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Suzuki R, Kitamura Y, Ogiya D, Ogawa Y, Kawada H, Ando K. Anti-tumor activity of the pan-RAF inhibitor TAK-580 in combination with KPT-330 (selinexor) in multiple myeloma. Int J Hematol 2021; 115:233-243. [PMID: 34741230 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-021-03244-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway inhibitors exhibit significant anti-tumor effects against various tumor types, including multiple myeloma (MM), and they are predicted to play a pivotal role in precision medicine. The XPO1 inhibitor KPT-330 has also exhibited promising efficacy in combination with other novel drugs in treating relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM). In this study, we explored the anti-tumor effects of a combination of the pan-RAF inhibitor TAK-580 and KPT-330. Importantly, TAK-580 enhanced KPT-330-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in human myeloma cell lines and primary myeloma cells from RRMM patients. Moreover, TAK-580 and KPT-330 synergistically inhibited nuclear phospho-FOXO3a and enhanced cytoplasmic phospho-FOXO3a in MM cells, leading to cytoplasmic enhanced Bim expression and finally apoptosis. This indicates that TAK-580 enhances KPT-330-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis primarily via the FOXO3a-Bim axis. In addition, TAK-580 enhanced the cytotoxicity of KPT-330 against MM cells even in the presence of IGF-1. Taken together, our results demonstrate that a combination of pan-RAF inhibitor and XPO1 inhibitor is a potential therapeutic option in treating MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikio Suzuki
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.
| | - Yuka Kitamura
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ogiya
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Ogawa
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kawada
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Ando
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.,Center for Regenerative Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
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202
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Ge QY, Chen J, Li GX, Tan XL, Song J, Ning D, Mo J, Du PC, Liu QM, Liang HF, Ding ZY, Zhang XW, Zhang BX. GRAMD4 inhibits tumour metastasis by recruiting the E3 ligase ITCH to target TAK1 for degradation in hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e635. [PMID: 34841685 PMCID: PMC8597946 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant TAK1 (transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1) activity is known to be involved in a variety of malignancies, but the regulatory mechanisms of TAK1 remain poorly understood. GRAMD4 (glucosyltransferase Rab-like GTPase activator and myotubularin domain containing 4) is a newly discovered p53-independent proapoptotic protein with an unclear role in HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma). RESULTS In this research, we found that GRAMD4 expression was lower in HCC samples, and its downregulation predicted worse prognosis for patients after surgical resection. Functionally, GRAMD4 inhibited HCC migration, invasion and metastasis. Mechanistically, GRAMD4 interacted with TAK1 to promote its protein degradation, thus, resulting in the inactivation of MAPK (Mitogen-activated protein kinase) and NF-κB pathways. Furthermore, GRAMD4 was proved to recruit ITCH (itchy E3 ubiquitin protein ligase) to promote the ubiquitination of TAK1. Moreover, high expression of TAK1 was correlated with low expression of GRAMD4 in HCC patients. CONCLUSIONS GRAMD4 inhibits the migration and metastasis of HCC, mainly by recruiting ITCH to promote the degradation of TAK1, which leads to the inactivation of MAPK and NF-κB signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian yun Ge
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic SurgeryWuhanP. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary DiseasesWuhanP. R. China
| | - Jin Chen
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic SurgeryWuhanP. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary DiseasesWuhanP. R. China
| | - Gan xun Li
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic SurgeryWuhanP. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary DiseasesWuhanP. R. China
| | - Xiao long Tan
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic SurgeryWuhanP. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary DiseasesWuhanP. R. China
| | - Jia Song
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic SurgeryWuhanP. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary DiseasesWuhanP. R. China
| | - Deng Ning
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic SurgeryWuhanP. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary DiseasesWuhanP. R. China
| | - Jie Mo
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic SurgeryWuhanP. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary DiseasesWuhanP. R. China
| | - Peng cheng Du
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic SurgeryWuhanP. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary DiseasesWuhanP. R. China
| | - Qiu meng Liu
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic SurgeryWuhanP. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary DiseasesWuhanP. R. China
| | - Hui fang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic SurgeryWuhanP. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary DiseasesWuhanP. R. China
| | - Ze yang Ding
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic SurgeryWuhanP. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary DiseasesWuhanP. R. China
| | - Xue wu Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic SurgeryWuhanP. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary DiseasesWuhanP. R. China
| | - Bi xiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery CenterTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic SurgeryWuhanP. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary DiseasesWuhanP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Organ TransplantationMinistry of EducationWuhanP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Organ TransplantationNational Health CommissionWuhanP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Organ TransplantationChinese Academy of Medical SciencesWuhanP. R. China
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203
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Emerging Importance of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors against Cancer: Quo Vadis to Cure? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111659. [PMID: 34769090 PMCID: PMC8584061 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
GLOBOCAN 2020 estimated more than 19.3 million new cases, and about 10 million patients were deceased from cancer in 2020. Clinical manifestations showed that several growth factor receptors consisting of transmembrane and cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase (TK) domains play a vital role in cancer progression. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are crucial intermediaries of the several cellular pathways and carcinogenesis that directly affect the prognosis and survival of higher tumor grade patients. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are efficacious drugs for targeted therapy of various cancers. Therefore, RTKs have become a promising therapeutic target to cure cancer. A recent report shows that TKIs are vital mediators of signal transduction and cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. In this review, we discuss the structure and function of RTKs to explore their prime role in cancer therapy. Various TKIs have been developed to date that contribute a lot to treating several types of cancer. These TKI based anticancer drug molecules are also discussed in detail, incorporating their therapeutic efficacy, mechanism of action, and side effects. Additionally, this article focuses on TKIs which are running in the clinical trial and pre-clinical studies. Further, to gain insight into the pathophysiological mechanism of TKIs, we also reviewed the impact of RTK resistance on TKI clinical drugs along with their mechanistic acquired resistance in different cancer types.
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204
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Associations of Polymorphisms Localized in the 3'UTR Regions of the KRAS, NRAS, MAPK1 Genes with Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111679. [PMID: 34828284 PMCID: PMC8625477 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Genetic variations, localized in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway-related genes, may alter the transcription and impact the pathogenesis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). The present study investigated the associations of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), localized in the 3′UTR) of the KRAS, NRAS, and MAPK1 genes with LSCC risk and clinicopathological features. Methods: Genomic DNA and clinical data were collected from 327 adult men with LSCC. The control group was formed from 333 healthy men. Genotyping of the SNPs was performed using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Five KRAS, NRAS, and MAPK1 polymorphisms were analyzed. All studied genotypes were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and had the same allele distribution as the 1000 Genomes project Phase 3 dataset for the European population. Results: Significant associations of the studied SNPs with reduced LSCC risk were observed between NRAS rs14804 major genotype CC. Significant associations of the studied SNPs with clinicopathologic variables were also observed between NRAS rs14804 minor T allele and advanced tumor stage and positive lymph node status. SNP of MAPK1 rs9340 was associated with distant metastasis. Moreover, haplotype analysis of two KRAS SNPs rs712 and rs7973450 revealed that TG haplotype was associated with positive lymph node status in LSCC patients. Conclusions: According to the present study, 3′UTR SNP in the NRAS and MAPK1 genes may contribute to the identifications of patients at higher risk of LSCC lymph node and distant metastasis development.
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205
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Xia M, Cao H, Zheng J, Yao Y, Xu F, Lu G, Ma Y, Zhou J. A novel stilbene derivative (GMQ3) suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis in lung cancer via the p38-MAPK/SIRT1 pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114808. [PMID: 34678220 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The anticancer effect of stilbene has been noted in various tumor types. GMQ3, which has a stilbene-mimicking skeleton, is a novel small-molecule compound with promising antitumor activity. Our results revealed that GMQ3 not only suppressed cell proliferation and cell migration of lung cancer cells but also led to G1 phase cell cycle arrest and triggered caspase-dependent apoptosis. Furthermore, investigation of the molecular mechanism showed that GMQ3 could inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis via the p38-MAPK/SIRT1 pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Xenograft tumor mouse models showed that GMQ3 significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo without affecting body weight. Our findings indicated that GMQ3 exerts a strong anticancer action by suppressing cell proliferation, inhibiting cell migration and inducing cell apoptosis. Moreover, the efficacy of GMQ3 was enhanced in the presence of CDK4/6 inhibitor Abemaciclib. We conclude that GMQ3 is a promising agent with potential for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengling Xia
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - He Cao
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinan Yao
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guohua Lu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongmin Ma
- Institute of Advanced Studies and School of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China.
