1
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Beylerli O, Shi H, Begliarzade S, Shumadalova A, Ilyasova T, Sufianov A. MiRNAs as new potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in brain metastasis. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:678-686. [PMID: 38577014 PMCID: PMC10987301 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases represent a formidable challenge in cancer management, impacting a significant number of patients and contributing significantly to cancer-related mortality. Conventional diagnostic methods frequently fall short, underscoring the imperative for non-invasive alternatives. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), specifically microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), present promising avenues for exploration. These ncRNAs exert influence over the prognosis and treatment resistance of brain metastases, offering valuable insights into underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Dysregulated ncRNAs have been identified in brain metastases originating from various primary cancers, unveiling opportunities for intervention and prevention. The analysis of ncRNA expression in bodily fluids, such as serum and cerebrospinal fluid, provides a noninvasive means to differentiate brain metastases from primary tumors. NcRNAs, particularly miRNAs, assume a pivotal role in orchestrating the immune response within the brain microenvironment. MiRNAs exhibit promise in diagnosing brain metastases, effectively distinguishing between normal and cancer cells, and pinpointing the tissue of origin for metastatic brain tumors. The manipulation of miRNAs holds substantial potential in cancer treatment, offering the prospect of reducing toxicity and enhancing efficacy. Given the limited treatment options and the formidable threat of brain metastases in cancer patients, non-coding RNAs, especially miRNAs, emerge as beacons of hope, serving as both diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets. Further clinical studies are imperative to validate the specificity and sensitivity of ncRNAs, potentially reshaping approaches to tackle this challenge and elevate treatment outcomes for affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozal Beylerli
- Central Research Laboratory, Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan, 3 Lenin Street, 450008, Russia
| | - Huaizhang Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street 23, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150001, China
| | - Sema Begliarzade
- Department of Oncology, Radiology and Radiotherapy, Tyumen State Medical University, 54 Odesskaya Street, 625023, Tyumen, Russia
| | - Alina Shumadalova
- Department of General Chemistry, Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan, 3 Lenin Street, 450008, Russia
| | - Tatiana Ilyasova
- Department of Internal Diseases, Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan, 450008, Russia
| | - Albert Sufianov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119992, Russia
- Educational and Scientific Institute of Neurosurgery, Рeoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St, Moscow, 117198, Russia
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2
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Yu M, Du H, Zhang C, Shi Y. miR-192 family in breast cancer: Regulatory mechanisms and diagnostic value. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116620. [PMID: 38653113 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in the role of the miRNA family in human cancer. The miRNA-192 family is a group of conserved small RNAs, including miR-192, miR-194, and miR-215. Recent studies have shown that the incidence and mortality of breast cancer have been increasing epidemiologically year by year, and it is urgent to clarify the pathogenesis of breast cancer and seek new diagnostic and therapeutic methods. There is increasing evidence that miR-192 family members may be involved in the occurrence and development of breast cancer. This review describes the regulatory mechanism of the miRNA-192 family affecting the malignant behavior of breast cancer cells and evaluates the value of the miRNA-192 family as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for breast cancer. It is expected that summarizing and discussing the relationship between miRNA-192 family members and breast cancer, it will provide a new direction for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and basic medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxuan Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, PR China.
| | - Hua Du
- College of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, PR China; Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, PR China.
| | - Caihong Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, PR China.
| | - Yingxu Shi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, PR China.
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3
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Hussen BM, Abdullah KH, Abdullah SR, Majeed NM, Mohamadtahr S, Rasul MF, Dong P, Taheri M, Samsami M. New insights of miRNA molecular mechanisms in breast cancer brain metastasis and therapeutic targets. Noncoding RNA Res 2023; 8:645-660. [PMID: 37818447 PMCID: PMC10560790 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases in breast cancer (BC) patients are often associated with a poor prognosis. Recent studies have uncovered the critical roles of miRNAs in the initiation and progression of BC brain metastasis, highlighting the disease's underlying molecular pathways. miRNA-181c, miRNA-10b, and miRNA-21, for example, are all overexpressed in BC patients. It has been shown that these three miRNAs help tumors grow and metastasize by targeting genes that control how cells work. On the other hand, miRNA-26b5p, miRNA-7, and miRNA-1013p are all downregulated in BC brain metastasis patients. They act as tumor suppressors by controlling the expression of genes related to cell adhesion, angiogenesis, and invasion. Therapeutic miRNA targeting has considerable promise in treating BC brain metastases. Several strategies have been proposed to modulate miRNA expression, including miRNA-Mimics, antagomirs, and small molecule inhibitors of miRNA biogenesis. This review discusses the aberrant expression of miRNAs and metastatic pathways that lead to the spread of BC cells to the brain. It also explores miRNA therapeutic target molecular mechanisms and BC brain metastasis challenges with advanced strategies. The targeting of certain miRNAs opens a new door for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Science, Cihan University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 44001, Iraq
- Department of Clinical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Khozga Hazhar Abdullah
- Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Lebanese French University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Snur Rasool Abdullah
- Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Lebanese French University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | | | - Sayran Mohamadtahr
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Mohammed Fatih Rasul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Basic Science, Tishk International University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Peixin Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Samsami
- Cancer Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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4
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Mészáros Á, Molnár K, Fazakas C, Nógrádi B, Lüvi A, Dudás T, Tiszlavicz L, Farkas AE, Krizbai IA, Wilhelm I. Inflammasome activation in peritumoral astrocytes is a key player in breast cancer brain metastasis development. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:155. [PMID: 37749707 PMCID: PMC10521486 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01646-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammasomes, primarily responsible for the activation of IL-1β, have emerged as critical regulators of the tumor microenvironment. By using in vivo and in vitro brain metastasis models, as well as human samples to study the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) brain metastases, we found NLRP3 inflammasome components and IL-1β to be highly and specifically expressed in peritumoral astrocytes. Soluble factors from TNBC cells induced upregulation and activation of NLRP3 and IL-1β in astrocytes, while astrocyte-derived mediators augmented the proliferation of metastatic cells. In addition, inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activity using MCC950 or dampening the downstream effect of IL-1β prevented the proliferation increase in cancer cells. In vivo, MCC950 reduced IL-1β expression in peritumoral astrocytes, as well as the levels of inflammasome components and active IL-1β. Most importantly, significantly retarded growth of brain metastatic tumors was observed in mice treated with MCC950. Overall, astrocytes contribute to TNBC progression in the brain through activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and consequent IL-1β release. We conclude that pharmacological targeting of inflammasomes may become a novel strategy in controlling brain metastatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ádám Mészáros
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Kinga Molnár
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csilla Fazakas
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bernát Nógrádi
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Adél Lüvi
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamás Dudás
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
- Theoretical Medicine Doctoral School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Attila Elek Farkas
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - István Adorján Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary.
