151
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Park JH, Chung S, Matsuo Y, Nakamura Y. Development of small molecular compounds targeting cancer stem cells. MEDCHEMCOMM 2016; 8:73-80. [PMID: 30108692 DOI: 10.1039/c6md00385k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are indicated to play critical roles in drug resistance, recurrence, and metastasis of cancer. Although molecular targeted therapies have contributed to the improvement of cancer treatments by targeting vulnerable pathways indispensable to the proliferation and survival of cancer cells, no relevant therapeutic modalities targeting CSCs have been developed yet. This review focuses on MELK (maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase), TOPK (T-lymphokine-activated killer cell-originated protein kinase), and TTK (tyrosine threonine kinase), which are over-expressed frequently in human cancers and play indispensable roles in the development and maintenance of cancer stem cells. In addition, we will discuss recently developed small molecules for these protein targets, which have shown remarkable anti-tumor efficacies in several preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Hyun Park
- Department of Medicine , The University of Chicago , 900 E 57th street KCBD 6130 , Chicago , IL 60637 , USA . ; ; Tel: +1 773 834 1405
| | - Suyoun Chung
- OncoTherapy Science, Inc. , Kawasaki , 213-0012 , Japan
| | - Yo Matsuo
- OncoTherapy Science, Inc. , Kawasaki , 213-0012 , Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakamura
- Department of Medicine , The University of Chicago , 900 E 57th street KCBD 6130 , Chicago , IL 60637 , USA . ; ; Tel: +1 773 834 1405.,Department of Surgery , The University of Chicago , Chicago , IL 60637 , USA
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152
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Matsukuma S, Yoshimura K, Ueno T, Oga A, Inoue M, Watanabe Y, Kuramasu A, Fuse M, Tsunedomi R, Nagaoka S, Eguchi H, Matsui H, Shindo Y, Maeda N, Tokuhisa Y, Kawano R, Furuya-Kondo T, Itoh H, Yoshino S, Hazama S, Oka M, Nagano H. Calreticulin is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer stem-like cells. Cancer Sci 2016; 107:1599-1609. [PMID: 27561105 PMCID: PMC5132278 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem‐like cells (CSLCs) in solid tumors are thought to be resistant to conventional chemotherapy or molecular targeting therapy and to contribute to cancer recurrence and metastasis. In this study, we aimed to identify a biomarker of pancreatic CSLCs (P‐CSLCs). A P‐CSLC‐enriched population was generated from pancreatic cancer cell lines using our previously reported method and its protein expression profile was compared with that of parental cells by 2‐D electrophoresis and tandem mass spectrometry. The results indicated that a chaperone protein calreticulin (CRT) was significantly upregulated in P‐CSLCs compared to parental cells. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that CRT was mostly localized to the surface of P‐CSLCs and did not correlate with the levels of CD44v9, another P‐CSLC biomarker. Furthermore, the side population in the CRThigh/CD44v9low population was much higher than that in the CRTlow/CD44v9high population. Calreticulin expression was also assessed by immunohistochemistry in pancreatic cancer tissues (n = 80) obtained after radical resection and was found to be associated with patients' clinicopathological features and disease outcomes in the Cox proportional hazard regression model. Multivariate analysis identified CRT as an independent prognostic factor for pancreatic cancer patients, along with age and postoperative therapy. Our results suggest that CRT can serve as a biomarker of P‐CSLCs and a prognostic factor associated with poorer survival of pancreatic cancer patients. This novel biomarker can be considered as a therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Matsukuma
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Yoshimura
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan.,Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center of Japan, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomio Ueno
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Atsunori Oga
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Moeko Inoue
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan.,Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center of Japan, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusaku Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Atsuo Kuramasu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Masanori Fuse
- Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center of Japan, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryouichi Tsunedomi
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nagaoka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hiroto Matsui
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Yoshitaro Shindo
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Noriko Maeda
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Tokuhisa
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Reo Kawano
- Center for Clinical Research, Yamaguchi University Hospital, Ube, Japan
| | - Tomoko Furuya-Kondo
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Itoh
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Shigefumi Yoshino
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan.,Oncology Center, Yamaguchi University Hospital, Ube, Japan
| | - Shoichi Hazama
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan.,Department of Translational Research and Developmental Therapeutics against Cancer, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Masaaki Oka
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nagano
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
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153