| | - Jianying Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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206
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Liu O, Wang C, Wang S, Hu Y, Gou R, Dong H, Li S, Li X, Lin B. Keratin 80 regulated by miR-206/ETS1 promotes tumor progression via the MEK/ERK pathway in ovarian cancer. J Cancer 2021; 12:6835-6850. [PMID: 34659572 PMCID: PMC8517993 DOI: 10.7150/jca.64031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Keratin 80 (KRT80) is a type II epithelial keratin protein that plays an important role in cell differentiation and tumor progression. However, its role and mechanisms in ovarian cancer remain unclear. Methods: The effect of KRT80 on the survival and prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer was determined using immunohistochemistry. Cell lines overexpressing KRT80 and with KRT80 knockdown were established to study its effect on the malignant behavior of ovarian cancer cells. Western blotting was used to detect changes in related molecules, and in the MEK/ERK signal transduction pathway. ChIP assay was used to confirm that ETS1 regulates KRT80 at the transcriptional level. A double luciferase assay was used to confirm the target of miR-206. Results: The expression levels of KRT80 were high in ovarian cancer tissue, and were related to survival and prognosis. KRT80 expression is an independent prognostic factor in patients with ovarian cancer. KRT80 overexpression promotes the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells, the transition from G1 phase to S phase, invasion, and migration. KRT80 overexpression increased the expression of BCL2/BAX, CyclinD1, MMP2, MMP9, and N-cadherin, decreased the expression of E-cadherin, and increased the phosphorylation of MEK and ERK. ETS1 binds to the upstream promoter sequence of KRT80 and regulates KRT80 expression at the transcriptional level. ETS1 is a direct target of miR-206 in ovarian cancer cells. Conclusion: KRT80 regulated by miR-206/ETS1 promotes tumor progression via the MEK/ERK pathway in ovarian cancer, and KRT80 may have applications as a screening biomarker and potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ouxuan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Liaoning, China
| | - Caixia Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuexin Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Liaoning, China
| | - Rui Gou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Liaoning, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Liaoning, China
| | - Siting Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Liaoning, China
| | - Bei Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Liaoning, China
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207
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Biagetti B, Simò R. Molecular Pathways in Prolactinomas: Translational and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011247. [PMID: 34681905 PMCID: PMC8538771 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolactinoma has the highest incidence rate among patients with functional pituitary tumours. Although mostly benign, there is a subgroup that can be aggressive. Some clinical, radiological and pathology features have been associated with a poor prognostic. Therefore, it can be considered as a group of heterogeneous tumours. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the molecular pathways involved in the behaviour of prolactinoma in order to improve our approach and gain deeper insight into the better understanding of tumour development and its management. This is essential for identifying patients harbouring aggressive prolactinoma and to establish personalised therapeutics options.
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208
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Dillon M, Lopez A, Lin E, Sales D, Perets R, Jain P. Progress on Ras/MAPK Signaling Research and Targeting in Blood and Solid Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205059. [PMID: 34680208 PMCID: PMC8534156 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway is responsible for regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Overexpression and overactivation of members within the signaling cascade have been observed in many solid and blood cancers. Research often focuses on targeting the pathway to disrupt cancer initiation and progression. We aimed to provide an overview of the pathway’s physiologic role and regulation, interactions with other pathways involved in cancer development, and mutations that lead to malignancy. Several blood and solid cancers are analyzed to illustrate the impact of the pathway’s dysregulation, stemming from mutation or viral induction. Finally, we summarized different approaches to targeting the pathway and the associated novel treatments being researched or having recently achieved approval. Abstract The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, consisting of the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling cascade, regulates genes that control cellular development, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Within the cascade, multiple isoforms of Ras and Raf each display differences in functionality, efficiency, and, critically, oncogenic potential. According to the NCI, over 30% of all human cancers are driven by Ras genes. This dysfunctional signaling is implicated in a wide variety of leukemias and solid tumors, both with and without viral etiology. Due to the strong evidence of Ras-Raf involvement in tumorigenesis, many have attempted to target the cascade to treat these malignancies. Decades of unsuccessful experimentation had deemed Ras undruggable, but recently, the approval of Sotorasib as the first ever KRas inhibitor represents a monumental breakthrough. This advancement is not without novel challenges. As a G12C mutant-specific drug, it also represents the issue of drug target specificity within Ras pathway; not only do many drugs only affect single mutational profiles, with few pan-inhibitor exceptions, tumor genetic heterogeneity may give rise to drug-resistant profiles. Furthermore, significant challenges in targeting downstream Raf, especially the BRaf isoform, lie in the paradoxical activation of wild-type BRaf by BRaf mutant inhibitors. This literature review will delineate the mechanisms of Ras signaling in the MAPK pathway and its possible oncogenic mutations, illustrate how specific mutations affect the pathogenesis of specific cancers, and compare available and in-development treatments targeting the Ras pathway.
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209
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El-Shaqanqery HE, Mohamed RH, Sayed AA. Mitochondrial Effects on Seeds of Cancer Survival in Leukemia. Front Oncol 2021; 11:745924. [PMID: 34692527 PMCID: PMC8529120 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.745924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cancer metabolic alteration is considered a hallmark and fast becoming a road for therapeutic intervention. Mitochondria have been regarded as essential cell elements that fuel the metabolic needs of most cancer cell types. Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are a heterogeneous, highly self-renewing, and pluripotent cell population within leukemic cells. The most important source of ATP and metabolites to fulfill the bioenergetics and biosynthetic needs of most cancer stem cells is the mitochondria. In addition, mitochondria have a core role in autophagy and cell death and are the main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Overall, growing evidence now shows that mitochondrial activities and pathways have changed to adapt with different types of leukemia, thus mitochondrial metabolism could be targeted for blood malignancy therapy. This review focuses on the function of mitochondria in LSC of the different leukemia types.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rania Hassan Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A. Sayed
- Genomics Program, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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210
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Jain AS, Prasad A, Pradeep S, Dharmashekar C, Achar RR, Silina E, Stupin V, Amachawadi RG, Prasad SK, Pruthvish R, Syed A, Shivamallu C, Kollur SP. Everything Old Is New Again: Drug Repurposing Approach for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Targeting MAPK Signaling Pathway. Front Oncol 2021; 11:741326. [PMID: 34692523 PMCID: PMC8526962 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.741326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a prominent subtype of lung carcinoma that accounts for the majority of cancer-related deaths globally, and it is responsible for about 80% to 85% of lung cancers. Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are a vital aspect of NSCLC, and have aided in the advancement of therapies for this carcinoma. Targeting the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway is a promising and alternative method in NSCLC treatment, which is highlighted in this review. The introduction of targeted medicines has revolutionized the treatment of patients with this carcinoma. When combined with current systems biology-driven stratagems, repurposing non-cancer drugs into new therapeutic niches presents a cost-effective and efficient technique with enhancing outcomes for discovering novel pharmacological activity. This article highlights the successful cutting-edge techniques while focusing on NSCLC targeted therapies. The ultimate challenge will be integrating these repurposed drugs into the therapeutic regimen of patients affected with NSCLC to potentially increase lung cancer cure rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisha S. Jain
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Ashwini Prasad
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Sushma Pradeep
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Chandan Dharmashekar
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Raghu Ram Achar
- Division of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Ekaterina Silina
- Department of Human Pathology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor Stupin
- Department of Hospital Surgery, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (RNRMU), Moscow, Russia
| | - Raghavendra G. Amachawadi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Shashanka K. Prasad
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India
| | - R Pruthvish
- Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Asad Syed
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chandan Shivamallu
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Shiva Prasad Kollur
- Department of Sciences, Amrita School of Arts and Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru, India
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211
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Hu J, Zhang L, Chen W, Shen L, Jiang J, Sun S, Chen Z. Role of Intra- and Extracellular Lipid Signals in Cancer Stemness and Potential Therapeutic Strategy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:730751. [PMID: 34603046 PMCID: PMC8479196 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.730751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence showed that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play significant roles in cancer initiation, resistance to therapy, recurrence and metastasis. Cancer stem cells possess the ability of self-renewal and can initiate tumor growth and avoid lethal factors through flexible metabolic reprogramming. Abnormal lipid metabolism has been reported to be involved in the cancer stemness and promote the development of cancer. Lipid metabolism includes lipid uptake, lipolysis, fatty acid oxidation, de novo lipogenesis, and lipid desaturation. Abnormal lipid metabolism leads to ferroptosis of CSCs. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the role of intra- and extracellular lipid signals in cancer stemness, and explored the feasibility of using lipid metabolism-related treatment strategies for future cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianming Hu
