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Farzaneh M, Najafi S, Sheykhi-Sabzehpoush M, Nezhad Dehbashi F, Anbiyaee O, Nasrolahi A, Azizidoost S. The stem cell-specific long non-coding RNAs in leukemia. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2023; 25:345-351. [PMID: 36168086 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02952-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Leukemia is defined as a heterogeneous group of hematological cancers whose prevalence is on the rise worldwide. Despite the large body of studies, the etiology of leukemia has not been fully elucidated. Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells that sustain the growth of the leukemic clone and are the main culprit for the maintenance of the neoplasm. In contrast to most leukemia cells, LSCs are resistant to chemo- and radiotherapy. Several recent studies demonstrated the altered expression profile of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in LSCs and shed light on the role of lncRNAs in the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of LSCs. LncRNAs are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that are implicated in several cellular and molecular processes such as gene expression, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. Likewise, lncRNAs have shown a prognostic marker in leukemia patients and represent novel treatment options. Herein, we review the current knowledge concerning lncRNAs' implication in the pathogenesis of LSCs and discuss their prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Sajad Najafi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Fereshteh Nezhad Dehbashi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Omid Anbiyaee
- Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Medicine, Nemazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ava Nasrolahi
- Cancer Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Shirin Azizidoost
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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52
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Zhang Z, Wang G, Zhong K, Chen Y, Yang N, Lu Q, Yuan B, Wang Z, Li H, Guo L, Zhang R, Wu Z, Zheng M, Zhao S, Tang X, Shao B, Tong A. A drug screening to identify novel combinatorial strategies for boosting cancer immunotherapy efficacy. J Transl Med 2023; 21:23. [PMID: 36635683 PMCID: PMC9838049 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03875-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) have made remarkable breakthroughs in cancer treatment, but the efficacy is still limited for solid tumors due to tumor antigen heterogeneity and the tumor immune microenvironment. The restrained treatment efficacy prompted us to seek new potential therapeutic methods. METHODS In this study, we conducted a small molecule compound library screen in a human BC cell line to identify whether certain drugs contribute to CAR T cell killing. Signaling pathways of tumor cells and T cells affected by the screened drugs were predicted via RNA sequencing. Among them, the antitumor activities of JK184 in combination with CAR T cells or ICBs were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS We selected three small molecule drugs from a compound library, among which JK184 directly induces tumor cell apoptosis by inhibiting the Hedgehog signaling pathway, modulates B7-H3 CAR T cells to an effector memory phenotype, and promotes B7-H3 CAR T cells cytokine secretion in vitro. In addition, our data suggested that JK184 exerts antitumor activities and strongly synergizes with B7-H3 CAR T cells or ICBs in vivo. Mechanistically, JK184 enhances B7-H3 CAR T cells infiltrating in xenograft mouse models. Moreover, JK184 combined with ICB markedly reshaped the tumor immune microenvironment by increasing effector T cells infiltration and inflammation cytokine secretion, inhibiting the recruitment of MDSCs and the transition of M2-type macrophages in an immunocompetent mouse model. CONCLUSION These data show that JK184 may be a potential adjutant in combination with CAR T cells or ICB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongliang Zhang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Guoqing Wang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Kunhong Zhong
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Yongdong Chen
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Nian Yang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Qizhong Lu
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Boyang Yuan
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Zeng Wang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Hexian Li
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Liping Guo
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Ruyuan Zhang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Zhiguo Wu
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Meijun Zheng
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Shasha Zhao
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Xin Tang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
| | - Bin Shao
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China ,grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Aiping Tong
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province China
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Bosze B, Suarez-Navarro J, Cajias I, Brzezinski JA, Brown NL. Not all Notch pathway mutations are equal in the embryonic mouse retina. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.11.523641. [PMID: 36711950 PMCID: PMC9882158 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.11.523641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In the vertebrate retina, combinations of Notch ligands, receptors, and ternary complex components determine the destiny of retinal progenitor cells by regulating Hes effector gene activity. Owing to reiterated Notch signaling in numerous tissues throughout development, there are multiple vertebrate paralogues for nearly every node in this pathway. These Notch signaling components can act redundantly or in a compensatory fashion during development. To dissect the complexity of this pathway during retinal development, we used seven germline or conditional mutant mice and two spatiotemporally distinct Cre drivers. We perturbed the Notch ternary complex and multiple Hes genes with two overt goals in mind. First, we wished to determine if Notch signaling is required in the optic stalk/nerve head for Hes1 sustained expression and activity. Second, we aimed to test if Hes1, 3 and 5 genes are functionally redundant during early retinal histogenesis. With our allelic series, we found that disrupting Notch signaling consistently blocked mitotic growth and overproduced ganglion cells, but we also identified two significant branchpoints for this pathway. In the optic stalk/nerve head, sustained Hes1 is regulated independent of Notch signaling, whereas during photoreceptor genesis both Notch-dependent and -independent roles for Rbpj and Hes1 impact photoreceptor genesis in opposing manners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadett Bosze
- Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | | | - Illiana Cajias
- Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Joseph A. Brzezinski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Nadean L Brown
- Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
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Sadeghi M, Gholizadeh M, Safataj N, Tahmasebivand M, Mohajeri G, Lotfi H, Bostanabad SY, Safar B, Salehi M. GLIS2 and CCND1 expression levels in breast cancer patients. Breast Dis 2023; 42:251-259. [PMID: 37574724 DOI: 10.3233/bd-220068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer in women, with increasing incidence and death rates in recent years. Disruptions of different signaling pathways partially cause breast cancer. Hence, different genes through particular pathways are involved in BC tumorigenesis. METHODS In this study, we evaluated the expression level of GLIS2 and CCND1 genes in 50 patients. Also, in-silico analyses were used to enrich related signaling pathways involving the mentioned genes. RESULTS The results showed an increased expression level of Cyclin D1 and decreased expression level of GLIS2 in BC patients. Moreover, a relationship between aberrant expression levels of GLIS2 and CCND1 and BC development was determined. CONCLUSION These observations could help uncover new therapeutic targets for treating patients with BC in the progressive stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoosh Sadeghi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Majid Gholizadeh
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Safataj
- Department of Genetics, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord Branch, Shahrekord, Iran
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahsa Tahmasebivand
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Mohajeri
- Department of Surgery, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hajie Lotfi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Saber Yari Bostanabad
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul Health and Technology University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Behnaz Safar
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mansoor Salehi