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Hu X, Cong Y, Luo H(H, Wu S, Zhao L(E, Liu Q, Yang Y. Cancer Stem Cells Therapeutic Target Database: The First Comprehensive Database for Therapeutic Targets of Cancer Stem Cells. Stem Cells Transl Med 2016; 6:331-334. [PMID: 28191780 PMCID: PMC5442812 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells that have strong self-renewal capabilities and may contribute to the failure of conventional cancer therapies. Hence, therapeutics homing in on CSCs represent a novel and promising approach that may eradicate malignant tumors. However, the lack of information on validated targets of CSCs has greatly hindered the development of CSC-directed therapeutics. Herein, we describe the Cancer Stem Cells Therapeutic Target Database (CSCTT), the first online database to provide a rich bioinformatics resource for the display, search, and analysis of structure, function, and related annotation for therapeutic targets of cancer stem cells. CSCTT contains 135 proteins that are potential targets of CSCs, with validated experimental evidence manually curated from existing literatures. Proteins are carefully annotated with a detailed description of protein families, biological process, related diseases, and experimental evidences. In addition, CSCTT has compiled 213 documented therapeutic methods for cancer stem cells, including 118 small molecules and 20 biotherapy methods. The CSCTT may serve as a useful platform for the development of CSC-directed therapeutics against various malignant tumors. The CSCTT database is freely available to the public at http://www.csctt.org/. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:331-334.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Hu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Cong
- Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Huizhe (Howard) Luo
- Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Sijin Wu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Liyuan (Eric) Zhao
- Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Quentin Liu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongliang Yang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
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154
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Yoshida GJ. Emerging role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatic cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2016; 35:141. [PMID: 27619936 PMCID: PMC5020508 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-016-0419-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that the phenomenon of epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) plays a fundamental role in the tumor development. Several research articles have been published from Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research (JECCR) which have investigated into the molecular machineries underlying the importance of EMT for hepatic cancer. Given those recent publications by JECCR, this commentary focuses on the pathological significance of EMT for liver tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Go J Yoshida
- Department of Pathological Cell Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan. .,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 5-3-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0083, Japan.
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155
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Tanaka G, Inoue KI, Shimizu T, Akimoto K, Kubota K. Dual pharmacological inhibition of glutathione and thioredoxin systems synergizes to kill colorectal carcinoma stem cells. Cancer Med 2016; 5:2544-57. [PMID: 27485632 PMCID: PMC5055185 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
NRF2 stabilizes redox potential through genes for glutathione and thioredoxin antioxidant systems. Whether blockade of glutathione and thioredoxin is useful in eliminating cancer stem cells remain unknown. We used xenografts derived from colorectal carcinoma patients to investigate the pharmacological inhibition of glutathione and thioredoxin systems. Higher expression of five glutathione S‐transferase isoforms (GSTA1, A2, M4, O2, and P1) was observed in xenograft‐derived spheroids than in fibroblasts. Piperlongumine (2.5–10 μmol/L) and auranofin (0.25–4 μmol/L) were used to inhibit glutathione S‐transferase π and thioredoxin reductase, respectively. Piperlongumine or auranofin alone up‐regulated the expression of NRF2 target genes, but not TP53 targets. While piperlongumine showed modest cancer‐specific cell killing (IC50 difference between cancer spheroids and fibroblasts: P = 0.052), auranofin appeared more toxic to fibroblasts (IC50 difference between cancer spheroids and fibroblasts: P = 0.002). The synergism of dual inhibition was evaluated by determining the Combination Index, based on the number of surviving cells with combination treatments. Molar ratios indicated synergism in cancer spheroids, but not in fibroblasts: (auranofin:piperlongumine) = 2:5, 1:5, 1:10, and 1:20. Cancer‐specific cell killing was achieved at the following drug concentrations (auranofin:piperlongumine): 0.25:2.5 μmol/L, 0.5:2.5 μmol/L, or 0.25:5 μmol/L. The dual inhibition successfully decreased CD44v9 surface presentation and delayed tumor emergence in nude mouse. However, a small subpopulation persistently survived and accumulated phosphorylated histone H2A. Such “persisters” still retained lesser but significant tumorigenicity. Thus, dual inhibition of glutathione S‐transferase π and thioredoxin reductase could be a feasible option for decreasing the tumor mass and CD44v9‐positive fraction by disrupting redox regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genki Tanaka
- Department of Second Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi-ken, 321-0293, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Inoue
- Center for Research Support, Dokkyo Medial University, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi-ken, 321-0293, Japan
| | - Takayuki Shimizu
- Department of Second Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi-ken, 321-0293, Japan
| | - Kazumi Akimoto
- Center for Research Support, Dokkyo Medial University, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi-ken, 321-0293, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kubota
- Department of Second Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi-ken, 321-0293, Japan.