- Department of Breast Surgery (Surgical Oncology), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Leyi Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery (Surgical Oncology), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wuzhen Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery (Surgical Oncology), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lesang Shen
- Department of Breast Surgery (Surgical Oncology), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingxin Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery (Surgical Oncology), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shanshan Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery (Surgical Oncology), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery (Surgical Oncology), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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212
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Hao J, Cao Y, Yu H, Zong L, An R, Xue Y. Effect of MAP3K8 on Prognosis and Tumor-Related Inflammation in Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma. Front Genet 2021; 12:674613. [PMID: 34567061 PMCID: PMC8461076 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.674613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: MAPK kinase kinase 8 (MAP3K8) is involved in the regulation of MAPK cascades and immune responses. Differential expression of MAP3K8 is closely correlated with tumorigenesis. In this study, we used bioinformatics tools to explore expression level, prognostic values, and interactive networks of MAP3K8 in renal clear cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Methods: Differential expression of MAP3K8 was determined by TIMER2.0, UALCAN, and Oncomine Platform. For exploration of MAP3K8 mutation profile, TIMER2.0, DriverDBv3, and cBioPortal were used. The survival module of GEPIA, UALCAN, and DriverDBv3 was used to examine the prognostic value of MAP3K8. Immune infiltration was estimated by TIMER, TIDE, CIBERSORT, CIBERSORT-ABS, QUANTISEQ, XCELL, MCPCOUNTER, and EPIC algorithms. PPI networks and functional enrichment analysis were constructed using GeneMANIA, Cytoscape, and Metascape. The co-expression module in cBioPortal was used to find genes that are correlated with MAP3K8 in mRNA expression. Results: Compared to normal renal samples, ccRCC (3.08-fold change, P = 1.50E-7; 1.10-fold change, P = 3.00E-3), papillary RCC (2.24-fold change, P = 1.86E-4), and hereditary ccRCC (1.98-fold change, P = 1.69E-9) have significantly higher levels of MAP3K8 expression. Compared to Grade 1 ccRCC samples, Grade 2 (P = 1.28E-3) and Grade 3 (P = 7.41E-4) cases have higher levels of MAP3K8 methylation. Percentage of patients harboring MAP3K8 mutation is 0.3% from TIMER2.0 and 0.2 to 11.5% from cBioPortal. High levels of MAP3K8 expression were associated with poorer overall survival (OS) in ccRCC (GEPIA: Log-rank P = 0.60E-2, HR = 1.5; DriverDBv3: Log-rank P = 1.68E-7, HR = 2.21; UALCAN: P = 0.20E-2). MAP3K8 was positively correlated with the presence of T cell regulatory (Tregs) (QUANTISEQ: Rho = 0.33, P = 1.59E-13). PPI network and functional enrichment analyses revealed that MAP3K8 correlated with NFKBIZ, MIAT, PARP15, CHFR, MKNK1, and ERMN, which was mainly involved in I-kappaB kinase/NF-kappaB and toll-like receptor signaling pathways. Conclusion: MAP3K8 overexpression was correlated with damaged survival in ccRC and may play a crucial role in cancer-related inflammation via I-kappaB kinase/NF-kappaB and toll-like receptor signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiatao Hao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yumeng Cao
- Graduate School of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lu Zong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ruifang An
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Ren X, Li Y, Zhou Y, Hu W, Yang C, Jing Q, Zhou C, Wang X, Hu J, Wang L, Yang J, Wang H, Xu H, Li H, Tong X, Wang Y, Du J. Overcoming the compensatory elevation of NRF2 renders hepatocellular carcinoma cells more vulnerable to disulfiram/copper-induced ferroptosis. Redox Biol 2021; 46:102122. [PMID: 34482117 PMCID: PMC8416961 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the paramount causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Despite recent advances have been made in clinical treatments of HCC, the general prognosis of patients remains poor. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a less toxic and more effective therapeutic strategy. Currently, series of cellular, molecular, and pharmacological experimental approaches were utilized to address the unrecognized characteristics of disulfiram (DSF), pursuing the goal of repurposing DSF for cancer therapy. We found that DSF/Cu selectively exerted an efficient cytotoxic effect on HCC cell lines, and potently inhibited migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of HCC cells. Importantly, we confirmed that DSF/Cu could intensively impair mitochondrial homeostasis, increase free iron pool, enhance lipid peroxidation, and eventually result in ferroptotic cell death. Of note, a compensatory elevation of NRF2 accompanies the process of ferroptosis, and contributes to the resistance to DSF/Cu. Mechanically, we found that DSF/Cu dramatically activated the phosphorylation of p62, which facilitates competitive binding of Keap1, thus prolonging the half-life of NRF2. Notably, inhibition of NRF2 expression via RNA interference or pharmacological inhibitors significantly facilitated the accumulation of lipid peroxidation, and rendered HCC cells more sensitive to DSF/Cu induced ferroptosis. Conversely, fostering NRF2 expression was capable of ameliorating the cell death activated by DSF/Cu. Additionally, DSF/Cu could strengthen the cytotoxicity of sorafenib, and arrest tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo, by simultaneously inhibiting the signal pathway of NRF2 and MAPK kinase. In summary, these results provide experimental evidence that inhibition of the compensatory NRF2 elevation strengthens HCC cells more vulnerable to DSF/Cu induced ferroptosis, which facilitates the synergistic cytotoxicity of DSF/Cu and sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Ren
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310005, China
| | - Yanchun Li
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Wanye Hu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Qiangan Jing
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Chaoting Zhou
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Xu Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province, Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, China
| | - Jiayu Hu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Luyang Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Hairui Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Haifeng Xu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Huanjuan Li
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Xiangmin Tong
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China; Laboratory Medicine Center, Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China; Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China.
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China; Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China.
| | - Jing Du
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China.
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Metformin and Sildenafil Attenuate Inflammation and Suppress Apoptosis After Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rat Urinary Bladder. Int Neurourol J 2021; 25:285-295. [PMID: 34530523 PMCID: PMC8748299 DOI: 10.5213/inj.2142206.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Although metformin and sildenafil can protect various organs against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, their effects and mechanisms of action in bladder I/R injury remain unknown. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of action of metformin and sildenafil against bladder I/R insult in rats. Methods One hundred male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups each of twenty rats: a sham-operated group, a bladder I/R group, and bladder I/R groups treated with metformin, sildenafil, or both agents. Ischemia was induced by clamping the bilateral common iliac arteries with atraumatic vascular clamps for 2 hours, followed by reperfusion for 7 days. During this period, rats were injected once daily with 4 mg/kg metformin and/or 1 mg/kg sildenafil. Results The increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities and the decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities induced by I/R injury were reduced by treatment with metformin and/or sildenafil. The I/R group had significantly higher JNK, p38 MAPK, Bax, caspase-3, and NF-κB levels, and lower ERK and Bcl-2 levels in the bladder than the sham-operated group; these changes were significantly ameliorated by metformin and/or sildenafil treatment. No differences in the levels of these markers were observed between rats co-administered metformin and sildenafil and those treated with either agent alone. Conclusions Metformin and sildenafil protected rat bladder against I/R injury. This effect may be due to the inhibition of ROS production through MAPKs, Bax, and Bcl-2 activation, and the restoration of inflammation through NF-κB inhibition. However, the combination of metformin and sildenafil was no more effective than either agent alone.
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215
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Xiao Y, Xia Y, Wang Y, Xue C. Pathogenic roles of long noncoding RNAs in melanoma: Implications in diagnosis and therapies. Genes Dis 2021; 10:113-125. [PMID: 37013035 PMCID: PMC10066279 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most dangerous types of cutaneous neoplasms, which are pigment-producing cells of neuroectodermal origin found all over the body. A great deal of research is focused on the mechanisms of melanoma to promote better diagnostic and treatment options for melanoma in its advanced stages. The progression of melanoma involves alteration in different levels of gene expression. With the successful implementation of next-generation sequencing technology, an increasing number of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) sequences have been discovered, and a significant number of them have phenotypic effects in both in vitro and in vivo studies, implying that they play an important role in the occurrence and progression of human cancers, particularly melanoma. A number of evidence indicated that lncRNAs are important regulators in tumor cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, immune escape, energy metabolism, drug resistance, epigenetic regulation. To better understand the role of lncRNAs in melanoma tumorigenesis, we categorize melanoma-associated lncRNAs according to their cellular functions and associations with gene expression and signaling pathways in this review. Based on the mechanisms of lncRNA, we discuss the possibility of lncRNA-target treatments, and the application of liquid biopsies to detect lncRNAs in melanoma diagnosis and prognosis.
