51
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Wang N, Wang S, Li MY, Hu BG, Liu LP, Yang SL, Yang S, Gong Z, Lai PBS, Chen GG. Cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma: an overview and promising therapeutic strategies. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2018; 10:1758835918816287. [PMID: 30622654 PMCID: PMC6304707 DOI: 10.1177/1758835918816287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor clinical outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is ascribed to the resistance of HCC cells to traditional treatments and tumor recurrence after curative therapies. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified as a small subset of cancer cells which have high capacity for self-renewal, differentiation and tumorigenesis. Recent advances in the field of liver CSCs (LCSCs) have enabled the identification of CSC surface markers and the isolation of CSC subpopulations from HCC cells. Given their central role in cancer initiation, metastasis, recurrence and therapeutic resistance, LCSCs constitute a therapeutic opportunity to achieve cure and prevent relapse of HCC. Thus, it is necessary to develop therapeutic strategies to selectively and efficiently target LCSCs. Small molecular inhibitors targeting the core stemness signaling pathways have been actively pursued and evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies. Other alternative therapeutic strategies include targeting LCSC surface markers, interrupting the CSC microenvironment, and altering the epigenetic state. In this review, we summarize the properties of CSCs in HCC and discuss novel therapeutic strategies that can be used to target LCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuozhou Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of
Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR,
China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck
Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of
Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ming-Yue Li
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The
Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong,
China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese
University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Bao-guang Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The
Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong,
China
| | - Li-ping Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas
Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen
People’s Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sheng-li Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical
College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shucai Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Pingshan
District People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province,
China
| | - Zhongqin Gong
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of
Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR,
China
| | - Paul B. S. Lai
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University
of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
SAR, China
| | - George G. Chen
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University
of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
SAR, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese
University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Lee JH, Yun CW, Han YS, Kim S, Jeong D, Kwon HY, Kim H, Baek MJ, Lee SH. Melatonin and 5-fluorouracil co-suppress colon cancer stem cells by regulating cellular prion protein-Oct4 axis. J Pineal Res 2018; 65:e12519. [PMID: 30091203 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin suppresses tumor development. However, the exact relationship between melatonin and cancer stem cells (CSCs) is poorly understood. This study found that melatonin inhibits colon CSCs by regulating the PrPC -Oct4 axis. In specimens from patients with colorectal cancer, the expressions of cellular prion protein (PrPC ) and Oct4 were significantly correlated with metastasis and tumor stages. Co-treatment with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and melatonin inhibited the stem cell markers Oct4, Nanog, Sox2, and ALDH1A1 by downregulating PrPC . In this way, tumor growth, proliferation, and tumor-mediated angiogenesis were suppressed. In colorectal CSCs, PRNP overexpression protects Oct4 against inhibition by 5-FU and melatonin. In contrast, Nanog, Sox2, and ALDH1A1 have no such protection. These results indicate that PrPC directly regulates Oct4, whereas it indirectly regulates Nanog, Sox2, and ALDH1A1. Taken together, our findings suggest that co-treatment with anticancer drug and melatonin is a potential therapy for colorectal cancer. Furthermore, PrPC maintains cancer stemness during tumor progression. Therefore, targeting the PrPC -Oct4 axis may prove instrumental in colorectal cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hee Lee
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Chul Won Yun
- Medical Science Research Institute, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong-Seok Han
- Medical Science Research Institute, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - SangMin Kim
- Medical Science Research Institute, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dongjun Jeong
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Hyog Young Kwon
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Hyeongjoo Kim
- Soonchunhyang Medical Science Research Institute, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Moo-Jun Baek
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Sang Hun Lee
- Medical Science Research Institute, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biochemistry, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
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53
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Wu G, Zhan S, Rui C, Sho E, Shi X, Ding Y. Microporous cellulosic scaffold as a spheroid culture system modulates chemotherapeutic responses and stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:5244-5255. [PMID: 30302811 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guoyi Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Nanjing China
- Clinical Medical Center for Digestive Disease of Jiangsu Province Nanjing China
| | - Shanshan Zhan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Nanjing China
- Clinical Medical Center for Digestive Disease of Jiangsu Province Nanjing China
| | - Chen Rui
- KCI Biotech (Suzhou), Inc Suzhou China
| | | | - Xiaolei Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Nanjing China
- Clinical Medical Center for Digestive Disease of Jiangsu Province Nanjing China
| | - Yitao Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Nanjing China
- Clinical Medical Center for Digestive Disease of Jiangsu Province Nanjing China
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Soltanian S, Dehghani H. BORIS: a key regulator of cancer stemness. Cancer Cell Int 2018; 18:154. [PMID: 30323717 PMCID: PMC6173857 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-018-0650-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BORIS (CTCFL) is a DNA binding protein which is involved in tumorigenesis. Although, there are different opinions on the level of gene expression and function of BORIS in normal and cancer tissues, the results of many studies have classified BORIS as a protein belonging to cancer/testis (CT) genes, which are identified as a group of genes that are expressed normally in testis, and abnormally in various types of cancers. In testis, BORIS induces the expression of some male germ cell/testis specific genes, and plays crucial roles during spermatogenesis and production of sperm. In tumorigenesis, the role of BORIS in the expression induction of some CT genes and oncogenes, as well as increasing proliferation/viability of cancer cells has been demonstrated in many researches. In addition to cancer cells, some believe that BORIS is also expressed in normal conditions and plays a universal function in cell division and regulation of genes. The following is a comprehensive review on contradictory views on the expression pattern and biological function of BORIS in normal, as well as cancer cells/tissues, and presents some evidence that support the expression of BORIS in cancer stem cells (CSCs) and advanced stage/poorer differentiation grade of cancers. Boris is involved in the regulation of CSC cellular and molecular features such as self-renewal, chemo-resistance, tumorigenicity, sphere-forming ability, and migration capacity. Finally, the role of BORIS in regulating two important signaling pathways including Wnt/β-catenin and Notch in CSCs, and its ability in recruiting transcription factors or chromatin-remodeling proteins to induce tumorigenesis is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Soltanian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hesam Dehghani
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Azadi Square, Mashhad, 91775-1793 Iran
- Division of Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Research Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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Sun N, Zhang J, Zhang C, Zhao B, Jiao A. DNMTs inhibitor SGI-1027 induces apoptosis in Huh7 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:5799-5806. [PMID: 30344731 PMCID: PMC6176375 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
SGI-1027, a novel class of relatively stable, highly lipophilic quinoline-based small-molecule inhibitors of DNA methyltransferase enzymes (DNMTs), is able to inhibit DNMTs activity, and reactivate tumor suppressor genes. However, the potential anticancer mechanisms of SGI-1027 on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells are still not clearly understood. Thus, the objective of the present study was to clarify the inhibitory effect of SGI-1027 on the cell cycle and apoptosis of the Huh7 cell line. The results revealed that treatment with SGI-1027 resulted in a significant dose-dependent decrease in cell viability. Flow cytometric analysis identified that a 24 h treatment of SGI-1027 resulted in cell apoptosis, and typical apoptotic nucleic alterations were observed with fluorescence microscopy following terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining. Immunoblot analysis further demonstrated that SGI-1027 downregulated the expression of B cell lymphoma-2 and upregulated the expression of Bcl-associated X protein. However, no significant alterations of the cell cycle phases were observed. Overall, it is demonstrated that SGI-1027 causes cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial-mediated pathway, which advances current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of SGI-1027 in HCC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Jialin Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Chengshuo Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Bochao Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Ao Jiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
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Zhao J, Fu Y, Wu J, Li J, Huang G, Qin L. The Diverse Mechanisms of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the Maintenance of Liver Cancer Stem Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:8686027. [PMID: 29888282 PMCID: PMC5977062 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8686027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The high frequency of recurrence and metastasis is the main reason for poor prognosis. Liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) have unlimited self-renewal, differentiation, and tumor-regenerating capacities. The maintenance of CSCs may account for the refractory features of liver cancer. Despite extensive investigations, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of liver CSCs remain elusive. miRNA and lncRNA, two major classes of the ncRNA family, can exert important roles in various biological processes, and their diverse regulatory mechanisms in CSC maintenance have acquired increasing attention. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is a lack of reviews summarizing these findings. Therefore, we systematically recapitulated the latest studies on miRNAs and lncRNAs in sustaining liver CSCs. Moreover, we highlighted the potential clinical application of these dysregulated ncRNAs as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review not only sheds new light to fully understand liver CSCs but also provides valuable clues on targeting ncRNAs to block or eradicate CSCs in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
- Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Yan Fu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Guangjian Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Lunxiu Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
- Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
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57
