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Bai Y, Wei C, Li P, Sun X, Cai G, Chen X, Hong Q. Primary cilium in kidney development, function and disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:952055. [PMID: 36072924 PMCID: PMC9441790 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.952055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary cilium is a hair-like, microtubule-based organelle that is covered by the cell membrane and extends from the surface of most vertebrate cells. It detects and translates extracellular signals to direct various cellular signaling pathways to maintain homeostasis. It is mainly distributed in the proximal and distal tubules and collecting ducts in the kidney. Specific signaling transduction proteins localize to primary cilia. Defects in cilia structure and function lead to a class of diseases termed ciliopathies. The proper functioning of primary cilia is essential to kidney organogenesis and the maintenance of epithelial cell differentiation and proliferation. Persistent cilia dysfunction has a role in the early stages and progression of renal diseases, such as cystogenesis and acute tubular necrosis (ATN). In this review, we focus on the central role of cilia in kidney development and illustrate how defects in cilia are associated with renal disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Bai
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Cuiting Wei
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xuefeng Sun
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyan Cai
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangmei Chen, ; Quan Hong,
| | - Quan Hong
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangmei Chen, ; Quan Hong,
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52
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Hedgehog signaling underlying tendon and enthesis development and pathology. Matrix Biol 2022; 105:87-103. [PMID: 34954379 PMCID: PMC8821161 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been widely acknowledged to play essential roles in many developmental processes, including endochondral ossification and growth plate maintenance. Furthermore, a rising number of studies have shown that Hh signaling is necessary for tendon enthesis development. Specifically, the well-tuned regulation of Hh signaling during development drives the formation of a mineral gradient across the tendon enthesis fibrocartilage. However, aberrant Hh signaling can also lead to pathologic heterotopic ossification in tendon or osteophyte formation at the enthesis. Therefore, the therapeutic potential of Hh signaling modulation for treating tendon and enthesis diseases remains uncertain. For example, increased Hh signaling may enhance tendon-to-bone healing by promoting the formation of mineralized fibrocartilage at the healing interface, but pathologic heterotopic ossification may also be triggered in the adjacent tendon. Further work is needed to elucidate the distinct functions of Hh signaling in the tendon and enthesis to support the development of therapies that target the pathway.
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53
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Using drug scheduling to manage adverse events associated with hedgehog pathway inhibitors for basal cell carcinoma. Oncotarget 2021; 12:2531-2540. [PMID: 34966484 PMCID: PMC8711575 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy and form of skin cancer worldwide; advanced BCC, either as locally advanced BCC (laBCC) or metastatic BCC (mBCC), can cause substantial tissue invasion and morbidity. Until the recent availability of the hedgehog pathway inhibitors (HHIs) sonidegib and vismodegib, treatment options for advanced BCC were limited. These agents demonstrate efficacy in patients with laBCC and mBCC; however, the adverse events (AEs) associated with these agents can lead to treatment interruption or discontinuation and reduced quality of life, all of which significantly impact long-term adherence to therapy, which might affect clinical outcome. Given that most AEs are class-related effects, switching HHIs does not appear to lead to a significantly different AE profile, underscoring the importance of maintaining patients on their first HHI. Interrupting treatment of sonidegib and vismodegib does not appear to undermine the efficacy of these agents and is therefore a practical option to manage AEs in order to maintain continued treatment and disease control.
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54
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Jain R, Dubey SK, Singhvi G. The Hedgehog pathway and its inhibitors: Emerging therapeutic approaches for basal cell carcinoma. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:1176-1183. [PMID: 34896624 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Although surgery is the first-line treatment, BCC can lead in some cases, to a metastatic or advanced form, requiring targeted combination therapies. The Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway is the major pathway associated with the formation of basal carcinoma tumorigenesis, thus, targeting this is a promising therapeutic approach. Some Hh inhibitors have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), such as vismodegib and sonidegib. However, both of these showed limited effectiveness against resistant tumors. Therefore, an essential understanding of the mechanisms involved in the Hh signaling pathway is necessary to improve tumor inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupesh Jain
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS-PILANI), Pilani Campus, Rajasthan, India
| | | | - Gautam Singhvi
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS-PILANI), Pilani Campus, Rajasthan, India.
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55
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Passirani C, Vessières A, La Regina G, Link W, Silvestri R. Modulating undruggable targets to overcome cancer therapy resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2021; 60:100788. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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56
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Peng X, Xiong X, Li Y, Feng C, Liu H, Wu P, Li C, Weng W. Encouraging Early Outcomes of Treatment With Arsenic Trioxide Combined With Chemotherapy for Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma in Children: 4 Case Reports. Front Oncol 2021; 11:751623. [PMID: 34778066 PMCID: PMC8586416 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.751623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) is a subtype of rhabdomyosarcoma characterized by its aggressive behavior and poor prognosis, highlighting the need for novel treatment options. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has been shown to specifically inhibit tumor growth and the metastasis of ARMS in vitro by acting on the hedgehog pathway. Here we report on a pilot clinical study to evaluate the activity of an ATO-combined chemotherapy approach for the treatment of ARMS patients. Methods We designed a therapeutic schedule of an ATO-combined chemotherapy, incorporating comprehensive management according to the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group protocol. ATO was administered at 0.16 mg/kg per day over 8 h via an IV for 10 days combined with a chemotherapeutic regimen of vincristine, actinomycin, and cyclophosphamide (VAC regimen) on the third day, which was repeated every 21 days. A total of eight cycles of ATO-combined chemotherapy were applied throughout the entire scheme. Results A total of three refractory/recurrent and one untreated ARMS patient, three male and one female, with a median age of 5.8 years (range, 5.1 to 12.5 years), were enrolled in the present study. All patients were sensitive to combined chemotherapy with ATO and achieved partial or complete remission during treatment. Except for reversible gastrointestinal reaction and myelosuppression, no other adverse events were observed during the process of treatment. Conclusions The combined chemotherapy of ATO and the VAC regimen exhibited beneficial activities against ARMS in pediatrics and was well tolerated, but prospective large-scale clinical trials are warranted to determine the long-term efficacy, optimal courses, and late toxicity in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Peng
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xilin Xiong
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuchu Feng
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Liu
- Hematology and Oncology Department ward 7, Beijing Jingdu Children's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Pingping Wu
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunmou Li
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Weng
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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57
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Senobari Z, Karimi G, Jamialahmadi K. Ellagitannins, promising pharmacological agents for the treatment of cancer stem cells. Phytother Res 2021; 36:231-242. [PMID: 34697838 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Human tumors comprise subpopulations of cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs) that possess stemness properties. CSCs can initiate tumors and cause recurrence, metastasis and are also responsible for chemo- and radio-resistance. CSCs may use signaling pathways similar to normal stem cells, including Notch, JAK/STAT, Wnt and Hedgehog pathways. Ellagitannins (ETs) are a broad group of substances with chemopreventive and anticancer activities. The antitumor activity of ETs and their derivatives are mainly related to their antiinflammatory capacity. They are therefore able to modulate secretory growth factors and pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-γ. Evidence suggests that ETs display their anticancer effect by targeting CSCs and disrupting stem cell signaling. However, there are still few studies in this field. Therefore, high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the ETs on CSCs. This paper reviews the structures, sources and pharmacokinetics of ETs. It also focuses on the function of ETs and their effects on CSCs-related cytokines and the relationship between ETs and signaling pathways in CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohre Senobari
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Karimi
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Pharmaceutical Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Jamialahmadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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58
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Garcia N, Ulin M, Ali M, Al-Hendy A, Carvalho KC, Yang Q. Evaluation of Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors as a Therapeutic Option for Uterine Leiomyosarcoma Using the Xenograft Model. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:781-790. [PMID: 34642915 PMCID: PMC8863774 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00731-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) contributes to a significant proportion of uterine cancer deaths. It is a rare and high-risk gynecological cancer. LMS is challenging to the treatment due to the resistance of several therapies. The activation of the Hedgehog (HH) pathway has been reported in several types of female cancers. Uterine LMS presents an upregulation of the crucial HH signaling pathway members such as SMO and GLI1. Although targeting the HH pathway exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on the phenotype of uterine LMS in vitro, the effect of the HH inhibitors on LMS growth in vivo has not been identified. The present study aimed to assess the effect of Hedgehog pathway inhibitors (SMO-LDE225 and GLI-Gant61) as a therapeutic option in the xenograft model of uterine LMS. The results demonstrated that LDE225 treatment did not show any inhibitory effect on LMS tumor growth; however, treatment with GLI inhibitor (Gant61) induced a remarkable tumor regression with a significant decrease in Ki67 expression, compared to control (p < 0.01). Moreover, administration of Gant61 decreased the expression of GLI1, GLI target genes BMP4 and c-MYC (p < 0.05), indicating that the HH pathway is implicated in the LMS experimental model. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate for the first time that GLI inhibitor (Gant61), but not SMO inhibitor (LDE225), shows a potent inhibitory effect on LMS tumor growth and concomitantly suppresses the expression of GLI1- and GLI-targeted genes using the xenograft model of uterine LMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Garcia
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular - LIM 58, Disciplina de Ginecologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo, HCFMUSP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mara Ulin
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Katia Candido Carvalho
- Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular - LIM 58, Disciplina de Ginecologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo, HCFMUSP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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The tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: current perspectives and future directions. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:675-689. [PMID: 34591240 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-09988-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the most lethal malignancies and is characterized by a unique tumor microenvironment (TME) consisting of an abundant stromal component. Many features contained with the PDAC stroma contribute to resistance to cytotoxic and immunotherapeutic regimens, as well as the propensity for this tumor to metastasize. At the cellular level, PDAC cells crosstalk with a complex mixture of non-neoplastic cell types including fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells. These intricate interactions fuel the progression and therapeutic resistance of this aggressive cancer. Moreover, data suggest the polarization of these cell types, in particular immune and fibroblast populations, dictate how PDAC tumors grow, metastasize, and respond to therapy. As a result, current research is focused on how to best target these populations to render tumors responsive to treatment. Herein, we summarize the cell populations implicated in providing a supporting role for the development and progression of PDAC. We focus on stromal fibroblasts and immune subsets that have been widely researched. We discuss factors which govern the phenotype of these populations and provide insight on how they have been targeted therapeutically. This review provides an overview of the tumor microenvironment and postulates that cellular and soluble factors within the microenvironment can be specifically targeted to improve patient outcomes.
