer Progression. Front Oncol 2021; 11:617597. [PMID: 33968721 PMCID: PMC8097085 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.617597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is closely associated with the acquisition of aggressive traits by carcinoma cells and is considered responsible for metastasis, relapse, and chemoresistance. Molecular links between the EMT and cancer stem cells (CSCs) have indicated that EMT processes play important roles in the expression of CSC-like properties. It is generally thought that EMT-related transcription factors (EMT-TFs) need to be downregulated to confer an epithelial phenotype to mesenchymal cells and increase cell proliferation, thereby promoting metastasis formation. However, the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that regulate EMT and CSC activation are contradictory. Emerging evidence suggests that EMT need not be a binary model and instead a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal state. This dynamic process correlates with epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity, which indicates a contradictory role of EMT during cancer progression. Recent studies have linked the epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity and stem cell-like traits, providing new insights into the conflicting relationship between EMT and CSCs. In this review, we examine the current knowledge about the interplay between epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity and CSCs in cancer biology and evaluate the controversies and future perspectives. Understanding the biology of epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity and CSCs and their implications in therapeutic treatment may provide new opportunities for targeted intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Zheng
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fuzhen Dai
- Department of General Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Longquanyi District, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Feng
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Zou
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,General Surgery Center of PLA, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingqing Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Meishan City People's Hospital, Meishan Hospital of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Meishan, China
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Pourbagher R, Ghorbani H, Akhavan-Niaki H, Jorsaraei SGA, Fattahi S, Ghooran S, Abedian Z, Ghasemi M, Saeedi F, Jafari N, Kalali B, Mostafazadeh A. Downregulation of Stemness Genes and Induction of Necrosis in Rat LA7 Cancer Stem Cells Induced Tumors Treated with Starved Fibroblasts Culture Supernatant. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 10:105-118. [PMID: 34277874 PMCID: PMC8279721 DOI: 10.52547/rbmb.10.1.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stem cell differentiation therapy is a promising strategy in cancer treatment. we show that protein cocktail prepared from serum starved fibroblasts has therapeutic potential based on this strategy. METHODS The condition medium was prepared from foreskin isolated fibroblasts and analyzed by Liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). LA7 mammary gland cancer stem cells originated tumors were induced in Sprague Dawley rats. The rats treated subcutaneously with DMEM (group A), condition medium (group B), or normal saline (group C) once daily for 7 days. Then the tumors were removed and divided into the two parts, one part was used to quantify gene expression by stem-loop RT-qPCR assay and the other part was used for Hematoxylin & Eosin (H & E), Giemsa, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. RESULTS All induced tumors appeared as sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC). Immunohistochemistry staining confirmed this conclusion by recognizing the tumor as Ki67+, cytokeratin+, vimentine+, and estrogen receptor negative SC. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that Oct4-, Sox-2, Nanog- gene expression was much reduced in the condition medium treated tumors versus proper controls (p< 0.05). Tissue necrosis was more prevalent in this group while tumors volume was diminished almost by 40%. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis unrevealed the stemness reducing and the cell death inducing proteins such as, pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), insulin like growth factor binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) and -7 (IGFBP-7) in the condition medium. CONCLUSION This study showed that the substances released from starved human fibroblasts were able to down-regulate the stemness-related genes and induce necrosis in LA7 derived tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roghayeh Pourbagher
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Hossein Ghorbani
- Department of Pathology, Rohani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Haleh Akhavan-Niaki
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Seyed Gholam Ali Jorsaraei
- Fatemeh Zahra Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Centre, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Sadegh Fattahi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Sahar Ghooran
- Department of Pathology, Rohani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Zeinab Abedian
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
- Dental Materials Research Center, Dental Faculty, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Masoumeh Ghasemi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Saeedi
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Negar Jafari
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Behnam Kalali
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.
