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Wang Z, Li R, Yang G, Wang Y. Cancer stem cell biomarkers and related signalling pathways. J Drug Target 2024; 32:33-44. [PMID: 38095181 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2295222] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a distinct subset of neoplastic cells characterised by their heightened capacity for tumorigenesis. These cells are implicated in the facilitation of cancer metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapeutic interventions. Extensive scientific research has been devoted to the identification of biomarkers and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms in order to improve targeted therapeutic approaches. Accurate identification of cancer stem cells based on biomarkers can provide a theoretical basis for drug combinations of malignant tumours. Targeted biomarker-based therapies also offer a silver lining for patients with advanced malignancies. This review aims comprehensively to consolidate the latest findings on CSCs biomarkers, targeted agents as well as biomarkers associated signalling pathways in well-established cancer types, thereby contributing to improved prognostic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rui Li
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guilin Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yijin Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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2
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Mansour AMA, Khattab MM, El-Khatib AS, Awaad AK, El-Refaie WM, El-Mezayen NS. Valsartan as a prophylactic treatment against breast cancer development and niche activation: What molecular sequels follow chronic AT-1R blockade? Life Sci 2024; 353:122939. [PMID: 39094905 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122939] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Transactivation of insulin-growth-factor-receptor (IGF-1R) by angiotensin-II-type-1-receptor (AT-1R) was only demonstrated in vascular-smooth-muscle cells and has never been tested in breast-cancer (BC). This investigation addressed the impact of chronic AT-1R blockade by valsartan (Val) on possible concurrent AT-1R/IGF-1R signaling inhibition, regressing BC-tumor-microenvironment (TME) cellular components activation, and hindering BC development. MAIN METHODS The effect of different Val doses (10, 20, 40 & 80 mg/kg/day for 490 days) was tested on dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced progesterone-promoted-BC in rats. The influence on intratumoral/circulating angiotensin-II (ANG-II) levels and AT-1R/Mas-R immunofluorescent-expression were assessed. The potential AT-1R/IGF-1R crosstalk within TME-BC-stem-cells (BCSCs) and cancer-associated-fibroblasts (CAFs) was evaluated by fluorescently marking these cells and locating the immunofluorescently-stained AT-1R/IGF-1R in them using confocal-laser-microscopy and further quantified by flow cytometry. In addition, the molecular alterations following blocking AT-1R were inspected including determining Src; crucial for IGF-1R transactivation by AT-1R, Notch-1; IGF-IR transcriptional-regulator, and PI3K/Akt &IL-6/STAT expression. Further, the suppression of CSCs' capabilities to maintain pluripotency, stemness features, epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), and angiogenesis was evaluated by assessing NANOG gene, aldehyde-dehydrogenase (ALDH), N-cadherin and vascular-endothelial-growth-factor (VEGF), respectively. Furthermore, the proliferative marker; Ki-67, was detected by immunostaining, and tumors were histologically graded using Elston-Ellis-modified-Scarff-Bloom-Richardson method. KEY FINDINGS Prophylactic Val significantly reduced tumor size, prolonged latency, reduced tumor histopathologic grade, decreased circulating/intratumoral-ANG-II levels, increased Mas-R, and decreased AT1R expression. AT-1R/IGF-1R were co-expressed with a high correlation coefficient on CAFs/BCSCs. Moreover, Val significantly attenuated IGF-1R transactivation and transcriptional regulation via Src and Notch-1 genes' downregulation and reduced Src/IGF-IR-associated PI3K/Akt and IL-6/STAT3 signaling. Further, Val significantly decreased intratumoral NANOG, ALDH, N-cadherin, VEGF, and Ki-67 levels. SIGNIFICANCE Chronic Val administration carries a potential for repurposing as adjuvant or conjunct therapy for patients at high risk for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira M A Mansour
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M Khattab
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Aiman S El-Khatib
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Ashraf K Awaad
- Center of Excellence for Research in Regenerative Medicine and Applications, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Wessam M El-Refaie
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nesrine S El-Mezayen
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Liu F, Ye S, Zhao L, Niu Q. The role of IGF/IGF-1R signaling in the regulation of cancer stem cells. Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03561-x. [PMID: 38865036 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03561-x] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a group of tumor cells with high tumorigenic ability and self-renewal potential similar to those of normal stem cells. CSCs are the key "seeds" for tumor development, metastasis, and recurrence. A better insight into the key mechanisms underlying CSC survival improves the efficiency of cancer therapy via specific targeting of CSCs. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)/IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling plays an important role in the maintenance of cancer stemness. However, the effect of IGF/IGF-1R signaling on stemness and CSCs and the underlying mechanisms are still controversial. Based on the similarity between CSCs and normal stem cells, this review discusses emerging data on the functions of IGF/IGF-1R signaling in normal stem cells and CSCs and dissects the underlying mechanisms by which IGF/IGF-1R signaling is involved in CSCs. On the other hand, this review highlighted the role of IGF/IGF-1R signaling blockade in multiple CSCs as a potential strategy to improve CSC-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengchao Liu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Susu Ye
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Liu Zhao
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qinghui Niu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Peng Z, Wang S, Wen D, Mei Z, Zhang H, Liao S, Lv L, Li C. FEN1 upregulation mediated by SUMO2 via antagonizing proteasomal degradation promotes hepatocellular carcinoma stemness. Transl Oncol 2024; 44:101916. [PMID: 38513457 PMCID: PMC10966306 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) critically impacts the survival prognosis of patients, with the pivotal role of hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells in initiating invasive metastatic behaviors. The Flap Endonuclease 1 (FEN1) is delineated as a metallonuclease, quintessential for myriad cellular processes including DNA replication, DNA synthesis, DNA damage rectification, Okazaki fragment maturation, baseexcision repair, and the preservation of genomic stability. Furthermore, it has been recognized as an oncogene in a diverse range of malignancies. Our antecedent research has highlighted a pronounced overexpression of protein FEN1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, where it amplifies the invasiveness and metastatic potential of liver cancer cells. However, its precise role in liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) remains an enigma and requires further investigation. METHODS To rigorously evaluate the stemness attributes of LCSCs, we employed sphere formation assays and flow cytometric evaluations. Both CD133+ and CD133- cell populations were discerningly isolated utilizing immunomagnetic bead separation techniques. The expression levels of pertinent genes were assayed via real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot analyses, while the expression profiles in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues were gauged using immunohistochemistry. Subsequent immunoprecipitation, in conjunction with mass spectrometry, ascertained the concurrent binding of proteins FEN1 and Small ubiquitin-related modifier 2 (SUMO2) in HCC cells. Lastly, the impact of SUMO2 on proteasomal degradation pathway of FEN1 was validated by supplementing MG132. RESULTS Our empirical findings substantiate that protein FEN1 is profusely expressed in spheroids and CD133+ cells. In vitro investigations demonstrate that the upregulation of protein FEN1 unequivocally augments the stemness of LCSCs. In a congruent in vivo context, elevation of FEN1 noticeably enhances the tumorigenic potential of LCSCs. Conversely, inhibiting protein FEN1 resulted in a marked reduction in LCSC stemness. From a mechanistic perspective, there exists a salient positive correlation between the protein expression of FEN1 and SUMO2 in liver cancer tissues. Furthermore, the level of SUMO2-mediated modification of FEN1 is pronouncedly elevated in LCSCs. Interestingly, SUMO2 has the ability to bind to FEN1, leading to a inhibition in the proteasomal degradation pathway of FEN1 and an enhancement in its protein expression. However, it is noteworthy that this interaction does not affect the mRNA level of FEN1. CONCLUSION In summation, our research elucidates that protein FEN1 is an effector in augmenting the stemness of LCSCs. Consequently, strategic attenuation of protein FEN1 might proffer a pioneering approach for the efficacious elimination of LCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxiang Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, PR China
| | - Shuling Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, PR China
| | - Diguang Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, PR China
| | - Zhechuan Mei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, PR China.
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, PR China.
| | - Shengtao Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, PR China.
| | - Lin Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, PR China.
| | - Chuanfei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, PR China.