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Cheng CC, Shi LH, Wang XJ, Wang SX, Wan XQ, Liu SR, Wang YF, Lu Z, Wang LH, Ding Y. Stat3/Oct-4/c-Myc signal circuit for regulating stemness-mediated doxorubicin resistance of triple-negative breast cancer cells and inhibitory effects of WP1066. Int J Oncol 2018; 53:339-348. [PMID: 29750424 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (Dox) is widely used in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer cells (TNBCs), however resistance limits its effectiveness. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are associated with Dox resistance in MCF-7 estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) may functionally shift non-CSCs towards CSCs. However, whether Stat3 drives the formation of CSCs during the development of resistance in TNBC, and whether a Stat3 inhibitor reverses CSC-mediated Dox resistance, remains to be elucidated. In the present study, human MDA-MB-468 and murine 4T1 mammary carcinoma cell lines with the typical characteristics of TNBCs, were compared with estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 cells as a model system. The MTT assay was used to detect cytotoxicity of Dox. In addition, the expression levels of CSC-specific markers and transcriptional factors were measured by western blotting, immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. The mammosphere formation assay was used to detect stem cell activity. Under long-term continuous treatment with Dox at a low concentration, TNBC cultures not only exhibited a drug-resistant phenotype, but also showed CSC properties. These Dox-resistant TNBC cells showed activation of Stat3 and high expression levels of pluripotency transcription factors octamer-binding transcription factor-4 (Oct-4) and c-Myc, which was different from the high expression of superoxide dismutase 2 (Sox2) in Dox-resistant MCF-7 cells. WP1066 inhibited the phosphorylation of Stat3, and decreased the expression of Oct-4 and c-Myc, leading to a reduction in the CD44-positive cell population, and restoring the sensitivity of the cells to Dox. Taken together, a novel signal circuit of Stat3/Oct-4/c-Myc was identified for regulating stemness-mediated Dox resistance in TNBC. The Stat3 inhibitor WP1066 was able to overcome the resistance to Dox through decreasing the enrichment of CSCs, highlighting the therapeutic potential of WP1066 as a novel sensitizer of Dox-resistant TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Cong Cheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Li-Hong Shi
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Jian Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Xiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Qing Wan
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Rong Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Fei Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Zhong Lu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Li-Hua Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Yi Ding
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
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Kim JY, Kim JC, Lee JY, Park MJ. Oct4 suppresses IR‑induced premature senescence in breast cancer cells through STAT3- and NF‑κB-mediated IL‑24 production. Int J Oncol 2018; 53:47-58. [PMID: 29749438 PMCID: PMC5958730 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are a small subpopulation of breast cancer cells that have been proposed to be a primary cause of failure of therapies, including ionizing radiation (IR). Their embryonic stem-like signature is associated with poor clinical outcome. In the present study, the function of octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4), an embryonic stem cell factor, in the resistance of BCSCs to IR was investigated. Mammosphere cells exhibited increased expression of stemness-associated genes, including Oct4 and sex-determining region Y-box 2 (Sox2), and were more resistant to IR compared with serum-cultured monolayer cells. IR-resistant MCF7 cells also exhibited significantly increased expression of Oct4. To investigate the possible involvement of Oct4 in IR resistance of breast cancer cells, cells were transfected with Oct4. Ectopic expression of Oct4 increased the clonogenic survival of MCF7 cells following IR, which was reversed by treatment with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Oct4. Oct4 expression decreased phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) focus formation and suppressed IR-induced premature senescence in these cells. Mammosphere, IR-resistant and Oct4-overexpressing MCF7 cells exhibited enhanced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activation of transcription 3 (STAT3) (Tyr705) and inhibitor of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and blockade of these pathways with siRNA against STAT3 and/or specific inhibitors of STAT3 and NF-κB significantly increased IR-induced senescence. Secretome analysis revealed that Oct4 upregulated interleukin 24 (IL-24) expression through STAT3 and NF-κB signaling, and siRNA against IL-24 increased IR-induced senescence, whereas recombinant human IL-24 suppressed it. The results of the present study indicated that Oct4 confers IR resistance on breast cancer cells by suppressing IR-induced premature senescence through STAT3- and NF-κB-mediated IL-24 production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Yub Kim
- Division of Radiation Cancer Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Chul Kim
- Division of Radiation Cancer Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yun Lee
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Jin Park
- Division of Radiation Cancer Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
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Du Z, Niu S, Xu X, Xu Q. MicroRNA31-NDRG3 regulation axes are essential for hepatocellular carcinoma survival and drug resistance. Cancer Biomark 2018; 19:221-230. [PMID: 28269758 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-170568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an epithelial cancer that originates from hepatocytes and it is the most common primary malignant tumor of the liver. Till now the prognosis of HCC patients is generally poor. The molecular mechanism giving rise to HCC development and recurrence is still largely unknown. MicroRNA-31 (miR-31) is among the most commonly altered microRNAs in human cancers, and alternations of miR-31 expression were reported to play pivotal roles in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. METHODS In this work, the primary biological function of miR-31 in HCC tumorigenesis was investigated. RESULTS Our data showed that overexpression of miR-31 induced markedly inhibition of HCC cell proliferation, migration in vitro and inhibited xenograft tumor growth in vivo. One target gene of miR-31, NDRG3, was also demonstrated indispensable for HCC cell survival. Furthermore, miR-31 and NDRG3 were both essential for HCC cell drug resistance in adriamycin. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that miR-31 is a crucial regulator in hepatocellular carcinoma, miR-31 and its target gene NDRG3 may be potential therapeutic targets for HCC treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghai Du
- Cancer Center of Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Shuxian Niu
- Department of Internal Medicine of Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xu
- Medical Imaging Center of Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Qinghui Xu
- Department of Internal Medicine of Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang, Shandong, China
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Zhang Q, Yang J, Bai J, Ren J. Reverse of non-small cell lung cancer drug resistance induced by cancer-associated fibroblasts via a paracrine pathway. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:944-955. [PMID: 29383798 PMCID: PMC5891180 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment orchestrates the sustained growth, metastasis and recurrence of cancer. As an indispensable component of the tumor microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are considered as an essential synthetic machine producing various tumor components, leading to cancer sustained stemness, drug resistance and tumor recurrence. Here, we developed a sustainable primary culture of lung cancer cells fed with lung cancer-associated fibroblasts, resulting in enrichment and acquisition of drug resistance in cancer cells. Moreover, IGF2/AKT/Sox2/ABCB1 signaling activation in cancer cells was observed in the presence of CAF, which induces upregulation of P-glycoprotein expression and the drug resistance of non-small cell lung cancer cells. Our results demonstrated that CAF cells constitute a mechanism for cancer drug resistance. Thus, traditional chemotherapy combined with insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) signaling inhibitor may present an innovative therapeutic strategy for non-small cell lung cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanhui Zhang
- Department of Intervention, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junping Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jie Bai
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianzhuang Ren
- Department of Intervention, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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C-terminal truncated hepatitis B virus X protein promotes hepatocellular carcinogenesis through induction of cancer and stem cell-like properties. Oncotarget 2018; 7:24005-17. [PMID: 27006468 PMCID: PMC5029680 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor relapse after chemotherapy typifies hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is believed to be attributable to residual cancer stem cells (CSCs) that survive initial treatment. Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) has long been linked to the development of HCC. Upon infection, random HBV genome integration can lead to truncation of hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein at the C-terminus. The resulting C-terminal-truncated HBx (HBx-ΔC) was previously shown to confer enhanced invasiveness and diminished apoptotic response in HCC cells. Here, we found HBx-ΔC to promote the appearance of a CD133 liver CSC subset and confer cancer and stem cell-like features in HCC. HBx-ΔC was exclusively detected in HCC cell lines that were raised from patients presented with a HBV background with concomitant CD133 expression. Stable overexpression of the naturally occurring HBx-ΔC mutants, HBx-Δ14 or HBx-Δ35, in HCC cells Huh7 and immortalized normal liver cells MIHA resulted in a significant increase in the cells ability to self-renew, resist chemotherapy and targeted therapy, migrate and induce angiogenesis. MIHA cells with the mutants stably overexpressed also resulted in the induction of CD133, mediated through STAT3 activation. RNA sequencing profiling of MIHA cells with or without HBx-ΔC mutants stably overexpressed identified altered FXR activation. This, together with rescue experiments using a selective FXR inhibitor suggested that C-terminal truncated HBx can mediate cancer stemness via FXR activation. Collectively, we find C-terminal truncated HBx mutants to confer cancer and stem cell-like features in vitro and to play an important role in driving tumor relapse in HCC.
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Precision diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer in China. Cancer Lett 2018; 412:283-288. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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63
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MiR-629 promotes human pancreatic cancer progression by targeting FOXO3. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e3154. [PMID: 29072689 PMCID: PMC5682687 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The FOXO signaling pathway has been reported to have an important role in human cancer. Expression of miR-629 was markedly upregulated in pancreatic cancer and negatively correlated with FOXO3. Therefore, exploring the regulatory mechanism of miR-629 and FOXO3 signaling may provide valuable clinical targets for pancreatic cancer therapy. In the current study, we found that overexpressing and inhibiting miR-629, respectively, enhanced and reduced the cell proliferation and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo compared with parental cells or cells transfected with a control vector. Furthermore, we found that miR-629 negatively regulated FOXO3 protein expression and decreased the activity of a luciferase reporter construct containing the FOXO3 3′-untranslated region. These results show that miR-629 regulates FOXO3 at the posttranscriptional level, resulting in enhanced cell proliferation and invasion of pancreatic carcinoma. Furthermore, we found that overexpressing miR-629 enhanced, while inhibiting miR-629 reduced, the stem cell-like phenotype of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. A functional polymorphism at miR-629-binding site in the 3′-UTR of FOXO3 gene confers a decreased risk of progression in pancreatic carcinoma. Furthermore, these findings suggest that miR-629 has a vital role in promoting the development of pancreatic cancer and may represent a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Hassan HA, Serag HM, Qadir MS, Ramadan MF. Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) juice as a modulator agent for hepatocellular carcinoma-linked apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 94:1129-1137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Liu Q, Chen K, Liu Z, Huang Y, Zhao R, Wei L, Yu X, He J, Liu J, Qi J, Qin Y, Li B. BORIS up-regulates OCT4 via histone methylation to promote cancer stem cell-like properties in human liver cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Overexpression of zinc finger protein 687 enhances tumorigenic capability and promotes recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncogenesis 2017; 6:e363. [PMID: 28737756 PMCID: PMC5541715 DOI: 10.1038/oncsis.2017.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger protein 687 (ZNF687), identified as a C2H2 zinc finger protein, has been found to be mutated and upregulated in giant cell tumor of bone and acute myeloid leukemia, suggesting an oncogenic role for ZNF687 in cancer. However, the clinical significance and precise role of ZNF687 in cancer progression are largely unknown. Herein, we report that ZNF687 was markedly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines and HCC tissues, and was significantly correlated with relapse-free survival in HCC. ZNF687 overexpression greatly enhanced HCC cell capability for tumorsphere formation, invasion and chemoresistance in vitro, whereas inhibiting ZNF687 reduced these capabilities and inhibited HCC cell tumorigenic capability in vivo. Importantly, extreme limiting dilution analysis revealed that even 1 × 102 ZNF687-transduced cells could form tumors in vivo, indicating that ZNF687 contributes to HCC recurrence. Moreover, we demonstrate that ZNF687 transcriptionally upregulated the expression of the pluripotency-associated factors BMI1, OCT4 and NANOG by directly targeting their promoters. Therefore, our results suggest that ZNF687 has a promoter role in regulating HCC progression, which provides a potential therapeutic target for HCC in humans.