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.
| | - Imola Wilhelm
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary.
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.
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Caetano S, Garcia AR, Figueira I, Brito MA. MEF2C and miR-194-5p: New Players in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14297. [PMID: 37762600 PMCID: PMC10531597 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Among breast cancer (BC) subtypes, the most aggressive is triple negative BC (TNBC), which is prone to metastasis. We previously found that microRNA (miR)-194-5p is downregulated at the early stages of TNBC brain metastasis development. Additionally, the transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2)C, a bioinformatically predicted miR-194-5p target, was increasingly expressed throughout TNBC brain metastasis formation and disease severity. However, the contributions of these two players to malignant cells' features remain undetermined. This study aimed at disclosing the role of miR-194-5p and MEF2C in TNBC tumorigenesis. The transfection of 4T1 cells with a silencer for MEF2C or with a pre-miRNA for miR-194-5p was employed to study TNBC cells' phenotypic alterations regarding epithelial and mesenchymal markers, as well as migratory capability alterations. MEF2C-silenced cells presented a decline in both vimentin and cytokeratin expression, whereas the overexpression of miR-194-5p promoted an increase in cytokeratin and a reduction in vimentin, reflecting the acquisition of an epithelial phenotype. Both treatments reduced TNBC cells' migration. These results suggest that MEF2C may determine TNBC cells' invasive properties by partially determining the occurrence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, while the overexpression of miR-194-5p promotes a decline in TNBC cells' aggressive behavior and reinforces this miRNA's role as a tumor suppressor in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Caetano
- iMed—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (S.C.); (A.R.G.); (I.F.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Garcia
- iMed—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (S.C.); (A.R.G.); (I.F.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Figueira
- iMed—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (S.C.); (A.R.G.); (I.F.)
- Farm-ID—Faculty of Pharmacy Research and Development Association, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Alexandra Brito
- iMed—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (S.C.); (A.R.G.); (I.F.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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6
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Godinho-Pereira J, Vaz D, Figueira I, Aniceto-Romão J, Krizbai I, Malhó R, Rocha J, Carvalheiro MC, Simões S, Gaspar MM, Brito MA. Breast Cancer Brain Metastases: Implementation and Characterization of a Mouse Model Relying on Malignant Cells Inoculation in the Carotid Artery. Cells 2023; 12:2076. [PMID: 37626886 PMCID: PMC10453310 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) brain metastases (BCBM) is a severe condition frequently occurring in the triple-negative subtype. The study of BCBM pathogenesis and treatment has been hampered by the difficulty in establishing a reliable animal model that faithfully recapitulates the preferential formation of brain metastases. The injection of BC cells in the carotid artery of mice has been proposed but the procedure is challenging, with the metastatic pattern being scarcely characterized. In this work, we thoroughly describe an improved procedure, highlighting the tricks and challenges of the process, and providing a characterization of the brain and peripheral metastatic pattern at the cellular and molecular level. Triple-negative BC (4T1) cells were inoculated in the common carotid artery of BALB/c mice. Brains and peripheral organs were harvested at 7-14 days for the histological characterization of the metastases' pattern and the immunofluorescence analysis of specific markers. With our surgical procedure, both mouse death and procedure-associated weight loss were negligible. Brain metastases mostly occurred in the hippocampus, while sparse peripheral lesions were only detected in the lungs. Brain-colonizing BC cells presented proliferative (Ki-67) and epithelial (pan-cytokeratin and tomato lectin) features, which account for metastases' establishment. The presented surgical approach constitutes an important and reliable tool for BCBM studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Godinho-Pereira
- iMed.ULisboa—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.G.-P.); (D.V.); (I.F.); (J.A.-R.); (J.R.); (M.C.C.); (S.S.); (M.M.G.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniela Vaz
- iMed.ULisboa—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.G.-P.); (D.V.); (I.F.); (J.A.-R.); (J.R.); (M.C.C.); (S.S.); (M.M.G.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Figueira
- iMed.ULisboa—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.G.-P.); (D.V.); (I.F.); (J.A.-R.); (J.R.); (M.C.C.); (S.S.); (M.M.G.)