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MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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6
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Li Y, Xu Z, Li Y, Jiang T, Meng F, Fu J, Huang L, Wang F, Wang X, Wang F. Preclinical and phase I studies of an antisense oligonucleotide drug targeting IGF-1R in liver cancer. Future Oncol 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38573183 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2023-0872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate a novel antisense oligonucleotide drug targeting human IGF-1R in preclinical and phase I studies of liver cancer. Materials & methods: The tolerability and safety of an investigational new drug were evaluated in a dose-escalation trial involving 17 patients with advanced liver cancer after preclinical assessment of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Results: The drug exposure levels in the phase I trial were determined by the in vivo efficacy with pharmacokinetics evaluation in rats and rhesus monkeys. This clinical study showed that the maximum tolerated dose was 3.96 mg/kg, and the dose-limiting toxicity dose was 4.4 mg/kg. Conclusion: The drug was safe and tolerable in patients with advanced liver cancer.Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR2100044235 (www.chictr.org.cn).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Li
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Zhe Xu
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Tianjun Jiang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Fanping Meng
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Junliang Fu
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Fengchao Wang
- Youcare Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Youcare Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Fusheng Wang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
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Ladd AD, Duarte S, Sahin I, Zarrinpar A. Mechanisms of drug resistance in HCC. Hepatology 2024; 79:926-940. [PMID: 36680397 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
HCC comprises ∼80% of primary liver cancer. HCC is the only major cancer for which death rates have not improved over the last 10 years. Most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease when surgical and locoregional treatments are not feasible or effective. Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor targeting cell growth and angiogenesis, was approved for advanced unresectable HCC in 2007. Since then, other multikinase inhibitors have been approved. Lenvatinib was found to be noninferior to sorafenib as a first-line agent. Regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab were shown to prolong survival as second-line agents. Advances in immunotherapy for HCC have also added hope for patients, but their efficacy remains limited. A large proportion of patients with advanced HCC gain no long-term benefit from systemic therapy due to primary and acquired drug resistance, which, combined with its rising incidence, keeps HCC a highly fatal disease. This review summarizes mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to therapy and includes methods for bypassing resistance. It addresses recent advancements in immunotherapy, provides new perspectives on the linkage between drug resistance and molecular etiology of HCC, and evaluates the role of the microbiome in drug resistance. It also discusses alterations in signaling pathways, dysregulation of apoptosis, modulations in the tumor microenvironment, involvement of cancer stem cells, changes in drug metabolism/transport, tumor hypoxia, DNA repair, and the role of microRNAs in drug resistance. Understanding the interplay among these factors will provide guidance on the development of new therapeutic strategies capable of improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra D Ladd
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Sergio Duarte
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ilyas Sahin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ali Zarrinpar
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Salah RA, El-Derby AM, El-Gammal Z, Wadie B, Ahmed SM, Elshenawy SE, Magdy S, Salah A, Gabr M, Mohamed I, El-Badri N. Hepatocellular carcinoma patients serum modulates the regenerative capacities of adipose mesenchymal stromal cells. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24794. [PMID: 38333871 PMCID: PMC10850426 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24794] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers causing the highest mortality rate worldwide. Treatment options of surgery, radiation, cytotoxic drugs and liver transplantation suffer significant side effects and a high frequency of relapse. Stem cell therapy has been proposed as a new effective therapy, however, controversial reports are emerging on the role of mesenchymal stem cells in cancer. In this work, we aimed to assess the regenerative capacities of adipose mesenchymal stem cells when exposed to serum from HCC patients, by assessing the effect of the sera on modulating the regenerative capacities of h-AMSCs and the cancer properties in HCC cells. This will pave the way for maximizing the efficacy of MSCs in cancer therapy. Our data show that HCC serum-treated hA-MSCs suffered oncogene-induced senescence as shown by their altered morphology and ameliorated proliferation and differentiation. The cells were enlarged with small irregular nuclei, swollen rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae, and aging lysosomes typified by dark residual bodies. HCC serum-treated Huh-7 cancer cells on the other hand displayed higher tumor aggressiveness as depicted by altered morphology, increased cellular proliferation and migration, and decreased percentage of early and late apoptotic cells. Our findings provide evidence that exposure of hA-MSCs to the serum of HCC patients decreases their regenerative capacities and should be considered when employed as a potential therapy in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Ayman Salah
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, 12578, Egypt
| | - Azza M. El-Derby
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, 12578, Egypt
| | - Zaynab El-Gammal
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, 12578, Egypt
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Department, Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), Giza, 12578, Egypt
| | - Bishoy Wadie
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, 12578, Egypt
| | - Sara M. Ahmed
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, 12578, Egypt
| | - Shimaa E. Elshenawy
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, 12578, Egypt
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Department, Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), Giza, 12578, Egypt
| | - Shireen Magdy
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, 12578, Egypt
| | - Ayman Salah
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Kasr El-Aini Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Gabr
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Ihab Mohamed
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Nagwa El-Badri
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, 12578, Egypt
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Kwon M, Jung HJ. Hovenia dulcis Suppresses the Growth of Huh7-Derived Liver Cancer Stem Cells by Inducing Necroptosis and Apoptosis and Blocking c-MET Signaling. Cells 2023; 13:22. [PMID: 38201226 PMCID: PMC10778038 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010022] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) contribute to the initiation, metastasis, treatment resistance, and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, exploring potential anticancer agents targeting LCSCs may offer new therapeutic options to overcome HCC treatment failure. Hovenia dulcis Thunberg (HDT), a tree from the buckthorn family found in Asia, exhibits various biological activities, including antifatigue, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antitumor activities. However, the therapeutic effect of HDT in eliminating LCSCs remains to be confirmed. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory activity of ethanol, chloroform, and ethyl acetate extracts from HDT branches on the growth of Huh7-derived LCSCs. The ethyl acetate extract of HDT (EAHDT) exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity against the growth of Huh7 LCSCs among the three HDT extracts. EAHDT suppressed the in vitro self-renewal ability of Huh7 LCSCs and reduced tumor growth in vivo using the Huh7 LCSC-transplanted chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane model. Furthermore, EAHDT not only arrested the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase but also induced receptor-interacting protein kinase 3/mixed-lineage kinase domain-like protein-mediated necroptosis and caspase-dependent apoptosis in Huh7 LCSCs in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, the growth inhibitory effect of EAHDT on Huh7 LCSCs was associated with the downregulation of c-MET-mediated downstream signaling pathways and key cancer stemness markers. Based on these findings, we propose that EAHDT can be used as a new natural drug candidate to prevent and treat HCC by eradicating LCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikyoung Kwon
- Department of Life Science and Biochemical Engineering, Graduate School, Sun Moon University, Asan 31460, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hye Jin Jung
- Department of Life Science and Biochemical Engineering, Graduate School, Sun Moon University, Asan 31460, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Biotechnology, Sun Moon University, Asan 31460, Republic of Korea
- Genome-Based BioIT Convergence Institute, Sun Moon University, Asan 31460, Republic of Korea
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Lin ZY, Yeh ML, Liang PC, Hsu PY, Huang CF, Huang JF, Dai CY, Yu ML, Chuang WL. Dose Consideration of Lenvatinib's Anti-Cancer Effect on Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Potential Benefit of Combined Colchicine Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5097. [PMID: 37894463 PMCID: PMC10605131 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205097] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The dose-dependent anti-cancer effect of lenvatinib on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and the potential benefit of combined colchicine therapy were investigated. METHODS Four primary cultured HCC (S103, S143, S160, S176) cell lines were investigated by differential expressions of genes (11 lenvatinib target genes and NANOG) and anti-proliferative effect using clinically achievable plasma lenvatinib (250, 350 ng/mL) and colchicine (4 ng/mL) concentrations. RESULTS Colchicine showed an anti-proliferative effect on all cell lines. Lenvatinib at 250 ng/mL inhibited proliferation in all cell lines, but 350 ng/mL inhibited only three cell lines. For lenvatinib target genes, colchicine down-regulated more genes and up-regulated less genes than lenvatinib did in three cell lines. Lenvatinib up-regulated NANOG in all cell lines. Colchicine down-regulated NANOG in three cell lines but up-regulated NANOG with less magnitude than lenvatinib did in S103. Overall, combined colchicine and 250 ng/mL lenvatinib had the best anti-cancer effects in S143, with similar effects with combined colchicine and 350 ng/mL lenvatinib in S176 but less effects than combined colchicine and 350 ng/mL lenvatinib in S103 and S160. CONCLUSIONS Lenvatinib does not show a dose-dependent anti-cancer effect on HCC. Combined colchicine and lenvatinib can promote the total anti-cancer effects on HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zu-Yau Lin
- Division of Hepatobiliary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan; (M.-L.Y.); (P.-C.L.); (P.-Y.H.); (C.-F.H.); (J.-F.H.); (C.-Y.D.); (M.-L.Y.); (W.-L.C.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lun Yeh
- Division of Hepatobiliary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan; (M.-L.Y.); (P.-C.L.); (P.-Y.H.); (C.-F.H.); (J.-F.H.); (C.-Y.D.); (M.-L.Y.); (W.-L.C.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Po-Cheng Liang
- Division of Hepatobiliary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan; (M.-L.Y.); (P.-C.L.); (P.-Y.H.); (C.-F.H.); (J.-F.H.); (C.-Y.D.); (M.-L.Y.); (W.-L.C.)
| | - Po-Yao Hsu
- Division of Hepatobiliary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan; (M.-L.Y.); (P.-C.L.); (P.-Y.H.); (C.-F.H.); (J.-F.H.); (C.-Y.D.); (M.-L.Y.); (W.-L.C.)