- Cellular, Molecular and Genetics Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center of Genome, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Thalheim T, Aust G, Galle J. Organoid Cultures In Silico: Tools or Toys? BIOENGINEERING (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 10:bioengineering10010050. [PMID: 36671623 PMCID: PMC9854934 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The implementation of stem-cell-based organoid culture more than ten years ago started a development that created new avenues for diagnostic analyses and regenerative medicine. In parallel, computational modelling groups realized the potential of this culture system to support their theoretical approaches to study tissues in silico. These groups developed computational organoid models (COMs) that enabled testing consistency between cell biological data and developing theories of tissue self-organization. The models supported a mechanistic understanding of organoid growth and maturation and helped linking cell mechanics and tissue shape in general. What comes next? Can we use COMs as tools to complement the equipment of our biological and medical research? While these models already support experimental design, can they also quantitatively predict tissue behavior? Here, we review the current state of the art of COMs and discuss perspectives for their application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Thalheim
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Bioinformatics (IZBI), Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16–18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Gabriela Aust
- Department of Surgery, Research Laboratories, Leipzig University, Liebigstraße 20, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Joerg Galle
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Bioinformatics (IZBI), Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16–18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
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The role of Hedgehog and Notch signaling pathway in cancer. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:44. [PMID: 36517618 PMCID: PMC9751255 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch and Hedgehog signaling are involved in cancer biology and pathology, including the maintenance of tumor cell proliferation, cancer stem-like cells, and the tumor microenvironment. Given the complexity of Notch signaling in tumors, its role as both a tumor promoter and suppressor, and the crosstalk between pathways, the goal of developing clinically safe, effective, tumor-specific Notch-targeted drugs has remained intractable. Drugs developed against the Hedgehog signaling pathway have affirmed definitive therapeutic effects in basal cell carcinoma; however, in some contexts, the challenges of tumor resistance and recurrence leap to the forefront. The efficacy is very limited for other tumor types. In recent years, we have witnessed an exponential increase in the investigation and recognition of the critical roles of the Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways in cancers, and the crosstalk between these pathways has vast space and value to explore. A series of clinical trials targeting signaling have been launched continually. In this review, we introduce current advances in the understanding of Notch and Hedgehog signaling and the crosstalk between pathways in specific tumor cell populations and microenvironments. Moreover, we also discuss the potential of targeting Notch and Hedgehog for cancer therapy, intending to promote the leap from bench to bedside.
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57
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Sharma U, Tuli HS, Uttam V, Choudhary R, Sharma B, Sharma U, Prakash H, Jain A. Role of Hedgehog and Hippo signaling pathways in cancer: A special focus on non-coding RNAs. Pharmacol Res 2022; 186:106523. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Ishikawa T, Ogura Y, Tanaka K, Nagashima H, Sasayama T, Endo M, Minami Y. Ror1 is expressed inducibly by Notch and hypoxia signaling and regulates stem cell-like property of glioblastoma cells. Cancer Sci 2022; 114:561-573. [PMID: 36314076 PMCID: PMC9899608 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ror1 plays a crucial role in cancer progression by regulating cell proliferation and migration. Ror1 is expressed abundantly in various types of cancer cells and cancer stem-like cells. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating expression of Ror1 in these cells remain largely unknown. Ror1 and its putative ligand Wnt5a are expressed highly in malignant gliomas, especially in glioblastomas, and the extents of Ror1 expression are correlated positively with poorer prognosis in patients with gliomas. We show that Ror1 expression can be upregulated in glioblastoma cells under spheroid culture, but not adherent culture conditions. Notch and hypoxia signaling pathways have been shown to be activated in spheroid-forming glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs), and Ror1 expression in glioblastoma cells is indeed suppressed by inhibiting either Notch or hypoxia signaling. Meanwhile, either forced expression of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) in or hypoxic culture of glioblastoma cells result in enhanced expression of Ror1 in the cells. Consistently, we show that both NICD and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha bind to upstream regions within the Ror1 gene more efficiently in GSCs under spheroid culture conditions. Furthermore, we provide evidence indicating that binding of Wnt5a to Ror1, upregulated by Notch and hypoxia signaling pathways in GSCs, might promote their spheroid-forming ability. Collectively, these findings indicate for the first time that Notch and hypoxia signaling pathways can elicit a Wnt5a-Ror1 axis through transcriptional activation of Ror1 in glioblastoma cells, thereby promoting their stem cell-like property.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Ishikawa
- Division of Cell Physiology, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of MedicineKobe UniversityKobeJapan
| | - Yasuka Ogura
- Division of Cell Physiology, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of MedicineKobe UniversityKobeJapan
| | - Kazuhiro Tanaka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of MedicineKobe UniversityKobeJapan
| | - Hiroaki Nagashima
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of MedicineKobe UniversityKobeJapan
| | - Takashi Sasayama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of MedicineKobe UniversityKobeJapan
| | - Mitsuharu Endo
- Division of Cell Physiology, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of MedicineKobe UniversityKobeJapan
| | - Yasuhiro Minami
- Division of Cell Physiology, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of MedicineKobe UniversityKobeJapan
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Martínez-Sifuentes MA, Bassol-Mayagoitia S, Nava-Hernández MP, Ruiz-Flores P, Ramos-Treviño J, Haro-Santa Cruz J, Hernández-Ibarra JA. Survivin in Breast Cancer: A Review. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2022; 26:411-421. [PMID: 36166738 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2021.0286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and ranks second among causes for cancer-related death in women. Gene technology has led to the recognition that breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease composed of different biological subtypes, and genetic profiling enables the response to chemotherapy to be predicted. This fact emphasizes the importance of selecting sensitive diagnostic and prognostic markers in the early disease stage and more efficient targeted treatments for this disease. One such prognostic marker appears to be survivin. Many studies have shown that survivin is strongly expressed in different types of cancers. Its overexpression has been demonstrated in breast cancer, and high activity of the survivin gene has been associated with a poor prognosis and worse survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Antonio Martínez-Sifuentes
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Biomedical Research Center, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Torreón, Mexico
| | - Susana Bassol-Mayagoitia
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Biomedical Research Center, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Torreón, Mexico
| | - Martha P Nava-Hernández
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Biomedical Research Center, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Torreón, Mexico
| | - Pablo Ruiz-Flores
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Torreón, Mexico
| | - Juan Ramos-Treviño
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Biomedical Research Center, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Torreón, Mexico
| | - Jorge Haro-Santa Cruz
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Torreón, Mexico
| | - José Anselmo Hernández-Ibarra
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Biomedical Research Center, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Torreón, Mexico
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Arutyunyan IV, Soboleva AG, Gordon KB, Kudashkina DS, Miroshnichenko DA, Polyakov AP, Rebrikova IV, Makarov AV, Lokhonina AV, Fatkhudinov TK. Differential Markers of Subpopulations of Epithelial Cells of the Larynx in Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Bull Exp Biol Med 2022; 173:553-559. [DOI: 10.1007/s10517-022-05588-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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61
