251
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Mandal M, Sahoo SK, Patra P, Mallik S, Zhao Z. In silico ranking of phenolics for therapeutic effectiveness on cancer stem cells. BMC Bioinformatics 2020; 21:499. [PMID: 33371879 PMCID: PMC7768647 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-020-03849-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have features such as the ability to self-renew, differentiate into defined progenies and initiate the tumor growth. Treatments of cancer include drugs, chemotherapy and radiotherapy or a combination. However, treatment of cancer by various therapeutic strategies often fail. One possible reason is that the nature of CSCs, which has stem-like properties, make it more dynamic and complex and may cause the therapeutic resistance. Another limitation is the side effects associated with the treatment of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. To explore better or alternative treatment options the current study aims to investigate the natural drug-like molecules that can be used as CSC-targeted therapy. Among various natural products, anticancer potential of phenolics is well established. We collected the 21 phytochemicals from phenolic group and their interacting CSC genes from the publicly available databases. Then a bipartite graph is constructed from the collected CSC genes along with their interacting phytochemicals from phenolic group as other. The bipartite graph is then transformed into weighted bipartite graph by considering the interaction strength between the phenolics and the CSC genes. The CSC genes are also weighted by two scores, namely, DSI (Disease Specificity Index) and DPI (Disease Pleiotropy Index). For each gene, its DSI score reflects the specific relationship with the disease and DPI score reflects the association with multiple diseases. Finally, a ranking technique is developed based on PageRank (PR) algorithm for ranking the phenolics. RESULTS We collected 21 phytochemicals from phenolic group and 1118 CSC genes. The top ranked phenolics were evaluated by their molecular and pharmacokinetics properties and disease association networks. We selected top five ranked phenolics (Resveratrol, Curcumin, Quercetin, Epigallocatechin Gallate, and Genistein) for further examination of their oral bioavailability through molecular properties, drug likeness through pharmacokinetic properties, and associated network with CSC genes. CONCLUSION Our PR ranking based approach is useful to rank the phenolics that are associated with CSC genes. Our results suggested some phenolics are potential molecules for CSC-related cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monalisa Mandal
- Department of School of Computer Science and Engineering, Xavier University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 752050, India
| | | | - Priyadarsan Patra
- Department of School of Computer Science and Engineering, Xavier University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 752050, India
| | - Saurav Mallik
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center At Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center At Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center At Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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252
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Current and emerging strategies for management of myelodysplastic syndromes. Blood Rev 2020; 48:100791. [PMID: 33423844 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2020.100791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis with varying degrees of dysplasia and peripheral cytopenias. MDS are driven by structural chromosomal alterations and somatic mutations in neoplastic myeloid cells, which are supported by a tumorigenic and a proinflammatory marrow microenvironment. Current treatment strategies for lower-risk MDS focus on improving quality of life and cytopenias, while prolonging survival and delaying disease progression is the focus for higher-risk MDS. Several promising drugs are in the horizon, including the hypoxia-inducible factor stabilizer roxadustat, telomerase inhibitor imetelstat, oral hypomethylating agents (CC-486), TP53 modulators (APR-246 and ALRN-6924), and the anti-CD47 antibody magrolimab. Targeted therapies approved for acute myeloid leukemia treatment, such as isocitrate dehdyrogenase inhibitors and venetoclax, are also being studied for use in MDS. In this review, we provide a brief overview of pathogenesis and current treatment strategies in MDS followed by a discussion of newer agents that are under clinical investigation.
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253
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Zhan X, Guo S, Li Y, Ran H, Huang H, Mi L, Wu J, Wang X, Xiao D, Chen L, Li D, Zhang S, Yan X, Yu Y, Li T, Han Q, He K, Cui J, Li T, Zhou T, Rich JN, Bao S, Zhang X, Li A, Man J. Glioma stem-like cells evade interferon suppression through MBD3/NuRD complex-mediated STAT1 downregulation. J Exp Med 2020; 217:151561. [PMID: 32181805 PMCID: PMC7201922 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20191340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs) are known to mediate antineoplastic effects during tumor progression. Type I IFNs can be produced by multiple cell types in the tumor microenvironment; however, the molecular mechanisms by which tumor cells evade the inhibition of immune microenvironment remain unknown. Here we demonstrate that glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) evade type I IFN suppression through downregulation of STAT1 to initiate tumor growth under inhospitable conditions. The downregulation of STAT1 is mediated by MBD3, an epigenetic regulator. MBD3 is preferentially expressed in GSCs and recruits NuRD complex to STAT1 promoter to suppress STAT1 expression by histone deacetylation. Importantly, STAT1 overexpression or MBD3 depletion induces p21 transcription, resensitizes GSCs to IFN suppression, attenuates GSC tumor growth, and prolongs animal survival. Our findings demonstrate that inactivation of STAT1 signaling by MBD3/NuRD provides GSCs with a survival advantage to escape type I IFN suppression, suggesting that targeting MBD3 may represent a promising therapeutic opportunity to compromise GSC tumorigenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China.,China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Saisai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Haowen Ran
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Haohao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Lanjuan Mi
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Xinzheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Dake Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Lishu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Da Li
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Songyang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Yan
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Yu
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tingting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Kun He
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Jeremy N Rich
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Shideng Bao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.,Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Xuemin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China.,The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ailing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China.,The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianghong Man
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
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254
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Kharkar PS. Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) Inhibitors in Oncology-A Promise for a Better Therapeutic Outcome: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. J Med Chem 2020; 63:15279-15307. [PMID: 33325699 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation of cancer cells endowed with self-renewal, tumorigenicity, pluripotency, chemoresistance, differentiation, invasive ability, and plasticity, reside in specialized tumor niches and are responsible for tumor maintenance, metastasis, therapy resistance, and tumor relapse. The new-age "hierarchical or CSC" model of tumor heterogeneity is based on the concept of eradicating CSCs to prevent tumor relapse and therapy resistance. Small-molecular entities and biologics acting on various stemness signaling pathways, surface markers, efflux transporters, or components of complex tumor microenvironment are under intense investigation as potential anti-CSC agents. In addition, smart nanotherapeutic tools have proved their utility in achieving CSC targeting. Several CSC inhibitors in clinical development have shown promise, either as mono- or combination therapy, in refractory and difficult-to-treat cancers. Clinical investigations with CSC marker follow-up as a measure of clinical efficacy are needed to turn the "hype" into the "hope" these new-age oncology therapeutics have to offer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant S Kharkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai 400 019, India
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255
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ZIP4 Is a Novel Cancer Stem Cell Marker in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123692. [PMID: 33316986 PMCID: PMC7764492 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is one of the most deadly and heterogenic cancers. We have recently shown that ZIP4 (gene name SLC39A4), a zinc transporter, is functionally involved in cancer stem cell (CSC)-related cellular activities in HGSOC. Here, we identified ZIP4 as a novel CSC marker in HGSOC. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS)-sorted ZIP4+, but not ZIP4- cells, formed spheroids and displayed self-renewing and differentiation abilities. Over-expression of ZIP4 conferred drug resistance properties in vitro. ZIP4+, but not ZIP4- cells, formed tumors/ascites in vivo. We conducted limiting dilution experiments and showed that 100-200 ZIP4+ cells from both PE04 and PEA2 cells formed larger tumors than those from 100-200 ALDH+ cells in mice. Mechanistically, we found that ZIP4 was an upstream regulator of another CSC-marker, NOTCH3, in HGSOC cells. NOTCH3 was functionally involved in spheroid formation in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo in HGSOC. Genetic compensation studies showed that NOTCH3, but not NOTCH1, was a critical downstream mediator of ZIP4. Furthermore, NOTCH3, but not NOTCH1, physically bound to ZIP4. Collectively, our data suggest that ZIP4 is a novel CSC marker and the new ZIP4-NOTCH3 axis represents important therapeutic targets in HGSOC.
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256
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Majumder S, Crabtree JS, Golde TE, Minter LM, Osborne BA, Miele L. Targeting Notch in oncology: the path forward. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 20:125-144. [PMID: 33293690 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-00091-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Notch signalling is involved in many aspects of cancer biology, including angiogenesis, tumour immunity and the maintenance of cancer stem-like cells. In addition, Notch can function as an oncogene and a tumour suppressor in different cancers and in different cell populations within the same tumour. Despite promising preclinical results and early-phase clinical trials, the goal of developing safe, effective, tumour-selective Notch-targeting agents for clinical use remains elusive. However, our continually improving understanding of Notch signalling in specific cancers, individual cancer cases and different cell populations, as well as crosstalk between pathways, is aiding the discovery and development of novel investigational Notch-targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samarpan Majumder
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Judy S Crabtree
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Todd E Golde
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lisa M Minter
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Barbara A Osborne
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Lucio Miele
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA. .,Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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257
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Mechanisms of Anticancer Therapy Resistance: The Role of Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239006. [PMID: 33260802 PMCID: PMC7730979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite incredible progress in anticancer therapy development, resistance to therapy is the major factor limiting the cure of cancer patients [...].