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Yun JH, Kim KA, Yoo G, Kim SY, Shin JM, Kim JH, Jung SH, Kim J, Nho CW. Phenethyl isothiocyanate suppresses cancer stem cell properties in vitro and in a xenograft model. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 30:42-49. [PMID: 28545668 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2017.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 12/31/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subset of cells within the bulk of a tumor that have the ability to self-renew and differentiate, and are thus associated with cancer invasion, metastasis, and recurrence. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a natural compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and is used as a cancer chemopreventive agent; however, its effects on CSCs are little known. PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of PEITC on CSCs in this study by examining CSC properties. METHODS NCCIT human embryonic carcinoma cells were treated with PEITC, and the expression of pluripotency factors Oct4, Sox-2, and Nanog were evaluated by luciferase assay and western blot. Effect of PEITC on self-renewal capacity and clonogenicity were assessed with the sphere formation, soft agar assay, and clonogenic assay in an epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-expressing CSC model derived from HCT116 colon cancer cells using a cell sorting system. The effect of PEITC was also investigated in a mouse xenograft model obtained by injecting nude mice with EpCAM-expressing cells. RESULTS We found that PEITC treatment suppressed expression of the all three pluripotency factors in the NCCIT cells, in which pluripotency factors are highly expressed. Moreover, PEITC suppressed the self-renewal capacity and clonogenicity in the EpCAM-expressing CSC model. EpCAM was used as a specific CSC marker in this study. Importantly, PEITC markedly suppressed both tumor growth and expression of three pluripotency factors in a mouse xenograft model. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that PEITC might be able to slow down or prevent cancer recurrence by suppressing CSC stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Ho Yun
- Natural Products Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, Gangwon-do 25451, Korea; Convergence Research Center for Smart Farm Solution, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, Gangwon-do 25451, Korea; Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Korea
| | - Kyung-A Kim
- Natural Products Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, Gangwon-do 25451, Korea; Department of Biological Chemistry, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Korea
| | - Gyhye Yoo
- Natural Products Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, Gangwon-do 25451, Korea; Convergence Research Center for Smart Farm Solution, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, Gangwon-do 25451, Korea
| | - Sun Young Kim
- Convergence Research Center for Smart Farm Solution, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, Gangwon-do 25451, Korea
| | - Ji Min Shin
- Natural Products Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, Gangwon-do 25451, Korea; Convergence Research Center for Smart Farm Solution, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, Gangwon-do 25451, Korea; Department of Biological Chemistry, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Korea
| | - Jung Hoon Kim
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Jung
- Natural Products Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, Gangwon-do 25451, Korea
| | - Jungho Kim
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Korea
| | - Chu Won Nho
- Convergence Research Center for Smart Farm Solution, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, Gangwon-do 25451, Korea.
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Lu CS, Shieh GS, Wang CT, Su BH, Su YC, Chen YC, Su WC, Wu P, Yang WH, Shiau AL, Wu CL. Chemotherapeutics-induced Oct4 expression contributes to drug resistance and tumor recurrence in bladder cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:30844-30858. [PMID: 27244887 PMCID: PMC5458172 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells initially characterized as sensitive to chemotherapy may acquire resistance to chemotherapy and lead to tumor recurrence through the expansion of drug-resistant population. Acquisition of drug resistance to conventional chemotherapy is a major obstacle in the treatment of recurrent cancer. Here we investigated whether anticancer drugs induced Oct4 expression, thereby contributing to acquired drug resistance and tumor recurrence in bladder cancer. We identified a positive correlation of Oct4 expression with tumor recurrence in 122 clinical specimens of superficial high-grade (stages T1-2) bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Increased Oct4 levels in bladder tumors were associated with short recurrence-free intervals in the patients. Chemotherapy induced Oct4 expression in bladder cancer cells. Notably, treatment with cisplatin increased CD44-positive bladder cancer cells expressing Oct4, representing cancer stem-like cell subpopulation. Forced expression of Oct4 reduced, whereas knockdown of Oct4 enhanced, drug sensitivity in bladder cancer cells. Furthermore, tumor cells overexpressing Oct4 responded poorly to cisplatin in vivo. In regard to clinical relevance, inhibition of Oct4 by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) synergistically increased sensitivity to cisplatin in bladder cancer cells. Furthermore, the combination of cisplatin and ATRA was superior to cisplatin alone in suppressing tumor growth. Therefore, our results provide evidence that Oct4 increases drug resistance and implicate that inhibition of Oct4 may be a therapeutic strategy to circumvent drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Sing Lu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Gia-Shing Shieh
- Department of Urology, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Teng Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Hua Su
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chu Su
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Cheng Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Chou Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pensee Wu
- Institute for Science & Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Keele, United Kingdom
| | - Wen-Horng Yang
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ai-Li Shiau
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Liang Wu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Li W, Zhou Y, Zhang X, Yang Y, Dan S, Su T, She S, Dong W, Zhao Q, Jia J, Yao H, Zheng M, Kang B, Wang YJ. Dual inhibiting OCT4 and AKT potently suppresses the propagation of human cancer cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46246. [PMID: 28383051 PMCID: PMC5382782 DOI: 10.1038/srep46246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AKT serves as an epigenetic modulator that links epigenetic regulation to cell survival and proliferation while the epigenetic mediator OCT4 critically controls stem cell pluripotency and self-renewal. Emerging evidence indicated their complicated interplays in cancer cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs), and inhibiting either one may activate the other. Thus, in this study, we propose a strategy to targeting both factors simultaneously. Firstly, a combination of an OCT4-specific shRNA and the specific AKT inhibitor Akti-1/2 potently suppressed the propagation of human embryonal carcinoma cells, adherent cancer cells and stem-like cancer cells, establishing the proof-of-concept that dual inhibiting OCT4 and AKT can effectively target various cancer cells. Next, we combined Akti-1/2 with metformin, a widely-prescribed drug for treating type 2 diabetes, which was reported to down-regulate OCT4 expression. The metformin + Akti-1/2 combo significantly altered multiple signaling and epigenetic pathways, induced growth arrest and cell death of adherent and stem-like glioblastoma U87 cells, and attenuated their tumorigenicity in vivo. Taken together, we demonstrate here that simultaneously targeting an epigenetic mediator and an epigenetic modulator, by dual inhibiting OCT4 and AKT, can have significantly improved efficacies over single treatment in suppressing the propagation of CSCs as well as the entire bulk of differentiated cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Yanwen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Xiaoqian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Ying Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Songsong Dan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Tong Su
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Shiqi She
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Weilai Dong
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Qingwei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Jia Jia
- Shanghai Center for Bioinformation Technology, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hangping Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Min Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Bo Kang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Ying-Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
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OCT4 controls mitotic stability and inactivates the RB tumor suppressor pathway to enhance ovarian cancer aggressiveness. Oncogene 2017; 36:4253-4266. [DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Meng W, Tai Y, Zhao H, Fu B, Zhang T, Liu W, Li H, Yang Y, Zhang Q, Feng Y, Chen G. Downregulation of miR-33a-5p in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Possible Mechanism for Chemotherapy Resistance. Med Sci Monit 2017; 23:1295-1304. [PMID: 28291769 PMCID: PMC5362191 DOI: 10.12659/msm.902692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Multi-drug resistance is one of the major problems limiting the efficacy of cisplatin (CDDP) in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and abnormal microRNA (miRNA) expression in drug-resistant cell lines plays an important role in liver cancer chemotherapy resistance. Material/Methods We established stable Hep3B and 97L HCC cell strains resistant to CDDP, both in vitro and in vivo. A combination of microRNA microarray and RT-qPCR experiments were used to screen differentially expressed miRNAs in HCC cell strains. A CCK-8 assay was carried out to detect and calculate the survival rates and relative inhibitory rates. Oligonucleotide transfection was used to confirm the regulatory function of the miRNA in HCC drug resistance. Results The IC50 of Hep3B/CDDP(v), 97L/CDDP(v), Hep3B/CDDP(s), and 97L/CDDP(s) were significantly higher than that of their parental cells. Moreover, the doubling time of drug-resistant cells increased compared with their parent cells. MiRCURYTM LNA Array (v 16.0) high-throughput tests of resistant cell models and their parent cells showed that there were 5 downregulated microRNAs in the 4 drug-resistant cell lines, and we chose hsa-miR-33a-5p as our target for further study. Oligonucleotide transfection showed that miR-33a-5p overexpression increased the cisplatin sensitivity of Hep3B/CDDP(v) and 97L/CDDP(v) drug-resistant cells and reduced their resistance. Additionally, inhibition of miR-33a-5p expression reduced cisplatin sensitivity in Hep3B and 97L and increased their drug resistance. Conclusions This study confirmed that the most downregulated microRNA, miR-33a-5p, can mediate the cisplatin resistance of HCC cells, providing a new and feasible direction for research into combatting liver cancer chemotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Meng
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center of The Third Affiliated Hospital, Organ Transplantation Institute, Sun Yat-sen University; Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Yan Tai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver transplantation Center of The Third Affiliated Hospital, Organ Transplantation Institute, Sun Yat-sen University; Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Binsheng Fu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver transplantation Center of The Third Affiliated Hospital, Organ Transplantation Institute, Sun Yat-sen University; Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver transplantation Center of The Third Affiliated Hospital, Organ Transplantation Institute, Sun Yat-sen University; Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Wei Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver transplantation Center of The Third Affiliated Hospital, Organ Transplantation Institute, Sun Yat-sen University; Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver transplantation Center of The Third Affiliated Hospital, Organ Transplantation Institute, Sun Yat-sen University; Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland).,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland).,Cell-Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Qi Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland).,Cell-Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Yuliang Feng
- Jackson Laboratory-Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Guihua Chen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver transplantation Center of The Third Affiliated Hospital, Organ Transplantation Institute, Sun Yat-sen University; Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland).,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland).,Cell-Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