- Farm-ID—Faculty of Pharmacy Research and Development Association, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Aniceto-Romão
- iMed.ULisboa—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.G.-P.); (D.V.); (I.F.); (J.A.-R.); (J.R.); (M.C.C.); (S.S.); (M.M.G.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Istvan Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), 6726 Szeged, Hungary;
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Str. Liviu Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Rui Malhó
- BioISI—Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1746-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - João Rocha
- iMed.ULisboa—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.G.-P.); (D.V.); (I.F.); (J.A.-R.); (J.R.); (M.C.C.); (S.S.); (M.M.G.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Health Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Manuela Colla Carvalheiro
- iMed.ULisboa—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.G.-P.); (D.V.); (I.F.); (J.A.-R.); (J.R.); (M.C.C.); (S.S.); (M.M.G.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Health Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sandra Simões
- iMed.ULisboa—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.G.-P.); (D.V.); (I.F.); (J.A.-R.); (J.R.); (M.C.C.); (S.S.); (M.M.G.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Health Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- iMed.ULisboa—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.G.-P.); (D.V.); (I.F.); (J.A.-R.); (J.R.); (M.C.C.); (S.S.); (M.M.G.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Health Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Alexandra Brito
- iMed.ULisboa—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.G.-P.); (D.V.); (I.F.); (J.A.-R.); (J.R.); (M.C.C.); (S.S.); (M.M.G.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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Garcia AR, Mendes A, Custódia C, Faria CC, Barata JT, Malhó R, Figueira I, Brito MA. Abrogating Metastatic Properties of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells by EGFR and PI3K Dual Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3973. [PMID: 37568789 PMCID: PMC10416979 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a devastating BC subtype. Its aggressiveness, allied to the lack of well-defined molecular targets, usually culminates in the appearance of metastases that account for poor prognosis, particularly when they develop in the brain. Nevertheless, TNBC has been associated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression, leading to downstream phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling activation. We aimed to unravel novel drug candidates for TNBC treatment based on EGFR and/or PI3K inhibition. Using a highly metastatic TNBC cell line with brain tropism (MDA-MB-231 Br4) and a library of 27 drug candidates in silico predicted to inhibit EGFR, PI3K, or EGFR plus PI3K, and to cross the blood-brain barrier, we evaluated the effects on cell viability. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the most cytotoxic ones was established, and cell cycle and death, as well as migration and EGFR pathway intervenient, were further evaluated. Two dual inhibitors emerged as the most promising drugs, with the ability to modulate cell cycle, death, migration and proliferation, morphology, and PI3K/AKT cascade players such as myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) and forkhead box P1 (FOXP1). This work revealed EGFR/PI3K dual inhibitors as strong candidates to tackle brain metastatic TNBC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Garcia
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Avilson Mendes
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carlos Custódia
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudia C. Faria
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-035 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João T. Barata
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rui Malhó
- BioISI—Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1746-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Figueira
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Farm-ID—Faculty of Pharmacy Association for Research and Development, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Alexandra Brito
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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8
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Xiong S, Tan X, Wu X, Wan A, Zhang G, Wang C, Liang Y, Zhang Y. Molecular landscape and emerging therapeutic strategies in breast
cancer brain metastasis. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359231165976. [PMID: 37034479 PMCID: PMC10074632 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231165976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Advanced BC
with brain metastasis (BM) is a major cause of mortality with no specific or
effective treatment. Therefore, better knowledge of the cellular and molecular
mechanisms underlying breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) is crucial for
developing novel therapeutic strategies and improving clinical outcomes. In this
review, we focused on the latest advances and discuss the contribution of the
molecular subtype of BC, the brain microenvironment, exosomes, miRNAs/lncRNAs,
and genetic background in BCBM. The blood–brain barrier and blood–tumor barrier
create challenges to brain drug delivery, and we specifically review novel
approaches to bypass these barriers. Furthermore, we discuss the potential
application of immunotherapies and genetic editing techniques based on
CRISPR/Cas9 technology in treating BCBM. Emerging techniques and research
findings continuously shape our views of BCBM and contribute to improvements in
precision therapies and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Xiong
- Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital,
Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuanni Tan
- Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital,
Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiujuan Wu
- Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital,
Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Andi Wan
- Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital,
Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guozhi Zhang
- Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital,
Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital,
Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital,
Army Medical University, 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba, China Chongqing 400038,
China
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9