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Tang LY, Spezia M, Chen T, Shin JH, Wang F, Stappenbeck F, Lebensohn AM, Parhami F, Zhang YE. Oxysterol derivatives Oxy186 and Oxy210 inhibit WNT signaling in non-small cell lung cancer. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:119. [PMID: 35908024 PMCID: PMC9338492 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00857-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmental signaling pathways such as those of Hedgehog (HH) and WNT play critical roles in cancer stem cell self-renewal, migration, and differentiation. They are often constitutively activated in many human malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Previously, we reported that two oxysterol derivatives, Oxy186 and Oxy210, are potent inhibitors of HH/GLI signaling and NSCLC cancer cell growth. In addition, we also showed that Oxy210 is a potent inhibitor of TGF-β/SMAD signaling. In this follow-up study, we further explore the mechanism of action by which these oxysterols control NSCLC cell proliferation and tumor growth. RESULTS Using a GLI-responsive luciferase reporter assay, we show here that HH ligand could not mount a signaling response in the NSCLC cell line A549, even though Oxy186 and Oxy210 still inhibited non-canonical GLI activity and suppressed the proliferation of A549 cells. Further, we uncover an unexpected activity of these two oxysterols in inhibiting the WNT/β-catenin signaling at the level of LRP5/6 membrane receptors. We also show that in a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model generated from A549 cells, Oxy186, but not Oxy210, exhibits strong inhibition of tumor growth. Subsequent RNA-seq analysis of the xenograft tumor tissue reveal that the WNT/β-catenin pathway is the target of Oxy186 in vivo. CONCLUSION The oxysterols Oxy186 and Oxy210 both possess inhibitory activity towards WNT/β-catenin signaling, and Oxy186 is also a potent inhibitor of NSCLC tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu-Ya Tang
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, NIH, Building 37, RM 2056B, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Marie Spezia
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, NIH, Building 37, RM 2056B, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ting Chen
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, NIH, Building 37, RM 2056B, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jee-Hye Shin
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, NIH, Building 37, RM 2056B, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Feng Wang
- Max Biopharma. Inc, 2870 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA
| | - Frank Stappenbeck
- Max Biopharma. Inc, 2870 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA
| | - Andres M Lebensohn
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, NIH, Building 37, RM 2056B, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Farhad Parhami
- Max Biopharma. Inc, 2870 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA
| | - Ying E Zhang
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, NIH, Building 37, RM 2056B, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Huang J, Huo H, Lu R. A Novel Signature of Necroptosis-Associated Genes as a Potential Prognostic Tool for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:907985. [PMID: 35754840 PMCID: PMC9218670 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.907985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) arises from squamous cells in the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. Although HNSCC is sensitive to radiotherapy, patient prognosis is poor. Necroptosis is a novel programmed form of necrotic cell death. The prognostic value of necroptosis-associated gene expression in HNSCC has not been explored. Material and Methods: We downloaded mRNA expression data of HNSCC patients from TCGA databases and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, and compared gene expression between tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and necroptosis-related prognostic genes. A model with necroptosis-related genes was established to predict patient prognosis via LASSO method and Kaplan-Meier analysis. GSE65858 data set (n = 270) from GEO was used to verify the model's predictive ability. Gene set enrichment analyses, immune microenvironment analysis, principal component analysis, and anti-tumor compound IC50 prediction were also performed. Results: We identified 49 DEGs and found 10 DEGs were associated with patient survival (p < 0.05). A risk model of 6-gene signature was constructed using the TCGA training data set and further validated with the GEO data set. Patients in the low-risk group survived longer than those in the high-risk group (p < 0.05) in the GEO validation sets. Functional analysis showed the two patient groups were associated with distinct immunity conditions and IC50. Conclusion: We constructed a prognostic model with 6 necroptosis-associated genes for HNSCC. The model has potential usage to guide treatment because survival was different between the two groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hongqi Huo
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, China
| | - Rong Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Genetic Testing, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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De Francesco EM, Cirillo F, Vella V, Belfiore A, Maggiolini M, Lappano R. Triple-negative breast cancer drug resistance, durable efficacy, and cure: How advanced biological insights and emerging drug modalities could transform progress. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:513-535. [PMID: 35761781 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2094762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by the lack of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and often associated with poor survival outcomes. The backbone of current treatments for TNBC relies on chemotherapy; however, resistance to cytotoxic agents is a commonly encountered hurdle to overcome. AREAS COVERED : Current understanding on the mechanisms involved in TNBC chemoresistance is evaluated and novel potential actionable targets and recently explored modalities for carrying and delivering chemotherapeutics are highlighted. EXPERT OPINION : A comprehensive identification of both genomic and functional TNBC signatures is required for a more definite categorization of the patients in order to prevent insensitivity to chemotherapy and therefore realize the full potential of precision-medicine approaches. In this scenario, cell-line-derived xenografts (CDX), patient-derived xenografts (PDX), patient-derived orthotopic xenografts (PDOX) and patient-derived organoids (PDO) are indispensable experimental models for evaluating the efficacy of drug candidates and predicting the therapeutic response. The combination of increasingly sensitive "omics" technologies, computational algorithms and innovative drug modalities may accelerate the successful translation of novel candidate TNBC targets from basic research to clinical settings, thus contributing to reach optimal clinical output, with lower side effects and reduced resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Veronica Vella
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
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Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Promotes Cell Growth, Stemness Like Characteristics, and Metastasis in Human Ovarian Cancer via Activation of PI3K/Akt, β-Catenin, and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126395. [PMID: 35742838 PMCID: PMC9223661 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) ranks first in cancer-related deaths out of all female reproductive malignancies with high-pitched tumor relapse and chemoresistance. Several reports correlate cancer occurrences with exposure to xenobiotics via induction of a protein receptor named aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). However, the effect of AhR on OC proliferation, expansion, and chemoresistance remains unrevealed. For this purpose, OC cells A2780 and A2780cis cells were treated with AhR activator, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), and the effects were determined by Real-Time Cell Analyzer, clonogenic assay, flow cytometry, immunoblotting and wound healing assay. Our results showed that activation of AhR by TCDD in A2780 cells induced the PI3K/AKT pathway followed by induction of anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-2, BCL-xl, and MCL-1. In addition, a significant increase in stemness marker aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH1) was observed. This effect was also associated with an accumulation of β-catenin, a Wnt transcription factor. Moreover, we observed induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) upon AhR activation. In conclusion, the results from the current study confirm that AhR mediates OC progression, stemness characteristics, and metastatic potential via activation of PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, and EMT. This study provides a better insight into the modulatory role of AhR that might help in developing novel therapeutic strategies for OC treatment.