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Zhang Q, Feng Y, Kennedy D. Multidrug-resistant cancer cells and cancer stem cells hijack cellular systems to circumvent systemic therapies, can natural products reverse this? Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:777-801. [PMID: 27622244 PMCID: PMC11107623 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2362-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is one of the most effective and broadly used approaches for cancer management and many modern regimes can eliminate the bulk of the cancer cells. However, recurrence and metastasis still remain a major obstacle leading to the failure of systemic cancer treatments. Therefore, to improve the long-term eradication of cancer, the cellular and molecular pathways that provide targets which play crucial roles in drug resistance should be identified and characterised. Multidrug resistance (MDR) and the existence of tumor-initiating cells, also referred to as cancer stem cells (CSCs), are two major contributors to the failure of chemotherapy. MDR describes cancer cells that become resistant to structurally and functionally unrelated anti-cancer agents. CSCs are a small population of cells within cancer cells with the capacity of self-renewal, tumor metastasis, and cell differentiation. CSCs are also believed to be associated with chemoresistance. Thus, MDR and CSCs are the greatest challenges for cancer chemotherapy. A significant effort has been made to identify agents that specifically target MDR cells and CSCs. Consequently, some agents derived from nature have been developed with a view that they may overcome MDR and/or target CSCs. In this review, natural products-targeting MDR cancer cells and CSCs are summarized and clustered by their targets in different signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- School of Natural Sciences, Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, 4111, Australia
| | - Yunjiang Feng
- School of Natural Sciences, Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, 4111, Australia
| | - Derek Kennedy
- School of Natural Sciences, Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, 4111, Australia.
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Sun L, Liu T, Zhang S, Guo K, Liu Y. Oct4 induces EMT through LEF1/β-catenin dependent WNT signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:2599-2606. [PMID: 28454439 PMCID: PMC5403449 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.5788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Octamer 4 (Oct4), a member of the Pit-Oct-Unc transcription factor family required to maintain self-renewal and pluripotency of embryonic stem cells, has been previously identified to be associated with tumorigenesis and malignant transformation of numerous types of cancer including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present data shows that Oct4 enhances cancer stem cell properties and increases invasion ability in the Huh7 cell line. To increase understanding of the role of Oct4 in HCC, the present study used a functional genomics approach and analyzed the resulting transcriptional profiles to identify Oct4-dependent genes in Huh7. Affymetrix GeneChip Human genome U133 Plus 2.0 Arrays were used to determine differential gene expression profiles and then validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The present study found that altered expression of 673 genes (fold-change ≥2) affected multiple signaling pathways linked with self-renew and metastasis. Among these differentially expressed genes, the present study noticed that the key component of the WNT signaling pathway lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF1) and Twist Family BHLH transcription factor 1 were upregulated by Oct4, whilst cadherin 2 was downregulated. Additional studies found that the nuclear β-catenin aggregation was increased in Oct4 overexpressed HCC cell lines. These results suggest that Oct4 regulates LEF1 to active LEF1/β-catenin dependent WNT signaling pathway and promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The present findings provide novel mechanistic insight into an important role of Oct4 in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Sun
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Tianhua Liu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Kun Guo
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yinkun Liu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
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74
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Li H, Yan X, Liu L, Huang L, Yin M, Pan C, Zhang P, Qin H. T-cell leukemia/lymphoma-1A predicts the clinical outcome for patients with stage II/III colorectal cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 88:924-930. [PMID: 28178623 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.01.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell leukemia/lymphoma-1A (TCL1A) as a stem cell marker is abundantly expressed in embryonic stem cells and has been identified as an oncogene in various hematological malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and B-cell lymphoma. However, with regard to its role in solid tumors, few studies are available and less are for colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we aim to investigate the expression and clinical significance of TCL1A in a cohort of 278 stage II/III CRC patients. As a result, we find TCL1A expression is higher in CRC tissues than that in adjacent normal tissues, and significantly correlated with tumor differentiation, TNM stage and Ki-67 positive rate. The prognostic analysis suggests that TCL1A expression is an independent factor affecting CRC-specific and disease-free survival of these patients. Furthermore, we find stage II/III patients with high TCL1A expression have a significantly higher rate of postoperative local recurrence and metastasis than those with low TCL1A expression. Finally, through subgroup analysis, we find TCL1A expression can stratify the outcome of stage II/III patients who received standard adjuvant chemotherapy. Taken together, our findings suggest TCL1A is not only a useful biomarker for prognostic evaluation in stage II/III CRC patients, but also a promising therapeutic target for improving their clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University No. 301, Yan-chang Road, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Xuebing Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University No. 301, Yan-chang Road, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Liguo Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University No. 600, Yi-shan Road, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Linsheng Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University No. 301, Yan-chang Road, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Mingming Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University No. 301, Yan-chang Road, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Cheng Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University No. 301, Yan-chang Road, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University No. 301, Yan-chang Road, Shanghai 200072, China.
| | - Huanlong Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University No. 301, Yan-chang Road, Shanghai 200072, China.
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75
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Gao W, Li JZ, Chen S, Chu C, Chan JY, Wong T. BEX3 contributes to cisplatin chemoresistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Cancer Med 2017; 6:439-451. [PMID: 28083995 PMCID: PMC5313644 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) can develop cisplatin‐resistant phenotype. Research has revealed that enriched in cancer stem cell population is involved in developing cisplatin‐resistant phenotype. CD271 is a candidate stem cell maker in head and neck cancers. The CD receptor does not possess any enzymatic property. Signal transduction function of CD271 is mediated by the cellular receptor‐associated protein. Our data showed that Brain‐expressed X‐linked 3 (BEX3), a CD271 receptor‐associated protein, was overexpressed in NPC. BEX3 overexpression was a unique event in cancer developed in the head and neck regions, especially NPC. BEX3 expression was inducible by cisplatin in NPC. In cisplatin‐resistant NPC xenograft, treatment with nontoxic level of cisplatin led to a remarkable increase in BEX3 level. High BEX3 expression was accompanied with high octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) expression in cisplatin‐resistant NPC. To confirm the inducing role of BEX3 on OCT4 expression, we knockdown BEX3 using siRNA and compared the expression of OCT4 with mock transfectants. Suppressing BEX3 transcripts led to a significant reduction in OCT4. In addition, targeting BEX3 using shRNA could increase the sensitivity of NPC cells to cisplatin. In summary, our results indicated a unique functional role of BEX3 in mediating the sensitivity of NPC cells to cisplatin. Targeting or blocking BEX3 activity might be useful in reversing the cisplatin‐resistant phenotype in NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Gao
- Department of SurgeryThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - John Zeng‐Hong Li
- Department of SurgeryThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Department of OtolaryngologyThe First People's Hospital of FoshanGuangdong ProvinceChina
| | - Si‐Qi Chen
- Department of SurgeryThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Chiao‐Yun Chu
- Department of SurgeryThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | | | - Thian‐Sze Wong
- Department of SurgeryThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
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76
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Dong C, Zhao B, Long F, Liu Y, Liu Z, Li S, Yang X, Sun D, Wang H, Liu Q, Liang R, Li Y, Gao Z, Shao S, Miao QR, Wang L. Nogo-B receptor promotes the chemoresistance of human hepatocellular carcinoma via the ubiquitination of p53 protein. Oncotarget 2017; 7:8850-65. [PMID: 26840457 PMCID: PMC4891009 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nogo-B receptor (NgBR), a type I single transmembrane domain receptor is the specific receptor for Nogo-B. Our previous work demonstrated that NgBR is highly expressed in breast cancer cells, where it promotes epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), an important step in metastasis. Here, we show that both in vitro and in vivo increased expression of NgBR contributes to the increased chemoresistance of Bel7402/5FU cells, a stable 5-FU (5-Fluorouracil) resistant cell line related Bel7402 cells. NgBR knockdown abrogates S-phase arrest in Bel7402/5FU cells, which correlates with a reduction in G1/S phase checkpoint proteins p53 and p21. In addition, NgBR suppresses p53 protein levels through activation of the PI3K/Akt/MDM2 pathway, which promotes p53 degradation via the ubiquitin proteasome pathway and thus increases the resistance of human hepatocellular cancer cells to 5-FU. Furthermore, we found that NgBR expression is associated with a poor prognosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. These results suggest that targeting NgBR in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs, such as 5-FU, could improve the efficacy of current anticancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyong Dong
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiiated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Baofeng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R & A Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China.,Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Fei Long
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiiated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, China.,Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiiated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Song Li
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiiated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xuejun Yang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiiated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Deguang Sun
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiiated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiiated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Qinlong Liu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiiated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Rui Liang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiiated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhenming Gao
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiiated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Shujuan Shao
- Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qing Robert Miao
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China and Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Liming Wang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiiated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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77