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Division of Hepatobiliary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan; (M.-L.Y.); (P.-C.L.); (P.-Y.H.); (C.-F.H.); (J.-F.H.); (C.-Y.D.); (M.-L.Y.); (W.-L.C.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Jee-Fu Huang
- Division of Hepatobiliary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan; (M.-L.Y.); (P.-C.L.); (P.-Y.H.); (C.-F.H.); (J.-F.H.); (C.-Y.D.); (M.-L.Y.); (W.-L.C.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Division of Hepatobiliary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan; (M.-L.Y.); (P.-C.L.); (P.-Y.H.); (C.-F.H.); (J.-F.H.); (C.-Y.D.); (M.-L.Y.); (W.-L.C.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Division of Hepatobiliary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan; (M.-L.Y.); (P.-C.L.); (P.-Y.H.); (C.-F.H.); (J.-F.H.); (C.-Y.D.); (M.-L.Y.); (W.-L.C.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804201, Taiwan
- School of Medicine and Doctoral Program of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804201, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Division of Hepatobiliary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan; (M.-L.Y.); (P.-C.L.); (P.-Y.H.); (C.-F.H.); (J.-F.H.); (C.-Y.D.); (M.-L.Y.); (W.-L.C.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
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11
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Maharati A, Moghbeli M. Long non-coding RNAs as the critical regulators of PI3K/AKT, TGF-β, and MAPK signaling pathways during breast tumor progression. J Transl Med 2023; 21:556. [PMID: 37596669 PMCID: PMC10439650 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04434-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) as one of the most common causes of human deaths among women, is always considered one of the global health challenges. Despite various advances in diagnostic and therapeutic methods, a significant percentage of BC patients have a poor prognosis due to the lack of therapeutic response. Therefore, investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in BC progression can improve the therapeutic and diagnostic strategies in these patients. Cytokine and growth factor-dependent signaling pathways play a key role during BC progression. In addition to cytokines and growth factors, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have also important roles in regulation of such signaling pathways. Therefore, in the present review we discussed the role of lncRNAs in regulation of PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and TGF-β signaling pathways in breast tumor cells. It has been shown that lncRNAs mainly have an oncogenic role through the promotion of these signaling pathways in BC. This review can be an effective step in introducing the lncRNAs inhibition as a probable therapeutic strategy to reduce tumor growth by suppression of PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and TGF-β signaling pathways in BC patients. In addition, considering the oncogenic role and increased levels of lncRNAs expressions in majority of the breast tumors, lncRNAs can be also considered as the reliable diagnostic markers in BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhosein Maharati
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Meysam Moghbeli
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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12
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Wei M, Nurjanah U, Li J, Luo X, Hosea R, Li Y, Zeng J, Duan W, Song G, Miyagishi M, Kasim V, Wu S. YY2-DRP1 Axis Regulates Mitochondrial Fission and Determines Cancer Stem Cell Asymmetric Division. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2207349. [PMID: 37300334 PMCID: PMC10427375 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are associated with tumor progression, recurrence, and therapeutic resistance. To maintain their pool while promoting tumorigenesis, CSCs divide asymmetrically, producing a CSC and a highly proliferative, more differentiated transit-amplifying cell. Exhausting the CSC pool has been proposed as an effective antitumor strategy; however, the mechanism underlying CSC division remains poorly understood, thereby largely limiting its clinical application. Here, through cross-omics analysis, yin yang 2 (YY2) is identified as a novel negative regulator of CSC maintenance. It is shown that YY2 is downregulated in stem-like tumor spheres formed by hepatocarcinoma cells and in liver cancer, in which its expression is negatively correlated with disease progression and poor prognosis. Furthermore, it is revealed that YY2 overexpression suppressed liver CSC asymmetric division, leading to depletion of the CSC pool and decreased tumor-initiating capacity. Meanwhile, YY2 knock-out in stem-like tumor spheres caused enrichment in mitochondrial functions. Mechanistically, it is revealed that YY2 impaired mitochondrial fission, and consequently, liver CSC asymmetric division, by suppressing the transcription of dynamin-related protein 1. These results unravel a novel regulatory mechanism of mitochondrial dynamic-mediated CSCs asymmetric division and highlight the role of YY2 as a tumor suppressor and a therapeutic target in antitumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mankun Wei
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and TechnologyMinistry of EducationCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue RepairCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
| | - Uli Nurjanah
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and TechnologyMinistry of EducationCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue RepairCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and TechnologyMinistry of EducationCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue RepairCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
| | - Xinxin Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and TechnologyMinistry of EducationCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue RepairCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
| | - Rendy Hosea
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and TechnologyMinistry of EducationCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue RepairCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
| | - Yanjun Li
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and TechnologyMinistry of EducationCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue RepairCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
| | - Jianting Zeng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic OncologyChongqing University Cancer HospitalChongqing UniversityChongqing400030P. R. China
| | - Wei Duan
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and TechnologyMinistry of EducationCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue RepairCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
| | - Guanbin Song
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and TechnologyMinistry of EducationCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
| | - Makoto Miyagishi
- Life Science InnovationSchool of Integrative and Global MajorsUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaIbaraki305‐0006Japan
| | - Vivi Kasim
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and TechnologyMinistry of EducationCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue RepairCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized TreatmentChongqing University Cancer HospitalChongqing UniversityChongqing400030P. R. China
| | - Shourong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and TechnologyMinistry of EducationCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue RepairCollege of BioengineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized TreatmentChongqing University Cancer HospitalChongqing UniversityChongqing400030P. R. China
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13
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Li Q, Tan G, Wu F. The functions and roles of C2H2 zinc finger proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1129889. [PMID: 37457025 PMCID: PMC10339807 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1129889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
C2H2 zinc finger (C2H2-ZF) proteins are the majority group of human transcription factors and they have many different molecular functions through different combinations of zinc finger domains. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors and the main reason for cancer-related deaths worldwide. More and more findings support the abnormal expression of C2H2-ZF protein in the onset and progression of HCC. The C2H2-ZF proteins are involved in various biological functions in HCC, such as EMT, stemness maintenance, metabolic reprogramming, cell proliferation and growth, apoptosis, and genomic integrity. The study of anti-tumor drug resistance also highlights the pivotal roles of C2H2-ZF proteins at the intersection of biological functions (EMT, stemness maintenance, autophagy)and chemoresistance in HCC. The involvement of C2H2-ZF protein found recently in regulating different molecules, signal pathways and pathophysiological activities indicate these proteins as the possible therapeutic targets, and diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for HCC.
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14
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Borlongan MC, Wang H. Profiling and targeting cancer stem cell signaling pathways for cancer therapeutics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1125174. [PMID: 37305676 PMCID: PMC10247984 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1125174] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation of cells within the tumor that express genetic and phenotypic profiles and signaling pathways distinct from the other tumor cells. CSCs have eluded many conventional anti-oncogenic treatments, resulting in metastases and relapses of cancers. Effectively targeting CSCs' unique self-renewal and differentiation properties would be a breakthrough in cancer therapy. A better characterization of the CSCs' unique signaling mechanisms will improve our understanding of the pathology and treatment of cancer. In this paper, we will discuss CSC origin, followed by an in-depth review of CSC-associated signaling pathways. Particular emphasis is given on CSC signaling pathways' ligand-receptor engagement, upstream and downstream mechanisms, and associated genes, and molecules. Signaling pathways associated with regulation of CSC development stand as potential targets of CSC therapy, which include Wnt, TGFβ (transforming growth factor-β)/SMAD, Notch, JAK-STAT (Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription), Hedgehog (Hh), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Lastly, we will also discuss milestone discoveries in CSC-based therapies, including pre-clinical and clinical studies featuring novel CSC signaling pathway cancer therapeutics. This review aims at generating innovative views on CSCs toward a better understanding of cancer pathology and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia C. Borlongan
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Science College of Graduate Studies, Elk Grove, CA, United States
| | - Hongbin Wang
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Science College of Graduate Studies, Elk Grove, CA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Elk Grove, CA, United States
- Department of Basic Science College of Medicine, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA, United States
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15
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Yan ZJ, Chen L, Wang HY. To be or not to be: The double-edged sword roles of liver progenitor cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188870. [PMID: 36842766 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Given the liver's remarkable and unique regenerative capacity, researchers have long focused on liver progenitor cells (LPCs) and liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). LPCs can differentiate into both hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. However, the mechanism underlying cell conversion and its distinct contribution to liver homeostasis and tumorigenesis remain unclear. In this review, we discuss the complicated conversions involving LPCs and LCSCs. As the critical intermediate state in malignant transformation, LPCs play double-edged sword roles. LPCs are not only involved in hepatic wound-healing responses by supplementing liver cells and bile duct cells in the damaged liver but may transform into LCSCs under dysregulation of key signaling pathways, resulting in refractory malignant liver tumors. Because LPC lineages are temporally and spatially dynamic, we discuss crucial LPC subgroups and summarize regulatory factors correlating with the trajectories of LPCs and LCSCs in the liver tumor microenvironment. This review elaborates on the double-edged sword roles of LPCs to help understand the liver's regenerative potential and tumor heterogeneity. Understanding the sources and transformations of LPCs is essential in determining how to exploit their regenerative capacity in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Jun Yan
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - Lei Chen
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai 200438, PR China.
| | - Hong-Yang Wang
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai 200438, PR China.