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156
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Nestin overexpression in hepatocellular carcinoma associates with epithelial-mesenchymal transition and chemoresistance. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2016; 35:111. [PMID: 27412382 PMCID: PMC4944516 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-016-0387-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Nestin expression has been reported to be associated with the prognosis of many solid tumors including human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study aimed to identify the role, if any, of Nestin in the chemotherapeutic treatment of HCC. Methods We determined Nestin expression in nine HCC cell lines and 220 tissue samples of advanced HCC patients (retrospectively registered) treated with FOLFOX regimens. We examined the correlations between Nestin expression and clinicopatholgical variables and HCC prognosis. Also, we used in vitro and in vivo methods to determine the effects of Nestin expression on HCC cell invasion, migration and chemosensitivity. Results Nestin expression was significantly increased in HCC tissues and drug-resistant cell lines, and the presence of high levels of Nestin was associated with poor survival. We also showed that drug-resistance occurred in HCC cells with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which in turn enhanced invasion ability. Nestin depletion reversed drug-resistance in the Bel-7402/5-FU and Bel-7402/ADM cell lines. Nestin knockdown enhanced chemotherapeutic efficacy in nude mice. Moreover, Nestin up-regulation in Bel-7402 was associated with the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Conclusion Our findings suggest that Nestin inhibitors may be useful for the chemotherapy of HCC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13046-016-0387-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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157
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Bassani B, Bartolini D, Pagani A, Principi E, Zollo M, Noonan DM, Albini A, Bruno A. Fenretinide (4-HPR) Targets Caspase-9, ERK 1/2 and the Wnt3a/β-Catenin Pathway in Medulloblastoma Cells and Medulloblastoma Cell Spheroids. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154111. [PMID: 27367907 PMCID: PMC4930187 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB), a neuroectodermal tumor arising in the cerebellum, represents the most frequent childhood brain malignancy. Current treatments for MB combine radiation and chemotherapy and are often associated with relevant side effects; novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. N-(4-Hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4-HPR, fenretinide), a synthetic analogue of all-trans retinoic acid, has emerged as a promising and well-tolerated cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent for various neoplasms, from breast cancer to neuroblastoma. Here we investigated the effects of 4-HPR on MB cell lines and identified the mechanism of action for a potential use in therapy of MB. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to evaluate 4-HPR induction of apoptosis and oxygen reactive species (ROS) production, as well as cell cycle effects. Functional analysis to determine 4-HPR ability to interfere with MB cell migration and invasion were performed. Western Blot analysis were used to investigate the crucial molecules involved in selected signaling pathways associated with apoptosis (caspase-9 and PARP-1), cell survival (ERK 1/2) and tumor progression (Wnt3a and β-catenin). We show that 4-HPR induces caspase 9-dependent cell death in DAOY and ONS-76 cells, associated with increased ROS generation, suggesting that free radical intermediates might be directly involved. We observed 4-HPR induction of cell cycle arrest in G1/S phase, inactivated β-catenin, and inhibition of MB cell migration and invasion. We also evaluated the ability of 4-HPR to target MB cancer-stem/cancer-initiating cells, using an MB spheroids model, followed by flow cytometry and quantitative real-time PCR. 4-HPR treatment reduced DAOY and ONS-76 spheroid formation, in term of number and size. Decreased expression of the surface markers CD133+ and ABCG2+ as well as Oct-4 and Sox-2 gene expression were observed on BTICs treated with 4-HPR further reducing BITIC invasive activities. Finally, we analyzed 4-HPR ability to inhibit MB tumor cell growth in vivo in nude mice. Taken together, our data suggest that 4-HPR targets both parental and MB tumor stem/initiating cell-like populations. Since 4-HPR exerts low toxicity, it could represent a valid compound in the treatment of human MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bassani
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Arianna Pagani
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Principi
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Zollo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Douglas M. Noonan
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Adriana Albini
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Antonino Bruno
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
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158