| | - Amrollah Mostafazadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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Jia M, Jia X, Zhang D, Liu W, Yi S, Li Z, Cong B, Ma C, Li S, Zhang J. CD2 + T-helper 17-like cells differentiated from a CD133 + subpopulation of non-small cell lung carcinoma cells promote the growth of lung carcinoma. Ann Transl Med 2021; 9:687. [PMID: 33987385 PMCID: PMC8106049 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Cancer stem cells (CSCs) give rise to a diverse variety of differentiated cells, which comprise the bulk of the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the exact multi-directional differentiation potential of CSCs has not been fully clarified. This study was designed to explore whether CSCs differentiate into cellular components of the TME to promote the growth of lung carcinoma. Methods The present of CD133+, CD2+, and CD133+CD2+ cells in both clinical lung adenocarcinoma tissue and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell lines were monitored using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Array, flow cytometry (FCM), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistofluorescence (IF). Stem-like properties of CD133+ cells and CD2+ cells were detected by sphere formation assay, IF, and western blot. Colony formation and xenograft tumors experiments were performed to assess the malignant behaviors of CD2+ cells. The differentiation of CD133+ cells to CD2+ Th17-like cells was observed by FCM. The interleukin (IL)-2/phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 5 (pSTAT5)/retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) signaling pathway was evaluated by western blot and FCM. Results We found that CD133+ cells within both clinical lung adenocarcinoma tissue and NSCLC cell lines included a subset of CD2-expressing cells, which were correlated with the grade of malignancy (r=0.7835, P<0.01) and exhibited stem-like properties. Then, we determined the tumorigenic effects of CD2 on the growth of transplanted Lewis lung carcinoma cells (LLC1) in C57/BL6 mice. The results indicated that CD2+ cells were effective in promoting tumor growth in vivo (P<0.01). Furthermore, we obtained direct evidence of an ability of CD133+ cells to transform to T-helper 17-like cells via an intermediate CD133+CD2+ progenitor cell that is able to secrete IL-17A and IL-23. Furthermore, we found that IL-2 can inhibit the production of T-helper 17-like cells (P<0.001) by modulating the activation of STAT5 signaling pathways to downregulate the expression of RORγt (P<0.001). Conclusions Our data demonstrates that Th17-like cells generated from CSCs support cancer progression. These findings enrich the definition of multidirectional differentiation potential of CSCs and improve the understanding of the role of CSCs in cancer progression, which aids the improvement and creation of therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Jia
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xianxian Jia
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wenxuan Liu
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shanyong Yi
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhenhua Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bin Cong
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China.,College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chunling Ma
- Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China.,College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shujin Li
- Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China.,College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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35
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Singh B, Patwardhan RS, Jayakumar S, Sharma D, Sandur SK. Oxidative stress associated metabolic adaptations regulate radioresistance in human lung cancer cells. J Photochem Photobiol B 2020; 213:112080. [PMID: 33232882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.112080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Differential inherent and acquired radioresistance of human lung cancer cells contribute to poor therapeutic outcome and tumor recurrence after radiotherapy. Inherent radioresistance of lung cancer cells is known to be associated with ROSLow cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, mechanism of acquired radioresistance in lung cancer cells is poorly understood. Here, we exposed human lung cancer cells (A549) to a cumulative dose of 40Gy and allowed the radioresistant (RR) survivors to divide and form macroscopic colonies after each fraction of 5Gy dose. The RR subline exhibited enrichment of cytosolic ROSHigh cells without specific increase in mitochondrial ROS levels. We found a concomitant increase in the expression of redox regulatory transcription factor Nrf2 and its dependent antioxidant genes in RR cells and cell cycle delay as compared to parental cells. The treatment of RR cells with Nrf2 inhibitor resulted in decreased clonogenic survival indicating their addiction to Nrf2 for metabolic adaptations under high levels of cytosolic ROS. A causal role of inherent ROS levels in conferring radioresistance was established by sorting ROSHigh and ROSLow populations from parental and RR cells. It was observed that ROSHigh population from both parental and RR cells exhibited radioresistance as observed by clonogenic assay. Interestingly, ROSHigh population of cells exhibited higher levels of cellular thiols in both parental and RR cells. Thus, our observations highlight presence of a novel subpopulation in lung cancer cells, which exhibits radioresistance by maintaining 'oxidative stress' and Nrf2 dependent metabolic adaptations. We also posit Nrf2 pathway as a druggable target for radiosensitization of RR A549 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babita Singh
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Modular Laboratories, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Raghavendra S Patwardhan
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Modular Laboratories, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India
| | - Sundarraj Jayakumar
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Modular Laboratories, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India
| | - Deepak Sharma
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Modular Laboratories, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India.
| | - Santosh K Sandur
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Modular Laboratories, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India.