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Zhang X, Hua R, Wang X, Huang M, Gan L, Wu Z, Zhang J, Wang H, Cheng Y, Li J, Guo W. Identification of stem-like cells and clinical significance of candidate stem cell markers in gastric cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 7:9815-31. [PMID: 26769843 PMCID: PMC4891086 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of gastric cancer stem cells (CSCs) has not been definitively proven and specific cell surface markers for identifying gastric CSCs have largely not been identified. Our research aimed to isolate potential gastric CSCs and clarify their clinical significance, while defining markers for GCSC identification and verification. Here, we report that spheroid cells possess stem cell-like properties, and overexpress certain stem cell markers. CD133 or CD44-positive cells also exhibit properties of CSCs. The expression of Oct4, Sox2, Gli1, CD44, CD133, p-AKT, and p-ERK was significantly higher in metastatic lesions compared to that in primary lesions. Elevated expression of some of these proteins was correlated with a more aggressive phenotype and poorer prognosis, including Oct4, Sox2, Gli1, CD44, and p-ERK. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis showed that only CD44 is an independent factor. Knockdown of CD44 down-regulated the stem cell-like properties, which was accompanied by the down-regulation of p-ERK and Oct4. Oct4 overexpression could reverse the decreased CSCs properties induced by CD44 knockdown. Taken together, our research revealed that spheroid cell culture, and CD133 or CD44-labeled FACS methods can be used to isolate gastric CSCs. Some CSC markers have clinical significance in predicting the prognosis. CD44 is an independent prognostic factor and maintains the properties of CSCs in CD44-p-ERK-Oct4 positive feedback loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Cancer Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruixi Hua
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Cancer Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingzhu Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Cancer Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Gan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Cancer Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenhua Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Cancer Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiejun Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Cancer Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongqiang Wang
- Department of Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yufan Cheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Cancer Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Cancer Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijian Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Cancer Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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78
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Roles of OCT4 in tumorigenesis, cancer therapy resistance and prognosis. Cancer Treat Rev 2016; 51:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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79
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A multi-stage process including transient polyploidization and EMT precedes the emergence of chemoresistent ovarian carcinoma cells with a dedifferentiated and pro-inflammatory secretory phenotype. Oncotarget 2016; 6:40005-25. [PMID: 26503466 PMCID: PMC4741876 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA-damaging drugs induce a plethora of molecular and cellular alterations in tumor cells, but their interrelationship is largely obscure. Here, we show that carboplatin treatment of human ovarian carcinoma SKOV3 cells triggers an ordered sequence of events, which precedes the emergence of mitotic chemoresistant cells. The initial phase of cell death after initiation of carboplatin treatment is followed around day 14 by the emergence of a mixed cell population consisting of cycling, cell cycle-arrested and senescent cells. At this stage, giant cells make up >80% of the cell population, p21 (CDKN1A) in strongly induced, and cell numbers remain nearly static. Subsequently, cell death decreases, p21 expression drops to a low level and cell divisions increase, including regular mitoses of giant cells and depolyploidization by multi-daughter divisions. These events are accompanied by the upregulation of stemness markers and a pro-inflammatory secretory phenotype, peaking after approximately 14 days of treatment. At the same time the cells initiate epithelial to mesenchymal transition, which over the subsequent weeks continuously increases, concomitantly with the emergence of highly proliferative, migratory, dedifferentiated, pro-inflammatory and chemoresistant cells (SKOV3-R). These cells are anchorage-independent and grow in a 3D collagen matrix, while cells on day 14 do not survive under these conditions, indicating that SKOV3-R cells were generated thereafter by the multi-stage process described above. This process was essentially recapitulated with the ovarian carcinoma cell line IGROV-1. Our observations suggest that transitory cells characterized by polyploidy, features of stemness and a pro-inflammatory secretory phenotype contribute to the acquisition of chemoresistance.
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80
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Zhang L, Ge C, Zhao F, Zhang Y, Wang X, Yao M, Li J. NRBP2 Overexpression Increases the Chemosensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Akt Signaling. Cancer Res 2016; 76:7059-7071. [PMID: 27634758 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-16-0937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is highly resistant to chemotherapy. Research data supported that cancer stem cells (CSC) may be responsible for the chemoresistance and strategies that suppress CSCs stemness could also inhibit the drug resistance. In this study, we found that nuclear receptor binding protein 2 (NRBP2) expression was downregulated in the CD133+ hepatocellular carcinoma CSCs. Most adjacent noncancerous liver tissue analyzed expressed higher level of NRBP2 compared with cancerous tissue in hepatocellular carcinoma patients, and high NRBP2 expression indicated a better prognosis. Real-time PCR results showed that NRBP2 negatively correlated with stemness-related genes, including Oct3/4, Nanog, Notch1, Ep300, and CD133 mRNA expression. High NRBP2 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma cells downregulated CK19 protein expression, inhibited tumorsphere formation, and tumorigenesis ability, indicating that high NRBP2 expression restrains the hepatocellular carcinoma cell stemness. Overexpression of NRBP2 reduced the IC50 of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, and NRBP2 expression was negatively correlated with hepatocellular carcinoma cell resistance to the chemotherapy agents, including cisplatin and the Akt signaling inhibitor perifosine. Coimmunoprecipitation results showed that NRBP2 could bind with Annexin A2 (ANXA2) and inhibit ANXA2 expression. Coexpression of ANXA2 restored the chemoresistant ability in NRBP2-overexpressing hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Further analysis showed that NRBP2 downregulated Akt and its downstream signaling target Bad phosphorylation level. ANXA2 coexpression partially restored the Akt phosphorylation. Analysis of the expression of Bcl2 family proteins showed that NRBP2 may increase hepatocellular carcinoma cell chemosensitivity by regulating expression of survival proteins involved in the Akt and Bcl2 pathway. These results suggest that NRBP2 plays an important role in the tumor progression and chemotherapeutic resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Res; 76(23); 7059-71. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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81
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Qi YF, Wu L, Li ZQ, Wu ML, Wang HF, Chan KY, Lu LL, Cai SH, Wang HS, Du J. Nodal signaling modulates the expression of Oct-4 via nuclear translocation of β-catenin in lung and prostate cancer cells. Arch Biochem Biophys 2016; 608:34-41. [PMID: 27592306 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nodal is a member of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily. Nodal promotes the self-renewal of human cancer stem cells (CSCs) and triggers carcinogenesis of human cancers via an autocrine manner through Smad2/3 pathway. In our study, generation of Nodal-overexpressed cancer cells was constructed, and the effect of Nodal on the stem cell marker Oct-4 was evaluated by overexpression or blocked Nodal/ALKs signaling pathway in non-small cell lung cancer cells A549 and prostate cancer cells PC3. Functionally, Nodal also increased the proliferation via the β-catenin nuclear translocation. This increase was attributed to GSK-3β dephosphorylating, and activin receptor-like kinase 4/7 (ALK4/7) played a major role in human cancer cells. Our study provides a positive understanding of Nodal function in cancer cells and suggests a potential novel target for clinical therapeutic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fei Qi
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 132 Waihuandong Road, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Long Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zi-Qian Li
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 132 Waihuandong Road, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Meng-Ling Wu
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 132 Waihuandong Road, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hai-Fang Wang
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 132 Waihuandong Road, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ka-Ying Chan
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 132 Waihuandong Road, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Lin-Lin Lu
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 132 Waihuandong Road, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shao-Hui Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Hong-Sheng Wang
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 132 Waihuandong Road, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Jun Du
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 132 Waihuandong Road, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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82
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Zhang S, Shu R, Yue M, Zhang S. Effect of Over-Expression of Zinc-Finger Protein (ZFX) on Self-Renewal and Drug-Resistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Med Sci Monit 2016; 22:3025-34. [PMID: 27566731 PMCID: PMC5012459 DOI: 10.12659/msm.897699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background X-chromosome-coupled zinc finger protein (ZFX) in the Zfy protein family is abundantly expressed in both embryonic and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). ZFX exist in various tumor cells and is correlated with proliferation and survival of tumor cells. As a malignant tumor with high invasiveness, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may present resistance against chemotherapy and features of stem cells. This study aimed to explore the expression of ZFX in HCC cells, in an attempt to illustrate the role of ZFX in tumorigenesis. Material/Methods The expression of ZFX in tumor tissues was quantified by RT-PCR. The ZFX expression was then silenced to evaluate the stem cell-like features of HCC cells, including self-renewal, colony formation, and cell cycle, along with the sensitivity to cisplatin. Xenograft of ZFX-overexpressed HCC on nude mice was performed to evaluate the in vivo effect of ZFX on tumor growth. Results Quantitative RT-PCR showed over-expression of ZFX in 51.8% of HCC tumors. The silencing of ZFX gene inhibited the self-renewal, colony formation, and proliferation ability of HCC cells (p<0.05 in all cases) via the cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, in addition to the elevated sensitivity of tumor cells to cisplatin (p<0.001). Further studies showed that binding between ZFX and promoter regions of Nanog or SOX-2 regulatory factor initiate their expression in HCC cells. The xenograft experiment indicated the potentiation of tumor growth by ZFX over-expression. Conclusions ZFX is over-expressed in HCC cells, and correlates with stem cell-like features and pleiotropic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhong Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Ronghua Shu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Meng Yue
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Shuhong Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China (mainland)
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83
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A novel anti-cancer agent Icaritin suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma initiation and malignant growth through the IL-6/Jak2/Stat3 pathway. Oncotarget 2016; 6:31927-43. [PMID: 26376676 PMCID: PMC4741651 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-initiating cell (TIC) is a subpopulation of cells in tumors that are responsible for tumor initiation and progression. Recent studies indicate that hepatocellular carcinoma-initiating cells (HCICs) confer the high malignancy, recurrence and multi-drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we found that Icaritin, a prenylflavonoid derivative from Epimedium Genus, inhibited malignant growth of HCICs. Icaritin decreased the proportion of EpCAM-positive (a HCICs marker) cells, suppressed tumorsphere formation in vitro and tumor formation in vivo. We also found that Icaritin reduced expression of Interleukin-6 Receptors (IL-6Rs), attenuated both constitutive and IL-6-induced phosphorylation of Janus-activated kinases 2 (Jak2) and Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), and inhibited Stat3 downstream genes, such as Bmi-1 and Oct4. The inhibitory activity of Icaritin in HCICs was augmented by siRNA-mediated silencing of Stat3 but attenuated by constitutive activation of Stat3. Taken together, our results indicate that Icaritin is able to inhibit malignant growth of HCICs and suggest that Icaritin may be developed into a novel therapeutic agent for effective treatment of HCC.