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65
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Zhai Y, Shan C, Zhang H, Kong P, Zhang L, Wang Y, Hu X, Cheng X. FAT1 downregulation enhances stemness and cisplatin resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:2689-2702. [PMID: 35606602 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04475-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Primary or acquired drug resistance accounts for the failure of chemotherapy and cancer recurrence in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the aberrant mechanisms driving drug resistance are not fully understood in ESCC. In our previous study, FAT Atypical Cadherin 1 (FAT1) was found to inhibit the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in ESCC. EMT plays a critical role in the development of drug resistance in multiple cancer types. Besides, it equips cancer cells with cancer stem cell (CSC)-like characters that also are associated with chemotherapy resistance. Whether FAT1 regulates the stemness or drug resistance of ESCC cells is worth being explored. Here we found that FAT1 was downregulated in ESCC spheres and negatively correlated with stemness-associated markers including ALDH1A1 and KLF4. Knocking down FAT1 enhanced the sphere-forming ability, resistance to cisplatin and drug efflux of ESCC cells. Additionally, FAT1 knockdown upregulated the expression of drug resistance-related gene ABCC3. Furtherly, we found FAT1 knockdown induced the translocation of β-catenin into nucleus and enhanced its transcriptional activity. The result of ChIP showed that β-catenin was enriched in ABCC3 promoter. Furthermore, β-catenin promoted expression of ABCC3. In conclusion, FAT1 knockdown might enhance the stemness and ABCC3-related cisplatin resistance of ESCC cells via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. FAT1 and its downstream gene ABCC3 might be potential targets for overcoming chemoresistance in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfang Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xin Jian Nan Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengyuan Shan
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xin Jian Nan Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xin Jian Nan Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengzhou Kong
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xin Jian Nan Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xin Jian Nan Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanqiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xin Jian Nan Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Hu
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xin Jian Nan Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaolong Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xin Jian Nan Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.
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Dual therapeutic approach to modulate Glycogen Synthase kinase −3 beta (GSK-3Β) and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa kinase-beta (IKK-β) receptors by in silico designing of inhibitors. J Mol Graph Model 2022; 115:108225. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2022.108225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Byerly CD, Mitra S, Patterson LL, Pittner NA, Velayutham TS, Paessler S, Veljkovic V, McBride JW. Ehrlichia SLiM ligand mimetic activates Hedgehog signaling to engage a BCL-2 anti-apoptotic cellular program. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010345. [PMID: 35576232 PMCID: PMC9135340 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia chaffeensis (E. chaffeensis) has evolved eukaryotic ligand mimicry to repurpose multiple cellular signaling pathways for immune evasion. In this investigation, we demonstrate that TRP120 has a novel repetitive short linear motif (SLiM) that activates the evolutionarily conserved Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway to inhibit apoptosis. In silico analysis revealed that TRP120 has sequence and functional similarity with Hh ligands and a candidate Hh ligand SLiM was identified. siRNA knockdown of Hh signaling and transcriptional components significantly reduced infection. Co-immunoprecipitation and surface plasmon resonance demonstrated that rTRP120-TR interacted directly with Hh receptor Patched-2 (PTCH2). E. chaffeensis infection resulted in early upregulation of Hh transcription factor GLI-1 and regulation of Hh target genes. Moreover, soluble recombinant TRP120 (rTRP120) activated Hh and induced gene expression consistent with the eukaryotic Hh ligand. The TRP120-Hh-SLiM (NPEVLIKD) induced nuclear translocation of GLI-1 in THP-1 cells and primary human monocytes and induced a rapid and expansive activation of Hh pathway target genes. Furthermore, Hh activation was blocked by an α-TRP120-Hh-SLiM antibody. TRP120-Hh-SLiM significantly increased levels of Hh target, anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), and siRNA knockdown of BCL-2 dramatically inhibited infection. Blocking Hh signaling with the inhibitor Vismodegib, induced a pro-apoptotic cellular program defined by decreased mitochondria membrane potential, significant reductions in BCL-2, activation of caspase 3 and 9, and increased apoptotic cells. This study reveals a novel E. chaffeensis SLiM ligand mimetic that activates Hh signaling to maintain E. chaffeensis infection by engaging a BCL-2 anti-apoptotic cellular program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlan D. Byerly
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Shubhajit Mitra
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - LaNisha L. Patterson
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nicholas A. Pittner
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Thangam S. Velayutham
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Biomed Protection, LLC, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Veljko Veljkovic
- Biomed Protection, LLC, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jere W. McBride
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
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68
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Rodriguez SMB, Staicu GA, Sevastre AS, Baloi C, Ciubotaru V, Dricu A, Tataranu LG. Glioblastoma Stem Cells-Useful Tools in the Battle against Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094602. [PMID: 35562993 PMCID: PMC9100635 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) are cells with a self-renewal ability and capacity to initiate tumors upon serial transplantation that have been linked to tumor cell heterogeneity. Most standard treatments fail to completely eradicate GSCs, causing the recurrence of the disease. GSCs could represent one reason for the low efficacy of cancer therapy and for the short relapse time. Nonetheless, experimental data suggest that the presence of therapy-resistant GSCs could explain tumor recurrence. Therefore, to effectively target GSCs, a comprehensive understanding of their biology and the survival and developing mechanisms during treatment is mandatory. This review provides an overview of the molecular features, microenvironment, detection, and targeting strategies of GSCs, an essential information required for an efficient therapy. Despite the outstanding results in oncology, researchers are still developing novel strategies, of which one could be targeting the GSCs present in the hypoxic regions and invasive edge of the glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Mara Baez Rodriguez
- Neurosurgical Department, Clinical Hospital “Bagdasar-Arseni”, 041915 Bucharest, Romania; (S.M.B.R.); (V.C.); (L.G.T.)