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60
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Lu T, Prakash J. Nanomedicine Strategies to Enhance Tumor Drug Penetration in Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:6313-6328. [PMID: 34552327 PMCID: PMC8450289 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s279192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most malignant tumors with one of the worst survival rates due to its insidious onset and resistance to therapies. Most therapeutics show a desired anticancer effect in vitro; however, very poor efficacy in vivo because of the limited drug delivery and penetration into pancreatic tumors attributed to the abundance of the tumor stroma, ie, the fibrotic tumor microenvironment surrounding the cancer cells. For a better understanding of the challenges posed by the pancreatic tumor stroma, we outline the key features of the tumor microenvironment. Then we highlight major strategies used to tackle the challenges to improve drug penetration into the tumor and achieve enhanced efficacy (pre)clinically. Furthermore, we describe nanomedicine strategies to modulate the tumor stroma, degrade the extracellular matrix, and co-deliver multi-functional drugs, to improve the chemotherapeutics delivery and penetration into pancreatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Lu
- Engineered Therapeutics Group, Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jai Prakash
- Engineered Therapeutics Group, Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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61
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Weissman JP, Samlowski W, Meoz R. Hedgehog Inhibitor Induction with Addition of Concurrent Superficial Radiotherapy in Patients with Locally Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Series. Oncologist 2021; 26:e2247-e2253. [PMID: 34472658 DOI: 10.1002/onco.13959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Locally advanced basal cell cancer is a rare and challenging clinical problem. Historically, these patients were treated with aggressive surgery or radiotherapy. Most sporadic basal cell carcinomas have somatic mutations in the hedgehog pathway. Oral hedgehog inhibitors induce rapid and often complete clinical responses in locally advanced basal cell tumors. Unfortunately, these responses are usually transient. We hypothesized that treatment failure represents persistence of drug resistant cells that could be eradicated by addition of localized radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective review of our patients with locally advanced basal cell cancer treated with sonidegib or vismodegib induction therapy who were treated with added superficial radiotherapy at the time of maximal response. RESULTS Twelve patients met inclusion criteria. All patients achieved a complete response following hedgehog inhibitor therapy with addition of radiotherapy. Progression-free survival at 40 months was 89%, with a median follow-up of 40 months. Relapses occurred in only 2 of 12 patients (16.6%). Nine patients experienced grade I-II toxicity from hedgehog inhibitor induction therapy (taste changes [3], weight loss [3], muscle cramps [3]). Eight patients experienced mild radiotherapy-induced skin toxicity during concurrent therapy. No patients had to discontinue treatment. CONCLUSION Induction therapy with hedgehog inhibitors followed by addition of concurrent radiation therapy resulted in an extremely high clinical response rate with relatively minor and reversible toxicity. This gave a high rate of progression-free survival and a low disease-specific progression rate. Further prospective evaluation of this treatment approach is needed to confirm the apparent clinical activity. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Locally advanced basal cell cancers are challenging to treat. Previously, aggressive surgical resection or radiotherapy represented the best treatment options. Most basal cell cancers have somatic mutations in the hedgehog pathway. Oral inhibitors of this pathway produce rapid but transient clinical responses. This study reports 12 patients treated with hedgehog inhibitor induction therapy to near-maximal response. Addition of concurrent involved field radiotherapy resulted in a very high complete response rate with minimal toxicity. There was prolonged progression-free survival in 90% of patients. This study identified a novel treatment approach for patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Weissman
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.,Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Wolfram Samlowski
- Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.,School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.,University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Raul Meoz
- Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.,School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.,University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
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Karimnia V, Slack FJ, Celli JP. Photodynamic Therapy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174354. [PMID: 34503165 PMCID: PMC8431269 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the most lethal of human cancers. Numerous clinical trials evaluating various combinations of chemotherapy and targeted agents and radiotherapy have failed to provide meaningful improvements in survival. A growing number of studies however have indicated that photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be a viable approach for treatment of some pancreatic tumors. PDT, which uses light to activate a photosensitizing agent in target tissue, has seen widespread adoption primarily for dermatological and other applications where superficial light delivery is relatively straightforward. Advances in fiber optic light delivery and dosimetry however have been leveraged to enable PDT even for challenging internal sites, including the pancreas. The aim of this article is to help inform future directions by reviewing relevant literature on the basic science, current clinical status, and potential challenges in the development of PDT as a treatment for PDAC. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the most lethal of human cancers. Clinical trials of various chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted agents and combination strategies have generally failed to provide meaningful improvement in survival for patients with unresectable disease. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a photochemistry-based approach that enables selective cell killing using tumor-localizing agents activated by visible or near-infrared light. In recent years, clinical studies have demonstrated the technical feasibility of PDT for patients with locally advanced PDAC while a growing body of preclinical literature has shown that PDT can overcome drug resistance and target problematic and aggressive disease. Emerging evidence also suggests the ability of PDT to target PDAC stroma, which is known to act as both a barrier to drug delivery and a tumor-promoting signaling partner. Here, we review the literature which indicates an emergent role of PDT in clinical management of PDAC, including the potential for combination with other targeted agents and RNA medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vida Karimnia
- Department of Physics, University of Massachusetts at Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA;
| | - Frank J. Slack
- Department of Pathology, BIDMC Cancer Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Jonathan P. Celli
- Department of Physics, University of Massachusetts at Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Abele M, Müller SL, Schleicher S, Hartmann U, Döring M, Queudeville M, Lang P, Handgretinger R, Ebinger M. Arsenic trioxide in pediatric cancer - a case series and review of literature. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2021; 38:471-485. [PMID: 33635158 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2021.1872748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has become an established component of treatment protocols for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) with excellent efficacy and no relevant sustained toxicity. Part of its action has been attributed to the inhibition of Hedgehog signaling (Hh) which enables a possible therapeutic approach as many pediatric tumor entities have been associated with increased Hh activity. We retrospectively analyzed 31 patients with refractory and relapsed pediatric cancer who were treated with ATO at the University Children's Hospital of Tuebingen. Additionally a literature review on the clinical and preclinical use of ATO in pediatric cancer treatment was performed.ATO alone as well as combinations with other drugs have proven effective in vitro and in mouse models of various pediatric malignancies. However, only few data on the clinical use of ATO in pediatric patients besides APL exist. In our patient sample, ATO was overall well tolerated in the treatment of various pediatric cancers, even in combination with other cytostatic drugs. Due to distinct tumor entities, differently progressed disease stages and varying co-medication, no clear statement can be made regarding the efficacy of ATO treatment. However, patients with proven Hh activation in molecular tumor profiling surpassed all other patients, who received ATO in an experimental treatment setting, in terms of survival. As molecular profiling of tumors increases and enhanced Hh activity can be detected at an early stage, ATO might expand its clinical use to other pediatric malignancies beyond APL depending on further clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Abele
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sara-Lena Müller
- Clinic for Anaesthesiology, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine and Pain Management, Klinikum Ludwigsburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Schleicher
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Michaela Döring
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Manon Queudeville
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Peter Lang
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Rupert Handgretinger
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Martin Ebinger
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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Patched 1-interacting Peptide Represses Fibrosis in Pancreatic Cancer to Augment the Effectiveness of Immunotherapy. J Immunother 2021; 43:121-133. [PMID: 31834207 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is resistant to immunotherapy. As a factor of resistance, the dense fibrosis of this cancer acts as a barrier to inhibit immune cell infiltration into a tumor. We examined the influence of a Hedgehog signal inhibitor, Patched 1-interacting peptide, on fibrosis, infiltration of immune cells, and immunotherapeutic effects on PDAC. We found that this peptide inhibited proliferation and migration of cancer-associated fibroblasts and cancer cells. Furthermore, this peptide reduced the production of extracellular matrix and transforming growth factor β1 in cancer-associated fibroblasts and induced expression of HLA-ABC in PDAC cells and interferon-γ in lymphocytes. In vivo, the peptide suppressed fibrosis of PDAC and increased immune cell infiltration into tumors. The combination of this peptide and an anti-programmed death-1 antibody augmented the antitumor effect, and this combination showed the same effect in experiments using cancer cells and autologous lymphocytes. These results indicate that, in addition to the direct effect of tumor suppression, the Patched 1-interacting peptide increases the infiltration of immune cells by reducing fibrosis of PDAC and consequently enhances the effect of immunotherapy. Therefore, treatment with this peptide may be a novel therapy with 2 different mechanisms: direct tumor suppression and enhancing the immune response against PDAC.