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Sinha D, Saha P, Samanta A, Bishayee A. Emerging Concepts of Hybrid Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Progression. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1561. [PMID: 33207810 PMCID: PMC7697085 DOI: 10.3390/biom10111561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex process through which epithelial (E) cells lose their adherens junctions, transform into mesenchymal (M) cells and attain motility, leading to metastasis at distant organs. Nowadays, the concept of EMT has shifted from a binary phase of interconversion of pure E to M cells and vice versa to a spectrum of E/M transition states preferably coined as hybrid/partial/intermediate EMT. Hybrid EMT, being a plastic transient state, harbours cells which co-express both E and M markers and exhibit high tumourigenic properties, leading to stemness, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Several preclinical and clinical studies provided the evidence of co-existence of E/M phenotypes. Regulators including transcription factors, epigenetic regulators and phenotypic stability factors (PSFs) help in maintaining the hybrid state. Computational and bioinformatics approaches may be excellent for identifying new factors or combinations of regulatory elements that govern the different EMT transition states. Therapeutic intervention against hybrid E/M cells, though few, may evolve as a rational strategy against metastasis and drug resistance. This review has attempted to present the recent advancements on the concept and regulation of the process of hybrid EMT which generates hybrid E/M phenotypes, evidence of intermediate EMT in both preclinical and clinical setup, impact of partial EMT on promoting tumourigenesis, and future strategies which might be adapted to tackle this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dona Sinha
- Department of Receptor Biology and Tumour Metastasis, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata 700 026, India; (P.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Priyanka Saha
- Department of Receptor Biology and Tumour Metastasis, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata 700 026, India; (P.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Anurima Samanta
- Department of Receptor Biology and Tumour Metastasis, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata 700 026, India; (P.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
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37
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Lei Y, Chen L, Zhang G, Shan A, Ye C, Liang B, Sun J, Liao X, Zhu C, Chen Y, Wang J, Zhang E, Deng L. MicroRNAs target the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway to regulate epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in cancer (Review). Oncol Rep 2020; 44:1299-1313. [PMID: 32700744 PMCID: PMC7448411 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT), during which cancer cells lose the epithelial phenotype and gain the mesenchymal phenotype, has been verified to result in tumor migration and invasion. Numerous studies have shown that dysregulation of the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway gives rise to EMT, which is characterized by nuclear translocation of β‑catenin and E‑cadherin suppression. Wnt/β‑catenin signaling was confirmed to be affected by microRNAs (miRNAs), several of which are down‑ or upregulated in metastatic cancer cells, indicating their complex roles in Wnt/β‑catenin signaling. In this review, we demonstrated the targets of various miRNAs in altering Wnt/β‑catenin signaling to promote or inhibit EMT, which may elucidate the underlying mechanism of EMT regulation by miRNAs and provide evidence for potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of invasive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhe Lei
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Department of Big Data Research of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Aiyun Shan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Chunfeng Ye
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Bin Liang
- Formula Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Jiayu Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Xin Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Changfeng Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Yueyue Chen
- Formula Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Formula Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Enxin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Deng
- Formula Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
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Abstract
Cancer-related deaths did not apparently decrease in the past decades despite aggressive treatments. It's reported that cancer will become the leading cause of death worldwide in the twenty-first century. Increasing evidence has revealed that lncRNAs will emerge as promising cancer biomarkers or therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. LncRNA-ATB, a long noncoding RNA activated by TGF-β, was found to be abnormally expressed in certain cancers and participate in the development and progression of tumors. In addition, aberrant lncRNA-ATB expression was also associated with clinical characteristics of tumors. The purpose of this review is to summarize functions and underlying mechanisms of lncRNA-ATB in tumors, and discuss whether lncRNA-ATB can be a biomarker and therapeutic target in cancers.