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Eraky AM. Advances in Brain Metastases Diagnosis: Non-coding RNAs As Potential Biomarkers. Cureus 2023; 15:e36337. [PMID: 37077610 PMCID: PMC10109215 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastasis is considered the most common brain tumor. They arise from different primary cancers. The most common primary tumors giving brain metastases include breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, and renal cancer. Depending only on history, physical examination, and conventional imaging modalities makes brain tumors diagnosis difficult. Rapid and non-invasive promising modalities could diagnose and differentiate between different brain metastases without exposing the patients to unnecessary brain surgeries for biopsies. One of these promising modalities is non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). NcRNAs can determine brain metastases' prognosis, chemoresistance, and radioresistance. It also helps us to understand the pathophysiology of brain metastases development. Additionally, ncRNAs may work as potential therapeutic targets for brain metastases treatment and prevention. Herein, we present deregulated ncRNAs in different brain metastases, including microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), such as gastric adenocarcinoma, colorectal, breast, melanoma, lung, and prostate cancer. Additionally, we focus on serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) expression of these ncRNAs in patients with brain metastases compared to patients with primary tumors. Moreover, we discuss the role of ncRNAs in modulating the immune response in the brain microenvironment. More clinical studies are encouraged to assess the specificity and sensitivity of these ncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram M Eraky
- Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA
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10
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Limothai U, Jantarangsi N, Suphavejkornkij N, Tachaboon S, Dinhuzen J, Chaisuriyong W, Trongkamolchai S, Wanpaisitkul M, Chulapornsiri C, Tiawilai A, Tiawilai T, Tantawichien T, Thisyakorn U, Srisawat N. Discovery and validation of circulating miRNAs for the clinical prognosis of severe dengue. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010836. [PMID: 36251659 PMCID: PMC9576100 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early prognostic markers of severe dengue may improve case management and reduce dengue-related mortalities. This study aimed to identify circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers for predicting severe dengue. Methodology Serum samples from dengue-infected patients were collected on the first day of admission. Patients were followed up for 14 days after admission to determine the final diagnosis. Participants were divided into non-severe and severe dengue, as defined by WHO 2009 criteria. Circulating microtranscriptome analysis was performed using NanoString miRNA Expression Assay. The expression level of candidate miRNAs were then validated by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR method. Principal findings The discovery cohort (N = 19) lead to the identification of 37 differentially expressed miRNAs between the two groups. Six up-regulated candidate miRNAs were selected and further validated in the larger cohort (N = 135). MiR574-5p and miR1246 displayed the highest diagnostic performance in discriminating between severe from non-severe dengue (ROC-AUC = 0.83). Additionally, miR574-5p and miR1246 had high sensitivity and high negative predictive value for detecting severe dengue. Multivariate analysis suggested that serum miR574-5p was an independent predictor of severe dengue (odds ratio 3.30, 95% CI 1.81–6.04; p<0.001). Conclusion Our study indicated that circulating miRNAs, especially miR-574-5p and miR-1246, might be a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for severe dengue upon hospital admission, especially when using these biomarkers on days 1 to 2 before the onset of severe dengue complications. Dengue infection, a mosquito-borne disease, is an expanding global problem. It has a broad clinical spectrum that includes severe and non-severe clinical manifestations with a high risk of death. Identifying early prognostic markers of severe complications may improve case management and reduce dengue-related mortalities. The circulating microRNA (miRNA) profile has been widely used to identify potential biomarkers against viral infections. Our data revealed that the circulating miRNA expression pattern of severe dengue patients was significantly different from the non-severe group. In addition, circulating miRNAs, especially miR-574-5p and miR-1246, could be promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for severe dengue. These data have implications for developing biomarkers for clinical use and could improve risk prediction in dengue patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umaporn Limothai
- Excellence Center for Critical Care Nephrology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand,Center of Excellence in Critical Care Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Sasipha Tachaboon
- Excellence Center for Critical Care Nephrology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand,Center of Excellence in Critical Care Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Janejira Dinhuzen
- Excellence Center for Critical Care Nephrology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand,Center of Excellence in Critical Care Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Watchadaporn Chaisuriyong
- Excellence Center for Critical Care Nephrology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand,Center of Excellence in Critical Care Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Terapong Tantawichien
- Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Usa Thisyakorn
- Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nattachai Srisawat
- Excellence Center for Critical Care Nephrology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand,Center of Excellence in Critical Care Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand,Center for Critical Care Nephrology, The CRISMA Center, Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America,Academy of Science, Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand,* E-mail:
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11
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Integrative Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals That miR-524-5p/MEF2C Regulates Bone Metastasis in Prostate Cancer and Breast Cancer. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5211329. [PMID: 36128051 PMCID: PMC9482681 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5211329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Bone metastases are highly prevalent in patients with advanced prostate cancer and breast cancer and have a serious impact on the survival time and quality of life of these patients. It has been reported that microRNAs (miRNAs) are expressed abnormally in different types of cancer and metastases. However, it remains unknown whether the underlying miRNAs are associated with prostate and breast cancer bone metastasis. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) and their potential targets in the metastatic process were identified by bioinformatics analysis. Additionally, qPCR confirmed that the miR-524-5p expression was downregulated in prostate and breast cancer cells. The overexpression of miR-524-5p restrained cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in prostate and breast cancer cells. Meanwhile, miR-524-5p could target and inhibit the expression of MEF2C, which was verified by a luciferase assay. In conclusion, our data strongly suggest that downregulation of miR-524-5p appears to be a precocious event in prostate and breast cancer, and the miR-524-5p/MEF2C axis plays a novel role in bone metastases from prostate and breast cancers.