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65
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Yang J, Wang J, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Huang W, Zou Y, Qiu Y, Cai W, Gao J, Zhou H, Wu Y, Liu W, Ding Q, Zhang Y, Yin PH, Tan W. PGE2-JNK signaling axis non-canonically promotes Gli activation by protecting Gli2 from ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:707. [PMID: 34267186 PMCID: PMC8282835 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03995-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Both bench and bedside investigations have challenged the supportive role of Hedgehog (Hh) activity in the progression of colorectal cancers, thus raising a critical need to further deeply determine the contribution of Hh to the growth of colorectal cancer. Combining multiple complementary means, including in vitro and in vivo inflammatory colorectal cancer models, and pathological analysis of clinical colorectal cancer patients samples. We report that colorectal cancer cells hijack prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to non-canonically promote Hh transcriptional factor Gli activity and Gli-dependent proliferation of colorectal cancer cells in a Smo-independent manner. Mechanistically, PGE2 activates c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which in turn enables Gli2 to evade ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation by phosphorylating Gli2 at Thr1546. This study not only presents evidence for understanding the contribution of Hh to colorectal cancers, but also provides a novel molecular portrait underlying how PGE2-activated JNK fine-tunes the evasion of Gli2 from ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation. Therefore, it proposes a rationale for the future evaluation of chemopreventive and selective therapeutic strategies for colorectal cancers by targeting PGE2-JNK-Gli signaling route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjing Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zou
- Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China.,Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 230601, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yanyan Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China.,Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 230601, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Weiyang Cai
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai 9th pepople's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, 201999, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingli Wu
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Chemical Biology Division of Shanghai Universities E-Institutes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijun Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, 63108, USA
| | - Qingqing Ding
- Department of pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yanjie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai 9th pepople's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, 201999, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei-Hao Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China. .,Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 230601, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Wenfu Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China.
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66
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Belhabib I, Zaghdoudi S, Lac C, Bousquet C, Jean C. Extracellular Matrices and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Targets for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3466. [PMID: 34298680 PMCID: PMC8303391 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid cancer progression is dictated by neoplastic cell features and pro-tumoral crosstalks with their microenvironment. Stroma modifications, such as fibroblast activation into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, are now recognized as critical events for cancer progression and as potential therapeutic or diagnostic targets. The recent appreciation of the key, complex and multiple roles of the ECM in cancer and of the CAF diversity, has revolutionized the field and raised innovative but challenging questions. Here, we rapidly present CAF heterogeneity in link with their specific ECM remodeling features observed in cancer, before developing each of the impacts of such ECM modifications on tumor progression (survival, angiogenesis, pre-metastatic niche, chemoresistance, etc.), and on patient prognosis. Finally, based on preclinical studies and recent results obtained from clinical trials, we highlight key mechanisms or proteins that are, or may be, used as potential therapeutic or diagnostic targets, and we report and discuss benefits, disappointments, or even failures, of recently reported stroma-targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Christine Jean
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), INSERM U1037, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, ERL5294 CNRS, 31037 Toulouse, France; (I.B.); (S.Z.); (C.L.); (C.B.)
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67
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Chang YH, Tam HL, Lu MC, Huang HS. Gemcitabine-induced Gli-dependent activation of hedgehog pathway resists to the treatment of urothelial carcinoma cells. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254011. [PMID: 34237099 PMCID: PMC8266077 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC) experience gemcitabine resistance is a critical issue. The role of hedgehog pathway in the problem was explored. The expressions of phospho-AKTser473, phospho-GSK3βser9 and Gli2 were up-regulated in gemcitabine-resistant NTUB1 (NGR) cells. Without hedgehog ligands, Gli proteins can be phosphorylated by GSK3β kinase to inhibit their downstream regulations. Furthermore, the GSK3β kinase can be phosphorylated by AKT at its Ser9 residue to become an inactive kinase. Therefore, overexpression of AKT1, Flag-GSKS9D (constitutively inactive form) or active Gli2 (GLI2ΔN) in NTUB1 cells could activate Gli2 pathway to enhance migration/invasion ability and increase gemcitabine resistance, respectively. Conversely, overexpression of Flag-GSKS9A (constitutively active form) or knockdown of Gli2 could suppress Gli2 pathway, and then reduce gemcitabine resistance in NGR cells. Therefore, we suggest gemcitabine-activated AKT/GSK3β pathway can elicit Gli2 activity, which leads to enhanced migration/invasion ability and resistance to gemcitabine therapy in UC patients. The non-canonical hedgehog pathway should be evaluated in the therapy to benefit UC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hao Chang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hoi-Lam Tam
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Chien Lu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Huei-Sheng Huang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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68
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Fang L, Che Y, Zhang C, Huang J, Lei Y, Lu Z, Sun N, He J. LAMC1 upregulation via TGFβ induces inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via NF-κB-CXCL1-STAT3. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:3125-3146. [PMID: 34218518 PMCID: PMC8564640 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF) are a heterogeneous cell population within the tumor microenvironment,and play an important role in tumor development. By regulating the heterogeneity of CAF, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) influences tumor development. Here, we explored oncogenes regulated by TGFβ1 that are also involved in signaling pathways and interactions within the tumor microenvironment. We analyzed sequencing data of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and our own previously established RNA microarray data (GSE53625), as well as esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell lines with or without TGFβ1 stimulation. We then focused on laminin subunit gamma 1 (LAMC1), which was overexpressed in ESCC cells, affecting patient prognosis, which could be upregulated by TGFβ1 through the synergistic activation of SMAD family member 4 (SMAD4) and SP1. LAMC1 directly promoted the proliferation and migration of tumor cells, mainly via Akt–NFκB–MMP9/14 signaling. Additionally, LAMC1 promoted CXCL1 secretion, which stimulated the formation of inflammatory CAF (iCAF) through CXCR2–pSTAT3. Inflammatory CAF promoted tumor progression. In summary, we identified the dual mechanism by which the upregulation of LAMC1 by TGFβ in tumor cells not only promotes ESCC proliferation and migration, but also indirectly induces carcinogenesis by stimulating CXCL1 secretion to promote the formation of iCAF. This finding suggests that LAMC1 could be a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Fang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Che
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chaoqi Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianbing Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Lei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiliang Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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69
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Xu Z, Li M, Sun R, Chu B, Song B, Wang H, Su Y, He Y. Nanoparticles as a Hedgehog signaling inhibitor for the suppression of cancer growth and metastasis. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:11077-11085. [PMID: 34137761 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr02157e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) have been intensively explored for the treatment of tumors during the past decade, yet little information has been provided on the NPs' inherent therapeutic activity against cancers. With this goal in mind, we reveal that biocompatible silicon (Si) NPs (SiNPs) feature excellent anti-growth and anti-metastasis activities against prostate cancer cells that show aberrant activation of the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway. Without activation by the Sonic hedgehog (Shh)-agonist, mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH3T3) cells show no response to SiNP exposure. The distinct inhibitory effect of SiNPs on the HH signaling pathway leads to significant suppression of the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human prostate cancer cells. Crucially, in two mouse tumor models, the growth and metastasis of prostate cancer cells are also efficiently inhibited by SiNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaojian Xu
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biochemical Analysis, Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Manjing Li
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biochemical Analysis, Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Rong Sun
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biochemical Analysis, Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Binbin Chu
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biochemical Analysis, Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Bin Song
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biochemical Analysis, Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Houyu Wang
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biochemical Analysis, Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Yao He
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biochemical Analysis, Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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Li J, Luco AL, Camirand A, St-Arnaud R, Kremer R. Vitamin D Regulates CXCL12/CXCR4 and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in a Model of Breast Cancer Metastasis to Lung. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6164379. [PMID: 33693593 PMCID: PMC8183495 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with poor cancer outcome in humans, and administration of vitamin D or its analogs decreases tumor progression and metastasis in animal models. Using the mouse mammary tumor virus-polyoma middle T antigen (MMTV-PyMT) model of mammary cancer, we previously demonstrated a significant acceleration of carcinogenesis in animals on a low vitamin D diet and a reduction in spontaneous lung metastases when mice received vitamin D through perfusion. We investigate here the action mechanism for vitamin D in lung metastasis in the same non-immunodeficient model and demonstrate that it involves the control of epithelial to mesenchymal transition as well as interactions between chemokine C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) and its receptor C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4). In vitro, 10-9M vitamin D treatment modifies the phenotype of MMTV-PyMT primary mammary tumor cells and significantly decreases their invasiveness and mammosphere formation capacity by 40% and 50%, respectively. Vitamin D treatment also inhibits phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (Zeb1), and vimentin by 52%, 75%, and 77%, respectively, and increases E-cadherin by 87%. In vivo, dietary vitamin D deficiency maintains high levels of Zeb1 and p-STAT3 in cells from primary mammary tumors and increases CXCL12 expression in lung stroma by 64%. In lung metastases, vitamin D deficiency increases CXCL12/CXCR4 co-localization by a factor of 2.5. These findings indicate an involvement of vitamin D in mammary cancer "seed" (primary tumor cell) and "soil" (metastatic site) and link vitamin D deficiency to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling, and accelerated metastasis, suggesting vitamin D repleteness in breast cancer patients could enhance the efficacy of co-administered therapies in preventing spread to distant organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarong Li
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Glen Site, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Aimée-Lee Luco
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Glen Site, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Anne Camirand
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Glen Site, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - René St-Arnaud
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Shriners Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Richard Kremer
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Glen Site, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Correspondence: Richard Kremer, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Glen site E-M1.3221, 1001 Décarie Blvd, Montréal, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1.