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84
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Kuo KK, Lee KT, Chen KK, Yang YH, Lin YC, Tsai MH, Wuputra K, Lee YL, Ku CC, Miyoshi H, Nakamura Y, Saito S, Wu CC, Chai CY, Eckner R, Steve Lin CL, Wang SSW, Wu DC, Lin CS, Yokoyama KK. Positive Feedback Loop of OCT4 and c-JUN Expedites Cancer Stemness in Liver Cancer. Stem Cells 2016; 34:2613-2624. [PMID: 27341307 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The network of stemness genes and oncogenes in human patient-specific reprogrammed cancer stem cells (CSCs) remains elusive, especially in liver cancer. HepG2-derived induced pluripotent stem cell-like cells (HepG2-iPS-like cells) were generated by introducing Yamanaka factors and the knockdown vector shTP53. They exhibited features of stemness and a higher tumorigenesis after xenograft transplantation compared with HepG2 cells. The cancerous mass of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice derived from one colony was dissected and cultured to establish reprogrammed HepG2-derived CSC-like cells (designated rG2-DC-1C). A single colony exhibited 42% occurrence of tumors with higher proliferation capacities. rG2-DC-1C showed continuous expression of the OCT4 stemness gene and of representative tumor markers, potentiated chemoresistance characteristics, and invasion activities. The sphere-colony formation ability and the invasion activity of rG2-DC-1C were also higher than those of HepG2 cells. Moreover, the expression of the OCT4 gene and the c-JUN oncogene, but not of c-MYC, was significantly elevated in rG2-DC-1C, whereas no c-JUN expression was observed in HepG2 cells. The positive-feedback regulation via OCT4-mediated transactivation of the c-JUN promoter and the c-JUN-mediated transactivation of the OCT4 promoter were crucial for promoting cancer development and maintaining cancer stemness in rG2-DC-1C. Increased expression of OCT4 and c-JUN was detected in the early stage of human liver cancer. Therefore, the positive feedback regulation of OCT4 and c-JUN, resulting in the continuous expression of oncogenes such as c-JUN, seems to play a critical role in the determination of the cell fate decision from iPS cells to CSCs in liver cancer. Stem Cells 2016;34:2613-2624.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kung-Kai Kuo
- Department of Surgery.,Center of Stem Cell Research
| | | | | | - Ya-Han Yang
- Department of Surgery.,Graduate Institute of Medicine.,Center of Stem Cell Research
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hiroyuki Miyoshi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | | | - Shigeo Saito
- Saito Laboratory of Cell Technology, Yaita, Tochigi, 329-1571, Japan
| | | | | | - Richard Eckner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Sophie S-W Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.,Center of Stem Cell Research
| | - Deng-Chyang Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.,Center of Stem Cell Research.,Center of Infectious Diseases and Cancer Research.,Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Shen Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medicine.,Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan
| | - Kazunari K Yokoyama
- Graduate Institute of Medicine.,Center of Stem Cell Research.,Center of Infectious Diseases and Cancer Research.,Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.,Faculty of Science and Engineering, Tokushima Bunri University, Sanuki, 763-2193, Japan.,Department of Molecular Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
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85
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Zhang N, Liu L, Dou Y, Song D, Deng H. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β antagonizes ROS-induced hepatocellular carcinoma cell death through suppression of the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1. Med Oncol 2016; 33:60. [DOI: 10.1007/s12032-016-0776-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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86
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YU FENG, ZHAO JING, HU YUNHUI, ZHOU YANG, GUO RONG, BAI JINGCHAO, ZHANG SHENG, ZHANG HUILAI, ZHANG JIN. The combination of NVP-BKM120 with trastuzumab or RAD001 synergistically inhibits the growth of breast cancer stem cells in vivo. Oncol Rep 2016; 36:356-64. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.4799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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87
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Zhou JJ, Meng Z, Zhou Y, Cheng D, Ye HL, Zhou QB, Deng XG, Chen RF. Hepatitis C virus core protein regulates OCT4 expression and promotes cell cycle progression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2016; 36:582-8. [PMID: 27121765 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.4775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein plays an important role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. octamer-binding protein 4 (OCT4) is critically essential for the pluripotency and self-renewal of embryonic stem cells. Abnormal expression of OCT4 has been detected in several human solid tumors. However, the relationship between HCV core and OCT4 remains uncertain. In the present study, we found that HCV core is capable of upregulating OCT4 expression. The effect of HCV core-induced OCT4 overexpression was abolished by RNAi-mediated scilencing of HCV core. In addition, HCV core-induced OCT4 overexpression resulted in enhanced cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. Inhibition of OCT4 reduced the CCND1 expression and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, OCT4 protein directly binds to CCND1 promoter and transactivates CCND1. These findings suggest that HCV core protein regulates OCT4 expression and promotes cell cycle progression in hepatocellular carcinoma providing new insight into the mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis by HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jia Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Meng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Di Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Lin Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Quan-Bo Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Geng Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Ru-Fu Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
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88
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Chang TS, Chen CL, Wu YC, Liu JJ, Kuo YC, Lee KF, Lin SY, Lin SE, Tung SY, Kuo LM, Tsai YH, Huang YH. Inflammation Promotes Expression of Stemness-Related Properties in HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149897. [PMID: 26919045 PMCID: PMC4769282 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of cancer stemness is believed to reduce the efficacy of current therapies against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Understanding of the stemness-regulating signaling pathways incurred by a specific etiology can facilitate the development of novel targets for individualized therapy against HCC. Niche environments, such as virus-induced inflammation, may play a crucial role. However, the mechanisms linking inflammation and stemness expression in HCC remain unclear. Here we demonstrated the distinct role of inflammatory mediators in expressions of stemness-related properties involving the pluripotent octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) in cell migration and drug resistance of hepatitis B virus-related HCC (HBV-HCC). We observed positive immunorecognition for macrophage chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1)/CD68 and OCT4/NANOG in HBV-HCC tissues. The inflammation-conditioned medium (inflamed-CM) generated by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated U937 human leukemia cells significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of OCT4/NANOG preferentially in HBV-active (HBV+HBsAg+) HCC cells. The inflamed-CM also increased the side population (SP) cell percentage, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-positive cell population, and luciferase activity of OCT4 promoter-GFP/luciferase in HBV-active HCC cells. Furthermore, the inflamed-CM upregulated the expressions of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I)/IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) and activated IGF-IR/Akt signaling in HBV-HCC. The IGF-IR phosphorylation inhibitor picropodophyllin (PPP) suppressed inflamed-CM-induced OCT4 and NANOG levels in HBV+HBsAg+ Hep3B cells. Forced expression of OCT4 significantly increased the secondary sphere formation and cell migration, and reduced susceptibility of HBV-HCC cells to cisplatin, bleomycin, and doxorubicin. Taking together, our results show that niche inflammatory mediators play critical roles in inducing the expression of stemness-related properties involving IGF-IR activation, and the upregulation of OCT4 contributes to cancer migration and drug resistance of HBV-HCC cells. Findings in this paper would provide potential targets for a therapeutic strategy targeting on inflammatory environment for HBV-HCC.