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Takeishi S, Nakayama KI. To wake up cancer stem cells, or to let them sleep, that is the question. Cancer Sci 2016; 107:875-81. [PMID: 27116333 PMCID: PMC4946711 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) generate transient-amplifying cells and thereby contribute to cancer propagation. A fuller understanding of the biological features of CSCs is expected to lead to the development of new anticancer therapies capable of eradicating this life-threatening disease. Cancer stem cells are known to maintain a non-proliferative state and to enter the cell cycle only infrequently. Given that conventional anticancer therapies preferentially target dividing cells, CSCs are resistant to such treatments, with those remaining after elimination of bulk cancer cells potentially giving rise to disease relapse and metastasis as they re-enter the cell cycle after a period of latency. Targeting of the switch between quiescence and proliferation in CSCs is therefore a potential strategy for preventing the reinitiation of malignancy, underscoring the importance of elucidation of the mechanisms by which these cells are maintained in the quiescent state. The fundamental properties of CSCs are thought to be governed cooperatively by internal molecules and cues from the external microenvironment (stem cell niche). Several such intrinsic and extrinsic regulators are responsible for the control of cell cycle progression in CSCs. In this review, we address two opposite approaches to the therapeutic targeting of CSCs - wake-up and hibernation therapies - that either promote or prevent the entry of CSCs into the cell cycle, respectively, and we discuss the potential advantages and risks of each strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoichiro Takeishi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Keiichi I Nakayama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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159
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Renal Cancer Stem Cells: Characterization and Targeted Therapies. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:8342625. [PMID: 27293448 PMCID: PMC4884584 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8342625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a major neoplasm with high incidence in western countries. Tumors are heterogeneous and are composed of differentiated cancer cells, stromal cells, and cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs possess two main properties: self-renewal and proliferation. Additionally, they can generate new tumors once transplanted into immunodeficient mice. Several approaches have been described to identify them, through the expression of cell markers, functional assays, or a combination of both. As CSCs are involved in the resistance mechanisms to radio- and chemotherapies, several new strategies have been proposed to directly target CSCs in RCC. One approach drives CSCs to differentiate into cancer cells sensitive to conventional treatments, while the other proposes to eradicate them selectively. A series of innovative therapies aiming at eliminating CSCs have been designed to treat other types of cancer and have not been experimented with on RCC yet, but they reveal themselves to be promising. In conclusion, CSCs are an important player in carcinogenesis and represent a valid target for therapy in RCC patients.
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160
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Huang GH, Xu QF, Cui YH, Li N, Bian XW, Lv SQ. Medulloblastoma stem cells: Promising targets in medulloblastoma therapy. Cancer Sci 2016; 107:583-9. [PMID: 27171351 PMCID: PMC4970825 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. Despite great improvements in the therapeutic regimen, relapse and leptomeningeal dissemination still pose great challenges to the long‐term survival of MB patients. Developing more effective strategies has become extremely urgent. In recent years, a number of malignancies, including MB, have been found to contain a subpopulation of cancer cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), or tumor initiating/propagating cells. The CSCs are thought to be largely responsible for tumor initiation, maintenance, dissemination, and relapse; therefore, their pivotal roles have revealed them to be promising targets in MB therapy. Our growing understanding of the major medulloblastoma molecular subgroups and the derivation of some of these groups from specific stem or progenitor cells adds additional layers to the CSC knowledge base. Herein we review the current knowledge of MB stem cells, highlight the molecular mechanisms relating to MB relapse and leptomeningeal dissemination, and incorporate these with the need to develop more effective and accurate therapies for MB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Hao Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing-Fu Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - You-Hong Cui
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ningning Li
- Division of Neuropathology and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Xiu-Wu Bian
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sheng-Qing Lv
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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161
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Lin EH, Kao YR, Lin CA, Kuo TY, Yang SP, Hsu CF, Chou TY, Ho CC, Wu CW. Hedgehog pathway maintains cell survival under stress conditions, and drives drug resistance in lung adenocarcinoma. Oncotarget 2016; 7:24179-93. [PMID: 27015549 PMCID: PMC5029693 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (HH) pathway plays an important role in embryonic development, but is largely inactive in adult except for tissue repair. Aberrant activation of HH pathway has been found in a variety of cancer types. In non-small cell lung cancer, however, the role and importance of HH pathway remain controversial. In the current study, we found that HH pathway was maintained in low activity in lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) cells under normal culture condition, but was highly induced in response to stress conditions. Activation of HH pathway promoted cell survival, growth, and invasion partially through HGF and MET signaling. Hedgehog-Interacting Protein (HHIP), a cell-surface negative regulator of HH pathway, was epigenetically silenced in LAC. Overexpression of HHIP blocked the activation of HH and HGF/MET pathways, and made cells significantly more susceptible to stress conditions. In LAC cells with acquired resistance to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosin Kinase Inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), we found that a part of tumor cells were much more sensitive to HH or HGF/MET inhibitors, suggesting an oncogenic addiction shift from EGFR to HH and HGF/MET pathways. In conclusion, this study showed that HH pathway is a survival signaling that drives LAC cell growth under stress conditions, and HHIP is a key regulator to block the induction of HH pathway. Targeting the HH pathway through inhibitors or HHIP thus holds promise to address EGFR-TKI resistance in LAC in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erh-Hsuan Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Rung Kao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-An Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yu Kuo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Ping Yang