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71
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Wang C, Jing J, Hu X, Yu S, Yao F, Li Z, Cheng L. Gankyrin activates the hedgehog signalling to drive metastasis in osteosarcoma. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:6232-6241. [PMID: 34089292 PMCID: PMC8366451 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gankyrin is a regulatory subunit of the 26-kD proteasome complex and promotes the occurrence and progression of many malignancies. However, the role of gankyrin in osteosarcoma (OS) metastasis remains unclear. Hedgehog signalling has been shown to regulate stem cell homeostasis and cancer metastasis, but the mechanisms that activate this pathway in OS are still poorly understood. Here, a series of in vitro and in vivo assays were carried out to explore the function and mechanism of gankyrin regulating Hedgehog signalling in OS. We demonstrated that gankyrin promotes migration, invasion and regulates the expression of some stemness factors by up-regulating Gli1 in OS. Importantly, our data showed an interaction between gankyrin and Gli1. Moreover, gankyrin suppresses the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of Gli1 protein in OS. Gankyrin also significantly promotes the lung metastasis of OS in vivo. Our findings suggest that gankyrin drives metastasis and regulates the expression of some stemness factors in osteosarcoma by activating Hedgehog signalling, indicating that drug screening for compounds targeting gankyrin may contribute to the development of novel and effective therapies for OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongchong Wang
- Department of OncologyThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Juehua Jing
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Xuyang Hu
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Shuisheng Yu
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Fei Yao
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Ziyu Li
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Li Cheng
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
- School of pharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
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Huang M, Zhang D, Wu JY, Xing K, Yeo E, Li C, Zhang L, Holland E, Yao L, Qin L, Binder ZA, O'Rourke DM, Brem S, Koumenis C, Gong Y, Fan Y. Wnt-mediated endothelial transformation into mesenchymal stem cell-like cells induces chemoresistance in glioblastoma. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/532/eaay7522. [PMID: 32102932 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aay7522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic resistance remains a persistent challenge for patients with malignant tumors. Here, we reveal that endothelial cells (ECs) acquire transformation into mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-like cells in glioblastoma (GBM), driving tumor resistance to cytotoxic treatment. Transcriptome analysis by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that ECs undergo mesenchymal transformation and stemness-like activation in GBM microenvironment. Furthermore, we identified a c-Met-mediated axis that induces β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser675 and Wnt signaling activation, inducing multidrug resistance-associated protein-1(MRP-1) expression and leading to EC stemness-like activation and chemoresistance. Last, genetic ablation of β-catenin in ECs overcome GBM tumor resistance to temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy in vivo. Combination of Wnt inhibition and TMZ chemotherapy eliminated tumor-associated ECs, inhibited GBM growth, and increased mouse survival. These findings identified a cell plasticity-based, microenvironment-dependent mechanism that controls tumor chemoresistance, and suggest that targeting Wnt/β-catenin-mediated EC transformation and stemness activation may overcome therapeutic resistance in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menggui Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Duo Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Janet Y Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
| | - Kun Xing
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eujin Yeo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Chunsheng Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eric Holland
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Lutian Yao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ling Qin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zev A Binder
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Donald M O'Rourke
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Steven Brem
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Constantinos Koumenis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yanqing Gong
- Division of Human Genetics and Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. .,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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73
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Risueno RM, Cuesta-Casanovas L, Carbo JM, Cornet-Masana JM. New Therapeutic Approaches for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. EUROPEAN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.33590/emj/20-00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous haematopoietic neoplasm characterised by the accumulation of transformed immature blood progenitors in bone marrow. Since 1973, the backbone treatment has relied on the combination of cytarabine and an anthracycline, followed by allogeneic haematopoietic transplant if eligible. Therefore, the treatment decisions have largely revolved around chemotherapy drug intensity. Despite advances in our understanding of the underlying biology over the past decades, AML remains a therapeutic challenge as the overall survival is poor and treatment options are limited for relapsed/refractory AML or for unfit patients. After four decades without substantial changes, eight new noncytostatic drugs have been granted approval: vyxeos, enasidenib, gilteritinib, glasdegib, gemtuzumab ozogamicin, ivosidenib, midostaurin, and venetoclax. Despite promising preliminary results, some indications are based on early efficacy data, obtained in single-arm nonrandomised trials, highlighting the necessity for further validation in extended clinical trials. Interestingly, several druggable targets have been identified recently, associated with specific target-directed drugs. Based on the preclinical data available, great impact on clinical outcomes for patients with AML is expected, potentially increasing the therapeutic landscape for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth M Risueno
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Cuesta-Casanovas
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Biosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose M Carbo
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Barcelona, Spain
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Responsiveness to Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors in T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells Is Highly Dependent on 5'AMP-Activated Kinase Inactivation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126384. [PMID: 34203724 PMCID: PMC8232330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that hedgehog inhibitors (iHHs) only partially block the growth of tumor cells, especially in vivo. Leukemia often expands in a nutrient-depleted environment (bone marrow and thymus). In order to identify putative signaling pathways implicated in the adaptive response to metabolically adverse conditions, we executed quantitative phospho-proteomics in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cells subjected to nutrient-depleted conditions (serum starvation). We found important modulations of peptides phosphorylated by critical signaling pathways including casein kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin, and 5′AMP-activated kinase (AMPK). Surprisingly, in T-ALL cells, AMPK signaling was the most consistently downregulated pathway under serum-depleted conditions, and this coincided with increased GLI1 expression and sensitivity to iHHs, especially the GLI1/2 inhibitor GANT-61. Increased sensitivity to GANT-61 was also found following genetic inactivation of the catalytic subunit of AMPK (AMPKα1) or pharmacological inhibition of AMPK by Compound C. Additionally, patient-derived xenografts showing high GLI1 expression lacked activated AMPK, suggesting an important role for this signaling pathway in regulating GLI1 protein levels. Further, joint targeting of HH and AMPK signaling pathways in T-ALL cells by GANT-61 and Compound C significantly increased the therapeutic response. Our results suggest that metabolic adaptation that occurs under nutrient starvation in T-ALL cells increases responsiveness to HH pathway inhibitors through an AMPK-dependent mechanism and that joint therapeutic targeting of AMPK signaling and HH signaling could represent a valid therapeutic strategy in rapidly expanding tumors where nutrient availability becomes limiting.
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75
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Bonandi E, Mori M, Infante P, Basili I, Di Marcotullio L, Calcaterra A, Catti F, Botta B, Passarella D. Design and Synthesis of New Withaferin A Inspired Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors. Chemistry 2021; 27:8350-8357. [PMID: 33811701 PMCID: PMC8251939 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202100315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Withanolides constitute a well-known family of plant-based alkaloids characterised by widespread biological properties, including the ability of interfering with Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway. Following our interest in natural products and in anticancer compounds, we report here the synthesis of a new class of Hh signalling pathway inhibitors, inspired by withaferin A, the first isolated member of withanolides. The decoration of our scaffolds was rationally supported by in silico studies, while functional evaluation revealed promising candidates, confirming once again the importance of natural products as inspiration source for the discovery of novel bioactive compounds. A stereoselective approach, based on Brown chemistry, allowed the obtainment and the functional evaluation of the enantiopure hit compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Bonandi
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di MilanoVia Golgi 1920133MilanItaly
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy Università degli Studi di SienaVia Aldo Moro 253100SienaItaly
| | - Paola Infante
- Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaViale Regina Elena 29100161RomeItaly
| | - Irene Basili
- Department of Molecular MedicineUniversity La Sapienza, RomaViale Regina Elena 29100161RomaItaly
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular MedicineUniversity La Sapienza, RomaViale Regina Elena 29100161RomaItaly
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci BolognettiDepartment of Molecular MedicineUniversity La SapienzaViale Regina Elena 29100161RomaItaly
| | - Andrea Calcaterra
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of DrugsUniversity La Sapienza, RomaPiazzale Aldo Moro 500185RomeItaly
| | - Federica Catti
- Arkansas State UniversityCampus Querétaro Carretera Estatal 100, km 17.5. C.P.76270 Municipio de ColónQuerétaroMéxico
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of DrugsUniversity La Sapienza, RomaPiazzale Aldo Moro 500185RomeItaly
| | - Daniele Passarella
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di MilanoVia Golgi 1920133MilanItaly
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76
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Novel therapeutic strategies and perspectives for pancreatic cancer: Autophagy and apoptosis are key mechanisms to fight pancreatic cancer. Med Oncol 2021; 38:74. [PMID: 34019188 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01522-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the most lethal malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract. The poor prognosis of patients with PC is primarily due to lack of effective treatments against its progressive and metastatic behavior. Hence, figuring out the mechanisms underlying PC development and putting up with effective targeted therapies are of great significance to improve the prognosis of patients with PC. Apoptosis and autophagy serve to maintain tissue homoeostasis. Escaping from apoptosis or autophagy is one of the features of malignancy. PC is seriously resistant to autophagy and apoptosis, which explains its invasiveness and resistance to conventional treatment. Recently, several biological activities and pharmacological functions found in natural product extracts have been reported to inhibit PC progression. The current review focuses on understanding natural product extracts and their derivatives as one kind of novel treatments through affecting the apoptosis or autophagy in PC.