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MESH Headings
- Antigens, CD/biosynthesis
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic/biosynthesis
- Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/virology
- Cell Movement
- Cell Proliferation
- Cell Survival
- Chemokine CCL2/biosynthesis
- Chemokine CCL2/genetics
- Hep G2 Cells
- Hepatitis B virus/pathogenicity
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/complications
- Homeodomain Proteins/biosynthesis
- Homeodomain Proteins/genetics
- Humans
- Inflammation/immunology
- Inflammation/pathology
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/biosynthesis
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/virology
- Nanog Homeobox Protein
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/pathology
- Octamer Transcription Factor-3/biosynthesis
- Octamer Transcription Factor-3/genetics
- Phosphorylation/drug effects
- Podophyllotoxin/analogs & derivatives
- Podophyllotoxin/pharmacology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/biosynthesis
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Spheroids, Cellular
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Te-Sheng Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Long Chen
- Department of Pathology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chih Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Jen Liu
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Biotechnology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung Che Kuo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kam-Fai Lee
- Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Sin-Yi Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sey-En Lin
- Department of Pathology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shui-Yi Tung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Mou Kuo
- Department of General Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Huang Tsai
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center of Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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89
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Müller M, Hermann PC, Liebau S, Weidgang C, Seufferlein T, Kleger A, Perkhofer L. The role of pluripotency factors to drive stemness in gastrointestinal cancer. Stem Cell Res 2016; 16:349-57. [PMID: 26896855 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A better molecular understanding of gastrointestinal cancers arising either from the stomach, the pancreas, the intestine, or the liver has led to the identification of a variety of potential new molecular therapeutic targets. However, in most cases surgery remains the only curative option. The intratumoral cellular heterogeneity of cancer stem cells, bulk tumor cells, and stromal cells further limits straightforward targeting approaches. Accumulating evidence reveals an intimate link between embryonic development, stem cells, and cancer formation. In line, a growing number of oncofetal proteins are found to play common roles within these processes. Cancer stem cells share features with true stem cells by having the capacity to self-renew in a de-differentiated state, to generate heterogeneous types of differentiated progeny, and to give rise to the bulk tumor. Further, various studies identified genes in cancer stem cells, which were previously shown to regulate the pluripotency circuitry, particularly the so-called "Yamanaka-Factors" (OCT4, KLF4, SOX2, and c-MYC). However, the true stemness potential of cancer stem cells and the role and expression pattern of such pluripotency genes in various tumor cell types remain to be explored. Here, we summarize recent findings and discuss the potential mechanisms involved, and link them to clinical significance with a particular focus on gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Liebau
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Clair Weidgang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Kleger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Lukas Perkhofer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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90
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Matic I, Antunovic M, Brkic S, Josipovic P, Mihalic KC, Karlak I, Ivkovic A, Marijanovic I. Expression of OCT-4 and SOX-2 in Bone Marrow-Derived Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells during Osteogenic Differentiation. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2016; 4:9-16. [PMID: 27275321 PMCID: PMC4884261 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2016.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM: Determine the levels of expression of pluripotency genes OCT-4 and SOX-2 before and after osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). METHODS: Human MSCs were derived from the bone marrow and differentiated into osteoblasts. The analyses were performed on days 0 and 14 of the cell culture. In vitro differentiation was evaluated due to bone markers – alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity and the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of AP and bone sialoprotein (BSP). The OCT-4 and SOX-2 expression was evaluated at mRNA level by real-time qPCR and at protein level by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: In vitro cultures on day 14 showed an increase in AP activity and upregulation of AP and BSP gene expression. OCT-4 and SOX-2 in undifferentiated hMSCs on day 0 is detectable and very low compared to tumor cell lines as a positive control. Immunocytochemistry detected OCT-4 in the cell nuclei prior (day 0) and post differentiation (day 14). On the same time points, cultures were negative for SOX-2 protein. CONCLUSION: Messenger RNA for pluripotency markers OCT-4 and SOX-2 isolated from hMSCs was less present, while OCT-4 protein was detected in cell nuclei prior and post differentiation into osteoblast lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Matic
- Division of Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Antunovic
- Division of Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sime Brkic
- Division of Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Pavle Josipovic
- Division of Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Katarina Caput Mihalic
- Division of Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivan Karlak
- Department of Traumatology, University Hospital Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Inga Marijanovic
- Division of Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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91
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Shojaie N, Ghaffari SM. Simultaneous Analysis of Wnt and NF-κB Signaling Pathways in Doxorubicin Sensitive and Methotrexate Resistant PLC/ PRF/5 Cells. CELL JOURNAL 2016; 17:730-9. [PMID: 26862532 PMCID: PMC4746423 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2016.3845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Objective Multi-drug resistance (MDR) is a controversial issue in traditional chemo-
therapy of aggressive cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma. The major cause
of MDR is suggested to be the aberrant activation of the main signaling pathways
such as Wnt and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-
κB) which have key roles in the maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Therefore,
the evaluation of their alterations could be essential in chemo-resistant cancers such
as Hepatocellular carcinoma. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the
alteration of the mentioned pathways in the chemotherapy resistant cancer cells by
assessing their major molecular parameters.
Materials and Methods In this experimental study, methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT)
assay, acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) and Hoechst 33342 staining,
DNA fragmentation and colony formation methods were employed to investigate the
cytotoxic effects of methotrexate (MTX) and doxorubicin (DOX) on PLC/PRF/5 cells.
Moreover, the expression of 11 important genes involved in MDR was performed by
semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Results PLC/PRF/5 cells (Alexander) were sensitive to DOX and normally resist-
ant to MTX. In addition, the results obtained from RT-PCR analysis revealed that
β-catenin expression was significantly reduced and ABCG2 significantly overex-
pressed 4.85 and 3.34 times (P value<0.05) in DOX and MTX treated cells, respec-
tively. Furthermore, a considerable expression of HIF-1α and p65 were detected only
in MTX-resistant cells.
Conclusion Anti-cancer drugs may have more than one target in tumor cells. They
not only participate in deregulation of Wnt but also alter NF-κB activation. Moreover,
HIF-1α was the only anti-apoptotic protein that was significantly induced in the chem-
oresistant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Shojaie
- Biochemistry Group, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahmood Ghaffari
- Biochemistry Group, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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92
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma, one of the most common solid tumors worldwide, is poorly responsive to available chemotherapeutic approaches. While systemic chemotherapy is of limited benefit, intra-arterial delivery of doxorubicin to the tumor frequently produces tumor shrinkage. Its utility is limited, in part, by the frequent emergence of doxorubicin resistance. The mechanisms of this resistance include increased expression of multidrug resistance efflux pumps, alterations of the drug target, topoisomerase, and modulation of programmed cell death pathways. Many of these effects result from changes in miRNA expression and are particularly prominent in tumor cells with a stem cell phenotype. This review will summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms of doxorubicin resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma and the potential for approaches toward therapeutic chemosensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josiah Cox
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Steven Weinman
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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93
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Podolski-Renić A, Milošević Z, Dinić J, Stanković T, Banković J, Pešić M. Mutual regulation and targeting of multidrug resistance and cancer stem phenotype. MEDCHEMCOMM 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6md00391e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Targeting stemness mechanisms leads to the suppression of ABC transporter activity and elimination of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Podolski-Renić
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”
- University of Belgrade
- 11060 Belgrade
- Serbia
| | - Zorica Milošević
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”
- University of Belgrade
- 11060 Belgrade
- Serbia
| | - Jelena Dinić
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”
- University of Belgrade
- 11060 Belgrade
- Serbia
| | - Tijana Stanković
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”
- University of Belgrade
- 11060 Belgrade
- Serbia
| | - Jasna Banković
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”
- University of Belgrade
- 11060 Belgrade
- Serbia
| | - Milica Pešić
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”
- University of Belgrade
- 11060 Belgrade
- Serbia
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94
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Effects of PI3K inhibitor NVP-BKM120 on overcoming drug resistance and eliminating cancer stem cells in human breast cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e2020. [PMID: 26673665 PMCID: PMC4720896 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype often accompanies activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway, which renders a survival signal to withstand cytotoxic anticancer drugs and enhances cancer stem cell (CSC) characteristics. As a result, PI3K/AKT-blocking approaches have been proposed as antineoplastic strategies, and inhibitors of PI3K/AKT are currently being trailed clinically in breast cancer patients. However, the effects of PI3K inhibitors on MDR breast cancers have not yet been elucidated. In the present study, the tumorigenic properties of three MDR breast cancer cell lines to a selective inhibitor of PI3K, NVP-BKM120 (BKM120), were assessed. We found that BKM120 showed a significant cytotoxic activity on MDR breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. When doxorubicin (DOX) was combined with BKM120, strong synergistic antiproliferative effect was observed. BKM120 activity induced the blockage of PI3K/AKT signaling and NF-κB expression, which in turn led to activate caspase-3/7 and caspase-9 and changed the expression of several apoptosis-related gene expression. Furthermore, BKM120 effectively eliminated CSC subpopulation and reduced sphere formation of these drug-resistant cells. Our findings indicate that BKM120 partially overcomes the MDR phenotype in chemoresistant breast cancer through cell apoptosis induction and CSC abolishing, which appears to be mediated by the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB axis. This offers a strong rationale to explore the therapeutic strategy of using BKM120 alone or in combination for chemotherapy-nonresponsive breast cancer patients.