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258
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Aslam N, Abusharieh E, Abuarqoub D, Ali D, Al-Hattab D, Wehaibi S, Al-Kurdi B, Jamali F, Alshaer W, Jafar H, Awidi AS. Anti-oncogenic activities exhibited by paracrine factors of MSCs can be mediated by modulation of KITLG and DKK1 genes in glioma SCs in vitro. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2020; 20:147-165. [PMID: 33575478 PMCID: PMC7851499 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) use their stemness properties to perpetuate their lineage and survive chemotherapy. Currently cell-based and cell-free therapies are under investigation to develop novel anti-cancer treatment modalities. We designed this study to investigate how cell extracts of mesenchymal stem cells affect the growth of glioma stem cells in vitro. Gliospheres were generated from the U87MG cell line and treated with conditioned media of Wharton’s jelly and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The effects were investigated at the functional and molecular levels. Our results showed that conditioned media from both types of mesenchymal stem cells changed the morphology of spheres and inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and self-renewal ability of glioma stem cells. At the molecular level, metabolism interruption at oxidative phosphorylation, cell cycle arrest, cell differentiation, and upregulation of the immune response were observed. Furthermore, this effect was mediated by the upregulation of the DKK1 gene inhibiting the Wnt pathway mediated by growth factor activity and downregulation of the KITLG gene activated by growth factor and cytokine activity, inhibiting multiple pathways. We conclude that different types of mesenchymal stem cells possess antitumor properties and their paracrine factors, in combination with anti-immune modalities, can provide practical therapeutic targets for glioblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazneen Aslam
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Elham Abusharieh
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan.,Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Duaa Abuarqoub
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan.,Department of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman 11196, Jordan
| | - Dema Ali
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Dana Al-Hattab
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan.,Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suha Wehaibi
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Ban Al-Kurdi
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Fatima Jamali
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Walhan Alshaer
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Hanan Jafar
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan.,Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Abdalla S Awidi
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Jordan University Hospital, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
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259
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Oswald JT, Patel H, Khan D, Jeorje NN, Golzar H, Oswald EL, Tang S. Drug Delivery Systems Using Surface Markers for Targeting Cancer Stem Cells. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:2057-2071. [PMID: 32250211 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200406084900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The innate abilities of cancer stem cells (CSCs), such as multi-drug resistance, drug efflux, quiescence and ionizing radiation tolerance, protect them from most traditional chemotherapeutics. As a result, this small subpopulation of persistent cells leads to more aggressive and chemoresistant cancers, causing tumour relapse and metastasis. This subpopulation is differentiated from the bulk tumour population through a wide variety of surface markers expressed on the cell surface. Recent developments in nanomedicine and targeting delivery methods have given rise to new possibilities for specifically targeting these markers and preferentially eliminating CSCs. Herein, we first summarize the range of surface markers identifying CSC populations in a variety of cancers; then, we discuss recent attempts to actively target CSCs and their niches using liposomal, nanoparticle, carbon nanotube and viral formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T Oswald
- School Of Nanotechnology Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Haritosh Patel
- School Of Nanotechnology Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Daid Khan
- School Of Nanotechnology Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Ninweh N Jeorje
- School Of Nanotechnology Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Hossein Golzar
- Department of Chemistry & Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Erin L Oswald
- School Of Nanotechnology Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Shirley Tang
- Department of Chemistry & Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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260
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He L, Yu A, Deng L, Zhang H. Eradicating the Roots: Advanced Therapeutic Approaches Targeting Breast Cancer Stem Cells. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:2009-2021. [PMID: 32183663 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200317132949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidences have demonstrated that the existence of breast cancer-initiating cells, which drives the original tumorigenicity, local invasion and migration propensity of breast cancer. These cells, termed as breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), possess properties including self-renewal, multidirectional differentiation and proliferative potential, and are believed to play important roles in the intrinsic drug resistance of breast cancer. One of the reasons why BCBCs cause difficulties in breast cancer treating is that BCBCs can control both genetic and non-genetic elements to keep their niches safe and sound, which allows BCSCs for constant self-renewal and differentiation. Therapeutic strategies designed to target BCSCs may ultimately result in effective interventions for the treatment of breast cancer. Novel strategies including nanomedicine, oncolytic virus therapy, immunotherapy and induced differentiation therapy are emerging and proved to be efficient in anti-BCSCs therapy. In this review, we summarized breast tumor biology and the current challenges of breast cancer therapies, focused on breast cancer stem cells, and introduced promising therapeutic strategies targeting BCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili He
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Anran Yu
- The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 12246, United States
| | - Li Deng
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, MCPHS University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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261
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HDAC6 promotes growth, migration/invasion, and self-renewal of rhabdomyosarcoma. Oncogene 2020; 40:578-591. [PMID: 33199827 PMCID: PMC7855743 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01550-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a devastating pediatric sarcoma. The survival outcomes remain poor for patients with relapsed or metastatic disease. Effective targeted therapy is lacking due to our limited knowledge of the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to disease progression. In this study, we used functional assays in vitro and in vivo (zebrafish and xenograft mouse models) to demonstrate the crucial role of HDAC6, a cytoplasmic histone deacetylase, in driving RMS tumor growth, self-renewal, and migration/invasion. Treatment with HDAC6-selective inhibitors recapitulates the HDAC6 loss-of-function phenotypes. HDAC6 regulates cytoskeletal dynamics to promote tumor cell migration and invasion. RAC1, a Rho family GTPase, is an essential mediator of HDAC6 function, and is necessary and sufficient for RMS cell migration and invasion. High expression of RAC1 correlates with poor clinical prognosis in RMS patients. Targeting the HDAC6-RAC1 axis represents a promising therapeutic option for improving survival outcomes of RMS patients.
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262
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Single-cell genomic profile-based analysis of tissue differentiation in colorectal cancer. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 64:1311-1325. [PMID: 33141303 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1811-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) progression is associated with cancer cell dedifferentiation and sternness acquisition. Several methods have been developed to identify sternness signatures in CRCs. However, studies that directly measured the degree of dedifferentiation in CRC tissues are limited. It is unclear how the differentiation states change during CRC progression. To address this, we develop a method to analyze the tissue differentiation spectrum in colorectal cancer using normal gastrointestinal single-cell transcriptome data. Applying this method on 281 tumor samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas Colon Adenocarcinoma dataset, we identified three major CRC subtypes with distinct tissue differentiation pattern. We observed that differentiation states are closely correlated with anti-tumor immune response and patient outcomes in CRC. Highly dedifferentiated CRC samples escaped the immune surveillance and exhibited poor outcomes; mildly dedifferentiated CRC samples showed resistance to anti-tumor immune responses and had a worse survival rate; well-differentiated CRC samples showed sustained anti-tumor immune responses and had a good prognosis. Overall, the spectrum of tissue differentiation observed in CRCs can be used for future clinical risk stratification and subtype-based therapy selection.
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263
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Di Villeneuve L, Souza IL, Tolentino FDS, Ferrarotto R, Schvartsman G. Salivary Gland Carcinoma: Novel Targets to Overcome Treatment Resistance in Advanced Disease. Front Oncol 2020; 10:580141. [PMID: 33194707 PMCID: PMC7649804 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.580141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Salivary gland carcinomas (SGCs) account for <5% of head and neck malignant neoplasms, further subcategorized in over 20 histological subtypes. For the most part, treatment for advanced disease is guided by morphology. SGCs in general respond poorly to a wide array of standard chemotherapy, with short durability, and significant toxicity. More recently, next-generation sequencing provided significant input on the molecular characterization of each SGC subtype, not only improving diagnostic differentiation between morphologically similar tumor types but also identifying novel driver pathways that determine tumor biology and may be amenable to targeted therapy. Among the most common histological subtype is adenoid cystic carcinoma, which often harbors a chromosome translocation resulting in an MYB-NFIB oncogene, with various degrees of Myb surface expression. In a smaller subset, NOTCH1 mutations occur, conferring a more aggressive pattern and potential sensitivity to Notch inhibitors. Salivary duct carcinomas may overexpress Her-2 and androgen receptors, with promising clinical outcomes after exposure to targeted therapies approved for other indications. Secretory carcinoma, previously known as mammary analog secretory carcinoma, is distinguished by an ETV6-NTRK3 fusion that can both help differentiate it from its morphologically similar acinar cell carcinoma and make it susceptible to Trk inhibitors. In the present article, we discuss the molecular abnormalities, their impact on tumor biology, and therapeutic opportunities for the most common SGC subtypes and review published and ongoing clinical trials and future perspectives for this rare disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Di Villeneuve
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ive Lima Souza
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Renata Ferrarotto
- Department of Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Gustavo Schvartsman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
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264
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Targeting SRC Kinase Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207437. [PMID: 33050159 PMCID: PMC7588004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The proto-oncogene nonreceptor tyrosine-protein kinase SRC is a member of the SRC family of tyrosine kinases (SFKs), and its activation and overexpression have been shown to play a protumorigenic role in multiple solid cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC is currently the seventh-leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and, by 2030, it is predicted to become the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. PDAC is characterized by its high lethality (5-year survival of rate of <10%), invasiveness, and chemoresistance, all of which have been shown to be due to the presence of pancreatic cancer stem cells (PaCSCs) within the tumor. Due to the demonstrated overexpression of SRC in PDAC, we set out to determine if SRC kinases are important for PaCSC biology using pharmacological inhibitors of SRC kinases (dasatinib or PP2). Treatment of primary PDAC cultures established from patient-derived xenografts with dasatinib or PP2 reduced the clonogenic, self-renewal, and tumor-initiating capacity of PaCSCs, which we attribute to the downregulation of key signaling factors such as p-FAK, p-ERK1-2, and p-AKT. Therefore, this study not only validates that SRC kinases are relevant and biologically important for PaCSCs but also suggests that inhibitors of SRC kinases may represent a possible future treatment option for PDAC patients, although further studies are still needed.