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216
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Qing X, Xu W, Zong J, Du X, Peng H, Zhang Y. Emerging treatment modalities for systemic therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomark Res 2021; 9:64. [PMID: 34419152 PMCID: PMC8380325 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00319-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has long been a major global clinical problem as one of the most common malignant tumours with a high rate of recurrence and mortality. Although potentially curative therapies are available for the early and intermediate stages, the treatment of patients with advanced HCC remains to be resolved. Fortunately, the past few years have shown the emergence of successful systemic therapies to treat HCC. At the molecular level, HCC is a heterogeneous disease, and current research on the molecular characteristics of HCC has revealed numerous therapeutic targets. Targeted agents based on signalling molecules have been successfully supported in clinical trials, and molecular targeted therapy has already become a milestone for disease management in patients with HCC. Immunotherapy, a viable approach for the treatment of HCC, recognizes the antigens expressed by the tumour and treats the tumour using the immune system of the host, making it both selective and specific. In addition, the pipeline for HCC is evolving towards combination therapies with promising clinical outcomes. More drugs designed to focus on specific pathways and immune checkpoints are being developed in the clinic. It has been demonstrated that some drugs can improve the prognosis of patients with HCC in first- or second-line settings, and these drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or are nearing approval. This review describes targeting pathways and systemic treatment strategies in HCC and summarizes effective targeted and immune-based drugs for patients with HCC and the problems encountered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Qing
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wenjing Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jingjing Zong
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xuanlong Du
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Hao Peng
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yewei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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217
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Dai W, Yang J, Cao H, Wang Z, Li G, Zhong X, Peng W, Chen C, Liu X, Zeng C, Hu X. Clinical Evidence-Guided Anti-rheumatoid Arthritis Study of Shuji Tablet in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Rats and Mechanism Exploration via Network Pharmacological Approach. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:694507. [PMID: 34393779 PMCID: PMC8358118 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.694507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a kind of chronic autoimmune disease with several tissues damaged. Shuji tablet (SJT) is a prescription approved for treating lumbago and leg pain in the clinic. However, the efficacy of SJT against RA is still unknown. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of SJT on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats and explore the mechanism via a network pharmacological approach. Methods: AIA rats were treated with SJT for 30 days at the dosages of 3.6, 1.8, and 0.9 g/kg, respectively, and the anti-RA effect was determined by measuring paw swelling, systemic symptoms score, arthritis index, and histopathological change. ELISA assay was used to evaluate the level of inflammatory cytokines in serum. The mechanism exploration and target prediction of SJT against RA were performed via a network pharmacological approach. Results: SJT showed excellent alleviation on AIA rats, with evidence of reducing paws swelling, decreasing systemic symptoms score, and arthritis index. Furthermore, SJT significantly reduced the serum cytokines of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α in AIA rats. Histopathological examination showed SJT remarkably reduced synovial hyperplasia, cartilage damage, and inflammatory infiltration in the secondary-side paws. According to network pharmacological analysis, 208 candidate compounds and 445 potential targets of SJT were identified, and 4465 RA therapy-related targets were searched out. Subsequently, 292 target genes of SJT were speculated to be associated with RA treatment, among which the top 5 “response values” targets were STAT3, AKT1, JUN, HSP90AA1, TNF. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that 45 signaling pathways were associating with SJT treating RA. The top 10 signaling pathways were PI3K-Akt, MAPK, AGE-RAGE pathway in diabetic complications, Ras, HIF-1, TNF, Chemokine, IL-17, FoxO, and Rap1. Conclusion: Our experimental study showed that SJT significantly alleviated rheumatoid arthritis of AIA rats. Network pharmacology showed that the key targets of SJT against RA probably were STAT3, AKT1, JUN, HSP90AA1, TNF, and the potential mechanism was associated with modulation on the signaling pathways of PI3K-Akt, MAPK, Ras, AGE-RAGE, HIF-1, TNF, chemokine, IL-17, FoxO, Rap 1. Our study strongly provides evidence for Shuji tablet in RA therapy and would enlarge its application in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weibo Dai
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, China
| | - Haili Cao
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, China.,Guangzhou Xiangxue Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuqiang Wang
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, China
| | - Guangru Li
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, China
| | - Xiwen Zhong
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, China
| | - Weiwen Peng
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, China
| | - Chang Chen
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, China
| | - Congyan Zeng
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, China
| | - Xianjing Hu
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, China.,Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.,Biotechnological Institute of Chinese Materia Medical, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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218
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Yu Y, Li J, Wang W, Wang T, Qi W, Zheng X, Duan L, Chen J, Li S, Han X, Zhang W, Duan L. Transcriptome analysis uncovers the key pathways and candidate genes related to the treatment of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces with the repurposed drug pyronaridine. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:534. [PMID: 34256697 PMCID: PMC8276484 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07875-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a life-threatening zoonosis caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm. Our previous study showed that an approved drug pyronaridine (PND) is highly effective against CE, both in vitro and in an animal model. To identify possible target genes, transcriptome analysis was performed with E. granulosus sensu stricto protoscoleces treated with PND. Results A total of 1,321 genes were differentially expressed in protoscoleces treated with PND, including 541 upregulated and 780 downregulated genes. Gene ontology and KEGG analyses revealed that the spliceosome, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters were the top three enriched pathways. Western blot analysis showed that PND treatment resulted in a dose-dependent increase in protein expression levels of EgMKK1 (MKK3/6-like) and EgMKK2 (MEK1/2-like), two members of MAPK cascades. Interestingly, several heat shock protein (HSP) genes were greatly downregulated including stress-inducible HSPs and their constitutive cognates, and some of them belong to Echinococcus-specific expansion of HSP70. Conclusions PND has a great impact on the spliceosome, MAPK pathway and ABC transporters, which may underline the mechanisms by which PND kills E. granulosus protoscoleces. In addition, PND downregulates HSPs expression, suggesting a close relationship between the drug and HSPs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07875-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingfang Yu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 830054, Urumqi, China
| | - Weisi Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 830054, Urumqi, China
| | - Wenjing Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 830054, Urumqi, China
| | - Xueting Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 830054, Urumqi, China
| | - Lei Duan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaxu Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Shizhu Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiumin Han
- Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, 810007, Xining, China
| | - Wenbao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 830054, Urumqi, China.
| | - Liping Duan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 200025, Shanghai, China. .,Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, 810007, Xining, China.
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Yang S, Yang S, Zhang H, Hua H, Kong Q, Wang J, Jiang Y. Targeting Na + /K + -ATPase by berbamine and ouabain synergizes with sorafenib to inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:4389-4407. [PMID: 34233013 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is a first-line drug for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The response to sorafenib varies among hepatocellular carcinoma patients and many of the responders suffer from reduced sensitivity after long-term treatment. This study aims to explore a novel strategy to potentiate or maximize the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects of sorafenib. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, western blotting, various antagonists, siRNA and tumour xenografts mouse model to determine the anti- hepatocellular carcinoma effects of sorafenib in combination with berbamine or other Na+ /K+ -ATPase ligands. KEY RESULTS Berbamine and the cardiotonic steroid, ouabain, synergize with sorafenib to inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma cells growth. Mechanistically, berbamine induces Src phosphorylation in Na+ /K+ -ATPase-dependent manner, leading to the activation of p38MAPK and EGFR-ERK pathways. The Na+ /K+ -ATPase ligand ouabain also induces Src, EGFR, type I insulin-like growth factor receptor, ERK1/2 and p38MAPK phosphorylation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma cells with Src or EGFR inhibitor inhibits the induction of ERK1/2 phosphorylation by berbamine. Moreover, sorafenib inhibits the induction of Src, p38MAPK, EGFR and ERK1/2 phosphorylation by berbamine and ouabain. Importantly, combination of sorafenib with berbamine or ouabain synergistically inhibits both sorafenib-naïve and sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells growth. Co-treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma cells with berbamine and sorafenib significantly induces cell death and significantly inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts growth in vivo. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Berbamine or other Na+ /K+ -ATPase ligands have a potential for improving sorafenib responsiveness in hepatocellular carcinoma. Targeting Na+ /K+ -ATPase represents a novel strategy to potentiate the anti- hepatocellular carcinoma effects of sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songpeng Yang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shu Yang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongying Zhang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingbin Kong
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yangfu Jiang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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220
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Liu CL, Yuan RH, Mao TL. The Molecular Landscape Influencing Prognoses of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Biomolecules 2021; 11:998. [PMID: 34356623 PMCID: PMC8301761 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the major increasing lethal malignancies of the gynecological tract, mostly due to delayed diagnosis and chemoresistance, as well as its very heterogeneous genetic makeup. Application of high-throughput molecular technologies, gene expression microarrays, and powerful preclinical models has provided a deeper understanding of the molecular characteristics of EOC. Therefore, molecular markers have become a potent tool in EOC management, including prediction of aggressiveness, prognosis, and recurrence, and identification of novel therapeutic targets. In addition, biomarkers derived from genomic/epigenomic alterations (e.g., gene mutations, copy number aberrations, and DNA methylation) enable targeted treatment of affected signaling pathways in advanced EOC, thereby improving the effectiveness of traditional treatments. This review outlines the molecular landscape and discusses the impacts of biomarkers on the detection, diagnosis, surveillance, and therapeutic targets of EOC. These findings focus on the necessity to translate these potential biomarkers into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Lien Liu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- PhD Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Ray-Hwang Yuan
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan;
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Tsui-Lien Mao
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
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221
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NR4A1 Regulates Tamoxifen Resistance by Suppressing ERK Signaling in ER-Positive Breast Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071633. [PMID: 34209871 PMCID: PMC8307977 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine therapy is used to treat estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. Tamoxifen is effective against this cancer subtype. Nonetheless, approximately 30% of patients treated with tamoxifen acquire resistance, resulting in therapeutic challenges. NR4A1 plays key roles in processes associated with carcinogenesis, apoptosis, DNA repair, proliferation, and inflammation. However, the role of NR4A1 in tamoxifen-resistant ER-positive breast cancer has not yet been elucidated. Here, we propose that NR4A1 is a promising target to overcome tamoxifen resistance. NR4A1 gene expression was downregulated in tamoxifen-resistant MCF7 (TamR) cells compared to that in MCF7 cells. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to identify high NR4A1 expression correlated with increased survival rates in patients with ER-positive breast cancer following tamoxifen treatment. Gain and loss of function experiments showed that NR4A1 restores sensitivity to tamoxifen by regulating cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. NR4A1 localized to the cytoplasm enhanced the expression of apoptotic factors. In silico and in vitro analyses revealed that NR4A1 enhanced responsiveness to tamoxifen by suppressing ERK signaling in ER-positive breast cancer, suggesting that the NR4A1/ERK signaling axis modulates tamoxifen resistance. These results indicate that NR4A1 could be a potential therapeutic target to overcome tamoxifen resistance in ER-positive breast cancer.
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222
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NR4A1 Regulates Tamoxifen Resistance by Suppressing ERK Signaling in ER-Positive Breast Cancer. Cells 2021. [PMID: 34209871 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071633/s1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine therapy is used to treat estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. Tamoxifen is effective against this cancer subtype. Nonetheless, approximately 30% of patients treated with tamoxifen acquire resistance, resulting in therapeutic challenges. NR4A1 plays key roles in processes associated with carcinogenesis, apoptosis, DNA repair, proliferation, and inflammation. However, the role of NR4A1 in tamoxifen-resistant ER-positive breast cancer has not yet been elucidated. Here, we propose that NR4A1 is a promising target to overcome tamoxifen resistance. NR4A1 gene expression was downregulated in tamoxifen-resistant MCF7 (TamR) cells compared to that in MCF7 cells. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to identify high NR4A1 expression correlated with increased survival rates in patients with ER-positive breast cancer following tamoxifen treatment. Gain and loss of function experiments showed that NR4A1 restores sensitivity to tamoxifen by regulating cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. NR4A1 localized to the cytoplasm enhanced the expression of apoptotic factors. In silico and in vitro analyses revealed that NR4A1 enhanced responsiveness to tamoxifen by suppressing ERK signaling in ER-positive breast cancer, suggesting that the NR4A1/ERK signaling axis modulates tamoxifen resistance. These results indicate that NR4A1 could be a potential therapeutic target to overcome tamoxifen resistance in ER-positive breast cancer.