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16
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An J, Hu X, Liu F. Current understanding of cancer stem cells: Immune evasion and targeted immunotherapy in gastrointestinal malignancies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1114621. [PMID: 36910604 PMCID: PMC9996315 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1114621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As a relatively rare population of cancer cells existing in the tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess properties of immune privilege to evade the attack of immune system, regulated by the microenvironment of CSCs, the so-called CSCs niche. The bidirectional interaction of CSCs with tumor microenvironment (TME) components favors an immunosuppressive shelter for CSCs' survival and maintenance. Gastrointestinal cancer stem cells (GCSCs) are broadly regarded to be intimately involved in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis and recurrence, with elevated tumor resistance to conventional therapies, which pose a major hindrance to the clinical efficacy for treated patients with gastrointestinal malignancies. Thus, a multitude of efforts have been made to combat and eradicate GCSCs within the tumor mass. Among diverse methods of targeting CSCs in gastrointestinal malignancies, immunotherapy represents a promising strategy. And the better understanding of GCSCs immunomodulation and immunoresistance mechanisms is beneficial to guide and design novel GCSCs-specific immunotherapies with enhanced immune response and clinical efficacy. In this review, we have gathered available and updated information to present an overview of the immunoevasion features harbored by cancer stem cells, and we focus on the description of immune escape strategies utilized by CSCs and microenvironmental regulations underlying CSCs immuno-suppression in the context of gastrointestinal malignancies. Importantly, this review offers deep insights into recent advances of CSC-targeting immunotherapeutic approaches in gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi An
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohua Hu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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17
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Chien SC, Lin YJ, Lee CT, Chiu YC, Chou TC, Chiu HC, Tsai HW, Su CM, Yang TH, Chiang HC, Tsai WC, Yang KC, Cheng PN. Higher Risk of Tumor Recurrence in NASH-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Following Curative Resection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112427. [PMID: 36366525 PMCID: PMC9696024 DOI: 10.3390/v14112427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The outcomes for patients with NASH-related HCC after curative resection have not been clarified. This study compared the overall survival (OS), time-to-tumor recurrence (TTR), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) associated with NASH-related HCC and virus-related HCC after resection. Methods: Patients with HCC who underwent curative resection were retrospectively enrolled. Baseline characteristics, including disease etiologies and clinical and tumor features, were reviewed. The primary outcomes were OS, TTR, and RFS. Results: Two hundred and six patients were enrolled (HBV: n = 121, HCV: n = 54, NASH: n = 31). Of those with virus-related HCC, 84.0% achieved viral suppression. In both the overall and propensity-score-matched cohorts, those with NASH-related HCC experienced recurrence significantly earlier than those with virus-related HCC (median TTR: 1108 days vs. non-reached; p = 0.03). Through multivariate analysis, NASH-related HCC (hazard ratio (HR), 2.27; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25-4.12) was independently associated with early recurrence. The unadjusted RFS rate of the NASH-related HCC group was lower than the virus-related HCC group. There was no difference in the OS between the two groups. Conclusions: NASH-related HCC was associated with earlier tumor recurrence following curative resection compared to virus-related HCC. Post-surgical surveillance is crucial for detecting early recurrence in patients with NASH-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chieh Chien
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Jyh Lin
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Te Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Cheng Chiu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Ching Chou
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Chiu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Wen Tsai
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Che-Min Su
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Han Yang
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Chien Chiang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chu Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Chun Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Nan Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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18
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Shen M, Li S, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Liu Z, Huan L, Qiao Y, Wang L, Han L, Chen Z, He X. Hepatic ARID3A facilitates liver cancer malignancy by cooperating with CEP131 to regulate an embryonic stem cell-like gene signature. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:732. [PMID: 36008383 PMCID: PMC9411159 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05187-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer stemness refers to the stem cell-like phenotype of hepatocarcinoma cells and is closely related to a high degree of tumour malignancy. Here, we identified AT-rich interacting domain 3A (ARID3A) as one of the most upregulated stemness-related transcription factors in liver cancer by an in vitro functional screen. ARID3A can promote liver cancer cell viability and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, ARID3A interacts with CEP131 and transcriptionally activates KDM3A by co-occupying its promoter element, further upregulating the expression of downstream embryonic stem (ES) signature genes via demethylation of H3K9me2. ARID3A and CEP131 promote an ES cell gene signature through activation of KDM3A and contribute to the poor prognosis of liver cancer patients. Collectively, these results provide evidence highlighting a transcription-dependent mechanism of ARID3A in stemness regulation in liver cancer. The ARID3A/CEP131-KDM3A regulatory circuit could serve as a prognostic indicator and potential therapeutic target for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Shen
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Shengli Li
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620 China
| | - Yiming Zhao
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yizhe Liu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Zhen Liu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Lin Huan
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yejun Qiao
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Leng Han
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Zhiao Chen
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China ,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China ,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Xianghuo He
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China ,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China ,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
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19
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Zheng WJ, Wang PX, Sun YF, Cheng JW, Zhong YC, Xu Y, Guo W, Hu B, Zhou J, Fan J, Chen X, Yang XR. Uncovering the Heterogeneity and Clinical Relevance of Circulating Tumor-Initiating Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using an Integrated Immunomagnetic-Microfluidic Platform. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:36425-36437. [PMID: 35917454 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c09085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor-initiating cells (CTICs) with stem cell-like properties play pivotal roles in tumor metastasis and recurrence. However, little is known about the biology and clinical relevance of CTICs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we investigated the molecular heterogeneity and clinical relevance of CTICs in HCC using a novel integrated immunomagnetic-microfluidic platform (iMAC). We constructed the iMAC and evaluated its ability to detect CTICs using a series of spiked cell experiments. A four-channel microfluidic chip was applied to investigate the composition of CTICs in patients with primary and recurrent HCC utilizing microbeads labeled with one of four stem-related markers: epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), CD133, CD90, and CD24. The dynamic changes of these four CTIC subsets were serially monitored during treatment courses. Finally, single-cell RNA profiling was used to reveal the molecular characteristics of the four CTIC subsets. The iMAC platform detected significantly more EpCAM+ CTICs in the blood samples from 33 HCC patients than the FDA-approved CellSearch system (0.92 ± 0.94 vs 0.23 ± 0.36, P < 0.001). The number of EpCAM+ CTICs (≥0.75/mL) detected by iMAC was a predictor of early recurrence (P = 0.007). The distinct stem-related markers' expression of CTICs could distinguish primary HCC, recurrent HCC, and TACE-resistant HCC. Single-cell transcriptional profiling proved the heterogeneity among individual CTICs and separated the four CTIC subsets into distinct phenotypes. Dissecting the heterogeneity of CTICs using the iMAC represents a novel and informative method for accurate CTIC detection and characterization. This innovative technology will enable more indepth cancer biology research and clinical cancer management than is currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jing Zheng
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University, 1098 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P. R. China
| | - Peng-Xiang Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yun-Fan Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Wen Cheng
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Chen Zhong
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Xin-Rong Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
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20
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HULC targets the IGF1R-PI3K-AKT axis in trans to promote breast cancer metastasis and cisplatin resistance. Cancer Lett 2022; 548:215861. [PMID: 35981570 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF1R) is frequently upregulated in breast cancer. Due to its intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, aberrant activation of the IGF1R signaling axis may enhance tumor cell proliferation and cancer stemness, causing tumor relapse, metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy. We utilized a chromatin RNA in situ reverse transcription (CRIST) approach to characterize molecular factors that regulate the IGF1R network. We identified lncRNA HULC (Highly Upregulated in Liver Cancer) as a key trans-regulator of IGF1R in breast cancer cells. Loss of HULC suppressed the expression of IGF1R and the activation of its downstream PI3K/AKT pathway, while HULC overexpression activated the axis in breast cancer cells. Using a transcription-associated trap (RAT) assay, we demonstrated that HULC functioned as a nuclear lncRNA and epigenetically activated IGF1R by directly binding to the intragenic regulatory elements of the gene, orchestrating intrachromosomal interactions, and promoting histone H3K9 acetylation. The activated HULC-IGF1R/PI3K/AKT pathway mediated tumor resistance to cisplatin through the increased expression of cancer stemness markers, including NANOG, SOX2, OCT4, CD44 and ALDH1A1. In immunodeficient mice, stimulation of the HULC-IGF1R pathway promoted tumor metastasis. These data suggest that HULC may be a new epigenetic target for IGF1R axis-targeted therapeutic intervention.
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21
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IGF-1 contributes to liver cancer development in diabetes patients by promoting autophagy. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27:100697. [PMID: 35297369 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases the occurrence and mortality of liver cancer. Insulin growth factor (IGF) plays a crucial role in the development of diabetes and liver cancer, and specifically, IGF-1 may be involved in the development of liver cancer with preexisting T2DM. Autophagy contributes to cancer cell survival and apoptosis. However, the relationship between IGF-1 and autophagy has rarely been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether IGF-1 promotes the development of liver cancer in T2DM patients by promoting autophagy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-three hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with T2DM and 33 age-matched patients with HCC without T2DM were included in this study. We analyzed the expression of IGF-1 and autophagy-related LC3 and p62 mRNA and the prognosis of two groups. In vitro, we stimulated HepG2 cells with IGF-1 and then detected changes in autophagy and cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration in the presence/absence of wortmannin, an autophagy inhibitor. RESULTS IGF-1 promoted autophagy, resulting in inhibition of apoptosis and induction of growth and migration of HepG2 cells. Inhibition of autophagy by wortmannin impaired IGF-1 function. Higher expression of IGF-1 was detected in HCC patients with T2DM. IGF-1 expression was higher in liver cancer tissue compared to paracancerous tissue. Elevated IGF-1 was associated with a poor prognosis in patients with HCC. CONCLUSIONS IGF-1 participates in the development of liver cancer by inducing autophagy. Elevated IGF-1 was a prognostic factor for patients with HCC, especially when accompanied by T2DM.
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Vasefifar P, Motafakkerazad R, Maleki LA, Najafi S, Ghrobaninezhad F, Najafzadeh B, Alemohammad H, Amini M, Baghbanzadeh A, Baradaran B. Nanog, as a key cancer stem cell marker in tumor progression. Gene X 2022; 827:146448. [PMID: 35337852 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small population of malignant cells that induce tumor onset and development. CSCs share similar features with normal stem cells in the case of self-renewal and differentiation. They also contribute to chemoresistance and metastasis of cancer cells, leading to therapeutic failure. To identify CSCs, multiple cell surface markers have been characterized, including Nanog, which is found at high levels in different cancers. Recent studies have revealed that Nanog upregulation has a substantial association with the advanced stages and poor prognosis of malignancies, playing a pivotal role through tumorigenesis of multiple human cancers, including leukemia, liver, colorectal, prostate, ovarian, lung, head and neck, brain, pancreatic, gastric and breast cancers. Nanog through different signaling pathways, like JAK/STAT and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, induces stemness, self-renewal, metastasis, invasiveness, and chemoresistance of cancer cells. Some of these signaling pathways are common in various types of cancers, but some have been found in one or two cancers. Therefore, this review aimed to focus on the function of Nanog in multiple cancers based on recent studies surveying the suitable approaches to target Nanog and inhibit CSCs residing in tumors to gain favorable results from cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Vasefifar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | | | - Souzan Najafi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Basira Najafzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hajar Alemohammad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amini
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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23
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Oncofetal proteins and cancer stem cells. Essays Biochem 2022; 66:423-433. [PMID: 35670043 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered as a small population of cells with stem-like properties within the tumor bulk, and are largely responsible for tumor recurrence, metastasis, and therapy resistance. CSCs share critical features with embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The pluripotent transcription factors (TFs) and developmental signaling pathways of ESCs are invariably hijacked by CSCs termed ‘oncofetal drivers’ in many cancers, which are rarely detectable in adult tissues. The unique expression pattern makes oncofetal proteins ideal therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. Therefore, elucidation of oncofetal drivers in cancers is critical for the development of effective CSCs-directed therapy. In this review, we summarize the common pluripotent TFs such as OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, KLF4, MYC, SALL4, and FOXM1, as well as the development signaling including Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog (Hh), Hippo, Notch, and TGF-β pathways of ESCs and CSCs. We also describe the newly identified oncofetal proteins that drive the self-renewal, plasticity, and therapy-resistance of CSCs. Finally, we explore how the clinical implementation of targeting oncofetal drivers, including small-molecule inhibitors, vaccines, antibodies, and CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T cell) can facilitate the development of CSCs-directed therapy.