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Yu C, Chen F, Wang X, Cai Z, Yang M, Zhong Q, Feng J, Li J, Shen C, Wen Z. Pin2 telomeric repeat factor 1-interacting telomerase inhibitor 1 (PinX1) inhibits nasopharyngeal cancer cell stemness: implication for cancer progression and therapeutic targeting. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2020; 39:31. [PMID: 32028978 PMCID: PMC7006127 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-1530-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Recurrence and distant metastasis are still the main factors leading to treatment failure for malignant tumors including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Therefore, elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis is of great clinical significance for targeted gene therapy and prognostic evaluation. PinX1, a tumor suppressor gene, was previously demonstrated to be a powerful tool for targeting telomerase in order to resist malignant tumor proliferation and migration. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism through which PinX1 regulates epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor metastasis in NPC and investigate its clinical significance and biological role with respect to disease progression. Methods Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), Transwell assays, Colony formation analysis and Xenograft tumorigenicity assay were used to measure the nasopharyngeal CD133+ cancer stem cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot assays were conducted to investigate the underlying mechanism that PinX1 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via regulating EMT in nasopharyngeal CD133+ CSCs. Results We found that the overexpression of PinX1 and P53 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, but that the inhibition of miR-200b blocked these effects, in nasopharyngeal CD133+ cancer stem cells (CSCs). Mechanistic investigations elucidated that PinX1 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by regulating the P53/miR-200b-mediated transcriptional suppression of Snail1, Twist1, and Zeb1, consequently inhibiting EMT in nasopharyngeal CD133+ CSCs. Conclusions Our findings indicate that PinX1 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via P53/miR-200b-regulated EMT in the malignant progression of human NPC, which might suggest novel clinical implications for disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaosheng Yu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510235, China
| | - Xiaoqi Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Zhimou Cai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Mengxue Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Qingwen Zhong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Jialian Feng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Junzheng Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510235, China.
| | - Congxiang Shen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China.
| | - Zhong Wen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China.
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40
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Wang H, Li JM, Wei W, Yang R, Chen D, Ma XD, Jiang GM, Wang BL. Regulation of ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 by Snail contributes to chemoresistance in colorectal cancer. Cancer Sci 2019; 111:84-97. [PMID: 31774615 PMCID: PMC6942434 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although accumulating evidence has indicated the intimate association between epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and acquired resistance to chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC), the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, we reported that Snail, a crucial EMT controller, was upregulated in CRC tissues. Colorectal cancer cells overexpressing Snail were found to be more resistant to 5‐fluorouracil (5‐Fu). Mechanistic studies reveal that Snail could increase the expression of ATP‐binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) rather than the other 23 chemoresistance‐related genes. Additionally, knockdown of ABCB1 significantly attenuated Snail‐induced 5‐Fu resistance in CRC cells. Oxaliplatin increased Snail and ABCB1 expression in CRC cells. Snail and ABCB1 were upregulated in 5‐Fu‐resistant HCT‐8 (HCT‐8/5‐Fu) cells and inhibition of Snail decreased ABCB1 in HCT‐8/5‐Fu cells. These results confirm the vital role played by ABCB1 in Snail‐induced chemoresistance. Further investigation into the relevant molecular mechanism revealed Snail‐mediated ABCB1 upregulation was independent of β‐catenin, STAT3, PXR, CAR and Foxo3a, which are commonly involved in modulating ABCB1 transcription. Instead, Snail upregulated ABCB1 transcription by directly binding to its promoter. Clinical analysis confirms that increased Snail expression correlated significantly with tumor size (P = .018), lymph node metastasis (P = .033), distant metastasis (P = .025), clinical stage grade (P = .024), and poor prognosis (P = .045) of CRC patients. Moreover, coexpression of Snail and ABCB1 was observed in CRC patients. Our study revealed that direct regulation of ABCB1 by Snail was critical for conferring chemoresistance in CRC cells. These findings unraveled the mechanisms underlying the association between EMT and chemoresistance, and provided potential targets for CRC clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ji-Min Li
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Dong Chen
- School of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Guan-Min Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Bao-Long Wang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Abstract
Since the introduction of the cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis, accumulating evidence shows that most cancers present stem-like niches. However, therapies aimed at targeting this niche have not been as successful as expected. New evidence regarding CSCs hierarchy, similarities with normal tissue stem cells and cell plasticity might be key in understanding their role in cancer biology and how to efficiently eliminate them. In this Chapter, we discuss what is known in breast and prostate CSCs from their initial discoveries to the current therapeutic efforts in the field. Future challenges towards better CSC identification and isolation strategies will be key to shed light into how CSCs could accurately be targeted in combination to traditional therapies to ultimately prolong patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío G Sampayo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Mina J Bissell
- Division of Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States.