| | - Georgiana-Adeline Staicu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (G.-A.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Ani-Simona Sevastre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Carina Baloi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (G.-A.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Vasile Ciubotaru
- Neurosurgical Department, Clinical Hospital “Bagdasar-Arseni”, 041915 Bucharest, Romania; (S.M.B.R.); (V.C.); (L.G.T.)
| | - Anica Dricu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (G.-A.S.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ligia Gabriela Tataranu
- Neurosurgical Department, Clinical Hospital “Bagdasar-Arseni”, 041915 Bucharest, Romania; (S.M.B.R.); (V.C.); (L.G.T.)
- Department 6—Clinical Neurosciences, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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Development of New Thiophene-Containing Triaryl Pyrazoline Derivatives as PI3Kγ Inhibitors. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27082404. [PMID: 35458602 PMCID: PMC9027920 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of new thiophene-containing triaryl pyrazoline derivatives, 3a–3t, were synthesized and evaluated regarding PI3K inhibition activity and anti-tumor potency based on a trial of introducing significant moieties, including pyrazoline and thiophene, and simplifying the parallel ring structures. Most of the tested compounds indicated potent PI3K inhibitory potency, with this series of compounds showing more potency for PI3Kγ than PI3Kα. The top hit 3s seemed more potent than the positive control LY294002 on inhibiting PI3Kγ (IC50 values: 0.066 μM versus 0.777 μM) and more selective from PI3Kα (Index values: 645 versus 1.74). It could be inferred that the combination of para- and meta-, as well as the modification of the electron-donating moieties, led to the improvement in potency. The anti-proliferation inhibitory activity and the enzymatic inhibition potency indicated consistent tendencies. The top hit 3s could inhibit the phosphorylation of Akt by inhibiting PI3K through the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway. The molecular docking simulation indicated that the binding pattern of 3s into PI3Kγ was preferable than that of PI3Kα, with more hydrogen bond, more π-involved interactions, and fewer π-sulfur interactions. The information in this work is referable for the further development of selective inhibitors for specific isoforms of PI3K.
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70
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Alamilla-Presuel JC, Burgos-Molina AM, González-Vidal A, Sendra-Portero F, Ruiz-Gómez MJ. Factors and molecular mechanisms of radiation resistance in cancer cells. Int J Radiat Biol 2022; 98:1301-1315. [PMID: 35225732 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2047825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this work is to review the published studies on radiation resistance mechanisms and molecular markers involved in different tumors. The revision has been focused in the last 5 years (2016-2021). CONCLUSIONS Radioresistance is a cause of concern as it causes failure of radiation therapy and subsequent tumor relapse. Combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy are clinically successful in treating many types of tumors. Despite continued improvements in cancer treatment, locoregional recurrence or metastatic spread continues to occur in a high proportion of patients after being treated with radiation therapy or combination treatments. There is strong evidence that cancer stem cells contribute to radiation resistance, contributing to treatment failure. The mechanisms of radiation resistance in different tumors are not fully understood. A better understanding of cancer stem cells and the associated signaling pathways that regulate radiation resistance will open up new strategies for treating cancer by radiation therapy. Radiation can damage malignant cells mainly by the induction of DNA double strand breaks. However, in some tumors appear resistant cells that repopulate the tumor following therapy leading over time to the failure of the treatment. Native mechanisms and induced pathways, are the cause of radiation resistance. It has been described that numerous molecular markers acting through numerous mechanisms of action involved in radiation resistance, such as apoptosis resistance, alterations of cell growth, proliferation and DNA repair, hypoxia, increase in invasiveness and migration capacity, cell cycle alterations and expression of heat shock proteins, among others. Therefore, resistance to radiation is a multifactorial phenomenon that, in different cell types, it occurs through different regulatory mechanisms in which different molecules intervene. Resistance can be acquired by altering different regulatory pathways in different tumors. The knowledge of radiation resistance markers could help in the classification and treatment of patients with more aggressive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Alamilla-Presuel
- Departamento de Radiología y Medicina Física, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, España
| | - Antonio M Burgos-Molina
- Departamento de Especialidades Quirúrgicas, Bioquímica e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, España
| | - Alejandro González-Vidal
- Departamento de Radiología y Medicina Física, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, España
| | - Francisco Sendra-Portero
- Departamento de Radiología y Medicina Física, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, España
| | - Miguel J Ruiz-Gómez
- Departamento de Radiología y Medicina Física, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, España
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Aramini B, Masciale V, Grisendi G, Bertolini F, Maur M, Guaitoli G, Chrystel I, Morandi U, Stella F, Dominici M, Haider KH. Dissecting Tumor Growth: The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in Drug Resistance and Recurrence. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040976. [PMID: 35205721 PMCID: PMC8869911 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer is one of the most debated problems all over the world. Cancer stem cells are considered responsible of tumor initiation, metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence. This subpopulation of cells has been found into the tumor bulk and showed the capacity to self-renew, differentiate, up to generate a new tumor. In the last decades, several studies have been set on the molecular mechanisms behind their specific characteristics as the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, Hedgehog signaling, transcription factors, etc. The most powerful part of CSCs is represented by the niches as “promoter” of their self-renewal and “protector” from the common oncological treatment as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In our review article we highlighted the primary mechanisms involved in CSC tumorigenesis for the setting of further targets to control the metastatic process. Abstract Emerging evidence suggests that a small subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is responsible for initiation, progression, and metastasis cascade in tumors. CSCs share characteristics with normal stem cells, i.e., self-renewal and differentiation potential, suggesting that they can drive cancer progression. Consequently, targeting CSCs to prevent tumor growth or regrowth might offer a chance to lead the fight against cancer. CSCs create their niche, a specific area within tissue with a unique microenvironment that sustains their vital functions. Interactions between CSCs and their niches play a critical role in regulating CSCs’ self-renewal and tumorigenesis. Differences observed in the frequency of CSCs, due to the phenotypic plasticity of many cancer cells, remain a challenge in cancer therapeutics, since CSCs can modulate their transcriptional activities into a more stem-like state to protect themselves from destruction. This plasticity represents an essential step for future therapeutic approaches. Regarding self-renewal, CSCs are modulated by the same molecular pathways found in normal stem cells, such as Wnt/β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, and Hedgehog signaling. Another key characteristic of CSCs is their resistance to standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, due to their capacity to rest in a quiescent state. This review will analyze the primary mechanisms involved in CSC tumorigenesis, with particular attention to the roles of CSCs in tumor progression in benign and malignant diseases; and will examine future perspectives on the identification of new markers to better control tumorigenesis, as well as dissecting the metastasis process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Aramini
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine–DIMES of the Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, G.B. Morgagni-L. Pierantoni Hospital, 47121 Forlì, Italy;
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (V.M.); (U.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Valentina Masciale
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (V.M.); (U.M.)