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77
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Raskov H, Orhan A, Gaggar S, Gögenur I. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Cancer and Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:668731. [PMID: 34094963 PMCID: PMC8172975 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.668731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME), including the interplay between tumor cells, stromal cells, immune cells, and extracellular matrix components, is mandatory for the innovation of new therapeutic approaches in cancer. The cell-cell communication within the TME plays a pivotal role in the evolution and progression of cancer. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are major cell populations in the stroma of all solid tumors and often exert protumorigenic functions; however, the origin and precise functions of CAF and TAM are still incompletely understood. CAF and TAM hold significant potential as therapeutic targets to improve outcomes in oncology when combined with existing therapies. The regulation of CAF/TAM communication and/or their differentiation could be of high impact for improving the future targeted treatment strategies. Nevertheless, there is much scope for research and innovation in this field with regards to the development of novel drugs. In this review, we elaborate on the current knowledge on CAF and TAM in cancer and cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, by focusing on their heterogenous functions in different stages and types of cancer, we explore their role as potential therapeutic targets and highlight certain aspects of their functions that need further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Raskov
- Center for Surgical Science, Zealand University Hospital, Køge, Denmark
| | - Adile Orhan
- Center for Surgical Science, Zealand University Hospital, Køge, Denmark.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shruti Gaggar
- Center for Surgical Science, Zealand University Hospital, Køge, Denmark
| | - Ismail Gögenur
- Center for Surgical Science, Zealand University Hospital, Køge, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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78
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Islam S, Kitagawa T, Baron B, Abiko Y, Chiba I, Kuramitsu Y. ITGA2, LAMB3, and LAMC2 may be the potential therapeutic targets in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: an integrated bioinformatics analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10563. [PMID: 34007003 PMCID: PMC8131351 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90077-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common form of pancreatic cancer with an abysmal prognosis rate over the last few decades. Early diagnosis and prevention could effectively combat this malignancy. Therefore, it is crucial to discover potential biomarkers to identify asymptomatic premalignant or early malignant tumors of PDAC. Gene expression analysis is a powerful technique to identify candidate biomarkers involved in disease progression. In the present study, five independent gene expression datasets, including 321 PDAC tissues and 208 adjacent non-cancerous tissue samples, were subjected to statistical and bioinformatics analysis. A total of 20 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in PDAC tissues compared to non-cancerous tissue samples. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in extracellular matrix (ECM), cell adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, and focal adhesion signaling. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed, and the hub genes were evaluated. Collagen type XII alpha 1 chain (COL12A1), fibronectin 1 (FN1), integrin subunit alpha 2 (ITGA2), laminin subunit beta 3 (LAMB3), laminin subunit gamma 2 (LAMC2), thrombospondin 2 (THBS2), and versican (VCAN) were identified as hub genes. The correlation analysis revealed that identified hub genes were significantly interconnected. Wherein COL12A1, FN1, ITGA2, LAMB3, LAMC2, and THBS2 were significantly associated with PDAC pathological stages. The Kaplan-Meier survival plots revealed that ITGA2, LAMB3, and LAMC2 expression were inversely correlated with a prolonged patient survival period. Furthermore, the Human Protein Atlas database was used to validate the expression and cellular origins of hub genes encoded proteins. The protein expression of hub genes was higher in pancreatic cancer tissue than in normal pancreatic tissue samples, wherein ITGA2, LAMB3, and LAMC2 were exclusively expressed in pancreatic cancer cells. Pancreatic cancer cell-specific expression of these three proteins may play pleiotropic roles in cancer progression. Our results collectively suggest that ITGA2, LAMB3, and LAMC2 could provide deep insights into pancreatic carcinogenesis molecular mechanisms and provide attractive therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shajedul Islam
- Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido, 061-0293, Japan
| | - Takao Kitagawa
- Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido, 061-0293, Japan
| | - Byron Baron
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, MSD 2080, Malta
| | - Yoshihiro Abiko
- Division of Oral Medicine and Pathology, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido, 061-0293, Japan
| | - Itsuo Chiba
- Division of Disease Control and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Oral Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido, 061-0293, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kuramitsu
- Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido, 061-0293, Japan.
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79
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BMI1 regulates multiple myeloma-associated macrophage's pro-myeloma functions. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:495. [PMID: 33993198 PMCID: PMC8124065 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03748-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by terminally differentiated plasma cells accumulation in the bone marrow (BM). MM BM exhibits elevated MΦs (macrophages) numbers relative to healthy BM. Current evidence indicates that MM-MΦs (MM-associated macrophages) have pro-myeloma functions, and BM MM-MΦs numbers negatively correlate with patient survival. Here, we found that BMI1, a polycomb-group protein, modulates the pro-myeloma functions of MM-MΦs, which expressed higher BMI1 levels relative to normal MΦs. In the MM tumor microenvironment, hedgehog signaling in MΦs was activated by MM-derived sonic hedgehog, and BMI1 transcription subsequently activated by c-Myc. Relative to wild-type MM-MΦs, BMI1-KO (BMI1 knockout) MM-MΦs from BM cells of BMI1-KO mice exhibited reduced proliferation and suppressed expression of angiogenic factors. Additionally, BMI1-KO MM-MΦs lost their ability to protect MM cells from chemotherapy-induced cell death. In vivo analysis showed that relative to wild-type MM-MΦs, BMI1-KO MM-MΦs lost their pro-myeloma effects. Together, our data show that BMI1 mediates the pro-myeloma functions of MM-MΦs.
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80
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Núñez-Carpintero I, Petrizzelli M, Zinovyev A, Cirillo D, Valencia A. The multilayer community structure of medulloblastoma. iScience 2021; 24:102365. [PMID: 33889829 PMCID: PMC8050854 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Multilayer networks allow interpreting the molecular basis of diseases, which is particularly challenging in rare diseases where the number of cases is small compared with the size of the associated multi-omics datasets. In this work, we develop a dimensionality reduction methodology to identify the minimal set of genes that characterize disease subgroups based on their persistent association in multilayer network communities. We use this approach to the study of medulloblastoma, a childhood brain tumor, using proteogenomic data. Our approach is able to recapitulate known medulloblastoma subgroups (accuracy >94%) and provide a clear characterization of gene associations, with the downstream implications for diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. We verified the general applicability of our method on an independent medulloblastoma dataset (accuracy >98%). This approach opens the door to a new generation of multilayer network-based methods able to overcome the specific dimensionality limitations of rare disease datasets. The molecular interpretation of rare diseases is a challenging task Multilayer networks allow patient stratification and explainability We identify subgroup-specific genes and multilayer associations in medulloblastoma Multilayer community analysis enables the molecular interpretation of rare diseases
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marianyela Petrizzelli
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
- INSERM, U900, 75005 Paris, France
- MINES ParisTech, PSL Research University, CBIO-Centre for Computational Biology, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Andrei Zinovyev
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
- INSERM, U900, 75005 Paris, France
- MINES ParisTech, PSL Research University, CBIO-Centre for Computational Biology, 75006 Paris, France
- Lobachevsky University, 603000 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Davide Cirillo
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), C/ Jordi Girona 29, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- Corresponding author
| | - Alfonso Valencia
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), C/ Jordi Girona 29, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA - Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
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81
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Tian C, Huang Y, Clauser KR, Rickelt S, Lau AN, Carr SA, Vander Heiden MG, Hynes RO. Suppression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma growth and metastasis by fibrillar collagens produced selectively by tumor cells. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2328. [PMID: 33879793 PMCID: PMC8058088 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22490-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a collagen-rich dense extracellular matrix (ECM) that promotes malignancy of cancer cells and presents a barrier for drug delivery. Data analysis of our published mass spectrometry (MS)-based studies on enriched ECM from samples of progressive PDAC stages reveal that the C-terminal prodomains of fibrillar collagens are partially uncleaved in PDAC ECM, suggesting reduced procollagen C-proteinase activity. We further show that the enzyme responsible for procollagen C-proteinase activity, bone morphogenetic protein1 (BMP1), selectively suppresses tumor growth and metastasis in cells expressing high levels of COL1A1. Although BMP1, as a secreted proteinase, promotes fibrillar collagen deposition from both cancer cells and stromal cells, only cancer-cell-derived procollagen cleavage and deposition suppresses tumor malignancy. These studies reveal a role for cancer-cell-derived fibrillar collagen in selectively restraining tumor growth and suggest stratification of patients based on their tumor epithelial collagen I expression when considering treatments related to perturbation of fibrillar collagens.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Bone Morphogenetic Protein 1/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/pathology
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/secondary
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Collagen Type I/chemistry
- Collagen Type I/genetics
- Collagen Type I/metabolism
- Collagen Type I, alpha 1 Chain
- Disease Progression
- Extracellular Matrix/metabolism
- Extracellular Matrix Proteins/metabolism
- Fibrillar Collagens/chemistry
- Fibrillar Collagens/genetics
- Fibrillar Collagens/metabolism
- Humans
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, SCID
- Mutagenesis
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/genetics
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/metabolism
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology
- Procollagen/chemistry
- Procollagen/genetics
- Procollagen/metabolism
- Protein Domains
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Tian
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ying Huang
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Steffen Rickelt
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Allison N Lau
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Steven A Carr
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Matthew G Vander Heiden
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard O Hynes
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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82
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Liot S, Balas J, Aubert A, Prigent L, Mercier-Gouy P, Verrier B, Bertolino P, Hennino A, Valcourt U, Lambert E. Stroma Involvement in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: An Overview Focusing on Extracellular Matrix Proteins. Front Immunol 2021; 12:612271. [PMID: 33889150 PMCID: PMC8056076 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.612271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and is predicted to become second in 2030 in industrialized countries if no therapeutic progress is made. Among the different types of pancreatic cancers, Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is by far the most represented one with an occurrence of more than 90%. This specific cancer is a devastating malignancy with an extremely poor prognosis, as shown by the 5-years survival rate of 2–9%, ranking firmly last amongst all cancer sites in terms of prognostic outcomes for patients. Pancreatic tumors progress with few specific symptoms and are thus at an advanced stage at diagnosis in most patients. This malignancy is characterized by an extremely dense stroma deposition around lesions, accompanied by tissue hypovascularization and a profound immune suppression. Altogether, these combined features make access to cancer cells almost impossible for conventional chemotherapeutics and new immunotherapeutic agents, thus contributing to the fatal outcomes of the disease. Initially ignored, the Tumor MicroEnvironment (TME) is now the subject of intensive research related to PDAC treatment and could contain new therapeutic targets. In this review, we will summarize the current state of knowledge in the field by focusing on TME composition to understand how this specific compartment could influence tumor progression and resistance to therapies. Attention will be paid to Tenascin-C, a matrix glycoprotein commonly upregulated during cancer that participates to PDAC progression and thus contributes to poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Liot