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95
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Zhang X, Wang Y, Wang J, Sun F. Protein-protein interactions among signaling pathways may become new therapeutic targets in liver cancer (Review). Oncol Rep 2015; 35:625-38. [PMID: 26717966 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous signaling pathways have been shown to be dysregulated in liver cancer. In addition, some protein-protein interactions are prerequisite for the uncontrolled activation or inhibition of these signaling pathways. For instance, in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, protein AKT binds with a number of proteins such as mTOR, FOXO1 and MDM2 to play an oncogenic role in liver cancer. The aim of the present review was to focus on a series of important protein-protein interactions that can serve as potential therapeutic targets in liver cancer among certain important pro-carcinogenic signaling pathways. The strategies of how to investigate and analyze the protein-protein interactions are also included in this review. A survey of these protein interactions may provide alternative therapeutic targets in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
| | - Yulan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
| | - Jiayi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
| | - Fenyong Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
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96
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Wang YJ, Herlyn M. The emerging roles of Oct4 in tumor-initiating cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2015; 309:C709-18. [PMID: 26447206 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00212.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4), a homeodomain transcription factor, is well established as a master factor controlling the self-renewal and pluripotency of pluripotent stem cells. Also, a large body of research has documented the detection of Oct4 in tumor cells and tissues and has indicated its enrichment in a subpopulation of undifferentiated tumor-initiating cells (TICs) that critically account for tumor initiation, metastasis, and resistance to anticancer therapies. There is circumstantial evidence for low-level expression of Oct4 in cancer cells and TICs, and the participation of Oct4 in various TIC functions such as its self-renewal and survival, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis, and drug resistance development is implicated from considerable Oct4 knockdown and overexpression-based studies. In a few studies, efforts have been made to identify Oct4 target genes in TICs of different sources. Based on such information, Oct4 in TICs appears to act via mechanisms quite distinct from those in pluripotent stem cells, and a main challenge for future studies is to unravel the molecular mechanisms of action of Oct4, particularly to address the question on how such low levels of Oct4 may exert its functions in TICs. Acquiring cells from their native microenvironment that are of high enough quantity and purity is the key to reliably analyze Oct4 functions and its target genes in TICs, and the information gained may greatly facilitate targeting and eradicating those cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; and Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Meenhard Herlyn
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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97
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Liu C, Zhang D, Shen Y, Tao X, Liu L, Zhong Y, Fang S. DPF2 regulates OCT4 protein level and nuclear distribution. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2015; 1853:3279-93. [PMID: 26417682 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The amount of transcription factor OCT4 is strictly regulated. A tight regulation of OCT4 levels is crucial for mammalian embryonic development and oncogenesis. However, the mechanisms underlying regulation of OCT4 protein expression and nuclear distribution are largely unknown. Here, we report that DPF2, a plant homeodomain (PHD) finger protein, is upregulated during H9 cell differentiation induced by retinoic acid. Endogenous interaction between DPF2 and OCT4 in P19 cells was revealed by an immunoprecipitation assay. GST-pull down assay proved that OCT4 protein in H9 cells and recombinant OCT4 can precipitate with DPF2 in vitro. In vitro ubiquitination assay demonstrated DPF2 might serve as an E3 ligase. Knock down of dpf2 using siRNA increased OCT4 protein level and stability in P19 cells. DPF2 siRNAs also up-regulates OCT4 but not NANOG in H9 cells. However, RA fails to downregulates OCT4 protein level in cells infected by lenitviruses containing DPF2 siRNA. Moreover, overexpression of both DPF2 and OCT4 in 293 cells proved the DPF2-OCT4 interaction. DPF2 but not PHD2 mutant DPF2 enhanced ubiquitination and degradation of OCT4 in 293 cells co-expressed DPF2 and OCT4. Both wild type DPF2 and PHD2 mutant DPF2 redistributes nuclear OCT4 without affecting DPF2-OCT4 interaction. Further analysis indicated that DPF2 decreases monomeric and mono-ubiquitinated OCT4, assembles poly-ubiquitin chains on OCT4 mainly through Ub-K48 linkage. These findings contribute to an understanding of how OCT4 protein level and nuclear distribution is regulated by its associated protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032 China; Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology (BioMET), University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA.
| | - Dijuan Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032 China
| | - Yuxian Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Biopharmaceuticals, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032 China
| | - Xiaofang Tao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Biopharmaceuticals, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032 China
| | - Lihua Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Yongwang Zhong
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology (BioMET), University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Shengyun Fang
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology (BioMET), University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA.
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Wang W, Cheng J, Qin JJ, Voruganti S, Nag S, Fan J, Gao Q, Zhang R. RYBP expression is associated with better survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and responsiveness to chemotherapy of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Oncotarget 2015; 5:11604-19. [PMID: 25344099 PMCID: PMC4294343 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
RYBP is a member of the polycomb group (PcG) proteins that typically act as transcriptional repressors via epigenetic modification of chromatin. The present study was designed to investigate the role of RYBP in HCC progression, chemosensitivity, and patient survival, and to explore the underlying molecular mechanism(s). In this study we investigated the expression of RYBP in 400 pairs of human HCC tissues and matched noncancerous samples. The effects of RYBP on HCC tumor growth and metastasis and chemosensitivity were determined both in vitro and in vivo. We herein demonstrate that the RYBP expression in HCC tissue samples was significantly lower than that in matched noncancerous liver tissues. Clinically, the low expression of RYBP was an independent predictor of a poor prognosis in patients with HCC. In in vitro HCC models, enforced RYBP expression inhibited cell growth and invasion, induced apoptosis, and increased the chemosensitivity of the cells, while RYBP knockdown led to the opposite effects. Furthermore, RYBP expression was induced by cisplatin, and adenovirus-mediated RYBP expression inhibited HCC tumor growth and sensitized HCC to conventional chemotherapy in vivo. Our results demonstrate that reactivating RYBP in cancer cells may provide an effective and safe therapeutic approach to HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA. Cancer Biology Center, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Jianwen Cheng
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA. Cancer Biology Center, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Sukesh Voruganti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Subhasree Nag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Jia Fan
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruiwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA. Cancer Biology Center, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
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99
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Chang TS, Wu YC, Chi CC, Su WC, Chang PJ, Lee KF, Tung TH, Wang J, Liu JJ, Tung SY, Kuo LM, Ho HN, Ling TY, Huang YH. Activation of IL6/IGFIR confers poor prognosis of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma through induction of OCT4/NANOG expression. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:201-10. [PMID: 25564572 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-3274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To unravel the role of interleukin (IL)-6 and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I receptor (IGFIR) in expressing stemness-related properties and to evaluate the prognostic values of pluripotent transcription factor OCT4/NANOG, and IGFIR in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Serum levels of IL6 were detected using ELISA assays (n = 120). The effects of IL6/IGFI on stemness expression in HCC were examined using OCT4/NANOG promoter luciferase reporter, RNA interference, secondary sphere formation, side population, and xenograft animal models. The OCT4/NANOG protein and phospho-IGFI receptor (p-IGFIR) in tissues were detected by Western blotting (n = 8) and immunohistochemical staining (n = 85). OCT4, NANOG, and IGFIR expression levels in tissues (n = 191) were analyzed by real-time qRT-PCR and was correlated with early tumor recurrence using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS A high positive correlation between the expression levels of OCT4/NANOG and IGFIR/p-IGFIR in human HCC tissues was observed. The concurrent expression of OCT4/NANOG/IGFIR was mostly confined to hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC (HBV-HCC) and was significantly correlated with early tumor recurrence. High serum levels of IL6 were significantly correlated with high OCT4/NANOG expression. IL6 stimulated an autocrine IGFI/IGFIR expression STAT3 dependently, which stimulated stemness-related properties in both the cell lines and the xenografted mouse tumors. The inhibition of IGFIR activation by either RNA interference or by treatment with the inhibitor picropodophyllin (PPP) significantly suppressed the IL6-induced stemness-related properties both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS The expression of pluripotency-related genes is associated with early tumor recurrence and is regulated by IL6-induced IGF/IGFIR activation, particularly in HBV-HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te-Sheng Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chih Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chi Chi
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. Department of Dermatology and Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chi Su
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pey-Jium Chang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kam-Fai Lee
- Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Tao-Hsin Tung
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Cheng-Hsin General Hospital, and Faculty of Public Health, School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jui Wang
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health and Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Jen Liu
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Biotechnology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shui-Yi Tung
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan. College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Mou Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. Department of General Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Nerng Ho
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Genomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, National Taiwan University and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Thai-Yen Ling
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. Center for Reproductive Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Comprehensive Cancer Center of Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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100
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A critical role of Oct4A in mediating metastasis and disease-free survival in a mouse model of ovarian cancer. Mol Cancer 2015; 14:152. [PMID: 26260289 PMCID: PMC4531496 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-015-0417-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High grade epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is commonly characterised by widespread peritoneal dissemination and ascites. Metastatic EOC tumour cells can attach directly to neighbouring organs or alternatively, maintain long term tumourigenicity and chemoresistance by forming cellular aggregates (spheroids). Cancer stem-like cells are proposed to facilitate this mechanism. This study aimed to investigate the role of Oct4A, an embryonic stem cell factor and known master regulator of pluripotency in EOC progression, metastasis and chemoresistance. METHODS To investigate the expression of Oct4A in primary EOC tumours, IHC and qRT-PCR analyses were used. The expression of Oct4A in chemonaive and recurrent EOC patient ascites-derived tumour cells samples was investigated by qRT-PCR. The functional role of Oct4A in EOC was evaluated by generating stable knockdown Oct4A clones in the established EOC cell line HEY using shRNA-mediated silencing technology. Cellular proliferation, spheroid forming ability, migration and chemosensitivty following loss of Oct4A in HEY cells was measured by in vitro functional assays. These observations were further validated in an in vivo mouse model using intraperitoneal (IP) injection of established Oct4A KD clones into Balb/c nu/nu mice. RESULTS We demonstrate that, compared to normal ovaries Oct4A expression significantly increases with tumour dedifferentiation. Oct4A expression was also significantly high in the ascites-derived tumour cells of recurrent EOC patients compared to chemonaive patients. Silencing of Oct4A in HEY cells resulted in decreased cellular proliferation, migration, spheroid formation and increased chemosensitivity to cisplatin in vitro. IP injection of Oct4A knockdown cells in vivo produced significantly reduced tumour burden, tumour size and invasiveness in mice, which overall resulted in significantly increased mouse survival rates compared to mice injected with control cells. CONCLUSIONS This data highlights a crucial role for Oct4A in the progression and metastasis of EOC. Targeting Oct4A may prove to be an effective strategy in the treatment and management of epithelial ovarian tumours.
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