| | - Giulia Grisendi
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Federica Bertolini
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Michela Maur
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Giorgia Guaitoli
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Isca Chrystel
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Uliano Morandi
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (V.M.); (U.M.)
| | - Franco Stella
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine–DIMES of the Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, G.B. Morgagni-L. Pierantoni Hospital, 47121 Forlì, Italy;
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
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Guo R, Xing QS. Roles of Wnt Signaling Pathway and ROR2 Receptor in Embryonic Development: An Update Review Article. Epigenet Insights 2022; 15:25168657211064232. [PMID: 35128307 PMCID: PMC8808015 DOI: 10.1177/25168657211064232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt family is a large class of highly conserved cysteine-rich secretory glycoproteins that play a vital role in various cellular and physiological courses through different signaling pathways during embryogenesis and tissue homeostasis 3. Wnt5a is a secreted glycoprotein that belongs to the noncanonical Wnt family and is involved in a wide range of developmental and tissue homeostasis. A growing body of evidence suggests that Wnt5a affects embryonic development, signaling through various receptors, starting with the activation of β-catenin by Wnt5a. In addition to affecting planar cell polarity and Ca2+ pathways, β-catenin also includes multiple signaling cascades that regulate various cell functions. Secondly, Wnt5a can bind to Ror receptors to mediate noncanonical Wnt signaling and a significant ligand for Ror2 in vertebrates. Consistent with the multiple functions of Wnt5A/Ror2 signaling, Wnt5A knockout mice exhibited various phenotypic defects, including an inability to extend the anterior and posterior axes of the embryo. Numerous essential roles of Wnt5a/Ror2 in development have been demonstrated. Therefore, Ror signaling pathway become a necessary target for diagnosing and treating human diseases. The Wnt5a- Ror2 signaling pathway as a critical factor has attracted extensive attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Guo
- Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Quan Sheng Xing
- Qingdao University-Affiliated Hospital of Women and Children, Qingdao, China
- Quan Sheng Xing, Qingdao University-Affiliated Hospital of Women and Children, tongfu road 6, shibei district, Qingdao 266000, China.
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73
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Vlatkovic T, Veldwijk MR, Giordano FA, Herskind C. Targeting Cell Cycle Checkpoint Kinases to Overcome Intrinsic Radioresistance in Brain Tumor Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030701. [PMID: 35158967 PMCID: PMC8833533 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary As cell cycle checkpoint mechanisms maintain genomic integrity, the inhibition of enzymes involved in these control mechanisms may increase the sensitivity of the cells to DNA damaging treatments. In this review, we summarize the knowledge in the field of brain tumor treatment with radiation therapy and cell cycle checkpoint inhibition via targeting ATM, ATR, CHK1, CHK2, and WEE1 kinases. Abstract Radiation therapy is an important part of the standard of care treatment of brain tumors. However, the efficacy of radiation therapy is limited by the radioresistance of tumor cells, a phenomenon held responsible for the dismal prognosis of the most aggressive brain tumor types. A promising approach to radiosensitization of tumors is the inhibition of cell cycle checkpoint control responsible for cell cycle progression and the maintenance of genomic integrity. Inhibition of the kinases involved in these control mechanisms can abolish cell cycle checkpoints and DNA damage repair and thus increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to radiation and chemotherapy. Here, we discuss preclinical progress in molecular targeting of ATM, ATR, CHK1, CHK2, and WEE1, checkpoint kinases in the treatment of brain tumors, and review current clinical phase I-II trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Vlatkovic
- Cellular and Molecular Radiation Oncology Lab, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (T.V.); (M.R.V.)
| | - Marlon R. Veldwijk
- Cellular and Molecular Radiation Oncology Lab, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (T.V.); (M.R.V.)
| | - Frank A. Giordano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Carsten Herskind
- Cellular and Molecular Radiation Oncology Lab, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (T.V.); (M.R.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-621-383-3773
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Shih PC. The role of the STAT3 signaling transduction pathways in radioresistance. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 234:108118. [PMID: 35085605 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of radiotherapy has long known to be limited by the emergence of resistance. The four Rs of radiotherapy (DNA damage repair, reoxygenation, redistribution of the cell cycle, and repopulation) are generally accepted concepts in radiobioolgy. Recent studies have strongly linked signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to the regulation of cancer stemness and radioresistance. In particular, a STAT3 pathway inhibitor napabucasin, claimed to be the first cancer stemness antagonist in clinical trials, strengthens the link. However, no reviews connect STAT3 with the four Rs of radiotherapy. Herein, the evidence-based role of STAT3 in radioresistance is discussed in relation to the four Rs of radiotherapy. The proposed mechanisms include upstream and downstream effector proteins of STAT3, including FOXM1, MELK, NEK2, AKT, EZH2, and HIF1α. Downstream transcriptional products of the mechanistically-related proteins are involved in cancer stemness, anti-apoptosis, and the four Rs of radiotherapy. Utilizing selective inhibitors of the mechanistically-related proteins has shown promising antagonism of radioresistance, suggesting that the expression levels of these proteins may be biomarkers for the prediction of radiotherapeutic outcomes, and that this molecular mechanism may provide a rational axis through which to treat radioresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Chang Shih
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1AX, UK; Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan.