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et Ingénierie Thérapeutique (LBTI), UMR CNRS 5305, Université Lyon 1, Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Lyon, France
| | - Jonathan Balas
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et Ingénierie Thérapeutique (LBTI), UMR CNRS 5305, Université Lyon 1, Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Lyon, France
| | - Alexandre Aubert
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et Ingénierie Thérapeutique (LBTI), UMR CNRS 5305, Université Lyon 1, Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Lyon, France
| | - Laura Prigent
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et Ingénierie Thérapeutique (LBTI), UMR CNRS 5305, Université Lyon 1, Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Lyon, France
| | - Perrine Mercier-Gouy
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et Ingénierie Thérapeutique (LBTI), UMR CNRS 5305, Université Lyon 1, Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Lyon, France
| | - Bernard Verrier
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et Ingénierie Thérapeutique (LBTI), UMR CNRS 5305, Université Lyon 1, Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Lyon, France
| | - Philippe Bertolino
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Ana Hennino
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Ulrich Valcourt
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et Ingénierie Thérapeutique (LBTI), UMR CNRS 5305, Université Lyon 1, Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Lyon, France
| | - Elise Lambert
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et Ingénierie Thérapeutique (LBTI), UMR CNRS 5305, Université Lyon 1, Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Lyon, France
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83
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Abstract
The extracellular matrix is a fundamental, core component of all tissues and organs, and is essential for the existence of multicellular organisms. From the earliest stages of organism development until death, it regulates and fine-tunes every cellular process in the body. In cancer, the extracellular matrix is altered at the biochemical, biomechanical, architectural and topographical levels, and recent years have seen an exponential increase in the study and recognition of the importance of the matrix in solid tumours. Coupled with the advancement of new technologies to study various elements of the matrix and cell-matrix interactions, we are also beginning to see the deployment of matrix-centric, stromal targeting cancer therapies. This Review touches on many of the facets of matrix biology in solid cancers, including breast, pancreatic and lung cancer, with the aim of highlighting some of the emerging interactions of the matrix and influences that the matrix has on tumour onset, progression and metastatic dissemination, before summarizing the ongoing work in the field aimed at developing therapies to co-target the matrix in cancer and cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Cox
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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84
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Petty AJ, Dai R, Lapalombella R, Baiocchi RA, Benson DM, Li Z, Huang X, Yang Y. Hedgehog-induced PD-L1 on tumor-associated macrophages is critical for suppression of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cell function. JCI Insight 2021; 6:146707. [PMID: 33749663 PMCID: PMC8026184 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.146707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The programmed death-1 (PD-1) and the PD ligand 1 (PD-L1) interaction represents a key immune checkpoint within the tumor microenvironment (TME), and PD-1 blockade has led to exciting therapeutic advances in clinical oncology. Although IFN-γ–dependent PD-L1 induction on tumor cells was initially thought to mediate the suppression on effector cells, recent studies have shown that PD-L1 is also expressed at high level on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in certain types of tumors. However, the precise role of PD-L1 expression on TAMs in suppressing antitumor immunity within the TME remains to be defined. Using a myeloid-specific Pdl1-knockout mouse model, here we showed definitive evidence that PD-L1 expression on TAMs is critical for suppression of intratumor CD8+ T cell function. We further demonstrated that tumor-derived Sonic hedgehog (Shh) drives PD-L1 expression in TAMs to suppress tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cell function, leading to tumor progression. Mechanistically, Shh-dependent upregulation of PD-L1 in TAMs is mediated by signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, a cascade that has not been previously reported to our knowledge. Last, single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of human hepatocellular carcinoma revealed that PD-L1 is mainly expressed on M2 TAMs, supporting the clinical relevance of our findings. Collectively, our data revealed an essential role for Shh-dependent PD-L1 upregulation in TAMs in suppressing antitumor immunity within the TME, which could lead to the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies for treating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Petty
- Department of Medicine and.,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Division of Hematology
| | - Rui Dai
- Department of Medicine and.,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Division of Hematology
| | | | | | | | - Zihai Li
- Division of Medical Oncology, and.,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Yiping Yang
- Department of Medicine and.,Division of Hematology.,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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85
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Yan Z, Cheng M, Hu G, Wang Y, Zeng S, Huang A, Xu L, Liu Y, Shi C, Deng L, Lu Q, Rao H, Lu H, Chen YG, Luo S. Positive feedback of SuFu negating protein 1 on Hedgehog signaling promotes colorectal tumor growth. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:199. [PMID: 33608498 PMCID: PMC7896051 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03487-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a critical role in embryogenesis and tissue homeostasis, and its deregulation has been associated with tumor growth. The tumor suppressor SuFu inhibits Hh signaling by preventing the nuclear translocation of Gli and suppressing cell proliferation. Regulation of SuFu activity and stability is key to controlling Hh signaling. Here, we unveil SuFu Negating Protein 1 (SNEP1) as a novel Hh target, that enhances the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of SuFu and thus promotes Hh signaling. We further show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase LNX1 plays a critical role in the SNEP1-mediated degradation of SuFu. Accordingly, SNEP1 promotes colorectal cancer (CRC) cell proliferation and tumor growth. High levels of SNEP1 are detected in CRC tissues and are well correlated with poor prognosis in CRC patients. Moreover, SNEP1 overexpression reduces sensitivity to anti-Hh inhibitor in CRC cells. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that SNEP1 acts as a novel feedback regulator of Hh signaling by destabilizing SuFu and promoting tumor growth and anti-Hh resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwei Yan
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Minzhang Cheng
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guohui Hu
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Guangzhou Jinan Biomedicine Research and Development Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, 510632, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaopeng Zeng
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Aidi Huang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Linlin Xu
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Shi
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Libin Deng
- Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Quqin Lu
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hai Rao
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Hua Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Ye-Guang Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.
| | - Shiwen Luo
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
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86
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Massah S, Foo J, Li N, Truong S, Nouri M, Xie L, Prins GS, Buttyan R. Gli activation by the estrogen receptor in breast cancer cells: Regulation of cancer cell growth by Gli3. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 522:111136. [PMID: 33347954 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gli is an oncogenic transcription factor family thought to be involved in breast cancer (BrCa) cell growth. Gli activity is regulated by a post-translational proteolytic process that is suppressed by Hedgehog signaling. In prostate cancer cells, however, Gli activation is mediated by an interaction of active androgen receptor proteins with Gli3 that stabilizes Gli3 in its un-proteolyzed form. Here we show that the estrogen receptor (ER), ERα, also binds Gli3 and activates Gli in BrCa cells. Moreover, we show that ER + BrCa cells are dependent on Gli3 for cancer cell growth. METHODS Transfection with Gli-luciferase reporter was used to report Gli activity in 293FT or BrCa cells (MCF7, T47D, MDA-MB-453) with or without steroid ligands. Co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation were used to show association of Gli3 with ERα. Gli3 stability was determined by western blots of BrCa cell extracts. ERα knockdown or destabilization (by fulvestrant) was used to assess how loss of ERα affects estradiol-induced Gli reporter activity, formation of intranuclear ERα-Gli3 complexes and Gli3 stability. Expression of Gli1 and/or other endogenous Gli-target genes in BrCa cells were measured by qPCR in the presence or absence of estradiol. Gli3 knockdown was assessed for effects on BrCa cell growth using the Cyquant assay. RESULTS ERα co-transfection increased Gli reporter activity in 293FT cells that was further increased by estradiol. Gli3 co-precipitated in ERα immunoprecipitates. Acute (2 h) estradiol increased Gli reporter activity and the formation of intranuclear ERα-Gli3 complexes in ER + BrCa cells but more chronic estradiol (48 h) reduced ERα-Gli complexes commensurate with reduced ERα levels. Gli3 stability and endogenous activity was only increased by more chronic estradiol treatment. Fulvestrant or ERα knockdown suppressed E2-induction of Gli activity, intranuclear ERα-Gli3 complexes and stabilization of Gli3. Gli3 knockdown significantly reduced the growth of BrCa cells. CONCLUSIONS ERα interacts with Gli3 in BrCa cells and estradiol treatment leads to Gli3 stabilization and increased expression of Gli-target genes. Furthermore, we found tthat Gli3 is necessary for BrCa cell growth. These results support the idea that the ERα-Gli interaction and Gli3 may be novel targets for effective control of BrCa growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Massah
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Canada; The Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jane Foo
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Canada; Interdisciplinary Oncology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Na Li
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Canada
| | | | | | - Lishi Xie
- The Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Canada
| | - Gail S Prins
- The Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Canada
| | - Ralph Buttyan
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Canada; The Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Canada.
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87
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PLAU directs conversion of fibroblasts to inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts, promoting esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression via uPAR/Akt/NF-κB/IL8 pathway. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:32. [PMID: 33574243 PMCID: PMC7878926 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00410-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) plays an important role in the tumor microenvironment. The heterogeneity of CAFs affects the effect of CAFs on promoting or inhibiting tumors, which can be regulated by other cells in the tumor microenvironment through paracrine methods. The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU) system mediates cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and other functions through the proteolytic system, intracellular signal transduction, and chemokine activation. PLAU promotes tumor progression in many tumors. We explored the function of PLAU in ESCC and the influence of PLAU secreted by tumor cells on the heterogeneity of CAFs. We found that PLAU is highly expressed in ESCC, which is related to poor prognosis and can be used as a prognostic marker for ESCC. Through loss-of function and gain-of function experiments, we found that PLAU promoted ESCC proliferation and clone formation via MAPK pathway, and promotes migration by upregulating Slug and MMP9, which can be reversed by the MEK 1/2 inhibitor U0126. At the same time, through sequencing, cytokine detection, and RT-qPCR verification, we found that tumor cells secreted PLAU promoted the conversion of fibroblasts to inflammatory CAFs, which upregulated expression and secretion of IL8 via the uPAR/Akt/NF-κB pathway. The IL8 secreted by CAFs in turn promotes the high expression of PLAU in tumor cells and further promoted the progression of ESCC. In summary, PLAU was not only a prognostic marker of ESCC, which promoted tumor cell proliferation and migration, but also promoted the formation of inflammatory CAFs by the PLAU secreted by tumor cells.