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223
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Zhao X, Wang J, Deng Y, Liao L, Zhou M, Peng C, Li Y. Quercetin as a protective agent for liver diseases: A comprehensive descriptive review of the molecular mechanism. Phytother Res 2021; 35:4727-4747. [PMID: 34159683 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Quercetin is the major representative of the flavonoid subgroup of flavones, with good pharmacological activities for the treatment of liver diseases, including liver steatosis, fatty hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and liver cancer. It can significantly influence the development of liver diseases via multiple targets and multiple pathways via antifat accumulation, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity, as well as the inhibition of cellular apoptosis and proliferation. Despite extensive research on understanding the mechanism of quercetin in the treatment of liver diseases, there are still no targeted therapies available. Thus, we have comprehensively searched and summarized the different targets of quercetin in different stages of liver diseases and concluded that quercetin inhibited inflammation of the liver mainly through NF-κB/TLR/NLRP3, reduced PI3K/Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress, mTOR activation in autophagy, and inhibited the expression of apoptotic factors associated with the development of liver diseases. In addition, quercetin showed different mechanisms of action at different stages of liver diseases, including the regulation of PPAR, UCP, and PLIN2-related factors via brown fat activation in liver steatosis. The compound inhibited stromal ECM deposition at the liver fibrosis stage, affecting TGF1β, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERs), and apoptosis. While at the final liver cancer stage, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and spread via the hTERT, MEK1/ERK1/2, Notch, and Wnt/β-catenin-related signaling pathways. In conclusion, quercetin is an effective liver protectant. We hope to explore the pathogenesis of quercetin in different stages of liver diseases through the review, so as to provide more accurate targets and theoretical basis for further research of quercetin in the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingtao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengting Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Tumor spheroid-based microtumor models for preclinical evaluation of anticancer nanomedicines. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL INVESTIGATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40005-021-00534-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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225
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Moon H, Ro SW. MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3026. [PMID: 34204242 PMCID: PMC8234271 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health concern worldwide, and its incidence is increasing steadily. Recently, the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in HCC has gained renewed attention from basic and clinical researchers. The MAPK/ERK signaling pathway is activated in more than 50% of human HCC cases; however, activating mutations in RAS and RAF genes are rarely found in HCC, which are major genetic events leading to the activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in other cancers. This suggests that there is an alternative mechanism behind the activation of the signaling pathway in HCC. Here, we will review recent advances in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway and discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting the signaling pathway in the context of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si 17104, Gyeonggi-do, Korea;
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226
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Grassilli E, Cerrito MG, Bonomo S, Giovannoni R, Conconi D, Lavitrano M. p65BTK Is a Novel Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Solid Tumors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:690365. [PMID: 34164404 PMCID: PMC8215537 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.690365] [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: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a non-receptor intracellular kinase playing a key role in the proliferation and survival of normal and malignant B-lymphocytes. Its targeting by Ibrutinib, the first specific inhibitor, represented a turning point for the therapy of certain types of B-cell leukemias/lymphomas and several more BTK inhibitors are today in the clinic or advanced clinical trials. BTK expression was successively found to occur also outside of the hematopoietic compartment. In fact, we identified p65BTK, a novel 65 kDa isoform lacking an N-term stretch of 86 amino acids (compared to the 77 kDa protein expressed in B cells) as highly expressed in colon cancer patients. We demonstrated that p65BTK is a powerful oncogene acting downstream of the RAS/MAPK pathway and necessary for RAS-mediated transformation. Notably, the kinase domain is conserved and therefore inhibited by the available BTK-targeting drugs (Ibrutinib, Spebrutinib, etc.) which we used to demonstrate that p65BTK is an actionable target in drug-resistant colorectal carcinomas. We found p65BTK expressed also in >50% non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) and demonstrated that it is an actionable target in KRAS-mutated/EGFR-wild type drug-resistant NSCLC models (for which no targeted therapy is available). We also reported a significant correlation between p65BTK expression and low-grade tumors and overall survival of patients with grade III gliomas and showed that its targeting induced a significant decrease in the viability of in glioma stem cells. Finally, in ovarian cancer patients, p65BTK expression levels correlate with early relapse and shorter progression-free survival, both indicators of resistance to therapy. Remarkably, Ibrutinib is more effective than standard of care (SOC) therapeutics in in vitro and ex vivo settings. On the whole, our preclinical data indicate that, depending on the tumor type, BTK inhibitors used alone can induce cytotoxicity (gliomas), be more effective than SOC chemotherapy (ovarian cancer) or can kill drug-resistant tumor cells when used in combination with SOC chemotherapy (colon cancer and NSCLC) or targeted therapy (NSCLC and ovarian cancer), thus suggesting that p65BTK may be an actionable target in different solid tumors. In addition, our data also give the proof-of-concept for starting clinical trials using BTK inhibitors, alone or in combination, to improve the therapeutic options for solid tumors treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Grassilli
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Cerrito
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Sara Bonomo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Roberto Giovannoni
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Donatella Conconi
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Lavitrano
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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227
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Batara DCR, Choi MC, Shin HU, Kim H, Kim SH. Friend or Foe: Paradoxical Roles of Autophagy in Gliomagenesis. Cells 2021; 10:1411. [PMID: 34204169 PMCID: PMC8227518 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of primary brain tumor in adults, with a poor median survival of approximately 15 months after diagnosis. Despite several decades of intensive research on its cancer biology, treatment for GBM remains a challenge. Autophagy, a fundamental homeostatic mechanism, is responsible for degrading and recycling damaged or defective cellular components. It plays a paradoxical role in GBM by either promoting or suppressing tumor growth depending on the cellular context. A thorough understanding of autophagy's pleiotropic roles is needed to develop potential therapeutic strategies for GBM. In this paper, we discussed molecular mechanisms and biphasic functions of autophagy in gliomagenesis. We also provided a summary of treatments for GBM, emphasizing the importance of autophagy as a promising molecular target for treating GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don Carlo Ramos Batara
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea; (D.C.R.B.); (H.-U.S.)
| | - Moon-Chang Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Korea;
| | - Hyeon-Uk Shin
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea; (D.C.R.B.); (H.-U.S.)
| | - Hyunggee Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea;
| | - Sung-Hak Kim
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea; (D.C.R.B.); (H.-U.S.)
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228
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Elekofehinti OO, Iwaloye O, Olawale F, Ariyo EO. Saponins in Cancer Treatment: Current Progress and Future Prospects. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2021; 28:250-272. [PMID: 35366261 PMCID: PMC8830467 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology28020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Saponins are steroidal or triterpenoid glycoside that is distinguished by the soap-forming nature. Different saponins have been characterized and purified and are gaining attention in cancer chemotherapy. Saponins possess high structural diversity, which is linked to the anticancer activities. Several studies have reported the role of saponins in cancer and the mechanism of actions, including cell-cycle arrest, antioxidant activity, cellular invasion inhibition, induction of apoptosis and autophagy. Despite the extensive research and significant anticancer effects of saponins, there are currently no known FDA-approved saponin-based anticancer drugs. This can be attributed to a number of limitations, including toxicities and drug-likeness properties. Recent studies have explored options such as combination therapy and drug delivery systems to ensure increased efficacy and decreased toxicity in saponin. This review discusses the current knowledge on different saponins, their anticancer activity and mechanisms of action, as well as promising research within the last two decades and recommendations for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olusola Olalekan Elekofehinti
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Akure, PMB 704, Nigeria; (O.I.); (E.O.A.)
| | - Opeyemi Iwaloye
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Akure, PMB 704, Nigeria; (O.I.); (E.O.A.)
| | - Femi Olawale
- Nanogene and Drug Delivery Group, Department of Biochemistry, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa;
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos 101017, Nigeria
| | - Esther Opeyemi Ariyo
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Akure, PMB 704, Nigeria; (O.I.); (E.O.A.)
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229
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Wang S, Li Z, Gao S. Key regulators of sensitivity to immunomodulatory drugs in cancer treatment. Biomark Res 2021; 9:43. [PMID: 34090534 PMCID: PMC8180172 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00297-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) include thalidomide, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide, which have shown significant efficacy in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with deletion of chromosome 5q (del(5q)) and other hematological malignancies. IMiDs hijack the CRL4CRBN ubiquitin ligase to target cellular proteins for ubiquitination and degradation, which is responsible for their clinical activity in MM and MDS with del(5q). However, intrinsic and acquired resistance frequently limit the efficacy of IMiDs. Recently, many efforts have been made to explore key regulators of IMiD sensitivity, resulting in great advances in the understanding of the regulatory networks related to this class of drugs. In this review, we describe the mechanism of IMiDs in cancer treatment and summarize the key regulators of IMiD sensitivity. Furthermore, we introduce genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screenings, through which the regulatory networks of IMiD sensitivity could be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shichao Wang
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 3 Kangfu Front Street, 450052, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Zhiyue Li
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
| | - Shaobing Gao
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008, China.