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42
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Huang Y, Zhou B, Luo H, Mao J, Huang Y, Zhang K, Mei C, Yan Y, Jin H, Gao J, Su Z, Pang P, Li D, Shan H. ZnAs@SiO 2 nanoparticles as a potential anti-tumor drug for targeting stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma via SHP-1/JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Theranostics 2019; 9:4391-4408. [PMID: 31285768 PMCID: PMC6599649 DOI: 10.7150/thno.32462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Current therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are hampered by treatment failure and recurrence due to the remaining treatment-resistant liver cancer stem cells (CSCs). Stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are regarded as two fundamental characteristics of liver CSCs necessary for cancer progression; thus, drugs that simultaneously target both characteristics should prove effective in eliminating HCC and impeding recurrence. In this study, we developed new arsenic trioxide (ATO)-based nanoparticles (NPs), which are expected to be more effective than the current HCC therapy, and explored their potential mechanism. Methods: A “one-pot” reverse emulsification approach was employed to prepare the ZnAs@SiO2 NPs. HCC cell lines, MHCC97L and Hep3b, were used to analyze the antitumor activity of ZnAs@SiO2 NPs in vitro and in vivo by quantifying cell growth and metastasis as well as to study the effect on stemness and EMT. SHP-1 siRNA was used to validate the role of the SHP-1/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in mediating inhibition of stemness and EMT by ZnAs@SiO2. Results: Compared with the current ATO treatment, ZnAs@SiO2 NPs promoted apoptosis and significantly inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of both MHCC97L and Hep3b cells. In the in vivo assay, ZnAs@SiO2 NPs inhibited tumor growth by 2.2-fold and metastasis by 3.5-fold as compared to ATO. The ZnAs@SiO2 NPs also inhibited tumor spheroid formation in vitro and tumor initiation in vivo and induced significant changes in the expression of stemness markers (CD133, Sox-2, and Oct-4) and EMT markers (E-cadherin, Vimentin, and Slug) both in vitro and in vivo. These effects of ZnAs@SiO2 that correlated with prognosis of HCC were mediated by the SHP-1/JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Conclusions: ZnAs@SiO2 NPs can effectively suppress tumor initiation, growth, metastasis, and inhibit stemness and EMT through regulation of SHP-1/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in liver cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Thus, ZnAs@SiO2 NPs have immense potential for HCC treatment in the future.
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Nan X, Wang J, Liu HN, Wong STC, Zhao H. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Organotropism Metastasis and Tumor Immune Escape. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8050747. [PMID: 31130637 PMCID: PMC6571585 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8050747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Most cancer deaths are due to metastasis, and almost all cancers have their preferential metastatic organs, known as “organotropism metastasis”. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity has been described as heterogeneous and dynamic cellular differentiation states, supported by emerging experimental evidence from both molecular and morphological levels. Many molecular factors regulating epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity have tissue-specific and non-redundant properties. Reciprocally, cellular epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity contributes to shaping organ-specific pre-metastatic niche (PMN) including distinct local immune landscapes, mainly through secreted bioactive molecular factors. Here, we summarize recent progress on the involvement of tumor epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in driving organotropic metastasis and regulating the function of different immune cells in organ-specific metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Nan
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230052, China.
- Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Jiang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Wuhan 430050, China.
| | - Haowen Nikola Liu
- Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Stephen T C Wong
- Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Dzobo K, Senthebane DA, Thomford NE, Rowe A, Dandara C, Parker MI. Not Everyone Fits the Mold: Intratumor and Intertumor Heterogeneity and Innovative Cancer Drug Design and Development. OMICS 2019; 22:17-34. [PMID: 29356626 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2017.0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Disruptive innovations in medicine are game-changing in nature and bring about radical shifts in the way we understand human diseases, their treatment, and/or prevention. Yet, disruptive innovations in cancer drug design and development are still limited. Therapies that cure all cancer patients are in short supply or do not exist at all. Chief among the causes of this predicament is drug resistance, a mechanism that is much more dynamic than previously understood. Drug resistance has limited the initial success experienced with biomarker-guided targeted therapies as well. A major contributor to drug resistance is intratumor heterogeneity. For example, within solid tumors, there are distinct subclones of cancer cells, presenting profound complexity to cancer treatment. Well-known contributors to intratumor heterogeneity are genomic instability, the microenvironment, cellular genotype, cell plasticity, and stochastic processes. This expert review explains that for oncology drug design and development to be more innovative, we need to take into account intratumor heterogeneity. Initially thought to be the preserve of cancer cells, recent evidence points to the highly heterogeneous nature and diverse locations of stromal cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and cancer-associated macrophages (CAMs). Distinct subpopulations of CAFs and CAMs are now known to be located immediately adjacent and distant from cancer cells, with different subpopulations exerting different effects on cancer cells. Disruptive innovation and precision medicine in clinical oncology do not have to be a distant reality, but can potentially be achieved by targeting these spatially separated and exclusive cancer cell subclones and CAF subtypes. Finally, we emphasize that disruptive innovations in drug discovery and development will likely come from drugs whose effect is not necessarily tumor shrinkage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dzobo
- 1 International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) , Cape Town, South Africa .,2 Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town , Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dimakatso Alice Senthebane
- 1 International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) , Cape Town, South Africa .,2 Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town , Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicholas Ekow Thomford
- 3 Pharmacogenetics Research Group, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town , Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Arielle Rowe
- 1 International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) , Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Collet Dandara
- 3 Pharmacogenetics Research Group, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town , Cape Town, South Africa
| | - M Iqbal Parker
- 2 Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town , Cape Town, South Africa
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45
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Kim JW, Gautam J, Kim JE, Kim JA, Kang KW. Inhibition of tumor growth and angiogenesis of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells by ruxolitinib, a selective JAK2 inhibitor. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:3981-3989. [PMID: 30930994 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tamoxifen (TAM) is the most widely used treatment for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients. Unfortunately, the majority of these patients exhibit TAM resistance following treatment. We previously reported that proliferation and migration were greater in TAM-resistant MCF-7 (TAMR-MCF-7) cells than in parental MCF-7 cells. Janus kinases (JAKs) are cytosolic tyrosine kinases that transduce signals from plasma membrane cytokines and growth factor receptors. JAK2 selectively phosphorylates signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3, and the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway is known as a crucial signaling pathway for the regulation of cancer progression and metastasis. In the present study, basal phosphorylation of STAT3 was revealed to be greater in TAMR-MCF-7 cells than in control MCF-7 cells. Ruxolitinib, a potent JAK2 inhibitor, was demonstrated to attenuate STAT3 phosphorylation and the proliferation of TAMR-MCF-7 cells. Ruxolitinib also suppressed the enhanced cell migration of TAMR-MCF-7 cells through the inhibition of epithelial mesenchymal transition. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a representative target gene of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway, functions as a key regulator of invasion and angiogenesis. Ruxolitinib significantly inhibited VEGF mRNA expression and transcriptional activity. The present study also performed a chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay to assess tumor growth and angiogenesis in TAMR-MCF-7 cells. Ruxolitinib reduced tumor weight and the number of blood vessels produced by TAMR-MCF-7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicated that JAK2 could be a new therapeutic target for TAM-resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Won Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaya Gautam
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do 712-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Ae Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do 712-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Keon Wook Kang