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88
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Kong D, Zhou H, Neelakantan D, Hughes CJ, Hsu JY, Srinivasan RR, Lewis MT, Ford HL. VEGF-C mediates tumor growth and metastasis through promoting EMT-epithelial breast cancer cell crosstalk. Oncogene 2021; 40:964-979. [PMID: 33299122 PMCID: PMC7867573 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01539-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that a subset of cells within primary breast cancers can undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), although the role of EMT in metastasis remains controversial. We previously demonstrated that breast cancer cells that had undergone an oncogenic EMT could increase metastasis of neighboring cancer cells via non-canonical paracrine-mediated activation of GLI activity that is dependent on SIX1 expression in the EMT cancer cells. However, the mechanism by which these SIX1-expressing EMT cells activate GLI signaling remained unclear. In this study, we demonstrate a novel mechanism for activation of GLI-mediated signaling in epithelial breast tumor cells via EMT cell-induced production and secretion of VEGF-C. We show that VEGF-C, secreted by breast cancer cells that have undergone an EMT, promotes paracrine-mediated increases in proliferation, migration, and invasion of epithelial breast cancer cells, via non-canonical activation of GLI-signaling. We further show that the aggressive phenotypes, including metastasis, imparted by EMT cells on adjacent epithelial cancer cells can be disrupted by either inhibiting VEGF-C in EMT cells or by knocking down NRP2, a receptor which interacts with VEGF-C, in neighboring epithelial cancer cells. Interrogation of TCGA and GEO public datasets supports the relevance of this pathway in human breast cancer, demonstrating that VEGF-C strongly correlates with activation of Hedgehog signaling and EMT in the human disease. Our study suggests that the VEGF-C/NRP2/GLI axis is a novel and conserved paracrine means by which EMT cells enhance metastasis, and provides potential targets for therapeutic intervention in this heterogeneous disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deguang Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hengbo Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Program in Cancer Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Deepika Neelakantan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Program in Molecular Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Connor J Hughes
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Program in Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jessica Y Hsu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Program in Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Michael T Lewis
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Heide L Ford
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Program in Cancer Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Program in Molecular Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Program in Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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89
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Chen WW, Gong KK, Yang LJ, Dai JJ, Zhang Q, Wang F, Li XL, Xi SC, Du J. Scutellariabarbata D. Don extraction selectively targets stemness-prone NSCLC cells by attenuating SOX2/SMO/GLI1 network loop. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 265:113295. [PMID: 32841701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Scutellariabarbata D. Don extraction (SBE), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been proved effective against various malignant disorders in clinics with tolerable side-effects when administered alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic regimens. AIM OF THIS STUDY Multi-drug resistance of cancer is attributed to existence of cancer stemness-prone cells that harbor aberrantly high activation of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) cascade. Our previous study has demonstrated that SBE sensitized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells to Cisplatin (DDP) treatment by downregulating SHH pathway. Yet, whether SBE could prohibit proliferation of cancer stemness-prone cells and its underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be investigated. In this article, we further investigated intervention of SBE on NSCLC cell stemness-associated phenotypes and its potential mode of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS CCK-8 and clonal formation detection were used to measure the anti-proliferative potency of SBE against NSCLC and normal epithelial cells. Sphere formation assay and RQ-PCR were used to detect proliferation of cancer stemness cells and associated marker expression upon SBE incubation. Mechanistically, DARTS-WB and SPR were used to unveil binding target of SBE. Immunodeficient mice were implanted with patient derived tumor bulk for in vivo validation of anti-cancer effect of SBE. RESULTS SBE selectively attenuated proliferation and stemness-like phenotypes of NSCLC cells rather than bronchial normal epithelial cells. Drug-protein interaction analysis revealed that SBE could directly bind with stem cell-specific transcription factor sex determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) and interfere with the SOX2/SMO/GLI1 positive loop. In vivo assay using patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) model further proved that SBE diminished tumor growth and SOX2 expression in vivo. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that SBE represses stemness-related features of NSCLC cells via targeting SOX2 and may serve as an alternative therapeutic option for clinic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Wei Chen
- Center Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256600, Binzhou, PR China
| | - Kai-Kai Gong
- Center Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256600, Binzhou, PR China
| | - Li-Juan Yang
- Center Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256600, Binzhou, PR China
| | - Juan-Juan Dai
- Center Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256600, Binzhou, PR China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256600, Binzhou, PR China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Oncology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256600, Binzhou, PR China
| | - Xue-Lin Li
- Center Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256600, Binzhou, PR China
| | - Si-Chuan Xi
- Center Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256600, Binzhou, PR China.
| | - Jing Du
- Center Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256600, Binzhou, PR China.
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90
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Iruzubieta P, Castiella T, Monleón E, Berga C, Muñoz G, Junquera C. Primary cilia presence and implications in bladder cancer progression and invasiveness. Histochem Cell Biol 2021; 155:547-560. [PMID: 33495938 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-021-01965-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Urothelial bladder cancer is the tenth most common cancer worldwide. It is divided into muscle and non-muscle invading bladder cancer. Primary cilia have been related to several cancer hallmarks such as proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) or tumoral progression mainly through signaling pathways as Hedgehog (Hh). In the present study, we used immunohistochemical and ultrastructural techniques in human tissues of healthy bladder, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) to study and clarify the activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and Hedgehog signaling pathway and the presence of primary cilia. Thus, we found a clear correlation between EMT and Hedgehog activation and bladder cancer stage and progression. Moreover, we identified the presence of primary cilia in these tissues. Interestingly, we found that in NMIBC, some ciliated cells cross the basement membrane and localized in lamina propria, near blood vessels. These results show a correlation between EMT beginning from urothelial basal cells and primary cilia assembly and suggest a potential implication of this structure in tumoral migration and invasiveness (likely in a Hh-dependent way). Hence, primary cilia may play a fundamental role in urothelial bladder cancer progression and suppose a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Iruzubieta
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS), Domingo Miral s/n, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Tomás Castiella
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS), Domingo Miral s/n, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Eva Monleón
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Carmen Berga
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS), Domingo Miral s/n, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Guillermo Muñoz
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Concepción Junquera
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS), Domingo Miral s/n, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
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91
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Regulation of tumor microenvironment for pancreatic cancer therapy. Biomaterials 2021; 270:120680. [PMID: 33588140 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one kind of the most lethal malignancies worldwide, owing to its insidious symptoms, early metastases, and negative responses to current therapies. With an increasing understanding of pathology, the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a significant role in ineffective treatment and poor prognosis of PC. Thus, a growing number of studies have focused on whether components of the TME could be effective targets for PC therapy. Biomaterials have been widely applied in cancer therapy, and numerous organic or inorganic biomaterials for TME regulation have been developed to inhibit the growth and metastasis of PC, as well as reverse therapeutic resistance. In this review, we discuss various biomaterials utilized to treat PC based on different components of the TME, including, but not limited to, extracellular matrix (ECM), abnormal tumor vascularization, and tumor-associated immune cells, as well as other unconventional therapeutic strategies. Besides, the perspectives on the underlying future of theranostic nanomedicines for PC therapy are also presented.
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92
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Wu Y, Zhang C, Jiang K, Werner J, Bazhin AV, D'Haese JG. The Role of Stellate Cells in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Targeting Perspectives. Front Oncol 2021; 10:621937. [PMID: 33520728 PMCID: PMC7841014 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.621937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a gastrointestinal malignancy with a dismal clinical outcome. Accumulating evidence suggests that activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), the major producers of extracellular matrix (ECM), drive the severe stromal/desmoplastic reaction in PDAC. Furthermore, the crosstalk among PSCs, pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) as well as other stroma cells can establish a growth-supportive tumor microenvironment (TME) of PDAC, thereby enhancing tumor growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance via various pathways. Recently, targeting stroma has emerged as a promising strategy for PDAC therapy, and several novel strategies have been proposed. The aim of our study is to give a profound review of the role of PSCs in PDAC progression and recent advances in stroma-targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wu
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Chun Zhang
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kuirong Jiang
- Pancreas Center and Pancreas Institute, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jens Werner
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandr V Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan G D'Haese
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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93
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Stromal Protein-Mediated Immune Regulation in Digestive Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13010146. [PMID: 33466303 PMCID: PMC7795083 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Solid cancers are surrounded by a network of non-cancerous cells comprising different cell types, including fibroblasts, and acellular protein structures. This entire network is called the tumor microenvironment (TME) and it provides a physical barrier to the tumor shielding it from infiltrating immune cells, such as lymphocytes, or therapeutic agents. In addition, the TME has been shown to dampen efficient immune responses of infiltrated immune cells, which are key in eliminating cancer cells from the organism. In this review, we will discuss how TME proteins in particular are involved in this dampening effect, known as immunosuppression. We will focus on three different types of digestive cancers: pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastric cancer. Moreover, we will discuss current therapeutic approaches using TME proteins as targets to reverse their immunosuppressive effects. Abstract The stromal tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of immune cells, vascular and neural structures, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as well as extracellular matrix (ECM), and favors immune escape mechanisms promoting the initiation and progression of digestive cancers. Numerous ECM proteins released by stromal and tumor cells are crucial in providing physical rigidity to the TME, though they are also key regulators of the immune response against cancer cells by interacting directly with immune cells or engaging with immune regulatory molecules. Here, we discuss current knowledge of stromal proteins in digestive cancers including pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastric cancer, focusing on their functions in inhibiting tumor immunity and enabling drug resistance. Moreover, we will discuss the implication of stromal proteins as therapeutic targets to unleash efficient immunotherapy-based treatments.