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Fang Hsu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Teh-Ying Chou
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Chi Ho
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Wen Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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162
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Ma C, Komohara Y, Ohnishi K, Shimoji T, Kuwahara N, Sakumura Y, Matsuishi K, Fujiwara Y, Motoshima T, Takahashi W, Yamada S, Kitada S, Fujimoto N, Nakayama T, Eto M, Takeya M. Infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages is involved in CD44 expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2016; 107:700-7. [PMID: 26918621 PMCID: PMC4970838 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem‐like cells (CSC) or cancer‐initiating cells are now considered to be an important cell population related to cancer recurrence and the resistance to anti‐cancer therapy. Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) are a main component of stromal cells and are related to cancer progression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Because the detailed mechanisms allowing the maintenance of CSC in cancer tissues remain unclear, we investigated the relationship between TAM and CD44‐expressing cancer cells in ccRCC. CD44 was used as a marker for CSC, and CD163 and CD204 were used as markers for TAM. CD44‐positive cancer cells were detected in 37 of the 103 cases. Although statistical analysis showed no relationship between CD44‐positive cancer cells and the clinical course, the distribution of CD44‐positive cancer cells was significantly associated with a high density of TAM. Our in vitro study using RCC cell lines and human macrophages demonstrated that CD44 expression was upregulated by direct co‐culture with macrophages. Silencing of TNF‐alpha on macrophages abrogated the upregulation of CD44 expression in cancer cells. Macrophage‐induced CD44 overexpression was also suppressed by NF‐κB inhibitors. These results suggest that TNF‐alpha derived from TAM is linked to CD44 overexpression via NF‐κB signaling in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoya Ma
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Yoshihiro Komohara
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Koji Ohnishi
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Tetsu Shimoji
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Nao Kuwahara
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Yasuo Sakumura
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Kozue Matsuishi
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Yukio Fujiwara
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Takanobu Motoshima
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
- Department of UrologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Wataru Takahashi
- Department of UrologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Sohsuke Yamada
- Department of PathologySchool of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushuJapan
| | - Shohei Kitada
- Department of UrologySchool of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushuJapan
| | - Naohiro Fujimoto
- Department of UrologySchool of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushuJapan
| | - Toshiyuki Nakayama
- Department of PathologySchool of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushuJapan
| | - Masatoshi Eto
- Department of UrologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
- Department of UrologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Motohiro Takeya
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
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163
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CAF cellular glycolysis: linking cancer cells with the microenvironment. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:8503-14. [PMID: 27075473 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5049-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers have long being hallmarked as cells relying heavily on their glycolysis for energy generation in spite of having functional mitochondria. The metabolic status of the cancer cells have been revisited time and again to get better insight into the overall carcinogenesis process which revealed the apparent crosstalks between the cancer cells with the fibroblasts present in the tumour microenvironment. This review focuses on the mechanisms of transformations of normal fibroblasts to cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), the participation of the CAF in tumour progression with special interest to the role of CAF cellular glycolysis in the overall tumorigenesis. The fibroblasts, when undergoes the transformation process, distinctly switches to a more glycolytic phenotype in order to provide the metabolic intermediates necessary for carrying out the mitochondrial pathways of ATP generation in cancer cells. This review will also discuss the molecular mechanisms responsible for this metabolic make over promoting glycolysis in CAF cells. A thorough investigation of the pathways and molecules involved will not only help in understanding the process of activation and metabolic reprogramming in CAF cells but also might open up new targets for cancer therapy.