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24
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Alemohammad H, Motafakkerazad R, Asadzadeh Z, Farsad N, Hemmat N, Najafzadeh B, Vasefifar P, Baradaran B. siRNA-mediated silencing of Nanog reduces stemness properties and increases the sensitivity of HepG2 cells to cisplatin. Gene 2022; 821:146333. [PMID: 35182674 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most lethal cancers having worldwide prevalence. Despite significant progress in cancer therapy, liver cancer-induced mortality is very high. Nanog, as an essential transcription factor modulating cellular multipotency, causes tumor progression, drug resistance, and preserves stemness properties in various tumors such as liver cancer. Thus, this research was conducted to evaluate the impact of combination therapy of Nanog siRNA/cisplatin on the sensitivity of liver cancer cells to this drug. HepG2 cells were transfected with Nanog siRNA and treated with cisplatin, individually and in combination. Then, it was observed that in transfected HepG2 cells, Nanog expression was significantly reduced at mRNA level and also these cells were sensitized to cisplatin. In addition, to assess the impact of Nanog siRNA and cisplatin individually and in combination on cells' viability, migration capacity, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression, the MTT, wound healing, colony formation assay, Annexin V/PI staining, and flow cytometry assays were applied on HepG2 cells, respectively. Also, the quantitive Real-Time PCR was used to check the expression of stemness-associated genes (CD44, CD133, and Sox2), and apoptosis-related genes (caspase-3, 8, 9, BAX and Bcl2) after combination therapy. It is indicated that the combination of Nanog siRNA and cisplatin significantly reduced proliferation, migration, and colony formation ability, as well as increased apoptosis rate, and cell cycle arrest. Also, it is found that the combination of Nanog siRNA and cisplatin down-regulated the expression of stemness-associated genes and up-regulated apoptosis-related genes in HepG2 cells. Hence, it can be suggested that Nanog inhibition in combination with cisplatin is a potential therapeutic strategy for developing new therapeutic approaches for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Alemohammad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Asadzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nader Farsad
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nima Hemmat
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Basira Najafzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parisa Vasefifar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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25
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Gu J, Chen D, Li Z, Yang Y, Ma Z, Huang G. Prognosis assessment of CD44 +/CD24 - in breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 306:1147-1160. [PMID: 35435483 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06402-w] [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: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This meta-analysis investigated the relationships between the CD44+/CD24- phenotype and tumor size, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) in 8036 postoperative breast cancer patients enrolled in 23 studies. METHODS A literature search of PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, Embase, and PMC was conducted to identify eligible studies. The combined odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were analyzed to evaluate the relationships between the CD44+/CD24- phenotype and the pathological and biological characteristics of breast cancer patients, and the combined hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were calculated to evaluate the relationships between CD44+/CD24- and DFS and OS of breast cancer patients using Stata12.0 software. RESULTS The CD44+/CD24- phenotype were not related to the tumor size (tumor size > 2.0 vs ≤ 2.0 cm, combined OR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.68-1.34, p = 0.792) and did not promote lymph node metastasis (lymph node metastasis vs. no lymph node metastasis, OR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.67-1.27, p = 0.626) and distant metastasis (distant metastasis vs no distant metastasis, combined OR = 3.88, 95% CI 0.93-16.24, p = 0.064). The CD44+/CD24- phenotype was negatively correlated with postoperative DFS (HR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.35-2.07, p < 0.00001) and OS (combined HR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.21-1.91, p = 0.0004). CONCLUSION These results suggested expression of the CD44+/CD24- phenotype cannot be used as a reliable indicator of the tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis, however, it can be used be a potential therapeutic targets of DFS, OS in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Gu
- Lianyungang Second People's Hospital Affiliated to Bengbu Medical College, Lianyungang, China
| | - Dandan Chen
- Lianyungang Second People's Hospital Affiliated to Bengbu Medical College, Lianyungang, China
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- Lianyungang Second People's Hospital Affiliated to Bengbu Medical College, Lianyungang, China
| | - Yongliang Yang
- Lianyungang Second People's Hospital Affiliated to Bengbu Medical College, Lianyungang, China
| | - Zhaoming Ma
- Lianyungang Second People's Hospital Affiliated to Bengbu Medical College, Lianyungang, China.
| | - Guanhong Huang
- Lianyungang Second People's Hospital Affiliated to Bengbu Medical College, Lianyungang, China.
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26
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Sultana S, Bouyahya A, Rebezov M, Shariati MA, Balahbib A, Khouchlaa A, El Yaagoubi OM, Khaliq A, Omari NE, Bakrim S, Zengin G, Akram M, Khayrullin M, Bogonosova I, Mahmud S, Simal-Gandara J. Impacts of nutritive and bioactive compounds on cancer development and therapy. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:9187-9216. [PMID: 35416738 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2062699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
For persons who survive with progressive cancer, nutritional therapy and exercise may be significant factors to improve the health condition and life quality of cancer patients. Nutritional therapy and medications are essential to managing progressive cancer. Cancer survivors, as well as cancer patients, are mostly extremely encouraged to search for knowledge about the selection of diet, exercise, and dietary supplements to recover as well as maintain their treatment consequences, living quality, and survival of patients. A healthy diet plays an important role in cancer treatment. Different articles are studied to collect information and knowledge about the use of nutrients in cancer treatment as well as cancer prevention. The report deliberates nutrition and exercise strategies during the range of cancer care, emphasizing significant concerns during treatment of cancer and for patients of advanced cancer, but concentrating mostly on the requirements of the population of persons who are healthy or who have constant disease following their repossession from management. It also deliberates choice nutrition and exercise problems such as dietary supplements, food care, food selections, and weight; problems interrelated to designated cancer sites, and common questions about diet, and cancer survival. Decrease the side effects of medicines both during and after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabira Sultana
- Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Abdelhakim Bouyahya
- Laboratory of Human Pathology Biology, Faculty of Sciences, and Genomic Center of Human Pathology, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Maksim Rebezov
- V M Gorbatov Federal Research Center for Food Systems of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
- K.G. Razumovsky Moscow State University of Technologies and Management (The First Cossack University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Mohammad Ali Shariati
- K.G. Razumovsky Moscow State University of Technologies and Management (The First Cossack University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Abdelaali Balahbib
- Laboratory of Biodiversity, Ecology, and Genome, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Aya Khouchlaa
- Laboratory of Human Pathology Biology, Faculty of Sciences, and Genomic Center of Human Pathology, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Ouadie Mohamed El Yaagoubi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Environment and Agri-Food (URAC 36) - Faculty of Sciences and Techniques - Mohammedia, Hassan II University Casablanca - Morocco
| | - Adnan Khaliq
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Pakistan
| | - Nasreddine El Omari
- Laboratory of Histology, Embryology, and Cytogenetic, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Saad Bakrim
- Molecular Engineering, Valorization and Environment Team, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taroudant, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Gokhan Zengin
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Muhammad Akram
- Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Mars Khayrullin
- K.G. Razumovsky Moscow State University of Technologies and Management (The First Cossack University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Irina Bogonosova
- K.G. Razumovsky Moscow State University of Technologies and Management (The First Cossack University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Shafi Mahmud
- Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Science, Universidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Ourense, Spain
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27
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Leitner BP, Siebel S, Akingbesote ND, Zhang X, Perry RJ. Insulin and cancer: a tangled web. Biochem J 2022; 479:583-607. [PMID: 35244142 PMCID: PMC9022985 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
For a century, since the pioneering work of Otto Warburg, the interwoven relationship between metabolism and cancer has been appreciated. More recently, with obesity rates rising in the U.S. and worldwide, epidemiologic evidence has supported a link between obesity and cancer. A substantial body of work seeks to mechanistically unpack the association between obesity, altered metabolism, and cancer. Without question, these relationships are multifactorial and cannot be distilled to a single obesity- and metabolism-altering hormone, substrate, or factor. However, it is important to understand the hormone-specific associations between metabolism and cancer. Here, we review the links between obesity, metabolic dysregulation, insulin, and cancer, with an emphasis on current investigational metabolic adjuncts to standard-of-care cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooks P. Leitner
- Departments of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, U.S.A
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, U.S.A
| | - Stephan Siebel
- Departments of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, U.S.A
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, U.S.A
- Departments of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, U.S.A
| | - Ngozi D. Akingbesote
- Departments of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, U.S.A
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, U.S.A
| | - Xinyi Zhang
- Departments of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, U.S.A
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, U.S.A
| | - Rachel J. Perry
- Departments of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, U.S.A
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, U.S.A
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28
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Fan B, Zhang Q, Wang N, Wang G. LncRNAs, the Molecules Involved in Communications With Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:811374. [PMID: 35155247 PMCID: PMC8829571 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.811374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer stem cells (CRCSCs) can actively self-renew, as well as having multidirectional differentiation and tumor regeneration abilities. Because the high functional activities of CRCSCs are associated with low cure rates in patients with colorectal cancer, efforts have sought to determine the function and regulatory mechanisms of CRCSCs. To date, however, the potential regulatory mechanisms of CRCSCs remain incompletely understood. Many non-coding genes are involved in tumor invasion and spread through their regulation of CRCSCs, with long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) being important non-coding RNAs. LncRNAs may be involved in the colorectal cancer development and drug resistance through their regulation of CRCSCs. This review systematically evaluates the latest research on the ability of lncRNAs to regulate CRCSC signaling pathways and the involvement of these lncRNAs in colorectal cancer promotion and suppression. The regulatory network of lncRNAs in the CRCSC signaling pathway has been determined. Further analysis of the potential clinical applications of lncRNAs as novel clinical diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer may provide new ideas and protocols for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyang Fan