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12
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Godinho-Pereira J, Lopes MD, Garcia AR, Botelho HM, Malhó R, Figueira I, Brito MA. A Drug Screening Reveals Minocycline Hydrochloride as a Therapeutic Option to Prevent Breast Cancer Cells Extravasation across the Blood-Brain Barrier. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1988. [PMID: 36009536 PMCID: PMC9405959 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among breast cancer (BC) patients, 15-25% develop BC brain metastases (BCBM), a severe condition due to the limited therapeutic options, which points to the need for preventive strategies. We aimed to find a drug able to boost blood-brain barrier (BBB) properties and prevent BC cells (BCCs) extravasation, among PI3K, HSP90, and EGFR inhibitors and approved drugs. We used BCCs (4T1) and BBB endothelial cells (b.End5) to identify molecules with toxicity to 4T1 cells and safe for b.End5 cells. Moreover, we used those cells in mixed cultures to perform a high-throughput microscopy screening of drugs' ability to ameliorate BBB properties and prevent BCCs adhesion and migration across the endothelium, as well as to analyse miRNAs expression and release profiles. KW-2478, buparlisib, and minocycline hydrochloride (MH) promoted maximal expression of the junctional protein β-catenin and induced 4T1 cells nucleus changes. Buparlisib and MH further decreased 4T1 adhesion. MH was the most promising in preventing 4T1 migration and BBB disruption, tumour and endothelial cytoskeleton-associated proteins modifications, and miRNA deregulation. Our data revealed MH's ability to improve BBB properties, while compromising BCCs viability and interaction with BBB endothelial cells, besides restoring miRNAs' homeostasis, paving the way for MH repurposing for BCBM prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Godinho-Pereira
- iMed—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Margarida Dionísio Lopes
- iMed—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Garcia
- iMed—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Hugo M. Botelho
- BioISI—Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1746-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rui Malhó
- BioISI—Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1746-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Figueira
- iMed—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Farm-ID—Faculty of Pharmacy Association for Research and Development, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Alexandra Brito
- iMed—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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13
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Liu X, Papukashvili D, Wang Z, Liu Y, Chen X, Li J, Li Z, Hu L, Li Z, Rcheulishvili N, Lu X, Ma J. Potential utility of miRNAs for liquid biopsy in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:940314. [PMID: 35992785 PMCID: PMC9386533 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.940314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) remains the most prevalent malignancy due to its incidence rate, recurrence, and metastasis in women. Conventional strategies of cancer detection– mammography and tissue biopsy lack the capacity to detect the complete cancer genomic landscape. Besides, they often give false- positive or negative results. The presence of this and other disadvantages such as invasiveness, high-cost, and side effects necessitates developing new strategies to overcome the BC burden. Liquid biopsy (LB) has been brought to the fore owing to its early detection, screening, prognosis, simplicity of the technique, and efficient monitoring. Remarkably, microRNAs (miRNAs)– gene expression regulators seem to play a major role as biomarkers detected in the samples of LB. Particularly, miR-21 and miR-155 among other possible candidates seem to serve as favorable biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of BC. Hence, this review will assess the potential utility of miRNAs as biomarkers and will highlight certain promising candidates for the LB approach in the diagnosis and management of BC that may optimize the patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangrong Liu
- Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Dimitri Papukashvili
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhixiang Wang
- Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jianrong Li
- Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Linjie Hu
- Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Nino Rcheulishvili
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoqing Lu
- Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoqing Lu, ; Jinfeng Ma,
| | - Jinfeng Ma
- Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoqing Lu, ; Jinfeng Ma,
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14
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Siegl F, Vecera M, Roskova I, Smrcka M, Jancalek R, Kazda T, Slaby O, Sana J. The Significance of MicroRNAs in the Molecular Pathology of Brain Metastases. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143386. [PMID: 35884446 PMCID: PMC9322877 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases are the most frequent intracranial tumors in adults and the cause of death in almost one-fourth of cases. The incidence of brain metastases is steadily increasing. The main reason for this increase could be the introduction of new and more efficient therapeutic strategies that lead to longer survival but, at the same time, cause a higher risk of brain parenchyma infiltration. In addition, the advances in imaging methodology, which provide earlier identification of brain metastases, may also be a reason for the higher recorded number of patients with these tumors. Metastasis is a complex biological process that is still largely unexplored, influenced by many factors and involving many molecules. A deeper understanding of the process will allow the discovery of more effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that could improve the quality and length of patient survival. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are essential molecules that are involved in specific steps of the metastatic cascade. MiRNAs are endogenously expressed small non-coding RNAs that act as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and thus regulate most cellular processes. The dysregulation of these molecules has been implicated in many cancers, including brain metastases. Therefore, miRNAs represent promising diagnostic molecules and therapeutic targets in brain metastases. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the importance of miRNAs in brain metastasis, focusing on their involvement in the metastatic cascade and their potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frantisek Siegl
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (F.S.); (M.V.); (O.S.)
| | - Marek Vecera
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (F.S.); (M.V.); (O.S.)
| | - Ivana Roskova
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (I.R.); (M.S.)
| | - Martin Smrcka
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (I.R.); (M.S.)
| | - Radim Jancalek
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Annes University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Tomas Kazda
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute and Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Ondrej Slaby
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (F.S.); (M.V.); (O.S.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Sana
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (F.S.); (M.V.); (O.S.)