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230
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Ren C, Hao X, Wang L, Hu Y, Meng L, Zheng S, Ren F, Bu W, Wang H, Li D, Zhang K, Sun H. Metformin Carbon Dots for Promoting Periodontal Bone Regeneration via Activation of ERK/AMPK Pathway. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100196. [PMID: 33987977 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The osteogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is severely impaired under persistent inflammation of periodontitis. A highly efficient way to promote or rescue osteogenic potential of MSCs under inflammation remains an unmet goal. Herein, metformin carbon dots (MCDs) with excellent biocompatibility are prepared from metformin hydrochloride and citric acid via a hydrothermal method. The MCDs can more effectively enhance the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium deposition nodules formation, expression of osteogenic genes and proteins in rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) than metformin under both inflammatory and normal conditions. Moreover, a novel pathway of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling is involved in the MCDs-induced osteogenesis. In periodontitis rats, MCDs can effectively regenerate the lost alveolar bone, but not the metformin. Taken together, MCDs can be the promising candidate nanomaterial for periodontitis treatment. This work may provide a new pharmacological target of ERK/AMPK pathway for treating bone loss and also give additional insights into developing nanodrugs from the numerous medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxia Ren
- Hospital of Stomatology Jilin University Changchun 130021 P. R. China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling Hospital of Stomatology Jilin University Changchun 130021 P. R. China
| | - Xinqing Hao
- Hospital of Stomatology Jilin University Changchun 130021 P. R. China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling Hospital of Stomatology Jilin University Changchun 130021 P. R. China
| | - Lu Wang
- Hospital of Stomatology Jilin University Changchun 130021 P. R. China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling Hospital of Stomatology Jilin University Changchun 130021 P. R. China
| | - Yue Hu
- Hospital of Stomatology Jilin University Changchun 130021 P. R. China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling Hospital of Stomatology Jilin University Changchun 130021 P. R. China
| | - Lin Meng
- Hospital of Stomatology Jilin University Changchun 130021 P. R. China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling Hospital of Stomatology Jilin University Changchun 130021 P. R. China
| | - Shize Zheng
- Hospital of Stomatology Jilin University Changchun 130021 P. R. China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling Hospital of Stomatology Jilin University Changchun 130021 P. R. China
| | - Feilong Ren
- Hospital of Stomatology Jilin University Changchun 130021 P. R. China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling Hospital of Stomatology Jilin University Changchun 130021 P. R. China
| | - Wenhuan Bu
- School of Stomatology China Medical University Shenyang 110001 P. R. China
| | - Huan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resources Utilization Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences Changchun 130022 P. R. China
| | - Daowei Li
- Hospital of Stomatology Jilin University Changchun 130021 P. R. China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling Hospital of Stomatology Jilin University Changchun 130021 P. R. China
| | - Kai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials College of Chemistry Jilin University Changchun 130012 P. R. China
| | - Hongchen Sun
- Hospital of Stomatology Jilin University Changchun 130021 P. R. China
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Yap J, Deepak RNVK, Tian Z, Ng WH, Goh KC, Foo A, Tee ZH, Mohanam MP, Sim YRM, Degirmenci U, Lam P, Chen Z, Fan H, Hu J. The stability of R-spine defines RAF inhibitor resistance: A comprehensive analysis of oncogenic BRAF mutants with in-frame insertion of αC-β4 loop. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/24/eabg0390. [PMID: 34108213 PMCID: PMC8189578 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg0390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Although targeting BRAF mutants with RAF inhibitors has achieved promising outcomes in cancer therapy, drug resistance remains a remarkable challenge, and underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we characterized a previously unknown group of oncogenic BRAF mutants with in-frame insertions (LLRins506 or VLRins506) of αC-β4 loop. Using structure modeling and molecular dynamics simulation, we found that these insertions formed a large hydrophobic network that stabilizes R-spine and thus triggers the catalytic activity of BRAF. Furthermore, these insertions disrupted BRAF dimer interface and impaired dimerization. Unlike BRAF(V600E), these BRAF mutants with low dimer affinity were strongly resistant to all RAF inhibitors in clinic or clinical trials, which arises from their stabilized R-spines. As predicted by molecular docking, the stabilized R-spines in other BRAF mutants also conferred drug resistance. Together, our data indicated that the stability of R-spine but not dimer affinity determines the RAF inhibitor resistance of oncogenic BRAF mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Yap
- Cancer and Stem Cell Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescen, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - R N V Krishna Deepak
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Zizi Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wan Hwa Ng
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescen, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - Kah Chun Goh
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescen, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - Alicia Foo
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescen, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - Zi Heng Tee
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescen, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - Manju Payini Mohanam
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescen, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - Yuen Rong M Sim
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescen, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - Ufuk Degirmenci
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescen, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - Paula Lam
- Cancer and Stem Cell Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 2 Medical Drive, MD9, Singapore 117593, Singapore
- Cellvec Pte. Ltd., 100 Pasir Panjang Road, #04-02, Singapore 118518, Singapore
| | - Zhongzhou Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hao Fan
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671, Singapore.
| | - Jiancheng Hu
- Cancer and Stem Cell Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore.
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescen, Singapore 169610, Singapore
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Abstract
The HOXC10 gene, a member of the HOX genes family, plays crucial roles in mammalian physiological processes, such as limb morphological development, limb regeneration, and lumbar motor neuron differentiation. HOXC10 is also associated with angiogenesis, fat metabolism, and sex regulation. Additional evidence suggests that HOXC10 dysregulation is closely associated with various tumors. HOXC10 is an important transcription factor that can activate several oncogenic pathways by regulating various target molecules such as ERK, AKT, p65, and epithelial mesenchymal transition-related genes. HOXC10 also induces drug resistance in cancers by promoting the DNA repair pathway. In this review, we summarize HOXC10 gene structure and expression as well as the role of HOXC10 in different human cancer processes. This review will provide insight into the status of HOXC10 research and help identify novel targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyong Fang
- Department of Science and Education, Jinhua Guangfu Oncology Hospital, Jinhua, China
| | - Jianjun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Jinhua Guangfu Oncology Hospital, Jinhua, China
| | - Liangliang Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical School of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenxia Xu
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
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233
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Therapeutic potential of AMPK signaling targeting in lung cancer: Advances, challenges and future prospects. Life Sci 2021; 278:119649. [PMID: 34043989 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is a leading cause of death worldwide with high mortality and morbidity. A wide variety of risk factors are considered for LC development such as smoking, air pollution and family history. It appears that genetic and epigenetic factors are also potential players in LC development and progression. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a signaling pathway with vital function in inducing energy balance and homeostasis. An increase in AMP:ATP and ADP:ATP ratio leads to activation of AMPK signaling by upstream mediators such as LKB1 and CamKK. Dysregulation of AMPK signaling is a common finding in different cancers, particularly LC. AMPK activation can significantly enhance LC metastasis via EMT induction. Upstream mediators such as PLAG1, IMPAD1, and TUFM can regulate AMPK-mediated metastasis. AMPK activation can promote proliferation and survival of LC cells via glycolysis induction. In suppressing LC progression, anti-tumor compounds including metformin, ginsenosides, casticin and duloxetine dually induce/inhibit AMPK signaling. This is due to double-edged sword role of AMPK signaling in LC cells. Furthermore, AMPK signaling can regulate response of LC cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy that are discussed in the current review.