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164
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Chang KJ, Yang MH, Zheng JC, Li B, Nie W. Arsenic trioxide inhibits cancer stem-like cells via down-regulation of Gli1 in lung cancer. Am J Transl Res 2016; 8:1133-1143. [PMID: 27158399 PMCID: PMC4846956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for the tumorigenesis and recurrence, so targeting CSCs is a potential effective method to cure cancers. Activated Hedgehog signaling pathway has been proved to be implicated in the maintenance of self-renewal of CSCs, and arsenic trioxide (As2O3) has been reported to inhibit Gli1, a key transcription factor of Hedgehog pathway. In this study, we evaluated whether As2O3 has inhibitory effects on cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) in lung cancer and further explored the possible mechanism. CCK8 assay and colony formation assay were performed to demonstrate the ability of As2O3 to inhibit the growth of NCI-H460 and NCI-H446 cells, which represented non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), respectively. Tumor sphere formation assay was carried out to evaluate the effects of As2O3 on stem cell-like subpopulations. The expression of stem cell biomarkers CD133 and stem cell transcription factors such as Sox2 and Oct4 were detected. Moreover, the effects of As2O3 on expression of Gli1 and its target genes were observed. We found that As2O3 inhibited the cell proliferation and reduced the colony formation ability. Importantly, As2O3 decreased the formation of tumor spheres. The expression of stem cell biomarker CD133 and stem cell transcription factors such as Sox2 and Oct4 were markedly reduced by As2O3 treatment. Furthermore, As2O3 decreased the expression of Gli1, N-myc and GAS1. Our results suggested that As2O3 is a promising agent to inhibit CSLCs in lung cancer. In addition, the mechanism of CSLCs inhibition might involve Gli1 down-regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Jie Chang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Meng-Hang Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Jin-Cheng Zheng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Wei Nie
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200003, China
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165
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Cancer stem cells, metabolism, and therapeutic significance. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:5735-42. [PMID: 26864589 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-4945-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have attracted much attention of the research community in the recent years. Due to their highly tumorigenic and drug-resistant properties, CSCs represent important targets for developing novel anticancer agents and therapeutic strategies. CSCs were first described in hematopoietic malignancies and subsequently identified in various types of solid tumors including brain, breast, lung, colon, melanoma, and ovarian cancer. CSCs possess special biological properties including long-term self-renewal capacity, multi-lineage differentiation, and resistance to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. As such, CSCs are considered as a major source of residual disease after therapy leading to disease occurrence. Thus, it is very important to understand the cellular survival mechanisms specific to CSCs and accordingly develop effective therapeutic approaches to eliminate this subpopulation of cancer cells in order to improve the treatment outcome of cancer patients. Possible therapeutic strategies against CSCs include targeting the self-renewal pathways of CSCs, interrupting the interaction between CSCs and their microenvironment, and exploiting the unique metabolic properties of CSCs. In this review article, we will provide an overview of the biological characteristics of CSCs, with a particular focus on their metabolic properties and potential therapeutic strategies to eliminate CSCs.
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166
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Yoshida GJ, Saya H. Therapeutic strategies targeting cancer stem cells. Cancer Sci 2015; 107:5-11. [PMID: 26362755 PMCID: PMC4724810 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are undifferentiated cancer cells with a high tumorigenic activity, the ability to undergo self-renewal, and a multilineage differentiation potential. Cancer stem cells are responsible for the development of tumor cell heterogeneity, a key feature for resistance to anticancer treatments including conventional chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and molecularly targeted therapy. Furthermore, minimal residual disease, the major cause of cancer recurrence and metastasis, is enriched in CSCs. Cancer stem cells also possess the property of "robustness", which encompasses several characteristics including a slow cell cycle, the ability to detoxify or mediate the efflux of cytotoxic agents, resistance to oxidative stress, and a rapid response to DNA damage, all of which contribute to the development of therapeutic resistance. The identification of mechanisms underlying such characteristics and the development of novel approaches to target them will be required for the therapeutic elimination of CSCs and the complete eradication of tumors. In this review, we focus on two prospective therapeutic approaches that target CSCs with the aim of disrupting their quiescence or redox defense capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Go J Yoshida
- Department of Pathological Cell Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Saya
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
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