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Guiyu Wang
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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29
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Targeting HNRNPM Inhibits Cancer Stemness and Enhances Antitumor Immunity in Wnt-activated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 13:1413-1447. [PMID: 35158098 PMCID: PMC8938476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cancer stemness and immune evasion are closely associated and play critical roles in tumor development and resistance to immunotherapy. However, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms that coordinate this association. METHODS The expressions of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein M (HNRNPM) in 240 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples, public databases, and liver development databases were analyzed. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to explore the associations between stem-cell transcription factors and HNRNPM. HNRNPM-regulated alternative splicing (AS) and its binding motif were identified by RNA-seq and RIP-seq. HNRNPM-specific antisense oligonucleotides were developed to explore potential therapeutic targets in HCC. CD8+ T cells that were co-cultured with tumor cells were sorted by flow cytometry assays. RESULTS We identified an elevated oncofetal splicing factor in HCC, HNRNPM, that unifies and regulates the positive association between cancer stemness and immune evasion. HNRNPM knockdown abolished HCC tumorigenesis and diminished cancer stem cell properties in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, HNRNPM regulated the AS of MBD2 by binding its flanking introns, whose isoforms played opposing roles. Although MBD2a and MBD2c competitively bound to CpG islands in the FZD3 promoter, MBD2a preferentially increased FZD3 expression and then activated the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Interestingly, FZD3 and β-catenin further provided additional regulation by targeting OCT4 and SOX2. We found that HNRNPM inhibition significantly promoted CD8+ T cell activation and that HNRNPM- antisense oligonucleotides effectively inhibited WNT/β-catenin to enhance anti-programmed cell death protein-1 immunotherapy by promoting CD8+ T cell infiltration. CONCLUSIONS HNRNPM has a tumor-intrinsic function in generating an immunosuppressive HCC environment through an AS-dependent mechanism and demonstrates proof of the concept of targeting HNRNPM in tailoring HCC immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Park JW, Kim Y, Lee SB, Oh CW, Lee EJ, Ko JY, Park JH. Autophagy inhibits cancer stemness in triple-negative breast cancer via miR-181a-mediated regulation of ATG5 and/or ATG2B. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:1857-1875. [PMID: 35029026 PMCID: PMC9067148 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy has a dual role in the maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs), but the precise relationship between autophagy and cancer stemness requires further investigation. In this study, it was found that luminal and triple‐negative breast cancers require distinct therapeutic approaches because of their different amounts of autophagy flux. We identified that autophagy flux was inhibited in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) CSCs. Moreover, miRNA‐181a (miR‐181a) expression is upregulated in both TNBC CSCs and patient tissues. Autophagy‐related 5 (ATG5) and autophagy‐related 2B (ATG2B) participate in the early formation of autophagosomes and were revealed as targets of miR‐181a. Inhibition of miR‐181a expression led to attenuation of TNBC stemness and an increase in autophagy flux. Furthermore, treatment with curcumin led to attenuation of cancer stemness in TNBC CSCs; the expression of ATG5 and ATG2B was enhanced and there was an increase of autophagy flux. These results indicated that ATG5 and ATG2B are involved in the suppression of cancer stemness in TNBC. In summary, autophagy inhibits cancer stemness through the miR‐181a‐regulated mechanism in TNBC. Promoting tumor‐suppressive autophagy using curcumin may be a potential method for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Won Park
- Department of Biological Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Yesol Kim
- Department of Biological Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Been Lee
- Department of Biological Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae Won Oh
- Department of Biological Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ji Lee
- Department of Biological Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Je Yeong Ko
- Department of Biological Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hoon Park
- Department of Biological Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, 04310, Republic of Korea
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Cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma - from origin to clinical implications. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:26-44. [PMID: 34504325 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00508-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive disease with a poor clinical outcome. The cancer stem cell (CSC) model states that tumour growth is powered by a subset of tumour stem cells within cancers. This model explains several clinical observations in HCC (as well as in other cancers), including the almost inevitable recurrence of tumours after initial successful chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, as well as the phenomena of tumour dormancy and treatment resistance. The past two decades have seen a marked increase in research on the identification and characterization of liver CSCs, which has encouraged the design of novel diagnostic and treatment strategies for HCC. These studies revealed novel aspects of liver CSCs, including their heterogeneity and unique immunobiology, which are suggestive of opportunities for new research directions and potential therapies. In this Review, we summarize the present knowledge of liver CSC markers and the regulators of stemness in HCC. We also comprehensively describe developments in the liver CSC field with emphasis on experiments utilizing single-cell transcriptomics to understand liver CSC heterogeneity, lineage-tracing and cell-ablation studies of liver CSCs, and the influence of the CSC niche and tumour microenvironment on liver cancer stemness, including interactions between CSCs and the immune system. We also discuss the potential application of liver CSC-based therapies for treatment of HCC.
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Wang YC, Wang ZJ, Zhang C, Ning BF. Cell reprogramming in liver with potential clinical correlations. J Dig Dis 2022; 23:13-21. [PMID: 34921720 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.13072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The theory of cell reprogramming has developed rapidly during the past decades. Cell reprogramming has been widely used in the construction of experimental models and cytotherapy for certain diseases. Hepatocyte-like cells that are important for the treatment of end-stage liver disease can now be obtained with a variety of reprogramming techniques. However, improving the differentiation status and physiological function of these cells remains challenging. Hepatocytes can transdifferentiate into other types of cells directly, whereas other types of cells can also transdifferentiate into hepatocyte-like cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, cell reprogramming is to some extent similar to malignant cell transformation. During the initiation and progression of liver cancer, cell reprogramming is always associated with cancer metastasis and chemoresistance. In this review, we summarized the research related to cell reprogramming in liver and highlighted the potential effects of cell reprogramming in the pathogenesis and treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chuan Wang
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Center for Translational Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Jie Wang
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Center for Translational Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Bei Fang Ning
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Pongol Methyl Ether Inhibits Akt and Suppresses Cancer Stem Cell Phenotypes in Lung Cancer Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14111085. [PMID: 34832867 PMCID: PMC8624902 DOI: 10.3390/ph14111085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are an important therapeutic target. The therapeutic agents targeting CSCs should lead to improved clinical outcomes. Here we have demonstrated the CSC-suppressing activity of pongol methyl ether (PME), a pure compound from Millettia erythrocalyx. METHODS CSC-suppressing effects were evaluated by spheroid formation assay and detection of CSC markers. The related CSC cell signals were evaluated by Western blot, immunofluorescence and molecular docking analysis. Proteins affected by PME treatment were subjected to bioinformatic analysis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed by the Search Tool for Interactions of Chemicals (STITCH). The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) mapper were used to confirm the underlying pathways. RESULTS PME (5-25 µM) significantly suppressed the ability of lung cancer cells to form colonies, grow in an anchorage-independent manner and generate tumour spheroids. PME at 25 µM significantly decreased the CSC markers (CD133 and ALDH1A1) and pluripotent transcription factors (Oct4 and Nanog). Akt, the key upstream signal of CSC control, was significantly decreased by the PME treatment. The molecular docking indicated that PME was bound to Akt-1 with a binding affinity of -9.2 kcal/mol greater than the Akt-1 inhibitor (reference compound; CQW). The STITCH network identified a total of 15 proteins interacted in PPI networks, and Akt-1 was identified as a central protein. The KEGG mapper indicated that the selected CSC markers were mostly involved in the 'signalling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells' pathway map and Akt, Oct4 and Nanog were the regulatory proteins in the dominant pathway. In addition, PME (10-25 µM) can suppress spheroid formation and reduce CSC-specific marker expression in patient-derived primary lung cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed a novel pharmacological effect and the underlying mechanism of PME that can attenuate CSC phenotypes in lung cancer cells and may be developed for lung cancer therapy.
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Salinas-Jazmín N, Rosas-Cruz A, Velasco-Velázquez M. Reporter gene systems for the identification and characterization of cancer stem cells. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:861-876. [PMID: 34367481 PMCID: PMC8316869 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i7.861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are tumor cells that share functional characteristics with normal and embryonic stem cells. CSCs have increased tumor-initiating capacity and metastatic potential and lower sensitivity to chemo- and radiotherapy, with important roles in tumor progression and the response to therapy. Thus, a current goal of cancer research is to eliminate CSCs, necessitating an adequate phenotypic and functional characterization of CSCs. Strategies have been developed to identify, enrich, and track CSCs, many of which distinguish CSCs by evaluating the expression of surface markers, the initiation of specific signaling pathways, and the activation of master transcription factors that control stemness in normal cells. We review and discuss the use of reporter gene systems for identifying CSCs. Reporters that are under the control of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1, CD133, Notch, Nanog homeobox, Sex-determining region Y-box 2, and POU class 5 homeobox can be used to identify CSCs in many tumor types, track cells in real time, and screen for drugs. Thus, reporter gene systems, in combination with in vitro and in vivo functional assays, can assess changes in the CSCs pool. We present relevant examples of these systems in the evaluation of experimental CSCs-targeting therapeutics, demonstrating their value in CSCs research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nohemí Salinas-Jazmín
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Arely Rosas-Cruz
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Marco Velasco-Velázquez
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico.