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234
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Fernandez CJ, George AS, Subrahmanyan NA, Pappachan JM. Epidemiological link between obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cancer. World J Methodol 2021; 11:23-45. [PMID: 34026577 PMCID: PMC8127420 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v11.i3.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There exists a complex interaction between obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cancer, and an increase in the incidence of cancer is expected with the growing obesity-diabetes pandemic. The association of cancer with diabetes mellitus and obesity appears to be site-specific, the highest risk being for post-menopausal breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and colorectal cancer. Moreover, there is worsening of hyperglycaemia with the onset of cancer, evidencing a bi-directional link between cancer and diabetes mellitus and the need for monitoring for diabetes in cancer survivors. In this review, we look at the epidemiological evidence from observational studies and Mendelian randomization studies linking obesity, diabetes, and cancer, as well as the complex pathophysiological mechanisms involved, including insulin resistance with associated hyperinsulinaemia, the effect of chronic low-grade inflammation, and the effect of various adipokines that are associated with obesity and T2DM. Additionally, we describe the novel therapeutic strategies, based on their role on the discrete pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the tumourigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius J Fernandez
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Pilgrim Hospital, United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Boston PE21 9QS, United Kingdom
| | - Annu Susan George
- Department of Medical Oncology, VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Cochin 682040, India
| | | | - Joseph M Pappachan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Preston PR2 9HT, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BH, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
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235
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Liu Y, Chang J, Yang C, Zhang T, Chen X, Shi R, Liang Y, Xia Q, Ma S. Genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screening in Bombyx mori reveals the toxicological mechanisms of environmental pollutants, fluoride and cadmium. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 410:124666. [PMID: 33279320 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fluoride and cadmium, two typical environmental pollutants, have been extensively existed in the ecosystem and severely injured various organisms including humans. To explore the toxicological properties and the toxicological mechanism of fluoride and cadmium in silkworm, we perform a CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) -based functional genomic screen, which can directly measure the genetic requirement of genes in response to the pollutants. Our screen identifies 751 NaF-resistance genes, 753 NaF-sensitive genes, 757 CdCl2-resistance genes, and 725 CdCl2-sensitive genes. The top-ranked resistant genes are experimentally verified and the results show that their loss conferred resistance to fluoride or cadmium. Functional analysis of the resistant- and sensitive-genes demonstrates enrichment of multiple signaling pathways, among which the MAPK signaling pathway and DNA damage and repair are both required for fluoride- or cadmium-induced cell death, whereas the Toll and Imd signaling pathway and Autophagy are fluoride- or cadmium-specific. Moreover, we confirm that these pathways are truly involved in the toxicological mechanism in both cultured cells and individual tissues. Our results supply potential targets for rescuing the biohazards of fluoride and cadmium in silkworm, and reveal the feasible toxicological mechanism, which highlights the role of functional genomic screens in elucidating the toxicity mechanisms of environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Jiasong Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Chengfei Yang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Xiaoxu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Run Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Yan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Sanyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
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236
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Bu R, Siraj AK, Masoodi T, Parvathareddy SK, Iqbal K, Al-Rasheed M, Haqawi W, Diaz M, Victoria IG, Aldughaither SM, Al-Sobhi SS, Al-Dayel F, Al-Kuraya KS. Recurrent Somatic MAP2K1 Mutations in Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Colorectal Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:670423. [PMID: 34046359 PMCID: PMC8144646 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.670423] [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: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MAP2K1) is a dual specificity protein kinase that phosphorylates both threonine and tyrosine residues in ERK. MAP2K1 mutations have been identified in several cancers. However, their role in Middle Eastern papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) is lacking. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of MAP2K1 mutations in a large cohort of Middle Eastern PTC and CRC using whole-exome and Sanger sequencing technology. In the discovery cohort of 100 PTC and 100 CRC cases (comprising 50 MAPK mutant and 50 MAPK wildtype cases each), we found one MAP2K1 mutation each in PTC and CRC, both of which were MAPK wildtype. We further analyzed 286 PTC and 289 CRC MAPK wildtype cases and found three MAP2K1 mutant PTC cases and two MAP2K1 mutant CRC cases. Thus, the overall prevalence of MAP2K1 mutation in MAPK wildtype cases was 1.1% (4/336) in PTC and 0.9% (3/339) in CRC. Histopathologically, three of the four MAP2K1 mutant PTC cases were follicular variant and all four tumors were unifocal with absence of extra-thyroidal extension. All the three CRC cases harboring MAP2K1 mutation were of older age (> 50 years) and had moderately differentiated stage II/III tumors located in the left colon. In conclusion, this is the first comprehensive report of MAP2K1 somatic mutations prevalence in PTC and CRC from this ethnicity. The mutually exclusive nature of MAP2K1 and MAPK mutations suggests that each of these mutation may function as an initiating mutation driving tumorigenesis through MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Bu
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul K Siraj
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tariq Masoodi
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sandeep Kumar Parvathareddy
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kaleem Iqbal
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha Al-Rasheed
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wael Haqawi
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mark Diaz
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ingrid G Victoria
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saud M Aldughaither
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saif S Al-Sobhi
- Department of Surgery, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fouad Al-Dayel
- Department of Pathology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khawla S Al-Kuraya
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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237
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Ungurianu A, Zanfirescu A, Nițulescu G, Margină D. Vitamin E beyond Its Antioxidant Label. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:634. [PMID: 33919211 PMCID: PMC8143145 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10050634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin E, comprising tocopherols and tocotrienols, is mainly known as an antioxidant. The aim of this review is to summarize the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways linked to inflammation and malignancy modulated by its vitamers. Preclinical reports highlighted a myriad of cellular effects like modulating the synthesis of pro-inflammatory molecules and oxidative stress response, inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, regulating cell cycle, and apoptosis. Furthermore, animal-based models have shown that these molecules affect the activity of various enzymes and signaling pathways, such as MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, JAK/STAT, and NF-κB, acting as the underlying mechanisms of their reported anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer effects. In clinical settings, not all of these were proven, with reports varying considerably. Nonetheless, vitamin E was shown to improve redox and inflammatory status in healthy, diabetic, and metabolic syndrome subjects. The anti-cancer effects were inconsistent, with both pro- and anti-malignant being reported. Regarding its neuroprotective properties, several studies have shown protective effects suggesting vitamin E as a potential prevention and therapeutic (as adjuvant) tool. However, source and dosage greatly influence the observed effects, with bioavailability seemingly a key factor in obtaining the preferred outcome. We conclude that this group of molecules presents exciting potential for the prevention and treatment of diseases with an inflammatory, redox, or malignant component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Ungurianu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Anca Zanfirescu
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Georgiana Nițulescu
- Department Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Denisa Margină
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
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238
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Mazein A, Rougny A, Karr JR, Saez-Rodriguez J, Ostaszewski M, Schneider R. Reusability and composability in process description maps: RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signalling. Brief Bioinform 2021; 22:6217719. [PMID: 33834185 PMCID: PMC8425390 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbab103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Detailed maps of the molecular basis of the disease are powerful tools for interpreting data and building predictive models. Modularity and composability are considered necessary network features for large-scale collaborative efforts to build comprehensive molecular descriptions of disease mechanisms. An effective way to create and manage large systems is to compose multiple subsystems. Composable network components could effectively harness the contributions of many individuals and enable teams to seamlessly assemble many individual components into comprehensive maps. We examine manually built versions of the RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK cascade from the Atlas of Cancer Signalling Network, PANTHER and Reactome databases and review them in terms of their reusability and composability for assembling new disease models. We identify design principles for managing complex systems that could make it easier for investigators to share and reuse network components. We demonstrate the main challenges including incompatible levels of detail and ambiguous representation of complexes and highlight the need to address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Mazein
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg.,European Institute for Systems Biology and Medicine, CIRI UMR5308, CNRS-ENS-UCBL-INSERM, Université de Lyon, 50 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Adrien Rougny
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Aomi, Tokyo, Japan.,Com. Bio Big Data Open Innovation Lab. (CBBD-OIL), AIST, Aomi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jonathan R Karr
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, USA.,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, USA
| | - Julio Saez-Rodriguez
- Joint Research Centre for Computational Biomedicine (JRC-COMBINE), RWTH Aachen University, Faculty of Medicine, 52074 Aachen, Germany.,Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Heidelberg University Hospital and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Medicine, Bioquant Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Marek Ostaszewski
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Reinhard Schneider
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
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239
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Blockade of AMPK-Mediated cAMP-PKA-CREB/ATF1 Signaling Synergizes with Aspirin to Inhibit Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071738. [PMID: 33917483 PMCID: PMC8038809 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epidemiological and experimental studies have demonstrated that aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) may prevent the incidence of some types of human cancer, including colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, preclinical studies indicate that aspirin in combination with other treatments may achieve a more significant anti-cancer effect for established tumors. This study aims to improve the anti-cancer effect of aspirin by targeting signaling pathways related to aspirin and its targets. We find that aspirin may induce cAMP–PKA–CREB/ATF1 signaling in HCC via AMPK and its downstream target carbamoyl-phosphate synthase 1 (CPS1). Blockade of PKA–CREB/ATF1 signaling by the natural agent berbamine could sensitize HCC to aspirin. This research indicates that the combination of two inexpensive drugs, aspirin and berbamine, holds promise in preventing and treating HCC. Abstract Aspirin can prevent or inhibit inflammation-related cancers, such as colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the effectiveness of chemotherapy may be compromised by activating oncogenic pathways in cancer cells. Elucidation of such chemoresistance mechanisms is crucial to developing novel strategies to maximize the anti-cancer effects of aspirin. Here, we report that aspirin markedly induces CREB/ATF1 phosphorylation in HCC cells, which compromises aspirin’s anti-HCC effect. Inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) abrogates the induction of CREB/ATF1 phosphorylation by aspirin. Mechanistically, activation of AMPK by aspirin results in decreased expression of the urea cycle enzyme carbamoyl-phosphate synthase 1 (CPS1) in HCC cells and xenografts. Treatment with aspirin or CPS1 knockdown stimulates soluble adenylyl cyclase expression, thereby increasing cyclic AMP (cAMP) synthesis and stimulating PKA–CREB/ATF1 signaling. Importantly, abrogation of aspirin-induced CREB/ATF1 phosphorylation could sensitize HCC to aspirin. The bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid berbamine suppresses the expression of cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A), leading to protein phosphatase 2A-mediated downregulation of CREB/ATF1 phosphorylation. The combination of berbamine and aspirin significantly inhibits HCC in vitro and in vivo. These data demonstrate that the regulation of cAMP-PKA-CREB/ATF1 signaling represents a noncanonical function of CPS1. Targeting the PKA–CREB/ATF1 axis may be a strategy to improve the therapeutic effects of aspirin on HCC.