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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46
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Abstract
Breast cancer is a common malignancy with poor prognosis. Cancer cells are heterogeneous and cancer stem cells (CSCs) are primarily responsible for tumor relapse, treatment-resistance and metastasis, so for breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Diets are known to be associated with carcinogenesis. Food-derived polyphenols are able to attenuate the formation and virulence of BCSCs, implying that these compounds and their analogs might be promising agents for preventing breast cancer. In the present review, we summarized the origin and surface markers of BCSCs and possible mechanisms responsible for the inhibitory effects of polyphenols on BCSCs. The suppressive effects of common dietary polyphenols against BCSCs, such as curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and related polyphenolic compounds were further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Feng Gu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Ying Mao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Du
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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Kowalski-Chauvel A, Modesto A, Gouaze-Andersson V, Baricault L, Gilhodes J, Delmas C, Lemarie A, Toulas C, Cohen-Jonathan-Moyal E, Seva C. Alpha-6 integrin promotes radioresistance of glioblastoma by modulating DNA damage response and the transcription factor Zeb1. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:872. [PMID: 30158599 PMCID: PMC6115442 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0853-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is the cornerstone of glioblastoma (GBM) standard treatment. However, radioresistance of cancer cells leads to an inevitable recurrence. In the present study, we showed that blocking α6-integrin in cells derived from GBM biopsy specimens cultured as neurospheres, sensitized cells to radiation. In cells downregulated for α6-integrin expression, we observed a decrease in cell survival after irradiation and an increase in radio-induced cell death. We also demonstrated that inhibition of α6-integrin expression affects DNA damage checkpoint and repair. Indeed, we observed a persistence of γ-H2AX staining after IR and the abrogation of the DNA damage-induced G2/M checkpoint, likely through the downregulation of the checkpoint kinase CHK1 and its downstream target Cdc25c. We also showed that α6-integrin contributes to GBM radioresistance by controlling the expression of the transcriptional network ZEB1/OLIG2/SOX2. Finally, the clinical data from TCGA and Rembrandt databases demonstrate that GBM patients with high levels of the five genes signature, including α6-integrin and its targets, CHK1, ZEB1, OLIG2 and SOX2, have a significantly shorter overall survival. Our study suggest that α6-integrin is an attractive therapeutic target to overcome radioresistance of GBM cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Kowalski-Chauvel
- INSERM UMR.1037-Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT)/University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse III, France
| | - Anouchka Modesto
- INSERM UMR.1037-Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT)/University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse III, France
- IUCT-oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | - Valerie Gouaze-Andersson
- INSERM UMR.1037-Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT)/University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse III, France
| | - Laurent Baricault
- INSERM UMR.1037-Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT)/University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse III, France
| | | | - Caroline Delmas
- INSERM UMR.1037-Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT)/University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse III, France
- IUCT-oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | - Anthony Lemarie
- INSERM UMR.1037-Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT)/University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse III, France
| | - Christine Toulas
- INSERM UMR.1037-Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT)/University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse III, France
- IUCT-oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | - Elizabeth Cohen-Jonathan-Moyal
- INSERM UMR.1037-Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT)/University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse III, France
- IUCT-oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | - Catherine Seva
- INSERM UMR.1037-Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT)/University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse III, France.
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48
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Boxberg M, Götz C, Haidari S, Dorfner C, Jesinghaus M, Drecoll E, Boskov M, Wolff KD, Weichert W, Haller B, Kolk A. Immunohistochemical expression of CD44 in oral squamous cell carcinoma in relation to histomorphological parameters and clinicopathological factors. Histopathology 2018; 73:559-572. [DOI: 10.1111/his.13496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Boxberg
- Institute of Pathology; Technical University of Munich; Munich Germany
| | - Carolin Götz
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Klinikum Rechts der Isar; Munich Germany
| | - Selgai Haidari
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Klinikum Rechts der Isar; Munich Germany
| | - Christiane Dorfner
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Klinikum Rechts der Isar; Munich Germany
| | - Moritz Jesinghaus
- Institute of Pathology; Technical University of Munich; Munich Germany
| | - Enken Drecoll
- Institute of Pathology; Technical University of Munich; Munich Germany
| | - Marko Boskov
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Klinikum Rechts der Isar; Munich Germany
| | - Klaus D Wolff