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265
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Qin S, Jiang J, Lu Y, Nice EC, Huang C, Zhang J, He W. Emerging role of tumor cell plasticity in modifying therapeutic response. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:228. [PMID: 33028808 PMCID: PMC7541492 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00313-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to cancer therapy is a major barrier to cancer management. Conventional views have proposed that acquisition of resistance may result from genetic mutations. However, accumulating evidence implicates a key role of non-mutational resistance mechanisms underlying drug tolerance, the latter of which is the focus that will be discussed here. Such non-mutational processes are largely driven by tumor cell plasticity, which renders tumor cells insusceptible to the drug-targeted pathway, thereby facilitating the tumor cell survival and growth. The concept of tumor cell plasticity highlights the significance of re-activation of developmental programs that are closely correlated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, acquisition properties of cancer stem cells, and trans-differentiation potential during drug exposure. From observations in various cancers, this concept provides an opportunity for investigating the nature of anticancer drug resistance. Over the years, our understanding of the emerging role of phenotype switching in modifying therapeutic response has considerably increased. This expanded knowledge of tumor cell plasticity contributes to developing novel therapeutic strategies or combination therapy regimens using available anticancer drugs, which are likely to improve patient outcomes in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Lu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Road, 611137, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Weifeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
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266
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Das P, Taube JH. Regulating Methylation at H3K27: A Trick or Treat for Cancer Cell Plasticity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2792. [PMID: 33003334 PMCID: PMC7600873 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Properly timed addition and removal of histone 3 lysine 27 tri-methylation (H3K27me3) is critical for enabling proper differentiation throughout all stages of development and, likewise, can guide carcinoma cells into altered differentiation states which correspond to poor prognoses and treatment evasion. In early embryonic stages, H3K27me3 is invoked to silence genes and restrict cell fate. Not surprisingly, mutation or altered functionality in the enzymes that regulate this pathway results in aberrant methylation or demethylation that can lead to malignancy. Likewise, changes in expression or activity of these enzymes impact cellular plasticity, metastasis, and treatment evasion. This review focuses on current knowledge regarding methylation and de-methylation of H3K27 in cancer initiation and cancer cell plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph H. Taube
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA;
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267
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Maucort C, Di Giorgio A, Azoulay S, Duca M. Differentiation of Cancer Stem Cells by Using Synthetic Small Molecules: Toward New Therapeutic Strategies against Therapy Resistance. ChemMedChem 2020; 16:14-29. [PMID: 32803855 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite the existing arsenal of anti-cancer drugs, 10 million people die each year worldwide due to cancers; this highlights the need to discover new therapies based on innovative modes of action against these pathologies. Current chemotherapies are based on the use of cytotoxic agents, targeted drugs, monoclonal antibodies or immunotherapies that are able to reduce or stop the proliferation of cancer cells. However, tumor eradication is often hampered by the presence of resistant cells called cancer stem-like cells or cancer stem cells (CSCs). Several strategies have been proposed to specifically target CSCs such as the use of CSC-specific antibodies, small molecules able to target CSC signaling pathways or drugs able to induce CSC differentiation rendering them sensitive to classical chemotherapy. These latter compounds are the focus of the present review, which aims to report recent advances in anticancer-differentiation strategies. This therapeutic approach was shown to be particularly promising for eradicating tumors in which CSCs are the main reason for therapeutic failure. This general view of the chemistry and mechanism of action of compounds inducing the differentiation of CSCs could be particularly useful for a broad range of researchers working in the field of anticancer therapies as the combination of compounds that induce differentiation with classical chemotherapy could represent a successful approach for future therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Maucort
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN), 28 avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France
| | - Audrey Di Giorgio
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN), 28 avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France
| | - Stéphane Azoulay
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN), 28 avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France
| | - Maria Duca
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN), 28 avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France
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268
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lncRNA HotairM1 Depletion Promotes Self-Renewal of Cancer Stem Cells through HOXA1-Nanog Regulation Loop. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 22:456-470. [PMID: 33230449 PMCID: PMC7554324 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In cancer cells, a gain of stemness may have profound implications for tumor initiation, aggressiveness, and clinical outcome. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the self-renewal maintenance of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) remain elusive. Here, based on analysis of transcriptome sequencing, we identified a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) named HotairM1, which is weakly expressed in human colorectal carcinoma and uveal melanoma, and a much lower expression in corresponding CSCs. Our results showed that HotairM1 depletion could promote CSC self-renewal and tumor propagation. Mechanistically, HotairM1 recruit EZH2 and SUZ12 to the promoter of its target gene HOXA1, leading to histone H3K27 trimethylation and epigenetic silencing of HOXA1. The silence of HOXA1 subsequently induces the H3K27 acetylation at the enhancer site of Nanog gene to upregulate its expression. The enrichment of Nanog could further inhibit HOXA1 expression, forming a reciprocal regulation loop augmenting the stemness maintaining effect. In summary, our results revealed a lncRNA-based regulatory loop that sustains self-renewal of CSCs, which highlights the critical role of HotairM1 in CSC development through the HOXA1-Nanog signaling loop.
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269
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Small Heat Shock Proteins in Cancers: Functions and Therapeutic Potential for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186611. [PMID: 32927696 PMCID: PMC7555140 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are ubiquitous ATP-independent chaperones that play essential roles in response to cellular stresses and protein homeostasis. Investigations of sHSPs reveal that sHSPs are ubiquitously expressed in numerous types of tumors, and their expression is closely associated with cancer progression. sHSPs have been suggested to control a diverse range of cancer functions, including tumorigenesis, cell growth, apoptosis, metastasis, and chemoresistance, as well as regulation of cancer stem cell properties. Recent advances in the field indicate that some sHSPs have been validated as a powerful target in cancer therapy. In this review, we present and highlight current understanding, recent progress, and future challenges of sHSPs in cancer development and therapy.
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270
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Lin X, Chen W, Wei F, Xie X. TV-circRGPD6 Nanoparticle Suppresses Breast Cancer Stem Cell-Mediated Metastasis via the miR-26b/YAF2 Axis. Mol Ther 2020; 29:244-262. [PMID: 32950105 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic tumor is a major contributor to death caused by breast cancer. However, effective and targeted therapy for metastatic breast cancer remains to be developed. Initially, we exploited a feasible biological rationale of the association between metastatic status and tumor-initiating properties in metastatic breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Further, we explored that circular RNA RANBP2-like and GRIP domain-containing protein 6 (circRGPD6) regulates the maintenance of stem cell-like characteristics of BCSCs. Targeted expression of circRGPD6 via human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter-driven VP16-GAL4-woodchuck hepatitis virus post-transcriptional regulatory element (WPRE)-integrated systemic amplifier delivery composite vector (TV-circRGPD6) significantly inhibited expression of stem-cell marker CD44 and increased expression of the DNA damage marker p-H2AX. Furthermore, we determined TV-circRGPD6, alone or synergized with docetaxel, displays significant therapeutic responses on metastatic BCSCs. Mechanistic analyses exploited that TV-circRGPD6 suppresses BCSC-mediated metastasis via the microRNA (miR)-26b/YAF2 axis. Clinically, for the first time, we observed that expressions of circRGPD6 and YAF2 predict a favorable prognosis in patients with breast cancer, whereas expression of miR-26b is an unfavorable prognostic factor. Overall, we have developed a TV-circRGPD6 nanoparticle that selectively expresses circRGPD6 in metastatic BCSCs to eradicate breast cancer metastasis, therefore providing a novel avenue to treat breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoti Lin
- Department of Breast Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China; Department of Breast, Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children's Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350000, China.
| | - Weiyu Chen
- Department of Physiology, Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Fengqin Wei
- Department of Emergency, Fujian Provincial 2(nd) People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350000, China
| | - Xiaoming Xie
- Department of Breast Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.
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271
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Chen B, Ye P, Chen Y, Liu T, Cha JH, Yan X, Yang WH. Involvement of the Estrogen and Progesterone Axis in Cancer Stemness: Elucidating Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Significance. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1657. [PMID: 33014829 PMCID: PMC7498570 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen and progesterone regulate the growth and development of human tissues, including the reproductive system and breasts, through estrogen and progesterone receptors, respectively. These receptors are also important indicators for the clinical prognosis of breast cancer and various reproductive cancers. Many studies have reported that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a key role in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and recurrence. Although the role of estrogen and progesterone in human organs and various cancers has been studied, the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of these hormones on CSCs remain unclear. Therefore, further elucidation of the effects of estrogen and progesterone on CSCs should provide a new direction for developing pertinent therapies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the estrogen and progesterone axis involved in cancer stemness and discuss potential therapeutic strategies to inhibit CSCs by targeting relevant pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi Chen
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Ye
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yeh Chen
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.,The Institute of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jong-Ho Cha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Xiuwen Yan
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Hao Yang
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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272
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Lorenzo-Martín LF, Menacho-Márquez M, Bustelo XR. Drug Vulnerabilities and Disease Prognosis Linked to the Stem Cell-Like Gene Expression Program Triggered by the RHO GTPase Activator VAV2 in Hyperplastic Keratinocytes and Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092498. [PMID: 32899210 PMCID: PMC7563609 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma are epithelial tumors with a very poor prognosis. They are also in high need of new targeted and immune-based therapeutics to limit tumor recurrence and improve long-term survival. The poor prognosis of patients with head and neck tumors is usually associated with histological features associated with poor differentiation and high proliferative activity found in their tumor biopsies. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to identify vulnerabilities associated with such pathobiological programs. In this work, the authors utilize a stem cell-like program linked to the deregulated activity of VAV2, a protein frequently overexpressed in this type of tumors, to identify new therapeutic targets that can discriminate tumors from healthy cells. The authors also show that this gene expression program can be used to stratify patients according to long-term prognosis. Abstract We have recently shown that VAV2, a guanosine nucleotide exchange factor that catalyzes the stimulation step of RHO GTPases, is involved in a stem cell-like (SCL) regenerative proliferation program that is important for the development and subsequent maintenance of the tumorigenesis of both cutaneous (cSCC) and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (hnSCC). In line with this, we have observed that the levels of the VAV2 mRNA and VAV2-regulated gene signatures are associated with poor prognosis in the case of human papillomavirus-negative hnSCC patients. These results suggest that the SCL program elicited by VAV2 in those cells can harbor therapeutically actionable downstream targets. We have addressed this issue using a combination of both in silico and wet-lab approaches. Here, we show that the VAV2-regulated SCL program does harbor a number of cell cycle- and signaling-related kinases that are essential for the viability of undifferentiated keratinocytes and hnSCC patient-derived cells endowed with high levels of VAV2 activity. Our results also show that the VAV2-regulated SCL gene signature is associated with poor hnSCC patient prognosis. Collectively, these data underscore the critical role of this VAV2-regulated SCL program for the viability of both preneoplastic and fully transformed keratinocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Francisco Lorenzo-Martín
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence: (L.F.L.-M.); (X.R.B.)
| | - Mauricio Menacho-Márquez
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Xosé R. Bustelo
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence: (L.F.L.-M.); (X.R.B.)