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute and Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Brno, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-549-495-246
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15
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Zhang Z, Zhao Y. Progress on the roles of MEF2C in neuropsychiatric diseases. Mol Brain 2022; 15:8. [PMID: 34991657 PMCID: PMC8740500 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00892-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2 C (MEF2C), one of the transcription factors of the MADS-BOX family, is involved in embryonic brain development, neuronal formation and differentiation, as well as in the growth and pruning of axons and dendrites. MEF2C is also involved in the development of various neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), epilepsy, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we review the relationship between MEF2C and neuropsychiatric disorders, and provide further insights into the mechanism of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhikun Zhang
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.,Department of Mental Health, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - Yongxiang Zhao
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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16
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Down-Regulation of miR-194-5p for Predicting Metastasis in Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010325. [PMID: 35008751 PMCID: PMC8745262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as key negative regulators of gene expression, are closely related to tumor occurrence and progression. miR-194-5p (miR-194-1) has been shown to play a regulatory role in various cancers however, its biological function and mechanism of action in breast cancer have not yet been well explored. In this study, we use the UALCAN and LinkedOmics databases to analyze transcription expression in The Cancer Genome Atlas Breast Invasive Carcinoma (TCGA-BRCA). The epithelial-mesenchymal transition status of breast cancer cells was evaluated by wound-healing assay, trans-well assays, and gelatin zymography, while protein expression was assessed by Western blotting. miR-194-5p expression was found to be up-regulated in breast cancer clinical specimens but down-regulated in the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-231 and breast cancer clinical specimens in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). miR-194-5p significantly inhibited the expression of the epithelial marker ZO-1 and increased the expression of mesenchymal markers, including ZEB-1 and vimentin, in MDA-MB-231 cells. miR-194-5p significantly reduced the gelatin-degrading activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in zymography assays. In MDA-MB-231 cells and TCGA patient samples, ZEB-1 expression was significantly inversely correlated with miR-194-5p expression. High levels of miR-194-5p were associated with good overall survival. miR-194-5p regulates epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in TNBC. Our findings suggest that miR-194-5p functions as a tumor biomarker in breast cancer, providing new insights for the study of breast cancer development and metastasis.
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17
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Gao T, Zou M, Shen T, Duan S. Dysfunction of miR-802 in tumors. J Clin Lab Anal 2021; 35:e23989. [PMID: 34558723 PMCID: PMC8605121 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that miR-802 is abnormally expressed in many tumors. miR-802 is expressed at low levels in tissues and cells of gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, epithelial ovarian cancer, tongue squamous cell carcinoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. In contrast, miR-802 is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma, bladder urothelial cancer, osteosarcoma, and cholesteatoma tissue cells. It should be noted that the results of studies on the expression of miR-802 in pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer are inconsistent. Current studies have found that miR-802 can target and regulate genes in different tumors, and affect the regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway, EMT signaling pathway, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, ERK signaling pathway, and Hedgehog signaling pathway. At the same time, miR-802 is regulated by the endogenous competition of four ceRNAs, including circDONSON, IGFL2-AS1, MIR155HG, and MIR4435-2HG. This article reviews the abnormal expression of miR-802 in a variety of tumors, expounds the mechanism by which miR-802 affects tumor progression by regulating different target genes, and elaborates the network of miR-802-related ceRNAs. We also summarized the limitations of miR-802 research and looked forward to the potential application of miR-802 in the diagnosis and prognosis of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Gao
- Medical Genetics Center, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, China
| | - Mengsha Zou
- Medical Genetics Center, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, China
| | - Tiancheng Shen
- Medical Genetics Center, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, China
| | - Shiwei Duan
- Medical Genetics Center, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, China.,School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, China
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18
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Figueira I, Godinho-Pereira J, Galego S, Maia J, Haskó J, Molnár K, Malhó R, Costa-Silva B, Wilhelm I, Krizbai IA, Brito MA. MicroRNAs and Extracellular Vesicles as Distinctive Biomarkers of Precocious and Advanced Stages of Breast Cancer Brain Metastases Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5214. [PMID: 34069135 PMCID: PMC8155987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer presents higher mortality and poorer survival rates than other breast cancer (BC) types, due to the proneness to brain metastases formation, which are usually diagnosed at advanced stages. Therefore, the discovery of BC brain metastases (BCBM) biomarkers appears pivotal for a timely intervention. With this work, we aimed to disclose microRNAs (miRNAs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the circulation as biomarkers of BCBM formation. Using a BCBM animal model, we analyzed EVs in plasma by nanoparticle tracking analysis and ascertained their blood-brain barrier (BBB) origin by flow cytometry. We further evaluated circulating miRNAs by RT-qPCR and their brain expression by in situ hybridization. In parallel, a cellular model of BCBM formation, combining triple negative BC cells and BBB endothelial cells, was used to differentiate the origin of biomarkers. Established metastases were associated with an increased content of circulating EVs, particularly of BBB origin. Interestingly, deregulated miRNAs in the circulation were observed prior to BCBM detection, and their brain origin was suggested by matching alterations in brain parenchyma. In vitro studies indicated that miR-194-5p and miR-205-5p are expressed and released by BC cells, endothelial cells and during their interaction. These results highlight miRNAs and EVs as biomarkers of BCBM in early and advanced stages, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Figueira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (I.F.); (J.G.-P.); (S.G.)
- Farm-ID—Associação da Faculdade de Farmácia para a Investigação e Desenvolvimento, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Godinho-Pereira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (I.F.); (J.G.-P.); (S.G.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sofia Galego
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (I.F.); (J.G.-P.); (S.G.)
| | - Joana Maia
- Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.M.); (B.C.-S.)