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75
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Nagu P, Sharma V, Behl T, Pathan AKA, Mehta V. Molecular Insights to the Wnt Signaling During Alzheimer's Disorder: a Potential Target for Therapeutic Interventions. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:679-690. [PMID: 34997460 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01940-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In the adult brain, Wnt signaling is crucial for neurogenesis, and it also regulates neuronal development, neuronal maturation, neuronal differential, and proliferation. Impaired Wnt signaling pathways are associated with enhanced levels of amyloid-β, reduced β-catenin levels, and increased expression of GSK-3β enzyme, suggesting its direct association with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disorder (AD). These findings are consolidated by reports where activation of Wnt signaling by genetic factors and pharmacological intervention has improved the cognitive functions in animals and restored neurogenesis in the adult brain. Various natural and synthetic molecules have been identified that modulate Wnt signaling in the adult brain and promote neurogenesis and alleviate behavioral dysfunction. These molecules include lithium, valproic acid, ethosuximide, selenomethionine, curcumin, andrographolide, xanthoceraside, huperzine A, pyridostigmine, ginkgolide-B, ricinine, cannabidiol, and resveratrol. These molecules are associated with the DKK1 and GSK-3β inhibition and β-catenin stabilization along with their effects on neurogenesis, neuronal proliferation, and differentiation in the hippocampus through modulation of Wnt signaling and thereby could prove beneficial in the management of AD pathogenesis. Although modulation of the Wnt signaling seems to suggest to be promising in the management of AD, unfortunately, most of the literature available for the association of Wnt signaling and AD pathogenesis is either from preclinical studies or post-mortem brain. Therefore, it will be interesting to understand the role of Wnt signaling in AD patients, and a rigorous investigation could provide us with a better understanding of AD pathogenesis and the identification of novel targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Nagu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, India.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Government College of Pharmacy, Rohru, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Vivek Sharma
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.,Department of Pharmacology, Government College of Pharmacy, Himachal Pradesh 171207, Rohru, District Shimla, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Amjad Khan A Pathan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, India
| | - Vineet Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, Government College of Pharmacy, Himachal Pradesh 171207, Rohru, District Shimla, India.
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Lambring C, Varga K, Livingston K, Lorusso N, Dudhia A, Basha R. Therapeutic Applications of Curcumin and Derivatives in Colorectal Cancer. ONCO THERAPEUTICS 2022; 9:51-62. [PMID: 37324055 PMCID: PMC10262216 DOI: 10.1615/oncotherap.2022044575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Curcumin (CUR), a natural phenolic compound, has been increasingly investigated in several malignancies due to its safe profile and ability to affect a wide range of oncogenic targets. With the ability to affect metastasis, apoptosis, and angiogenesis in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its tolerability at high doses, CUR is an attractive target for study. However, poor bioavailability and unfavorable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics have hampered CUR's efficacy in clinical trials. Development of its derivatives and alternative delivery methods have shown the potential to overcome its inherent bioavailability issues. Recent analyses of various derivatives and nanoparticle encapsulation of CUR have demonstrated increased effectiveness in CRC studies. A major advantage of CUR has been its synergistic effects when used in combination with various chemotherapeutic agents. CUR offers a unique treatment option in terms of patient safety and its ability to be used in combination with current treatments for CRC. Further development of its derivatives and alternative delivery options offer potential new avenues of treatment that could outperform previous efforts to establish CUR as a CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer Lambring
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Kelly Varga
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75241, USA
| | - Keriman Livingston
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75241, USA
| | - Nicholas Lorusso
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of North Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75241, USA
| | - Amil Dudhia
- Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, MO 64801, USA
| | - Riyaz Basha
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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Casati G, Giunti L, Iorio AL, Marturano A, Galli L, Sardi I. Hippo Pathway in Regulating Drug Resistance of Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413431. [PMID: 34948224 PMCID: PMC8705144 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) represents the most common and malignant tumor of the Central Nervous System (CNS), affecting both children and adults. GBM is one of the deadliest tumor types and it shows a strong multidrug resistance (MDR) and an immunosuppressive microenvironment which remain a great challenge to therapy. Due to the high recurrence of GBM after treatment, the understanding of the chemoresistance phenomenon and how to stimulate the antitumor immune response in this pathology is crucial. The deregulation of the Hippo pathway is involved in tumor genesis, chemoresistance and immunosuppressive nature of GBM. This pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway with a kinase cascade core, which controls the translocation of YAP (Yes-Associated Protein)/TAZ (Transcriptional Co-activator with PDZ-binding Motif) into the nucleus, leading to regulation of organ size and growth. With this review, we want to highlight how chemoresistance and tumor immunosuppression work in GBM and how the Hippo pathway has a key role in them. We linger on the role of the Hippo pathway evaluating the effect of its de-regulation among different human cancers. Moreover, we consider how different pathways are cross-linked with the Hippo signaling in GBM genesis and the hypothetical mechanisms responsible for the Hippo pathway activation in GBM. Furthermore, we describe various drugs targeting the Hippo pathway. In conclusion, all the evidence described largely support a strong involvement of the Hippo pathway in gliomas progression, in the activation of chemoresistance mechanisms and in the development of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Therefore, this pathway is a promising target for the treatment of high grade gliomas and in particular of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Casati
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer Children’s Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy; (L.G.); (A.L.I.); (A.M.); (I.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Laura Giunti
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer Children’s Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy; (L.G.); (A.L.I.); (A.M.); (I.S.)
| | - Anna Lisa Iorio
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer Children’s Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy; (L.G.); (A.L.I.); (A.M.); (I.S.)
| | - Arianna Marturano
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer Children’s Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy; (L.G.); (A.L.I.); (A.M.); (I.S.)
| | - Luisa Galli
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Iacopo Sardi
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer Children’s Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy; (L.G.); (A.L.I.); (A.M.); (I.S.)