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273
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Federer-Gsponer JR, Müller DC, Zellweger T, Eggimann M, Marston K, Ruiz C, Seifert HH, Rentsch CA, Bubendorf L, Le Magnen C. Patterns of stemness-associated markers in the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer. Prostate 2020; 80:1108-1117. [PMID: 32628318 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Putative castration-resistant (CR) stem-like cells (CRSC) have been identified based on their ability to initiate and drive prostate cancer (PCa) recurrence following castration in vivo. Yet the relevance of these CRSC in the course of the human disease and particularly for the transition from hormone-naive (HN) to castration-resistance is unclear. In this study, we aimed at deciphering the significance of CRSC markers in PCa progression. METHODS We constructed a tissue microarray comprising 112 matched HN and CR tissue specimens derived from 55 PCa patients. Expression of eight stemness-associated markers (ALDH1A1, ALDH1A3, ALDH3A1, BMI1, NANOG, NKX3.1, OCT4, SOX2) was assessed by immunohistochemistry and scored as a percentage of positive tumor cells. For each marker, the resulting scores were statistically analyzed and compared to pathological and clinical data associated with the samples. Unsupervised clustering analysis was performed to stratify patients according to the expression of the eight CRSC markers. Publicly-available transcriptional datasets comprising HN and CR PCa samples were interrogated to assess the expression of the factors in silico. RESULTS Immunohistochemical assessment of paired samples revealed atypical patterns of expression and intra- and intertumor heterogeneity for a subset of CRSC markers. While the expression of particular CRSC markers was dynamic over time in some patients, none of the markers showed significant changes in expression upon the development of castration resistance (CR vs HN). Using unsupervised clustering approaches, we identified phenotypic subtypes based on the expression of specific stem-associated markers. In particular, we found (a) patterns of mutual exclusivity for ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 expression, which was also observed at the transcriptomic level in publicly-available PCa datasets, and (b) a phenotypic cluster associated with more aggressive features. Finally, by comparing HN and CR matched samples, we identified phenotypic cluster switches (ie, change of phenotypic cluster between the HN and CR state), that may be associated with clinical and predictive relevance. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate stemness-associated patterns that are associated with the development of castration-resistance. These results pave the way toward a deeper understanding of the relevance of CRSC markers in PCa progression and resistance to androgen-deprivation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David C Müller
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Maurice Eggimann
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Marston
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Ruiz
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Cyrill A Rentsch
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Bubendorf
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Clémentine Le Magnen
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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274
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Zhang C, Chen T, Li Z, Liu A, Xu Y, Gao Y, Xu D. Depiction of tumor stemlike features and underlying relationships with hazard immune infiltrations based on large prostate cancer cohorts. Brief Bioinform 2020; 22:5898211. [PMID: 32856039 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaa211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer stemness (PCS) cells have been reported to drive tumor progression, recurrence and drug resistance. However, there is lacking systematical assessment of stemlike indices and associations with immunological properties in prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD). We thus collected 7 PRAD cohorts with 1465 men and calculated the stemlike indices for each sample using one-class logistic regression machine learning algorithm. We selected the mRNAsi to quantify the stemlike indices that correlated significantly with prognosis and accordingly identified 21 PCS-related CpG loci and 13 pivotal signature. The 13-gene based PCS model possessed high predictive significance for progression-free survival (PFS) that was trained and validated in 7 independent cohorts. Meanwhile, we conducted consensus clustering and classified the total cohorts into 5 PCS clusters with distinct outcomes. Samples in PCScluster5 possessed the highest stemness fractions and suffered from the worst prognosis. Additionally, we implemented the CIBERSORT algorithm to infer the differential abundance across 5 PCS clusters. The activated immune cells (CD8+ T cell and dendritic cells) infiltrated significantly less in PCScluster5 than other clusters, supporting the negative regulations between stemlike indices and anticancer immunity. High mRNAsi was also found to be associated with up-regulation of immunosuppressive checkpoints, like PDL1. Lastly, we used the Connectivity Map (CMap) resource to screen potential compounds for targeting PRAD stemness, including the top hits of cell cycle inhibitor and FOXM1 inhibitor. Taken together, our study comprehensively evaluated the PRAD stemlike indices based on large cohorts and established a 13-gene based classifier for predicting prognosis or potential strategies for stemness treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanjie Zhang
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianhe Chen
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zongtai Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gaozhou People's Hospital, Gaozhou 525200, China
| | - Ao Liu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Gao
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Danfeng Xu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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275
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Espinosa-Sánchez A, Suárez-Martínez E, Sánchez-Díaz L, Carnero A. Therapeutic Targeting of Signaling Pathways Related to Cancer Stemness. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1533. [PMID: 32984007 PMCID: PMC7479251 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The theory of cancer stem cells (CSCs) proposes that the different cells within a tumor, as well as metastasis deriving from it, are originated from a single subpopulation of cells with self-renewal and differentiation capacities. These cancer stem cells are supposed to be critical for tumor expansion and metastasis, tumor relapse and resistance to conventional therapies, such as chemo- and radiotherapy. The acquisition of these abilities has been attributed to the activation of alternative pathways, for instance, WNT, NOTCH, SHH, PI3K, Hippo, or NF-κB pathways, that regulate detoxification mechanisms; increase the metabolic rate; induce resistance to apoptotic, autophagic, and senescence pathways; promote the overexpression of drug transporter proteins; and activate specific stem cell transcription factors. The elimination of CSCs is an important goal in cancer therapeutic approaches because it could decrease relapses and metastatic dissemination, which are main causes of mortality in oncology patients. In this work, we discuss the role of these signaling pathways in CSCs along with their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asunción Espinosa-Sánchez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Cancer, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Suárez-Martínez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Cancer, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez-Díaz
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Cancer, Madrid, Spain
| | - Amancio Carnero
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Cancer, Madrid, Spain
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276
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Jia Z, Zhang Y, Yan A, Wang M, Han Q, Wang K, Wang J, Qiao C, Pan Z, Chen C, Hu D, Ding X. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 signaling-induced decreases in IRX4 inhibits NANOG-mediated cancer stem-like properties and gefitinib resistance in NSCLC cells. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:670. [PMID: 32820157 PMCID: PMC7441324 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02908-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that acquisition of cancer stem-like properties plays an essential role in promoting epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, how to regulate cancer stem-like properties and EGFR-TKI resistance is largely unclear. In this study, we discovered that increased iroquois-class homeodomain protein 4 (IRX4) was related to gefitinib resistance in NSCLC cells. Knockdown of IRX4 inhibited cell proliferation, sphere formation, and the expression of CD133, ALDH1A1, NANOG, Sox2 and Notch1, and the transcriptional activity of NANOG promoter. IRX4 overexpression increased the protein level of NANOG and CD133 in PC-9 cells. Combination of knocking-down IRX4 with gefitinib increased cell apoptosis and decreased cell viability and the expression of p-EGFR and NANOG in PC-9/GR cells. IRX4 knockdown in a PC-9/GR xenograft tumor model inhibited tumor progression and the expression of NANOG and CD133 more effectively than single treatment alone. Knockdown of NANOG inhibited the expression of CD133 and restored gefitinib cytotoxicity, and NANOG overexpression-induced cancer stem-like properties and gefitinib resistance could be obviously reversed by knocking-down IRX4. Further, we found that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) reduced obviously the expression of IRX4 and NANOG by inhibiting the activation of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway; moreover, combination of 1,25(OH)2D3 and gefitinib decreased cell viability and proliferation or tumor progression and the expression of IRX4 and NANOG compared with single treatment alone both in PC-9/GR cells and in a PC-9/GR xenograft tumor model. These results reveal that inhibition of IRX4-mediated cancer stem-like properties by regulating 1,25(OH)2D3 signaling may increase gefitinib cytotoxicity. Combination therapy of gefitinib and 1,25(OH)2D3 by targeting IRX4 and NANOG, could provide a promising strategy to improve gefitinib cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhirong Jia
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Yameng Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Aiwen Yan
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Meisa Wang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiushuang Han
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Kaiwei Wang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 830054, Urumqi, China
| | - Chen Qiao
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China.,Precision Medicine Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenzhen Pan
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuansheng Chen
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Dong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control & Occupational Safety and Health of the Ministry of Education, Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, 232001, Huainan, China.
| | - Xuansheng Ding
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China. .,Precision Medicine Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China.