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Biffi G, Tuveson DA. Diversity and Biology of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Physiol Rev 2021; 101:147-176. [PMID: 32466724 PMCID: PMC7864232 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00048.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 551] [Impact Index Per Article: 183.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Efforts to develop anti-cancer therapies have largely focused on targeting the epithelial compartment, despite the presence of non-neoplastic stromal components that substantially contribute to the progression of the tumor. Indeed, cancer cell survival, growth, migration, and even dormancy are influenced by the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). Within the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been shown to play several roles in the development of a tumor. They secrete growth factors, inflammatory ligands, and extracellular matrix proteins that promote cancer cell proliferation, therapy resistance, and immune exclusion. However, recent work indicates that CAFs may also restrain tumor progression in some circumstances. In this review, we summarize the body of work on CAFs, with a particular focus on the most recent discoveries about fibroblast heterogeneity, plasticity, and functions. We also highlight the commonalities of fibroblasts present across different cancer types, and in normal and inflammatory states. Finally, we present the latest advances regarding therapeutic strategies targeting CAFs that are undergoing preclinical and clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Biffi
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York; Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York; and Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - David A Tuveson
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York; Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York; and Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Li L, Bao J, Wang H, Lei JH, Peng C, Zeng J, Hao W, Zhang X, Xu X, Yu C, Deng CX, Chen Q. Upregulation of amplified in breast cancer 1 contributes to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression and vulnerability to blockage of hedgehog activation. Theranostics 2021; 11:1672-1689. [PMID: 33408774 PMCID: PMC7778610 DOI: 10.7150/thno.47390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive and devastating cancers without effective treatments. Amplified in breast cancer 1 (AIB1) is a member of the steroid receptor coactivator family that mediates the transcriptional activities of nuclear receptors. While AIB1 is associated with the initiation and progression of multiple cancers, the mechanism by which AIB1 contributes to PDAC progression remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of AIB1 in the progression of PDAC and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The clinical significance and mRNA level of AIB1 in PDAC were studied by database analysis. To demonstrate whether AIB1 mediates the malignant features of PDAC cells, namely, proliferation, migration, invasion, we performed real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, established xenograft models and used in vivo metastasis assay. With insights into the mechanism of AIB1, we performed RNA sequencing (Seq), ChIP-Seq, luciferase reporter assays and pull-down assays. Furthermore, we analyzed the relationship between AIB1 expression and its target expression in PDAC cells and patients and explored whether PDAC cells with high AIB1 levels are sensitive to inhibitors of its target. Results: We found that AIB1 was significantly upregulated in PDAC and associated with its malignancy. Silencing AIB1 impaired hedgehog (Hh) activation by reducing the expression of smoothened (SMO), leading to cell cycle arrest and the inhibition of PDAC cell proliferation. In addition, AIB1, via upregulation of integrin αv (ITGAV) expression, promoted extracellular matrix (ECM) signaling, which played an important role in PDAC progression. Further studies showed that AIB1 preferably bound to AP-1 related elements and served as a coactivator for enhancing the transcriptional activity of MafB, which promoted the expression of SMO and ITGAV. PDAC cells with high AIB1 levels were sensitive to Hh signaling inhibitors, suggesting that blocking Hh activation is an effective treatment against PDAC with high AIB1 expression. Conclusions: These findings reveal that AIB1 is a crucial oncogenic regulator associated with PDAC progression via Hh and ECM signaling and suggest potential therapeutic targets for PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Licen Li
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Jiaolin Bao
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Josh Haipeng Lei
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Jianming Zeng
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Wenhui Hao
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xiaoling Xu
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Chundong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361012, China
| | - Chu-Xia Deng
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Qiang Chen
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
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96
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Park S, Jung HS, Jung YS, Nam W, Cha JY, Jung HD. Changes in Cellular Regulatory Factors before and after Decompression of Odontogenic Keratocysts. J Clin Med 2020; 10:E30. [PMID: 33374329 PMCID: PMC7795385 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Decompression followed by enucleation, which is one of the treatments used for odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs), is frequently used in OKC lesions of large sizes. This method offers the advantage of minimizing the possibility of sensory impairment without creating a wide-range bone defect; moreover, the recurrence rate can be significantly lower than following simple enucleation. This study aimed to assess the changes in histology and expression of proliferation markers in OKCs before and after decompression treatment. A total of 38 OKC tissue samples from 19 patients who had undergone decompression therapy were examined morphologically and immunohistochemically to observe changes in proliferative activity before and after decompression. The markers used for immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining were Bcl-2, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Ki-67, P53, PCNA, and SMO. The immunohistochemistry positivity of the 6 markers was scored by using software ImageJ, version 1.49, by quantifying the intensity and internal density of IHC-stained epithelium. The values of Bcl-2, Ki-67, P53, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and SMO in OKCs before and after decompression showed no significant change. No correlation between clinical shrinkage and morphologic changes or expression of proliferation and growth markers could be found. There was no statistical evidence that decompression treatment reduces potentially aggressive behavior of OKC within the epithelial cyst lining itself. This might indicate that decompression does not change the biological behavior of the epithelial cyst lining or the recurrence rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slmaro Park
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodeamun-Gu, Seoul 03722, Korea; (S.P.); (Y.-S.J.); (W.N.)
| | - Han-Sung Jung
- Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Oral Science Research Center, BK21 PLUS Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul 03722, Korea;
| | - Young-Soo Jung
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodeamun-Gu, Seoul 03722, Korea; (S.P.); (Y.-S.J.); (W.N.)
| | - Woong Nam
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodeamun-Gu, Seoul 03722, Korea; (S.P.); (Y.-S.J.); (W.N.)
| | - Jung Yul Cha
- Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodeamun-Gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Hwi-Dong Jung
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodeamun-Gu, Seoul 03722, Korea; (S.P.); (Y.-S.J.); (W.N.)
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97
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Feng H, Xing W, Han Y, Sun J, Kong M, Gao B, Yang Y, Yin Z, Chen X, Zhao Y, Bi Q, Zou W. Tendon-derived cathepsin K-expressing progenitor cells activate Hedgehog signaling to drive heterotopic ossification. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:6354-6365. [PMID: 32853181 PMCID: PMC7685727 DOI: 10.1172/jci132518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is pathological bone formation characterized by ossification within muscle, tendons, or other soft tissues. However, the cells of origin and mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HO remain elusive. Here we show that deletion of suppressor of fused (Sufu) in cathepsin K-Cre-expressing (Ctsk-Cre-expressing) cells resulted in spontaneous and progressive ligament, tendon, and periarticular ossification. Lineage tracing studies and cell functional analysis demonstrated that Ctsk-Cre could label a subpopulation of tendon-derived progenitor cells (TDPCs) marked by the tendon marker Scleraxis (Scx). Ctsk+Scx+ TDPCs are enriched for tendon stem cell markers and show the highest self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential. Sufu deficiency caused enhanced chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of Ctsk-Cre-expressing tendon-derived cells via upregulation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. Furthermore, pharmacological intervention in Hh signaling using JQ1 suppressed the development of HO. Thus, our results show that Ctsk-Cre labels a subpopulation of TDPCs contributing to HO and that their cell-fate changes are driven by activation of Hh signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhui Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujiao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingxiang Kong
- Department of Orthopedics and Joint Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi Yin
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Bi
- Department of Orthopedics and Joint Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiguo Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Microsurgery on Extremities, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
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98
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Meng Q, Luo X, Chen J, Wang D, Chen E, Zhang W, Zhang G, Zhou W, Xu J, Song Z. Unmasking carcinoma-associated fibroblasts: Key transformation player within the tumor microenvironment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188443. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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99
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Abstract
Therapeutic resistance continues to be an indominable foe in our ambition for curative cancer treatment. Recent insights into the molecular determinants of acquired treatment resistance in the clinical and experimental setting have challenged the widely held view of sequential genetic evolution as the primary cause of resistance and brought into sharp focus a range of non-genetic adaptive mechanisms. Notably, the genetic landscape of the tumour and the non-genetic mechanisms used to escape therapy are frequently linked. Remarkably, whereas some oncogenic mutations allow the cancer cells to rapidly adapt their transcriptional and/or metabolic programme to meet and survive the therapeutic pressure, other oncogenic drivers convey an inherent cellular plasticity to the cancer cell enabling lineage switching and/or the evasion of anticancer immunosurveillance. The prevalence and diverse array of non-genetic resistance mechanisms pose a new challenge to the field that requires innovative strategies to monitor and counteract these adaptive processes. In this Perspective we discuss the key principles of non-genetic therapy resistance in cancer. We provide a perspective on the emerging data from clinical studies and sophisticated cancer models that have studied various non-genetic resistance pathways and highlight promising therapeutic avenues that may be used to negate and/or counteract the non-genetic adaptive pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Sarah-Jane Dawson
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Center for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Mark A Dawson
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Center for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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100
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Villani A, Cinelli E, Fabbrocini G, Lallas A, Scalvenzi M. Hedgehog inhibitors in the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma: risks and benefits. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2020; 19:1585-1594. [PMID: 33054455 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2020.1837773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Although surgery is the first-line therapy for BCC, some cases can progress to an advanced or, rarely, a metastatic state and targeted therapy are required. The main pathway involved in BCC tumorigenesis is the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway and its inhibition is among the few treatment options available for patients with advanced BCCs. Recent advances in targeting this pathway have led to the development of two small-molecule oral Hh inhibitors, vismodegib and sonidegib. AREAS COVERED The aim of this article is to provide a complete overview on the use of HPI for the treatment of advanced BCCs describing the efficacy, the benefits, and risks related to these small molecules. EXPERT OPINION To date, the class of Hh inhibitors has revolutionized the management of patients with advanced BCCs, even though they are usually related to a toxicity profile that may represent the major cause of treatment discontinuation; an accurate study of the Hh signaling pathway and the development of other small molecules could be useful to enlarge the armamentarium of treatment in order to assure patients a personalized approach to the choice of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Villani
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II , Naples, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cinelli
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II , Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Fabbrocini
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II , Naples, Italy
| | - Aimilios Lallas
- First Department of Dermatology, Aristotle University , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Massimiliano Scalvenzi
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II , Naples, Italy
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