- Graduate Program in Areas of Basic and Applied Biology, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - János Haskó
- Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Institute of Biophysics, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (J.H.); (K.M.); (I.W.); (I.A.K.)
| | - Kinga Molnár
- Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Institute of Biophysics, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (J.H.); (K.M.); (I.W.); (I.A.K.)
| | - Rui Malhó
- BioISI, BioSystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Bruno Costa-Silva
- Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.M.); (B.C.-S.)
| | - Imola Wilhelm
- Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Institute of Biophysics, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (J.H.); (K.M.); (I.W.); (I.A.K.)
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - István A. Krizbai
- Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Institute of Biophysics, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (J.H.); (K.M.); (I.W.); (I.A.K.)
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Maria Alexandra Brito
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (I.F.); (J.G.-P.); (S.G.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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19
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Ma Y, Schröder DC, Nenkov M, Rizwan MN, Abubrig M, Sonnemann J, Murrieta-Coxca JM, Morales-Prieto DM, Westermann M, Gaßler N, Chen Y. Epithelial Membrane Protein 2 Suppresses Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Growth by Inhibition of MAPK Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2944. [PMID: 33799364 PMCID: PMC7999101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial membrane proteins (EMP1-3) are involved in epithelial differentiation and carcinogenesis. Dysregulated expression of EMP2 was observed in various cancers, but its role in human lung cancer is not yet clarified. In this study, we analyzed the expression of EMP1-3 and investigated the biological function of EMP2 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The results showed that lower expression of EMP1 was significantly correlated with tumor size in primary lung tumors (p = 0.004). Overexpression of EMP2 suppressed tumor cell growth, migration, and invasion, resulting in a G1 cell cycle arrest, with knockdown of EMP2 leading to enhanced cell migration, related to MAPK pathway alterations and disruption of cell cycle regulatory genes. Exosomes isolated from transfected cells were taken up by tumor cells, carrying EMP2-downregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) which participated in regulation of the tumor microenvironment. Our data suggest that decreased EMP1 expression is significantly related to increased tumor size in NSCLC. EMP2 suppresses NSCLC cell growth mainly by inhibiting the MAPK pathway. EMP2 might further affect the tumor microenvironment by regulating tumor microenvironment-associated miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxia Ma
- Section Pathology of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany; (Y.M.); (D.C.S.); (M.N.); (M.N.R.); (M.A.); (N.G.)
| | - Desiree Charlotte Schröder
- Section Pathology of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany; (Y.M.); (D.C.S.); (M.N.); (M.N.R.); (M.A.); (N.G.)
| | - Miljana Nenkov
- Section Pathology of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany; (Y.M.); (D.C.S.); (M.N.); (M.N.R.); (M.A.); (N.G.)
| | - Maryam Noor Rizwan
- Section Pathology of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany; (Y.M.); (D.C.S.); (M.N.); (M.N.R.); (M.A.); (N.G.)
| | - Mohamed Abubrig
- Section Pathology of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany; (Y.M.); (D.C.S.); (M.N.); (M.N.R.); (M.A.); (N.G.)
| | - Jürgen Sonnemann
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children’s Clinic, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany;
| | - José M. Murrieta-Coxca
- Placenta-Labor, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany; (J.M.M.-C.); (D.M.M.-P.)
| | - Diana M. Morales-Prieto
- Placenta-Labor, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany; (J.M.M.-C.); (D.M.M.-P.)
| | - Martin Westermann
- Electron Microscopy Center, Jena University Hospital, Ziegelmühlenweg 1, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Nikolaus Gaßler
- Section Pathology of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany; (Y.M.); (D.C.S.); (M.N.); (M.N.R.); (M.A.); (N.G.)
| | - Yuan Chen
- Section Pathology of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany; (Y.M.); (D.C.S.); (M.N.); (M.N.R.); (M.A.); (N.G.)
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20
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Picturing Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis Development to Unravel Molecular Players and Cellular Crosstalk. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040910. [PMID: 33671551 PMCID: PMC7926545 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer is a devastating disorder affecting millions of women worldwide. With improved therapeutics for the primary tumor, the appearance of metastasis has been increasing. Breast cancer frequently metastasizes to the brain, constituting a major hurdle without cure and with a poor survival. It is imperative to better understand the mechanisms involved in malignant cell transposition of the brain microvasculature and parenchymal colonization by deciphering the alterations occurring in the tumor and microvascular cells, as well as the occurrence of intercellular communication during the process. We aimed to profile the process of the formation of breast cancer brain metastasis and the timeline of events governing it. We used a specific mouse model of the disease to perform extensive microscopic analyses. We identified phenotypic changes and the activation of relevant molecular players in tumorigenesis, together with vascular alterations, and the occurrence of crosstalk. Our findings unravel putative therapeutic targets to tackle breast cancer brain metastasis. Abstract With breast cancer (BC) therapy improvements, the appearance of brain metastases has been increasing, representing a life-threatening condition. Brain metastasis formation involves BC cell (BCC) extravasation across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and brain colonization by unclear mechanisms. We aimed to disclose the actors involved in BC brain metastasis formation, focusing on BCCs’ phenotype, growth factor expression, and signaling pathway activation, correlating with BBB alterations and intercellular communication. Hippocampi of female mice inoculated with 4T1 BCCs were examined over time by hematoxylin-eosin, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Well-established metastases were observed at seven days, increasing thereafter. BCCs entering brain parenchyma presented mesenchymal, migratory, and proliferative features; however, with time, they increasingly expressed epithelial markers, reflecting a mesenchymal–epithelial transition. BCCs also expressed platelet-derived growth factor-B, β4 integrin, and focal adhesion kinase, suggesting autocrine and/or paracrine regulation with adhesion signaling activation, while balance between Rac1 and RhoA was associated with the motility status. Intercellular communication via gap junctions was clear among BCCs, and between BCCs and endothelial cells. Thrombin accumulation, junctional protein impairment, and vesicular proteins increase reflect BBB alterations related with extravasation. Expression of plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein was increased in BCCs, along with augmented vascularization, whereas pericyte contraction indicated mural cells’ activation. Our results provide further understanding of BC brain metastasis formation, disclosing potential therapeutic targets.