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277
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Wang Z, Sun M, Li W, Fan L, Zhou Y, Hu Z. A Novel CD133- and EpCAM-Targeted Liposome With Redox-Responsive Properties Capable of Synergistically Eliminating Liver Cancer Stem Cells. Front Chem 2020; 8:649. [PMID: 32850663 PMCID: PMC7431664 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of cells that sit atop the hierarchical ladder in many cancer types. Liver CSCs have been associated with high chemoresistance and recurrence rates in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, as of yet, no satisfactorily effective liver CSC-targeted treatment is available, which drove us to design and investigate the efficacy of a liposome-based delivery system. Here, we introduce a redox-triggered dual-targeted liposome, CEP-LP@S/D, capable of co-delivering doxorubicin (Dox) and salinomycin (Sal) for the synergistic treatment of liver cancer. This system is based on the association of CD133- and EpCAM-targeted peptides to form Y-shaped CEP ligands that were anchored to the surface of the liposome and allowed the selective targeting of CD133+ EpCAM+ liver CSCs. After arriving to the CSCs, the CEP-LP@S/D liposome undergoes endocytosis to the cytoplasm, where a high concentration of glutathione (GSH) breaks its disulfide bonds, thereby degrading the liposome. This then induces a rapid release of Dox and Sal to synergistically inhibit tumor growth. Notably, this effect occurs through Dox-induced apoptosis and concurrent lysosomal iron sequestration by Sal. Interestingly, both in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that our GSH-responsive co-delivery system not only effectively enhanced CSC targeting but also eliminated the non-CSC faction, thereby exhibiting high antitumor efficacy. We believe that the smart liposome nanocarrier-based co-delivery system is a promising strategy to combat liver cancer, which may also lay the groundwork for more enhanced approaches to target other cancer types as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases of Fujian Provincial Universities and Colleges, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Mengqi Sun
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases of Fujian Provincial Universities and Colleges, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory for BiomedicalEffects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, China
| | - Wang Li
- Key Laboratory of Colloid Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Linyang Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory for BiomedicalEffects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases of Fujian Provincial Universities and Colleges, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhiyuan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases of Fujian Provincial Universities and Colleges, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory for BiomedicalEffects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, China.,School of Nanoscience and Technology, Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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278
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Abstract
In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Jia et al. (2020) identify residual cancer stem cells (CSCs) as a mechanism of immunotherapy resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Remarkably, targeting this population of CSCs can be exploited to potentiate immunotherapy and reduce tumor recurrence and metastasis.
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279
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Bhargav AG, Mondal SK, Garcia CA, Green JJ, Quiñones‐Hinojosa A. Nanomedicine Revisited: Next Generation Therapies for Brain Cancer. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202000118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adip G. Bhargav
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science Mayo Clinic 200 First Street SW Rochester MN 55905 USA
- Department of Neurologic Surgery Mayo Clinic 4500 San Pablo Rd. Jacksonville FL 32224 USA
| | - Sujan K. Mondal
- Department of Pathology University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine 200 Lothrop Street Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA
| | - Cesar A. Garcia
- Department of Neurologic Surgery Mayo Clinic 4500 San Pablo Rd. Jacksonville FL 32224 USA
| | - Jordan J. Green
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Neurosurgery, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Materials Science and Engineering, and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Bloomberg‐Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute for Nanobiotechnology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 400 N. Broadway, Smith 5017 Baltimore MD 21231 USA
| | - Alfredo Quiñones‐Hinojosa
- Department of Neurologic Surgery Mayo Clinic 4500 San Pablo Rd. Jacksonville FL 32224 USA
- Departments of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery/Audiology Neuroscience, Cancer Biology, and Anatomy Mayo Clinic 4500 San Pablo Rd. Jacksonville FL 32224 USA
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280
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Tang D, Xu X, Ying J, Xie T, Cao G. Transfer of metastatic traits via miR-200c in extracellular vesicles derived from colorectal cancer stem cells is inhibited by atractylenolide I. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e139. [PMID: 32898324 PMCID: PMC7423185 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are important factors contributing to tumorigenesis. We examined whether CSCs isolated from colorectal cancer (CRC) cells possess metastatic properties that can be transferred to non-CSCs via the delivery of miR-200c enclosed in extracellular vesicles (EVs). The inhibitory effect of atractylenolide I (ATL-1), a traditional Chinese medicinal compound, on miR-200c activity and metastatic transfer was investigated. EVs were isolated from colorectal CSCs. The expression of miR-200c was evaluated in CSCs and CSC-derived EVs, and horizontal transfer of metastatic properties via EVs to non-CSCs was investigated in terms of cell behavior and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. CSCs isolated from metastatic CRC cells exhibited higher levels of miR-200c than those in nonmetastatic CRC cells. Overexpression of miR-200c in CSCs enhanced metastatic potential by promoting proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis, in turn leading to the release of EVs carrying an excess of miR-200c. Non-CSCs co-cultured with miR-200c-containing EVs exhibited enhanced invasion and stemness maintenance associated with PI3K/Akt/mTOR activation, demonstrating successful metastatic transfer via EV delivery. Furthermore, ATL-1 impaired the EV-mediated transfer of metastatic properties by suppressing miR-200c activity and disrupting EV uptake by non-CSCs. EVs are critical signal transducers that facilitate intercellular communication and exchange of metastatic properties, which can be controlled by ATL-1. The findings are useful in the development of microRNA-based anticancer strategies by targeting EV-mediated activity, especially using natural compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxin Tang
- School of PharmacyZhe jiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
- First Affiliated HospitalGuizhou University of Traditional Chinese MedicineGuiyangChina
| | - Xiaofen Xu
- School of PharmacyZhe jiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Jialiang Ying
- School of PharmacyZhe jiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Tian Xie
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and PharmacyChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Gang Cao
- School of PharmacyZhe jiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and PharmacyChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
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281
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BMI1 Inhibition Eliminates Residual Cancer Stem Cells after PD1 Blockade and Activates Antitumor Immunity to Prevent Metastasis and Relapse. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 27:238-253.e6. [PMID: 32697949 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PD1 blockade-based combination therapy has been approved as a first-line treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the response rate remains relatively low, and patients with HNSCC eventually relapse. Here, we show that the combination treatment of anti-PD1 and cisplatin enriched BMI1+ CSCs in HNSCC while inhibiting HNSCC growth. In contrast, the pharmacological and genetic inhibition of BMI1 eliminated BMI1+ CSCs and enabled PD1 blockade therapy, resulting in the inhibition of metastatic HNSCC and prevention of HNSCC relapses. BMI1 inhibition strongly induced tumor cell-intrinsic immune responses by recruiting and activating CD8+ T cells in addition to eliminating BMI1+ CSCs. Mechanistically, BMI1 inhibition induced CD8+ T cell-recruiting chemokines by stimulating IRF3-mediated transcription and erasing repressive H2A ubiquitination. Our results suggest that targeting BMI1 may enable immune checkpoint blockade to inhibit metastatic tumor growth and prevent tumor relapse by activating cell-intrinsic immunity, in addition to purging CSCs.
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282
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Zhang Q, Lou Y, Bai XL, Liang TB. Intratumoral heterogeneity of hepatocellular carcinoma: From single-cell to population-based studies. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:3720-3736. [PMID: 32774053 PMCID: PMC7383842 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i26.3720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by high heterogeneity in both intratumoral and interpatient manners. While interpatient heterogeneity is related to personalized therapy, intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) largely influences the efficacy of therapies in individuals. ITH contributes to tumor growth, metastasis, recurrence, and drug resistance and consequently limits the prognosis of patients with HCC. There is an urgent need to understand the causes, characteristics, and consequences of tumor heterogeneity in HCC for the purposes of guiding clinical practice and improving survival. Here, we summarize the studies and technologies that describe ITH in HCC to gain insight into the origin and evolutionary process of heterogeneity. In parallel, evidence is collected to delineate the dynamic relationship between ITH and the tumor ecosystem. We suggest that conducting comprehensive studies of ITH using single-cell approaches in temporal and spatial dimensions, combined with population-based clinical trials, will help to clarify the clinical implications of ITH, develop novel intervention strategies, and improve patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yu Lou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xue-Li Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ting-Bo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
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283
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Cash TP, Alcalá S, Rico-Ferreira MDR, Hernández-Encinas E, García J, Albarrán MI, Valle S, Muñoz J, Martínez-González S, Blanco-Aparicio C, Pastor J, Serrano M, Sainz B. Induction of Lysosome Membrane Permeabilization as a Therapeutic Strategy to Target Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071790. [PMID: 32635473 PMCID: PMC7407272 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant efforts to improve pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) clinical outcomes, overall survival remains dismal. The poor response to current therapies is partly due to the existence of pancreatic cancer stem cells (PaCSCs), which are efficient drivers of PDAC tumorigenesis, metastasis and relapse. To find new therapeutic agents that could efficiently kill PaCSCs, we screened a chemical library of 680 compounds for candidate small molecules with anti-CSC activity, and identified two compounds of a specific chemical series with potent activity in vitro and in vivo against patient-derived xenograft (PDX) cultures. The anti-CSC mechanism of action of this specific chemical series was found to rely on induction of lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP), which is likely associated with the increased lysosomal mass observed in PaCSCs. Using the well characterized LMP-inducer siramesine as a tool molecule, we show elimination of the PaCSC population in mice implanted with tumors from two PDX models. Collectively, our approach identified lysosomal disruption as a promising anti-CSC therapeutic strategy for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy P. Cash
- Tumor Suppression Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (T.P.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Sonia Alcalá
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (S.A.); (S.V.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3—Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - María del Rosario Rico-Ferreira
- Experimental Therapeutics Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.d.R.R.-F.); (E.H.-E.); (J.G.); (M.I.A.); (S.M.-G.); (C.B.-A.); (J.P.)
| | - Elena Hernández-Encinas
- Experimental Therapeutics Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.d.R.R.-F.); (E.H.-E.); (J.G.); (M.I.A.); (S.M.-G.); (C.B.-A.); (J.P.)
| | - Jennifer García
- Experimental Therapeutics Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.d.R.R.-F.); (E.H.-E.); (J.G.); (M.I.A.); (S.M.-G.); (C.B.-A.); (J.P.)
| | - María Isabel Albarrán
- Experimental Therapeutics Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.d.R.R.-F.); (E.H.-E.); (J.G.); (M.I.A.); (S.M.-G.); (C.B.-A.); (J.P.)
| | - Sandra Valle
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (S.A.); (S.V.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3—Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Muñoz
- Proteomics Unit–ProteoRed-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Sonia Martínez-González
- Experimental Therapeutics Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.d.R.R.-F.); (E.H.-E.); (J.G.); (M.I.A.); (S.M.-G.); (C.B.-A.); (J.P.)
| | - Carmen Blanco-Aparicio
- Experimental Therapeutics Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.d.R.R.-F.); (E.H.-E.); (J.G.); (M.I.A.); (S.M.-G.); (C.B.-A.); (J.P.)
| | - Joaquín Pastor
- Experimental Therapeutics Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.d.R.R.-F.); (E.H.-E.); (J.G.); (M.I.A.); (S.M.-G.); (C.B.-A.); (J.P.)
| | - Manuel Serrano
- Tumor Suppression Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (T.P.C.); (M.S.)