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Shi LZ, Bonner JA. Bridging Radiotherapy to Immunotherapy: The IFN-JAK-STAT Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12295. [PMID: 34830176 PMCID: PMC8619591 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The unprecedented successes of immunotherapies (IOs) including immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) and adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) in patients with late-stage cancer provide proof-of-principle evidence that harnessing the immune system, in particular T cells, can be an effective approach to eradicate cancer. This instills strong interests in understanding the immunomodulatory effects of radiotherapy (RT), an area that was actually investigated more than a century ago but had been largely ignored for many decades. With the "newly" discovered immunogenic responses from RT, numerous endeavors have been undertaken to combine RT with IOs, in order to bolster anti-tumor immunity. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well defined, which is a subject of much investigation. We therefore conducted a systematic literature search on the molecular underpinnings of RT-induced immunomodulation and IOs, which identified the IFN-JAK-STAT pathway as a major regulator. Our further analysis of relevant studies revealed that the signaling strength and duration of this pathway in response to RT and IOs may determine eventual immunological outcomes. We propose that strategic targeting of this axis can boost the immunostimulatory effects of RT and radiosensitizing effects of IOs, thereby promoting the efficacy of combination therapy of RT and IOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis Zhichang Shi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- Programs in Immunology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - James A. Bonner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
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Spitzner M, Emons G, Schütz KB, Wolff HA, Rieken S, Ghadimi BM, Schneider G, Grade M. Inhibition of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Sensitizes Esophageal Cancer Cells to Chemoradiotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910301. [PMID: 34638639 PMCID: PMC8509072 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The standard treatment of locally advanced esophageal cancer comprises multimodal treatment concepts including preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by radical surgical resection. However, despite intensified treatment approaches, 5-year survival rates are still low. Therefore, new strategies are required to overcome treatment resistance, and to improve patients’ outcome. In this study, we investigated the impact of Wnt/β-catenin signaling on CRT resistance in esophageal cancer cells. Experiments were conducted in adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma cell lines with varying expression levels of Wnt proteins and Wnt/β-catenin signaling activities. To investigate the effect of Wnt/β-catenin signaling on CRT responsiveness, we genetically or pharmacologically inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our experiments revealed that inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling sensitizes cell lines with robust pathway activity to CRT. In conclusion, Wnt/β-catenin activity may guide precision therapies in esophageal carcinoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Spitzner
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (M.S.); (G.E.); (K.B.S.); (B.M.G.); (G.S.)
| | - Georg Emons
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (M.S.); (G.E.); (K.B.S.); (B.M.G.); (G.S.)
| | - Karl Burkhard Schütz
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (M.S.); (G.E.); (K.B.S.); (B.M.G.); (G.S.)
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sankt Georg Medical Centre and Hospital, 04129 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hendrik A. Wolff
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiooncology, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (H.A.W.); (S.R.)
- Department of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy, Radiology Munich, 80331 Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Rieken
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiooncology, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (H.A.W.); (S.R.)
| | - B. Michael Ghadimi
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (M.S.); (G.E.); (K.B.S.); (B.M.G.); (G.S.)
| | - Günter Schneider
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (M.S.); (G.E.); (K.B.S.); (B.M.G.); (G.S.)
| | - Marian Grade
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (M.S.); (G.E.); (K.B.S.); (B.M.G.); (G.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-551-39-67809
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Sun J, Lin W, Li C, Ueki H, Xue R, Sadahira T, Hu H, Wada K, Li N, Liu C, Araki M, Xu A, Huang P. Repurposing of posaconazole as a hedgehog/SMO signaling inhibitor for embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma therapy. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:4528-4540. [PMID: 34659903 PMCID: PMC8493378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Posaconazole (POS) is a novel antifungal agent, which has been repurposed as an anti-tumor drug for its potential inhibition of Hedgehog signaling pathway. Hedgehog pathway is reported to be abnormally activated in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS), this study aimed to reveal whether POS could inhibit Hedgehog signaling pathway in ERMS. Following POS treatment, XTT viability assay was used to determine the cell proliferation of ERMS cell lines. Protein changes related to Hedgehog signaling, cell cycle and autophagy were detected by Western blot. The cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. Moreover, a subcutaneous tumor mouse model of ERMS was established to assess the anti-tumor effect of POS. POS was found to inhibit tumor progression by inducing G0/G1 arrest and autophagy of RD, RMS-YM, and KYM-1 cells dose-dependently. Western blot demonstrated that POS downregulated the expressions of SMO, Gli1, c-Myc, CDK4, and CDK6, while upregulated the expressions of autophagy-related proteins. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed a significant increase of LC3B puncta in POS-treated ERMS cells. Furthermore, POS treatment led to a significant inhibition of tumor growth in mice bearing ERMS. Our findings could provide a theoretical basis and have important clinical implications in developing POS as a promising agent against ERMS by targeting Hedgehog pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingkai Sun
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayama, Japan
| | - Wenfeng Lin
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayama, Japan
| | - Chaoming Li
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayama, Japan
| | - Hideo Ueki
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayama, Japan
| | - Ruizhi Xue
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayama, Japan
| | - Takuya Sadahira
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayama, Japan
| | - Hao Hu
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Koichiro Wada
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayama, Japan
| | - Na Li
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Chunxiao Liu
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Motoo Araki
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayama, Japan
| | - Abai Xu
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayama, Japan
- Okayama Medical Innovation Center, Okayama UniversityOkayama, Japan
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Zhao M, Sun B, Wang Y, Qu G, Yang H, Wang P. miR-27-3p Enhances the Sensitivity of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells to the Antitumor Agent Olaparib by Targeting PSEN-1, the Catalytic Subunit of Γ-Secretase. Front Oncol 2021; 11:694491. [PMID: 34169001 PMCID: PMC8217819 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.694491] [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: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Olaparib has been used in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with BRCA mutations. In the present study, we demonstrated the effect of miR-27-3p on the γ-secretase pathway by regulating the sensitivity of TNBC cells to olaparib. miR-27-3p, a microRNA with the potential to target PSEN-1, the catalytic subunit of γ-secretase mediating the second step of the cleavage of the Notch protein, was identified by the online tool miRDB and found to inhibit the expression of PSEN-1 by directly targeting the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of PSEN-1. The overexpression of miR-27-3p inhibited the activation of the Notch pathway via the inhibition of the cleavage of the Notch protein, mediated by γ-secretase, and, in turn, enhanced the sensitivity of TNBC cells to the antitumor agent olaparib. Transfection with PSEN-1 containing mutated targeting sites for miR-27-3p or the expression vector of the Notch protein intracellular domain (NICD) almost completely blocked the effect of miR-27-3p on the Notch pathway or the sensitivity of TNBC cells to olaparib, respectively. Therefore, our results suggest that the miR-27-3p/γ-secretase axis participates in the regulation of TNBC and that the overexpression of miR-27-3p represents a potential approach to enhancing the sensitivity of TNBC to olaparib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Baisheng Sun
- Emergency Department, Fifth Medical Center of the General Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Gengbao Qu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Cancer Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, Baoding City, China
| | - Pilin Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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