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Lv D, Chen L, Du L, Zhou L, Tang H. Emerging Regulatory Mechanisms Involved in Liver Cancer Stem Cell Properties in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:691410. [PMID: 34368140 PMCID: PMC8339910 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.691410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant form of primary liver cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. A growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that HCC is driven by a population of cells called liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). LCSCs have been proposed to contribute to malignant HCC progression, including promoting tumor occurrence and growth, mediating tumor metastasis, and treatment resistance, but the regulatory mechanism of LCSCs in HCC remains unclear. Understanding the signaling pathways responsible for LCSC maintenance and survival may provide opportunities to improve patient outcomes. Here, we review the current literature about the origin of LCSCs and the niche composition, describe the current evidence of signaling pathways that mediate LCSC stemness, then highlight several mechanisms that modulate LCSC properties in HCC progression, and finally, summarize the new developments in therapeutic strategies targeting LCSCs markers and regulatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duoduo Lv
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liyu Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingyao Du
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingyun Zhou
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Center of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Wang MJ, Chen JJ, Song SH, Su J, Zhao LH, Liu QG, Yang T, Chen Z, Liu C, Fu ZR, Hu YP, Chen F. Inhibition of SIRT1 Limits Self-Renewal and Oncogenesis by Inducing Senescence of Liver Cancer Stem Cells. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:685-699. [PMID: 34235106 PMCID: PMC8254544 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s296234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been considered involving in tumorigenesis, local recurrence, and therapeutic drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To investigate novel and effective methods for targeting hepatic CSCs is crucial for a permanent cure of liver cancer. Methods The expression level of SIRT1 was detected in CSCs of HCC tissues and cancer cell lines. Expression of CSC markers, the self-renewal and tumorigenic ability of liver CSCs were analyzed with SIRT1 inhibition. Cellular senescence-related markers were used to detect CSCs senescence after inhibition of SIRT1. Results SIRT1 was highly expressed in CSCs of HCC cell lines and human HCC tissues. In vitro study revealed that decreasing of SIRT1 level significantly downregulated the stemness-associated genes of liver CSCs and reduced the CSC stemness properties. Also, downregulated SIRT1 suppressed liver CSCs proliferation by decreasing their self-renewal abilities. Furthermore, CSCs with decreased SIRT1 expression showed limited tumorigenicity and formed smaller HCC tumor in vivo. And SIRT1 decreased CSCs became more susceptible to chemotherapeutic drugs. Mechanistically, SIRT1 decreased CSCs became senescence through the activation of p53-p21 and p16 pathway. The data further indicated that the tumor formed from SIRT1-knockdown CSCs exhibited higher senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity but lower proliferative capacity. Conclusion Taken together, these findings pointed that induction of senescence in liver CSCs is an effective tumor suppression method for HCC, and SIRT1 may be served as a promising target for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Jun Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Navy Medical University), Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Jia Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Navy Medical University), Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shao-Hua Song
- Department of General Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Su
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Navy Medical University), Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Hao Zhao
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Gui Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Navy Medical University), Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Navy Medical University), Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Ren Fu
- Department of General Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ping Hu
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Navy Medical University), Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Navy Medical University), Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Feng Y, Liu X, Pauklin S. 3D chromatin architecture and epigenetic regulation in cancer stem cells. Protein Cell 2021; 12:440-454. [PMID: 33453053 PMCID: PMC8160035 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-020-00819-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dedifferentiation of cell identity to a progenitor-like or stem cell-like state with increased cellular plasticity is frequently observed in cancer formation. During this process, a subpopulation of cells in tumours acquires a stem cell-like state partially resembling to naturally occurring pluripotent stem cells that are temporarily present during early embryogenesis. Such characteristics allow these cancer stem cells (CSCs) to give rise to the whole tumour with its entire cellular heterogeneity and thereby support metastases formation while being resistant to current cancer therapeutics. Cancer development and progression are demarcated by transcriptional dysregulation. In this article, we explore the epigenetic mechanisms shaping gene expression during tumorigenesis and cancer stem cell formation, with an emphasis on 3D chromatin architecture. Comparing the pluripotent stem cell state and epigenetic reprogramming to dedifferentiation in cellular transformation provides intriguing insight to chromatin dynamics. We suggest that the 3D chromatin architecture could be used as a target for re-sensitizing cancer stem cells to therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliang Feng
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences Old Road, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Xingguo Liu
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Hefei Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences Old Road, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK.
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Tang M, Yang M, Wu G, Mo S, Wu X, Zhang S, Yu R, Hu Y, Xu Y, Li Z, Liao X, Li J, Song L. Epigenetic Induction of Mitochondrial Fission Is Required for Maintenance of Liver Cancer-Initiating Cells. Cancer Res 2021; 81:3835-3848. [PMID: 34049973 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dynamics play vital roles in the tumorigenicity and malignancy of various types of cancers by promoting the tumor-initiating potential of cancer cells, suggesting that targeting crucial factors that drive mitochondrial dynamics may lead to promising anticancer therapies. In the current study, we report that overexpression of mitochondrial fission factor (MFF), which is upregulated significantly in liver cancer-initiating cells (LCIC), promotes mitochondrial fission and enhances stemness and tumor-initiating capability in non-LCICs. MFF-induced mitochondrial fission evoked mitophagy and asymmetric stem cell division and promoted a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis that decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which prevented ROS-mediated degradation of the pluripotency transcription factor OCT4. CRISPR affinity purification in situ of regulatory elements showed that T-box transcription factor 19 (TBX19), which is overexpressed uniquely in LCICs compared with non-LCICs and liver progenitor cells, forms a complex with PRMT1 on the MFF promoter in LCICs, eliciting epigenetic histone H4R3me2a/H3K9ac-mediated transactivation of MFF. Targeting PRMT1 using furamidine, a selective pharmacologic inhibitor, suppressed TBX19-induced mitochondrial fission, leading to a profound loss of self-renewal potential and tumor-initiating capacity of LCICs. These findings unveil a novel mechanism underlying mitochondrial fission-mediated cancer stemness and suggest that regulation of mitochondrial fission via inhibition of PRMT1 may be an attractive therapeutic option for liver cancer treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings show that TBX19/PRMT1 complex-mediated upregulation of MFF promotes mitochondrial fission and tumor-initiating capacity in liver cancer cells, identifying PRMT1 as a viable therapeutic target in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoling Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meisongzhu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Geyan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Mo
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingui Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuxia Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruyuan Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yameng Hu
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingru Xu
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziwen Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyi Liao
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Libing Song
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
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Lei Y, Wang X, Sun H, Fu Y, Tian Y, Yang L, Wang J, Xia F. Association of Preoperative NANOG-Positive Circulating Tumor Cell Levels With Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:601668. [PMID: 34123777 PMCID: PMC8190394 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.601668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) and Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been proposed as fundamental causes for the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CTCs isolated from patients with HCC illustrate a unique Nanog expression profile analysis. The aim of this study was to enhance the prediction of recurrence and prognosis of the CTC phenotype in patients with HCC by combining Nanog expression into a combined forecasting model. SUBJECTS MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected 320 blood samples from 160 patients with HCC cancer before surgery and used CanPatrol™ CTC enrichment technology and in situ hybridization (ISH) to enrich and detect CTCs and CSCs. Nanog expression in all CTCs was also determined. In addition, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to study the expression of Nanog, E-Cadherin, and N-Cadherin in liver cancer tissues and to conduct clinical correlation studies. RESULTS The numbers of EpCAM mRNA+ CTCs and Nanog mRNA+ CTCs were strongly correlated with postoperative HCC recurrence (CTC number (P = 0.03), the total number of mixed CTCS (P = 0.02), and Nanog> 6.7 (P = 0.001), with Nanog > 6.7 (P = 0.0003, HR = 2.33) being the most crucial marker. There are significant differences in the expression of Nanog on different types of CTC: most Epithelial CTCs do not express Nanog, while most of Mixed CTC and Mesenchymal CTC express Nanog, and their positive rates are 38.7%, 66.7%, and 88.7%, respectively, (P=0.0001). Moreover, both CTC (≤/> 13.3) and Nanog (≤/>6.7) expression were significantly correlated with BCLC stage, vascular invasion, tumor size, and Hbv-DNA (all P < 0.05). In the young group and the old group, patients with higher Nanog expression had a higher recurrence rate. (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The number of Nanog-positive cells showed positive correlation with the poor prognosis of HCC patients. The detection and analysis of CTC markers (EpCAM and CK8, 18, CD45 Vimentin,Twist and 19) and CSCs markers (NANOG) are of great value in the evaluation of tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongrong Lei
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xishu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, the First Hospital Affiliated to AMU (Southwest Hospital), Chongqing, China
| | - Heng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuna Fu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yichen Tian
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ludi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, the First Hospital Affiliated to AMU (Southwest Hospital), Chongqing, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Xia
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, the First Hospital Affiliated to AMU (Southwest Hospital), Chongqing, China
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Koshkin SA, Anatskaya OV, Vinogradov AE, Uversky VN, Dayhoff GW, Bystriakova MA, Pospelov VA, Tolkunova EN. Isolation and Characterization of Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Stem-Like Cells Based on the Endogenous Expression of the Stem Markers. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4682. [PMID: 33925224 PMCID: PMC8124683 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells' (CSCs) self-maintenance is regulated via the pluripotency pathways promoting the most aggressive tumor phenotype. This study aimed to use the activity of these pathways for the CSCs' subpopulation enrichment and separating cells characterized by the OCT4 and SOX2 expression. METHODS To select and analyze CSCs, we used the SORE6x lentiviral reporter plasmid for viral transduction of colon adenocarcinoma cells. Additionally, we assessed cell chemoresistance, clonogenic, invasive and migratory activity and the data of mRNA-seq and intrinsic disorder predisposition protein analysis (IDPPA). RESULTS We obtained the line of CSC-like cells selected on the basis of the expression of the OCT4 and SOX2 stem cell factors. The enriched CSC-like subpopulation had increased chemoresistance as well as clonogenic and migration activities. The bioinformatic analysis of mRNA seq data identified the up-regulation of pluripotency, development, drug resistance and phototransduction pathways, and the downregulation of pathways related to proliferation, cell cycle, aging, and differentiation. IDPPA indicated that CSC-like cells are predisposed to increased intrinsic protein disorder. CONCLUSION The use of the SORE6x reporter construct for CSCs enrichment allows us to obtain CSC-like population that can be used as a model to search for the new prognostic factors and potential therapeutic targets for colon cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei A. Koshkin
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, 194064 St-Petersburg, Russia; (M.A.B.); (V.A.P.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, 1015 Walnut Street, Ste. 1024, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Olga V. Anatskaya
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, 194064 St-Petersburg, Russia; (M.A.B.); (V.A.P.)
| | - Alexander E. Vinogradov
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, 194064 St-Petersburg, Russia; (M.A.B.); (V.A.P.)