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bruno Sainz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (S.A.); (S.V.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3—Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
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284
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Horowitz M, Esakov E, Rose P, Reizes O. Signaling within the epithelial ovarian cancer tumor microenvironment: the challenge of tumor heterogeneity. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:905. [PMID: 32793749 DOI: 10.21037/atm-2019-cm-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a leading cause of cancer death in women. Standard of care treatment has remained platinum-containing cytotoxic chemotherapy for over three decades. Among the central challenges in treating ovarian CA are disease recurrence and the development of chemoresistance. Survival is uniformly poor for patients with chemoresistant recurrent disease and effective therapeutic options are limited. As such, delineating the mechanisms of chemoresistance and developing targeted therapies to prevent chemoresistance from occurring are of vital importance to improving survival for patients with EOC. Attempts to characterize mechanisms of chemoresistance have implicated numerous cellular pathways, but a rift remains between pre-clinical findings and translation to improving patient survival. More recently, the interplay among different cell types within the tumor microenvironment has become central to understanding how chemoresistance may develop and may be sustained. An improved understanding of how tumor cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic pathways converge during the development of chemoresistance may improve the likelihood of successful clinical translation. This review focuses on the roles of the EOC tumor microenvironment and tumor cell heterogeneity in the development of chemoresistance. We review recent studies into mechanisms of chemoresistance as they relate to tumor microenvironment and development of novel therapeutic approaches that exploit these mechanisms to prevent or reverse chemoresistance. This review attempts to cast these latest discoveries in a clinical context by summarizing trends in ongoing clinical trials for patients with EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Horowitz
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Emily Esakov
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Peter Rose
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ofer Reizes
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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285
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Pangeni RP, Yang L, Zhang K, Wang J, Li W, Guo C, Yun X, Sun T, Wang J, Raz DJ. G9a regulates tumorigenicity and stemness through genome-wide DNA methylation reprogramming in non-small cell lung cancer. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:88. [PMID: 32552834 PMCID: PMC7302379 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00879-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eukaryotic histone methyltransferases 2 (EHMT2 or G9A) has been regarded as a potential target for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapy. This study investigated the regulatory roles of G9A in tumorigenesis and stemness in NSCLC. We isolated and enriched tumor-initiating cells (TIC) from surgically resected NSCLC tissues by FACS and sphere formation assays. We then knocked down G9A using shRNA and carried out genome-wide 850K methylation array and RNA sequencing analyses. We carried out in vivo tumorigenecity asssay using mice xenografts and examined G9A interactions with its novel target using chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Results We identified 67 genes hypomethylated and 143 genes upregulated following G9A knockdown of which 43 genes were both hypomethylated and upregulated. We selected six genes (CDYL2, DPP4, SP5, FOXP1, STAMBPL1, and ROBO1) for validation. In addition, G9A expression was higher in TICs and targeting G9a by shRNA knockdown or by selective inhibitor UNC0642 significantly inhibited the expression of cancer stem cell markers and sphere forming capacity, in vitro proliferation, and in vivo growth. Further, transient overexpression of FOXP1, a protein may promote normal stem cell differentiation, in TICs resulted in downregulation of stem cell markers and sphere forming capacity and cell proliferation in vitro indicating that the genes we identified are directly regulated by G9A through aberrant DNA methylation and subsequent expression. Similarly, ChIP assay has shown that G9a interacts with its target genes through H3K9me2 and downregulation of H3K9me2 following G9a knockdown disrupts its interaction with its target genes. Conclusions These data suggest that G9A is involved in lung cancer stemness through epigenetic mechanisms of maintaining DNA methylation of multiple lung cancer stem cell genes and their expression. Further, targeting G9A or its downstream genes could be a novel therapeutic approach in treating NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra P Pangeni
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of System Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Centre, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Keqiang Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Jinhui Wang
- The Integrative Genomics Core Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Wendong Li
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Chao Guo
- The Integrative Genomics Core Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA.,Frey Medical Laboratory, Maoling Rd, Jinan District, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xinwei Yun
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Ting Sun
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Jami Wang
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.,Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Dan J Raz
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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286
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Liu F, Wu X, Qian Y, Jiang X, Wang Y, Gao J. PIK3C3 regulates the expansion of liver CSCs and PIK3C3 inhibition counteracts liver cancer stem cell activity induced by PI3K inhibitor. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:427. [PMID: 32513919 PMCID: PMC7280510 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2631-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) accounts for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment resistance, relapse, and metastasis. Although the elimination of cancer stem cells is crucial for cancer treatment, strategies for their elimination are limited. Here, we report that a remarkable increase in PIK3C3 was detected in HCC tissues and liver CSCs. Upregulated PIK3C3 facilitated liver CSC expansion in HCC cells; RNA interference-mediated silencing of PIK3C3 had an opposite effect. Furthermore, PIK3C3 inhibition by inhibitors effectively eliminated liver CSCs and inhibited the growth of tumors in vivo. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is considered an important hallmark of cancer. One of our recent studies found that prolonged inhibition by inhibitors of class I PI3K induces liver CSCs expansion. To our surprise, PIK3C3 inhibition blocked the expansion of CSCs induced by PI3K inhibitor; moreover, treatment with the combination of PIK3C3 inhibitor and PI3K inhibitor in maximal suppresses the expansion of liver CSCs of tumors in mice. Mechanistically, inhibition of PIK3C3 inhibit the activation of SGK3, a CSCs promoter, induced by PI3K inhibitor. We also show that PIK3C3 inhibitor suppresses liver CSCs by activation of the AMP-activated kinase (AMPK). Although PIK3C3 plays a critical role in autophagy, we find that PIK3C3 regulates liver CSCs independent of the autophagy process. These findings uncover the effective suppression of liver CSCs by targeting PIK3C3, and targeting PIK3C3 in combination with PI3K inhibitor inhibits the expansion of liver CSCs efficiently, which is an attractive therapeutic regimen for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengchao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoling Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanzhi Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yiying Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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287
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Muñoz-Galván S, Carnero A. Targeting Cancer Stem Cells to Overcome Therapy Resistance in Ovarian Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061402. [PMID: 32512891 PMCID: PMC7349391 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy due to its late detection and high recurrence rate. Resistance to conventional platinum-based therapies and metastasis are attributed to a population of cells within tumors called cancer stem cells, which possess stem-like features and are able to recapitulate new tumors. Recent studies have deepened the understanding of the biology of ovarian cancer stem cells and their special properties and have identified multiple markers and signaling pathways responsible for their self-renewal abilities. Targeting cancer stem cells represents the most promising strategy for overcoming therapy resistance and reducing mortality in ovarian cancer, but further efforts must be made to improve our understanding of the mechanisms involved in therapy resistance. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge about ovarian cancer stem cells, their involvement in metastasis and their interactions with the tumor microenvironment; we also discuss the therapeutic approaches that are being developed to target them to prevent tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Muñoz-Galván
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBIS, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (S.M.-G.); (A.C.); Tel.: +34-955-923-115 (S.M.-G); +34-955-923-110 (A.C.)
| | - Amancio Carnero
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBIS, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (S.M.-G.); (A.C.); Tel.: +34-955-923-115 (S.M.-G); +34-955-923-110 (A.C.)
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288
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Small Ones to Fight a Big Problem-Intervention of Cancer Metastasis by Small Molecules. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061454. [PMID: 32503267 PMCID: PMC7352875 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis represents the most lethal attribute of cancer and critically limits successful therapies in many tumor entities. The clinical need is defined by the fact that all cancer patients, who have or who will develop distant metastasis, will experience shorter survival. Thus, the ultimate goal in cancer therapy is the restriction of solid cancer metastasis by novel molecularly targeted small molecule based therapies. Biomarkers identifying cancer patients at high risk for metastasis and simultaneously acting as key drivers for metastasis are extremely desired. Clinical interventions targeting these key molecules will result in high efficiency in metastasis intervention. In result of this, personalized tailored interventions for restriction and prevention of cancer progression and metastasis will improve patient survival. This review defines crucial biological steps of the metastatic cascade, such as cell dissemination, migration and invasion as well as the action of metastasis suppressors. Targeting these biological steps with tailored therapeutic strategies of intervention or even prevention of metastasis using a wide range of small molecules will be discussed.