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Klinikum Rechts der Isar; Munich Germany
| | - Wilko Weichert
- Institute of Pathology; Technical University of Munich; Munich Germany
- National Centre of Tumour Diseases (NCT); Heidelberg Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK); Technical University of Munich; Munich Germany
| | - Bernhard Haller
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology; Technical University of Munich; Munich Germany
| | - Andreas Kolk
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Klinikum Rechts der Isar; Munich Germany
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49
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Abstract
Despite the abundant ongoing research efforts, cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases to treat globally. Due to the heterogenous nature of cancer, one of the major clinical challenges in therapeutic development is the cancer’s ability to develop resistance. It has been hypothesized that cancer stem cells are the cause for this resistance, and targeting them will lead to tumor regression. A pentaspan transmembrane glycoprotein, CD133 has been suggested to mark cancer stem cells in various tumor types, however, the accuracy of CD133 as a cancer stem cell biomarker has been highly controversial. There are numerous speculations for this, including differences in cell culture conditions, poor in vivo assays, and the inability of current antibodies to detect CD133 variants and deglycosylated epitopes. This review summarizes the most recent and relevant research regarding the controversies surrounding CD133 as a normal stem cell and cancer stem cell biomarker. Additionally, it aims to establish the overall clinical significance of CD133 in cancer. Recent clinical studies have shown that high expression of CD133 in tumors has been indicated as a prognostic marker of disease progression. As such, a spectrum of immunotherapeutic strategies have been developed to target these CD133pos cells with the goal of translation into the clinic. This review compiles the current therapeutic strategies targeting CD133 and discusses their prognostic potential in various cancer subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige M Glumac
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Nils Hasselmo Hall 3-104, 312 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Aaron M LeBeau
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Nils Hasselmo Hall 3-104, 312 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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50
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Kang KA, Ryu YS, Piao MJ, Shilnikova K, Kang HK, Yi JM, Boulanger M, Paolillo R, Bossis G, Yoon SY, Kim SB, Hyun JW. DUOX2-mediated production of reactive oxygen species induces epithelial mesenchymal transition in 5-fluorouracil resistant human colon cancer cells. Redox Biol 2018; 17:224-235. [PMID: 29715584 PMCID: PMC6006906 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2018.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic benefits offered by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are limited because of the acquisition of drug resistance, the main cause of treatment failure and metastasis. The ability of the cancer cells to undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes significantly to cancer metastatic potential and chemo-resistance. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of 5-FU-resistance have remained elusive. Here, we show that reactive oxygen species (ROS), produced by dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2), promote 5-FU-induced EMT. First, we showed that 5-FU–resistant SNUC5 colon cancer cells (SNUC5/FUR cells) undergo EMT by analyzing the expression of EMT markers such as N-cadherin, vimentin and E-cadherin. In addition, we found that the resistant cells expressed higher levels of Snail, Slug, Twist and Zeb1, which are all critical EMT regulators and had enhanced migratory and invasive capabilities. Furthermore, SNUC5/FUR cells had increased level of DUOX2, resulting in increased ROS level. This effect was due to the enhanced binding of the ten eleven translocation 1 (TET1) demethylase to the DUOX2 promoter in the SNUC5/FUR cells. Importantly, silencing of TET1 reversed the effects of 5-FU on the cells. Finally, the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine attenuated the effects of 5-FU on EMT and metastasis. Our study demonstrates the existence of a TET1/DUOX2/ROS/EMT axis that could play a role in colon cancer chemo-resistance and the aggressiveness of this cancer. 5-Fluorouracil (FU)-resistance is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition. ROS play a key role in EMT induction in 5-FU resistant colon cancer cells. 5-FU-resistant cells overexpress the DNA demethylase TET1, which binds to the promoter of the NADPH oxidase DUOX2 and induces its expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung Ah Kang
- School of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Yea Seong Ryu
- School of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Mei Jing Piao
- School of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Hee Kyoung Kang
- School of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Mi Yi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
| | - Mathias Boulanger
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Rosa Paolillo
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Guillaume Bossis
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Sung Young Yoon
- Plasma Technology Research Center of National Fusion Research Institute, 37, Dongjangsan-ro, Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do, Gunsan 54004, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Bong Kim
- Plasma Technology Research Center of National Fusion Research Institute, 37, Dongjangsan-ro, Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do, Gunsan 54004, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Won Hyun
- School of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea.
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