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Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2C as a New Player in Human Breast Cancer Brain Metastases. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020378. [PMID: 33673112 PMCID: PMC7917785 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) is increasingly expressed in mice along with breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) development. We aim to ascertain MEF2C expression in human BCBM, establish the relationship with disease severity, disclose the involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and β-catenin, also known as KDR and CTNNB1, respectively, and investigate if matched primary tumors express the protein. We studied resected BCBM for the expression of MEF2C, VEGFR-2, and ß-catenin, as well as proliferation (Ki-67) and epithelial (pan Cytokeratin) markers, and related experimental and clinical data. MEF2C expression was further assessed in matched primary tumors and non-BCBM samples used as controls. MEF2C expression was observed in BCBM, but not in controls, and was categorized into three phenotypes (P): P1, with extranuclear location; P2, with extranuclear and nuclear staining, and P3, with nuclear location. Nuclear translocation increased with metastases extension and Ki-67-positive cells number. P1 was associated with higher VEFGR-2 plasma membrane immunoreactivity, whereas P2 and P3 were accompanied by protein dislocation. P1 was accompanied by β-catenin membrane expression, while P2 and P3 exhibited β-catenin nuclear translocation. Primary BC samples expressed MEF2C in mammary ducts and scattered cells in the parenchyma. MEF2C emerges as a player in BCBM associated with disease severity and VEGFR-2 and β-catenin signaling.
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Lv Y, Ma X, Du Y, Feng J. Understanding Patterns of Brain Metastasis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Exploring Potential Therapeutic Targets. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:589-607. [PMID: 33519208 PMCID: PMC7837592 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s293685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly malignant subtype of breast cancer. High invasiveness and heterogeneity, as well as a lack of drug targets, are the main factors leading to poor prognosis. Brain metastasis (BM) is a serious event threatening the life of breast cancer patients, especially those with TNBC. Compared with that for hormone receptor-positive and HER2-positive breast cancers, TNBC-derived BM (TNBCBM) occurs earlier and more frequently, and has a worse prognosis. There is no standard treatment for BM to date, and one is urgently required. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge regarding the developmental patterns of TNBCBM, focusing on the key events in BM formation. Specifically, we consider (i) the nature and function of TNBC cells; (ii) how TNBC cells cross the blood–brain barrier and form a fenestrated, more permeable blood–tumor barrier; (iii) the biological characteristics of TNBCBM; and (iv) the infiltration and colonization of the central nervous system (CNS) by TNBC cells, including the establishment of premetastatic niches, immunosurveillance escape, and metabolic adaptations. We also discuss putative therapeutic targets and precision therapy with the greatest potential to treat TNBCBM, and summarize the relevant completed and ongoing clinical trials. These findings may provide new insights into the prevention and treatment of BM in TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lv
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxin Du
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jifeng Feng
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
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23
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Chong ZX, Yeap SK, Ho WY. Roles of circulating microRNA(s) in human breast cancer. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 695:108583. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Sereno M, Videira M, Wilhelm I, Krizbai IA, Brito MA. miRNAs in Health and Disease: A Focus on the Breast Cancer Metastatic Cascade towards the Brain. Cells 2020; 9:E1790. [PMID: 32731349 PMCID: PMC7463742 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that mainly act by binding to target genes to regulate their expression. Due to the multitude of genes regulated by miRNAs they have been subject of extensive research in the past few years. This state-of-the-art review summarizes the current knowledge about miRNAs and illustrates their role as powerful regulators of physiological processes. Moreover, it highlights their aberrant expression in disease, including specific cancer types and the differential hosting-metastases preferences that influence several steps of tumorigenesis. Considering the incidence of breast cancer and that the metastatic disease is presently the major cause of death in women, emphasis is put in the role of miRNAs in breast cancer and in the regulation of the different steps of the metastatic cascade. Furthermore, we depict their involvement in the cascade of events underlying breast cancer brain metastasis formation and development. Collectively, this review shall contribute to a better understanding of the uniqueness of the biologic roles of miRNAs in these processes, to the awareness of miRNAs as new and reliable biomarkers and/or of therapeutic targets, which can change the landscape of a poor prognosis and low survival rates condition of advanced breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sereno
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.S.); (M.V.)
| | - Mafalda Videira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.S.); (M.V.)
- Department of Galenic Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Imola Wilhelm
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (I.W.); (I.A.K.)
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania, Str. Liviu Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - István A. Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (I.W.); (I.A.K.)
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania, Str. Liviu Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Maria Alexandra Brito
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.S.); (M.V.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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