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289
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Wang P, Song D, Wan D, Li L, Mei W, Li X, Han L, Zhu X, Yang L, Cai Y, Zhang R. Ginsenoside panaxatriol reverses TNBC paclitaxel resistance by inhibiting the IRAK1/NF-κB and ERK pathways. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9281. [PMID: 32547883 PMCID: PMC7275687 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Paclitaxel (PTX) resistance is a major obstacle in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Previously, we have reported that interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) and its downstream pathways are associated with PTX resistance in TNBC cells. In this study, we sought to investigate the combination treatment of ginsenoside panaxatriol (GPT), one of the main active components in Panax ginseng, with PTX on viability and apoptosis of TNBC PTX resistant cells, and explore the role of IRAK1 mediated signaling pathways in the therapeutic effects. Methods CellTiter-Glo and colony formation assays were used to assess cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to analyze subG1 and apoptosis. Western blot was used to detect expressions of proteins involved in apoptosis and the IRAK1/NF-κB and ERK pathways. The mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines, S100A7/8/9 and cancer stem cell (CSC)-related genes were examined by qPCR. Stem cells were identified by tumor sphere assay. Cell invasion ability was examined by transwell assay. Results We show that GPT inhibits MDA-MB-231 PTX resistant (MB231-PR) cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. When combined with PTX, GPT synergistically causes more cell death, induces subG1 accumulation and cell apoptosis. Besides, up-regulation of BAX/BCL-2 ratio, and down-regulation of MCL-1 are also observed. Moreover, this combination inhibits IRAK1, NF-κB and ERK1/2 activation, and leads to down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines (IL6, IL8, CXCL1, CCL2), S100A7/9 and CSC-related genes (OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, ALDH1, CD44) expression. In addition, the combination treatment suppresses MB231-PR cell invasion ability, and impairs tumor sphere growth both in MB231-PR and SUM159 PTX resistant (SUM159-PR) cells. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that GPT can resensitize TNBC PTX resistant cells to PTX by inhibiting the IRAK1/NF-κB and ERK pathways and reducing stem cell characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Song
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danhong Wan
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingyu Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenhui Mei
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyun Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Han
- First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Cai
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Cancer Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ronghua Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Cancer Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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290
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Jiang N, Dai Q, Su X, Fu J, Feng X, Peng J. Role of PI3K/AKT pathway in cancer: the framework of malignant behavior. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:4587-4629. [PMID: 32333246 PMCID: PMC7295848 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05435-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 322] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Given that the PI3K/AKT pathway has manifested its compelling influence on multiple cellular process, we further review the roles of hyperactivation of PI3K/AKT pathway in various human cancers. We state the abnormalities of PI3K/AKT pathway in different cancers, which are closely related with tumorigenesis, proliferation, growth, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stem-like phenotype, immune microenvironment and drug resistance of cancer cells. In addition, we investigated the current clinical trials of inhibitors against PI3K/AKT pathway in cancers and found that the clinical efficacy of these inhibitors as monotherapy has so far been limited despite of the promising preclinical activity, which means combinations of targeted therapy may achieve better efficacies in cancers. In short, we hope to feature PI3K/AKT pathway in cancers to the clinic and bring the new promising to patients for targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningni Jiang
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, 510150 China
| | - Qijie Dai
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, 510150 China
| | - Xiaorui Su
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, 510150 China
| | - Jianjiang Fu
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, 510150 China
| | - Xuancheng Feng
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, 510150 China
| | - Juan Peng
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157 USA
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291
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Wang J, Dang MN, Day ES. Inhibition of Wnt signaling by Frizzled7 antibody-coated nanoshells sensitizes triple-negative breast cancer cells to the autophagy regulator chloroquine. NANO RESEARCH 2020; 13:1693-1703. [PMID: 33304449 PMCID: PMC7723362 DOI: 10.1007/s12274-020-2795-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite improvements in our understanding of the biology behind triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), it remains a devastating disease due to lack of an effective targeted therapy. Inhibiting Wnt signaling is a promising strategy to combat TNBC because Wnt signaling drives TNBC progression, chemoresistance, and stemness. However, Wnt inhibition can lead to upregulation of autophagy, which confers therapeutic resistance. This provides an opportunity for combination therapy, as autophagy inhibitors applied concurrently with Wnt inhibitors could increase treatment efficacy. Here, we applied the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) to TNBC cells in combination with Frizzled7 antibody-coated nanoshells (FZD7-NS) that suppress Wnt signaling by blocking Wnt ligand/FZD7 receptor interactions, and evaluated this dual treatment in vitro. We found that FZD7-NS can inhibit Axin2 and CyclinD1, two targets of canonical Wnt signaling, and increase the expression of LC3, an autophagy marker. When FZD7-NS and CQ are applied together, they reduce the expression of several stemness genes in TNBC cells, leading to inhibition of TNBC cell migration and self-renewal. Notably, co-delivery of FZD7-NS and CQ is more effective than either therapy alone or the combination of CQ with free FZD7 antibodies. This demonstrates that the nanocarrier design is important to its therapeutic utility. Overall, these findings indicate that combined regulation of Wnt signaling and autophagy by FZD7-NS and CQ is a promising strategy to combat TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Megan N Dang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Emily S Day
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, Newark, DE 19713, USA
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292
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Wang SQ, Liu J, Qin J, Zhu Y, Tin VPC, Yam JWP, Wong MP, Xiao ZJ. CAMK2A supported tumor initiating cells of lung adenocarcinoma by upregulating SOX2 through EZH2 phosphorylation. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:410. [PMID: 32483123 PMCID: PMC7264342 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2553-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Tumor initiating cells (TIC) of lung cancer are mainly induced by stress-related plasticity. Calcium/Calmodulin dependent protein kinase II alpha (CAMK2A) is a key calcium signaling molecule activated by exogenous and endogenous stimuli with effects on multiple cell functions but little is known about its role on TIC. In human lung adenocarcinomas (AD), CAMK2A was aberrantly activated in a proportion of cases and was an independent risk factor predicting shorter survivals. Functionally, CAMK2A enhanced TIC phenotypes in vitro and in vivo. CAMK2A regulated SOX2 expression by reducing H3K27me3 and EZH2 occupancy at SOX2 regulatory regions, leading to its epigenetic de-repression with functional consequences. Further, CAMK2A caused kinase-dependent phosphorylation of EZH2 at T487 with suppression of EZH2 activity. Together, the data demonstrated the CAMK2A-EZH2-SOX2 axis on TIC regulation. This study provided phenotypic and mechanistic evidence for the TIC supportive role of CAMK2A, implicating a novel predictive and therapeutic target for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Qi Wang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jing Qin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Zhu
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Vicky Pui-Chi Tin
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Judy Wai Ping Yam
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Maria Pik Wong
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Zhi-Jie Xiao
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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293
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Guo M, Luo B, Pan M, Li M, Zhao F, Dou J. MUC1 plays an essential role in tumor immunity of colorectal cancer stem cell vaccine. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 85:106631. [PMID: 32470879 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Increasing knowledge of colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs) and tumor microenvironment improves our understanding of cellular mechanisms involved in the immunity against colorectal cancer (CRC). Tumor associated antigens were evaluated via RNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis, evoking promising targets for tumor immunotherapy. MUC1 has been demonstrated to participate in the maintenance, tumorigenicity, glycosylation and metastasis of CCSCs, which may provide a new priority for CSC vaccination. In the present study, the vaccination with CCSCs with high expression of MUC1 was evaluated in a murine model for the vaccine's immunogenicity and protective efficacy against CRC. CD133+ CCSCs were isolated from SW620 cell line using a magnetic-activated cell sorting system, and shMUC1 was further used to knock down the expression of MUC1 in CD133+ CCSCs. Mice were subcutaneously immunized with the cell lysates of CCSCs and shMUC1 CCSCs, followed by a challenge with SW620 cells at ten days after final vaccination. The results indicated CCSC vaccine significantly reduced the tumor growth via a target killing of CCSCs as evidenced by a decrease of CD133+ cells and ALDH+ cells in tumors. Moreover, CCSC vaccine resulted in the elevated NK cytotoxicity, production of perforin, granzyme B, IFN-γ, memory B cells, and anti-MUC1 antibodies. Of note, MUC1 knockdown partly impaired the anti-tumor efficacy of CCSC vaccine. Importantly, the CCSC vaccine has no toxic damage to organs. Overall, CCSC vaccine could serve as a potent and safe vaccine for CRC treatment, and MUC1 might play an essential role in CCSC vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Guo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Biao Luo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Meng Pan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fengshu Zhao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Dou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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294
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D'Aniello C, Patriarca EJ, Phang JM, Minchiotti G. Proline Metabolism in Tumor Growth and Metastatic Progression. Front Oncol 2020; 10:776. [PMID: 32500033 PMCID: PMC7243120 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells show a formidable capacity to survive under stringent conditions, to elude mechanisms of control, such as apoptosis, and to resist therapy. Cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to support uncontrolled proliferation and metastatic progression. Phenotypic and functional heterogeneity are hallmarks of cancer cells, which endow them with aggressiveness, metastatic capacity, and resistance to therapy. This heterogeneity is regulated by a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli including those from the tumor microenvironment. Increasing evidence points to a key role for the metabolism of non-essential amino acids in this complex scenario. Here we discuss the impact of proline metabolism in cancer development and progression, with particular emphasis on the enzymes involved in proline synthesis and catabolism, which are linked to pathways of energy, redox, and anaplerosis. In particular, we emphasize how proline availability influences collagen synthesis and maturation and the acquisition of cancer cell plasticity and heterogeneity. Specifically, we propose a model whereby proline availability generates a cycle based on collagen synthesis and degradation, which, in turn, influences the epigenetic landscape and tumor heterogeneity. Therapeutic strategies targeting this metabolic-epigenetic axis hold great promise for the treatment of metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina D'Aniello
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Eduardo J. Patriarca
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - James M. Phang
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Gabriella Minchiotti
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, Naples, Italy
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295
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Janes PW, Vail ME, Gan HK, Scott AM. Antibody Targeting of Eph Receptors in Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13050088. [PMID: 32397088 PMCID: PMC7281212 DOI: 10.3390/ph13050088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Eph subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases mediate cell-cell communication controlling cell and tissue patterning during development. While generally less active in adult tissues, they often re-emerge in cancers, particularly on undifferentiated or progenitor cells in tumors and the tumor microenvironment, associated with tumor initiation, angiogenesis and metastasis. Eph receptors are thus attractive therapeutic targets, and monoclonal antibodies have been commonly developed and tested for anti-cancer activity in preclinical models, and in some cases in the clinic. This review summarizes 20 years of research on various antibody-based approaches to target Eph receptors in tumors and the tumor microenvironment, including their mode of action, tumor specificity, and efficacy in pre-clinical and clinical testing.