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240
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Li XM, Li MT, Jiang N, Si YC, Zhu MM, Wu QY, Shi DC, Shi H, Luo Q, Yu B. Network Pharmacology-Based Approach to Investigate the Molecular Targets of Sinomenine for Treating Breast Cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:1189-1204. [PMID: 33603465 PMCID: PMC7881794 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s282684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sinomenine has been known to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells. However, its targets have not been found yet. This study aimed to search for molecular targets of sinomenine for treating breast cancer via network pharmacology. Methods Potential targets of sinomenine or breast cancer were separately screened from indicated databases. The common targets of both sinomenine and breast cancer were considered as the targets of sinomenine for treating breast cancer. A sinomenine-target-pathway network was constructed based on the obtained results from Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The putative targets of sinomenine were further determined by using protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis and molecular docking. Finally, the putative targets were verified in vitro and in vivo. Results Twenty predicted targets were identified through network pharmacological analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment indicated that these predicted targets enriched in the process of MAP kinase activity, VEGF signaling pathway, Relaxin signaling pathway, Growth hormone synthesis, secretion and action. MAPK1, NOS3, NR3C1, NOS1 and NOS2 were further identified as the putative targets by using PPI and molecular docking analysis. Expression of MAPK1, NR3C1, NOS1, NOS2 and NOS3 genes were significantly regulated by sinomenine in both MCF-7 cells and MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, the expression of NR3C1 in human breast cancer specimens was lower than that in para-tumor normal tissues. Meanwhile, the expression of NR3C1 in xenograft tumors was up-regulated after sinomenine treatment. Conclusion MAPK1, NR3C1, NOS1, NOS2 and NOS3 were identified as the putative targets of sinomenine for treating breast cancer. NR3C1 was preliminarily confirmed as a target of sinomenine in two breast cancer cell lines, xenograft tumor models and human breast cancer specimens. These data indicated that the network pharmacology-based prediction of sinomenine targets for treating breast cancer could be reliable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Mei Li
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563003, People's Republic of China.,Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Navy Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Mao-Ting Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Navy Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.,Student Brigade, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ni Jiang
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563003, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Chen Si
- Student Brigade, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Mei Zhu
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Navy Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao-Yuan Wu
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563003, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Chen Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Luo
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563003, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Yu
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Navy Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
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241
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Promotion of cancer cell stemness by Ras. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:467-476. [PMID: 33544116 PMCID: PMC7925005 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) may be the most relevant and elusive cancer cell population, as they have the exquisite ability to seed new tumors. It is plausible, that highly mutated cancer genes, such as KRAS, are functionally associated with processes contributing to the emergence of stemness traits. In this review, we will summarize the evidence for a stemness driving activity of oncogenic Ras. This activity appears to differ by Ras isoform, with the highly mutated KRAS having a particularly profound impact. Next to established stemness pathways such as Wnt and Hedgehog (Hh), the precise, cell cycle dependent orchestration of the MAPK-pathway appears to relay Ras activation in this context. We will examine how non-canonical activities of K-Ras4B (hereafter K-Ras) could be enabled by its trafficking chaperones calmodulin and PDE6D/PDEδ. Both dynamically localize to the cellular machinery that is intimately linked to cell fate decisions, such as the primary cilium and the centrosome. Thus, it can be speculated that oncogenic K-Ras disrupts fundamental polarized signaling and asymmetric apportioning processes that are necessary during cell differentiation.
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242
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Yi M, Niu M, Xu L, Luo S, Wu K. Regulation of PD-L1 expression in the tumor microenvironment. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:10. [PMID: 33413496 PMCID: PMC7792099 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-01027-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 107.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on cancer cells engages with programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) on immune cells, contributing to cancer immune escape. For multiple cancer types, the PD-1/PD-L1 axis is the major speed-limiting step of the anti-cancer immune response. In this context, blocking PD-1/PD-L1 could restore T cells from exhausted status and eradicate cancer cells. However, only a subset of PD-L1 positive patients benefits from α-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. Actually, PD-L1 expression is regulated by various factors, leading to the diverse significances of PD-L1 positivity. Understanding the mechanisms of PD-L1 regulation is helpful to select patients and enhance the treatment effect. In this review, we focused on PD-L1 regulators at the levels of transcription, post-transcription, post-translation. Besides, we discussed the potential applications of these laboratory findings in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yi
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
| | - Linping Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
| | - Suxia Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. .,Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, China.
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243
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p-MEK expression predicts prognosis of patients with adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) and plays a role in anti-AEG efficacy of Huaier. Pharmacol Res 2021; 165:105411. [PMID: 33401002 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The incidence rate of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) is increasing worldwide with poor prognosis and unclear pathogenesis. Trametes robiniophila Murr. (Huaier), a traditional Chinese medicine has been used in the clinical treatment of a variety of solid tumors, including AEG. However, its anticancer components and molecular mechanisms are still unclear. In our previous studies, we have found that Huaier n-butanol extract (HBE) shows the most potent anticancer activity among different extracts. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the clinical relevance of p-MEK expression in AEG patients and the role of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway in the anti-AEG efficacy of HBE in vitro and in vivo. We herein demonstrate that p-MEK expression in AEG tissues was significantly higher than that in paracancerous tissues and correlated with a poor prognosis in AEG patients. We further found that HBE inhibited the colony formation, migration, and invasion in AEG cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro. HBE also suppressed the growth of AEG xenograft tumors without causing any host toxicity in vivo. Mechanistically, HBE caused the inactivation of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway by dephosphorylating MEK1 at S298, ERK1 at T202, and ERK2 at T185 and modulating the expression of EMT-related proteins. In summary, our results demonstrate that the high expression of p-MEK may be an independent factor of poor prognosis in patients with AEG. The clinically used anticancer drug Huaier may exert its anti-AEG efficacy by inhibiting the MEK/ERK signaling pathway.
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244
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Li T, Yu Y, Shi H, Cao Y, Liu X, Hao Z, Ren Y, Qin G, Huang Y, Wang B. Magnesium in Combinatorial With Valproic Acid Suppressed the Proliferation and Migration of Human Bladder Cancer Cells. Front Oncol 2020; 10:589112. [PMID: 33363019 PMCID: PMC7759627 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.589112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnesium, the second most predominant intracellular cation, plays a crucial role in many physiological functions; magnesium-based biomaterials have been widely used in clinical application. In a variety of cancer types, the high intracellular concentration of magnesium contributes to cancer initiation and progression. Therefore, we initiated this study to investigate the likelihood of confounding magnesium with cancer therapy. In this study, the anti-tumor activity of magnesium and underlying mechanisms were assessed in bladder cancer both in vitro and in vivo. The results indicated that the proliferation of bladder cancer cells was inhibited by treatment with a high concentration of MgCl2 or MgSO4. The apoptosis, G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, autophagy, and ER stress were promoted following treatment with MgCl2. However, the migratory ability of MgCl2 treated cells was similar to that of control cells, as revealed by the trans-well assay. Besides, no significant difference was observed in the proportion of CD44 or CD133 positive cells between the control and MgCl2 treated cells. Thus, to improve the therapeutic effect of magnesium, VPA was used to treat cancer cells in combination with MgCl2. As expected, combination treatment with MgCl2 and VPA could markedly reduce proliferation, migration, and in vivo tumorigenicity of UC3 cells. Moreover, the Wnt signaling was down-regulated, and ERK signaling was activated in the cells treated with combination treatment. In conclusion, the accurate utilization of MgCl2 in targeting autophagy might be beneficial in cancer therapy. Although further studies are warranted, the combination treatment of MgCl2 with VPA is an effective strategy to improve the outcome of chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianye Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yang Yu
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hang Shi
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuhua Cao
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiangfu Liu
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhenzhen Hao
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuping Ren
- Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Gaowu Qin
- Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yongye Huang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bing Wang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
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245
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Natural Products Attenuating Biosynthesis, Processing, and Activity of Ras Oncoproteins: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10111535. [PMID: 33182807 PMCID: PMC7698260 DOI: 10.3390/biom10111535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS genes encode signaling proteins, which, in mammalian cells, act as molecular switches regulating critical cellular processes as proliferation, growth, differentiation, survival, motility, and metabolism in response to specific stimuli. Deregulation of Ras functions has a high impact on human health: gain-of-function point mutations in RAS genes are found in some developmental disorders and thirty percent of all human cancers, including the deadliest. For this reason, the pathogenic Ras variants represent important clinical targets against which to develop novel, effective, and possibly selective pharmacological inhibitors. Natural products represent a virtually unlimited resource of structurally different compounds from which one could draw on for this purpose, given the improvements in isolation and screening of active molecules from complex sources. After a summary of Ras proteins molecular and regulatory features and Ras-dependent pathways relevant for drug development, we point out the most promising inhibitory approaches, the known druggable sites of wild-type and oncogenic Ras mutants, and describe the known natural compounds capable of attenuating Ras signaling. Finally, we highlight critical issues and perspectives for the future selection of potential Ras inhibitors from natural sources.
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246
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Essentiality and Transcriptome-Enriched Pathway Scores Predict Drug-Combination Synergy. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9090278. [PMID: 32906805 PMCID: PMC7565142 DOI: 10.3390/biology9090278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In the prediction of the synergy of drug combinations, systems pharmacology models expand the scope of experiment screening and overcome the limitations of current computational models posed by their lack of mechanical interpretation and integration of gene essentiality. We therefore investigated the synergy of drug combinations for cancer therapies utilizing records in NCI ALMANAC, and we employed logistic regression to test the statistical significance of gene and pathway features in that interaction. We trained our predictive models using 43 NCI-60 cell lines, 165 KEGG pathways, and 114 drug pairs. Scores of drug-combination synergies showed a stronger correlation with pathway than gene features in overall trend analysis and a significant association with both genes and pathways in genome-wide association analyses. However, we observed little overlap of significant gene expressions and essentialities and no significant evidence that associated target and non-target genes and their pathways. We were able to validate four drug-combination pathways between two drug combinations, Nelarabine-Exemestane and Docetaxel-Vermurafenib, and two signaling pathways, PI3K-AKT and AMPK, in 16 cell lines. In conclusion, pathways significantly outperformed genes in predicting drug-combination synergy, and because they have very different mechanisms, gene expression and essentiality should be considered in combination rather than individually to improve this prediction.
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