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296
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LGR5 + epithelial tumor stem-like cells generate a 3D-organoid model for ameloblastoma. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:338. [PMID: 32382005 PMCID: PMC7206107 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2560-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ameloblastoma (AM) is a benign but locally aggressive tumor with high recurrences. Currently, underlying pathophysiology remains elusive, and radical surgery remains the most definitive treatment with severe morbidities. We have recently reported that AM harbors a subpopulation of tumor epithelial stem-like cells (AM-EpiSCs). Herein, we explored whether LGR5+ epithelial cells in AM possess stem-like cell properties and their potential contribution to pathogenesis and recurrence of AM. We found that LGR5 and stem cell-related genes were co-expressed in a subpopulation of AM epithelial cells both in vivo and in vitro, which were enriched under 3D-spheroid culture. As compared to LGR5− counterparts, LGR5+ AM epithelial cells showed increased expression of various EMT- and stemness-related genes, and functionally, exhibited increased capacity to form 3D-spheroids and generate human tumor 3D organoids, which recapitulated the histopathologic features of distinct subtypes of solid AM, thus, contributing a useful human tumor platform for targeted therapeutic screening. Treatment with a selective BRAFV600E inhibitor, vemurafenib, unexpectedly enriched the subpopulation of LGR5+ AM-EpiSCs in tumor 3D organoids, which may have explained therapeutic resistances and recurrences. These findings suggest that LGR5+ AM-EpiSCs play a pivotal role in pathogenesis and progression of AM and targeted inhibition of both BRAF and LGR5 potentially serves a novel nonsurgical adjuvant therapeutic approach for this aggressively benign jaw tumor.
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297
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Carceles-Cordon M, Kelly WK, Gomella L, Knudsen KE, Rodriguez-Bravo V, Domingo-Domenech J. Cellular rewiring in lethal prostate cancer: the architect of drug resistance. Nat Rev Urol 2020; 17:292-307. [PMID: 32203305 PMCID: PMC7218925 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-020-0298-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 5 years, the advent of combination therapeutic strategies has substantially reshaped the clinical management of patients with advanced prostate cancer. However, most of these combination regimens were developed empirically and, despite offering survival benefits, are not enough to halt disease progression. Thus, the development of effective therapeutic strategies that target the mechanisms involved in the acquisition of drug resistance and improve clinical trial design are an unmet clinical need. In this context, we hypothesize that the tumour engineers a dynamic response through the process of cellular rewiring, in which it adapts to the therapy used and develops mechanisms of drug resistance via downstream signalling of key regulatory cascades such as the androgen receptor, PI3K-AKT or GATA2-dependent pathways, as well as initiation of biological processes to revert tumour cells to undifferentiated aggressive states via phenotype switching towards a neuroendocrine phenotype or acquisition of stem-like properties. These dynamic responses are specific for each patient and could be responsible for treatment failure despite multi-target approaches. Understanding the common stages of these cellular rewiring mechanisms to gain a new perspective on the molecular underpinnings of drug resistance might help formulate novel combination therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Carceles-Cordon
- Medical Oncology Department, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - W Kevin Kelly
- Medical Oncology Department, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Leonard Gomella
- Urology Department, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Karen E Knudsen
- Medical Oncology Department, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Urology Department, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cancer Biology Department, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Veronica Rodriguez-Bravo
- Cancer Biology Department, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Josep Domingo-Domenech
- Medical Oncology Department, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Cancer Biology Department, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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298
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Masciale V, Grisendi G, Banchelli F, D'Amico R, Maiorana A, Sighinolfi P, Stefani A, Morandi U, Dominici M, Aramini B. CD44+/EPCAM+ cells detect a subpopulation of ALDH high cells in human non-small cell lung cancer: A chance for targeting cancer stem cells? Oncotarget 2020; 11:1545-1555. [PMID: 32391123 PMCID: PMC7197447 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Several studies demonstrated that aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and CD44 are the most considered cancer stem cells (CSC) markers. However, a comparison between ALDH high cells and CD44+ cells have been previously described with no significant correlation. Indeed, the aim of the present research is to identify a superficial marker able to match with ALDH high cells population in freshly isolated human lung cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study analyzed the expression of ALDHhigh/low cells and the positivity for CD44 and epithelium cell adhesion molecule (EPCAM) antigens in surgical lung cancer tissues. The main approach was a cytofluorimetric analysis of ALDH expression and positivity for CD44/EPCAM on primary cell population obtained from 23 patients harboring NSCLC. RESULTS There was a highly positive correlation between the expressions of ALDHhigh and CD44+/EPCAM+ cells, with a Pearson's correlation coefficient equal to 0.69 (95% CI 0.39-0.86; P = 0.0002), and Spearman's correlation coefficient equal to 0.52 (P = 0.0124). The average paired difference between the expression of ALDHhigh and CD44+/EPCAM+ cells was very close to 0, being 0.1% (SD 2.5%); there was no difference between these subpopulations in terms of means (95% CI = -1.0; 1.2%, P = 0.8464). These results highlight a strong similarity between ALDHhigh and CD44+/EPCAM+ cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study is the first attempt which identifies a high correlation between the ALDHhigh and the CD44+/EPCAM+ cells, thus suggesting the possibility to use this superficial marker for future target treatments against lung cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Masciale
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Co-first/last authors
| | - Giulia Grisendi
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Co-first/last authors
| | - Federico Banchelli
- Center of Statistic, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Co-first/last authors
| | - Roberto D'Amico
- Center of Statistic, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonino Maiorana
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Pamela Sighinolfi
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Stefani
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Uliano Morandi
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Co-first/last authors
| | - Beatrice Aramini
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Co-first/last authors
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299
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Zhao Q, Zhuang K, Han K, Tang H, Wang Y, Si W, Yang Z. Silencing DVL3 defeats MTX resistance and attenuates stemness via Notch Signaling Pathway in colorectal cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2020; 216:152964. [PMID: 32414668 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.152964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Chemoresistance and recurrence of colorectal cancer are mainly caused by the existence of cancer stem-like cells. Dishevelled-3 (DVL3) is a common member of both Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the Notch signaling pathway, which were involved in cancer progression, chemoresistance and even maintenance of stem cell-like properties. However, the underlying biological function of DVL3 still remains unclear. In this study, we proposed DVL3 was simultaneously involved in Methotrexate (MTX) resistance and Colorectal cancer (CRC) stemness by bioinformatic analysis. We also demonstrated DVL3 knockdown sensitized CRC cells to MTX and inhibited their stem cell-like properties by functional experiments. As for the mechanism, DVL3 silencing attenuated the activated Notch signaling by down-regulating Notch intracellular domain (NICD) as well as its downstream targets. Additionally, we demonstrated that CRC cancer tissues had greater DVL3 expression than adjacent non-cancer tissues and patients' overall survival was closely associated with DVL3 according to the data in our clinical center. Accordingly, our data suggest that DVL3 is a key regulator in CRC stemness and chemoresistance and targeting DVL3 could be a potential strategy for CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Kun Zhuang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Kun Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Hailing Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Wangli Si
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Zhenwei Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China.
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300
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Pham T, Robinson K, Vleeshouwer-Neumann T, Annis JE, Chen EY. Characterization of GRK5 as a novel regulator of rhabdomyosarcoma tumor cell growth and self-renewal. Oncotarget 2020; 11:1448-1461. [PMID: 32363002 PMCID: PMC7185065 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft-tissue pediatric sarcoma. Clinical outcomes for RMS patients with relapsed or metastatic disease remain poor. Treatment options remain limited, presenting an urgent need for novel therapeutic targets. Using a high-throughput siRNA screen against the human kinome, we identified GRK5, a G-protein receptor kinase, as a novel regulator of RMS tumor cell growth and self-renewal. Through functional assays in vitro and in vivo, we show that GRK5 regulates cell cycle in a kinase-independent manner to promote RMS tumor cell growth. NFAT1 expression is regulated by GRK5 in a kinase independent manner, and loss of NFAT1 phenocopies GRK5 loss-of-function effects on the cell cycle alterations. Self-renewal of tumor propagating cells (TPCs) is thought to give rise to tumor relapse. We show that loss of GRK5 results in a significant reduction of RMS self-renewal capacity in part due to increased cell death. Treatment of human RMS xenografts in mice with CCG-215022, a GRK5-selective inhibitor, results in reduced tumor growth and self-renewal in both major subtypes of RMS. GRK5 represents a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao Pham
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kristin Robinson
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - James E. Annis
- Quellos HTS Core, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eleanor Y. Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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