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Guy W. Dayhoff
- Department of Chemistry, College of Art and Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA;
| | - Margarita A. Bystriakova
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, 194064 St-Petersburg, Russia; (M.A.B.); (V.A.P.)
| | - Valery A. Pospelov
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, 194064 St-Petersburg, Russia; (M.A.B.); (V.A.P.)
| | - Elena N. Tolkunova
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, 194064 St-Petersburg, Russia; (M.A.B.); (V.A.P.)
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Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel isoxazole-piperazine hybrids as potential anti-cancer agents with inhibitory effect on liver cancer stem cells. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 221:113489. [PMID: 33951549 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In our effort for the development of novel anticancer therapeutics, a series of isoxazole-piperazine analogues were prepared, and primarily screened for their antiproliferative potential against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; Huh7/Mahlavu) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cells. All compounds demonstrated potent to moderate cytotoxicity on all cell lines with IC50 values in the range of 0.09-11.7 μM. Further biological studies with 6a and 13d in HCC cells have shown that both compounds induced G1 or G2/M arrests resulting in apoptotic cell death. Subsequent analysis of proteins involved in cell cycle progression as well as proliferation of HCC cells revealed that 6a and 13d may affect cellular survival pathways differently depending on the mutation profiles of cells (p53 and PTEN), epidermal/mesenchymal characteristics, and activation of cell mechanisms through p53 dependent/independent pathways. Lastly, we have demonstrated the potential anti-stemness properties of these compounds in which the proportion of liver CSCs in Huh7 cells (CD133+/EpCAM+) were significantly reduced by 6a and 13d. Furthermore, both compounds caused a significant reduction in expression of stemness markers, NANOG or OCT4 proteins, in Mahlavu and Huh7 cells, as well as resulted in a decreased sphere formation capacity in Huh7 cells. Together, these novel isoxazole-piperazine derivatives may possess potential as leads for development of effective anti-cancer drugs against HCC cells with stem cell-like properties.
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Wang J, Zhao H, Zheng L, Zhou Y, Wu L, Xu Y, Zhang X, Yan G, Sheng H, Xin R, Jiang L, Lei J, Zhang J, Chen Y, Peng J, Chen Q, Yang S, Yu K, Li D, Xie Q, Li Y. FGF19/SOCE/NFATc2 signaling circuit facilitates the self-renewal of liver cancer stem cells. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:5045-5060. [PMID: 33754043 PMCID: PMC7978301 DOI: 10.7150/thno.56369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims: Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) mediate therapeutic resistance and correlate with poor outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-19 is a crucial oncogenic driver gene in HCC and correlates with poor prognosis. However, whether FGF19 signaling regulates the self-renewal of LCSCs is unknown. Methods: LCSCs were enriched by serum-free suspension. Self-renewal of LCSCs were characterized by sphere formation assay, clonogenicity assay, sorafenib resistance assay and tumorigenic potential assays. Ca2+ image was employed to determine the intracellular concentration of Ca2+. Gain- and loss-of function studies were applied to explore the role of FGF19 signaling in the self-renewal of LCSCs. Results: FGF19 was up-regulated in LCSCs, and positively correlated with certain self-renewal related genes in HCC. Silencing FGF19 suppressed self-renewal of LCSCs, whereas overexpressing FGF19 facilitated CSCs-like properties via activation of FGF receptor (FGFR)-4 in none-LCSCs. Mechanistically, FGF19/FGFR4 signaling stimulated store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) through both the PLCγ and ERK1/2 pathways. Subsequently, SOCE-calcineurin signaling promoted the activation and translocation of nuclear factors of activated T cells (NFAT)-c2, which transcriptionally activated the expression of stemness-related genes (e.g., NANOG, OCT4 and SOX2), as well as FGF19. Furthermore, blockade of FGF19/FGFR4-NFATc2 signaling observably suppressed the self-renewal of LCSCs. Conclusions: FGF19/FGFR4 axis promotes the self-renewal of LCSCs via activating SOCE/NFATc2 pathway; in turn, NFATc2 transcriptionally activates FGF19 expression. Targeting this signaling circuit represents a potential strategy for improving the therapeutic efficacy of HCC.
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Synergistic Roles of Curcumin in Sensitising the Cisplatin Effect on a Cancer Stem Cell-Like Population Derived from Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Lines. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26041056. [PMID: 33670440 PMCID: PMC7922800 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26041056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small subpopulation within a tumour. These cells possess stem cell-like properties but also initiate resistance to cytotoxic agents, which contributes to cancer relapse. Natural compounds such as curcumin that contain high amounts of polyphenols can have a chemosensitivity effect that sensitises CSCs to cytotoxic agents such as cisplatin. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of curcumin as a chemo-sensitiser in CSCs subpopulation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using the lung cancer adenocarcinoma human alveolar basal epithelial cells A549 and H2170. The ability of curcumin to sensitise lung CSCs to cisplatin was determined by evaluating stemness characteristics, including proliferation activity, colony formation, and spheroid formation of cells treated with curcumin alone, cisplatin alone, or the combination of both at 24, 48, and 72 h. The mRNA level of genes involved in stemness was analysed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the effect of curcumin on the CSC niche. A combined treatment of A549 subpopulations with curcumin reduced cellular proliferation activity at all time points. Curcumin significantly (p < 0.001) suppressed colonies formation by 50% and shrank the spheroids in CSC subpopulations, indicating inhibition of their self-renewal capability. This effect also was manifested by the down-regulation of SOX2, NANOG, and KLF4. Curcumin also regulated the niche of CSCs by inhibiting chemoresistance proteins, aldehyde dehydrogenase, metastasis, angiogenesis, and proliferation of cancer-related proteins. These results show the potential of using curcumin as a therapeutic approach for targeting CSC subpopulations in non-small cell lung cancer.
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Sun X, Diao X, Zhu X, Yin X, Cheng G. Nanog-mediated stem cell properties is critical for MBNL3 associated paclitaxel resistance of ovarian cancer. J Biochem 2021; 169:747-756. [PMID: 33599261 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvab021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel (PTX) is the standard first-line treatment of ovarian cancer, but its efficacy is limited by multi-drug resistance. Therefore, it is crucial to identify effective drug targets to facilitate PTX-sensitivity for ovarian cancer treatment. Seventy PTX-administrated ovarian cancer patients were recruited in this study for gene expression and survival rate analyses. Muscleblind-like-3 (MBNL3) gain- and loss-of-function experiments were carried out in ovarian cancer cells (parental and PTX-resistant) and xenograft model. Cancer cell viability, apoptosis, spheroids formation, Nanog gene silencing were examined and conducted to dissect the underlying mechanism of MBNL3-mediated PTX-resistance. High expression of MBNL3 was positively correlated with PTX-resistance and poor prognosis of ovarian cancer. MBNL3 increased cell viability and decreased apoptosis in ovarian stem-like cells, through up-regulating Nanog. This study suggests the MBNL3-Nanog axis is a therapeutic target for the treatment of PTX-resistance in ovarian cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Sun
- Department of Gynecology, Zibo Central Hospital, No.54 of Gongqingtuan West Road, Zhangdian district, Zibo 255000, Shandong, China
| | - Xinghua Diao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, No. 661 of Huanghe 2 Road, Binzhou 256600, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Zibo Central Hospital, No.54 of Gongqingtuan West Road, Zhangdian district, Zibo 255000, Shandong, China
| | - Xuexue Yin
- Department of Gynecology, Zibo Central Hospital, No.54 of Gongqingtuan West Road, Zhangdian district, Zibo 255000, Shandong, China
| | - Guangying Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, Zibo Central Hospital, No.54 of Gongqingtuan West Road, Zhangdian district, Zibo 255000, Shandong, China
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Ngo MHT, Jeng HY, Kuo YC, Nanda JD, Brahmadhi A, Ling TY, Chang TS, Huang YH. The Role of IGF/IGF-1R Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinomas: Stemness-Related Properties and Drug Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041931. [PMID: 33669204 PMCID: PMC7919800 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF)/IGF-1 Receptor (IGF-1R) signaling is known to regulate stem cell pluripotency and differentiation to trigger cell proliferation, organ development, and tissue regeneration during embryonic development. Unbalanced IGF/IGF-1R signaling can promote cancer cell proliferation and activate cancer reprogramming in tumor tissues, especially in the liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, with a high incidence and mortality rate in Asia. Most patients with advanced HCC develop tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-refractoriness after receiving TKI treatment. Dysregulation of IGF/IGF-1R signaling in HCC may activate expression of cancer stemness that leads to TKI refractoriness and tumor recurrence. In this review, we summarize the evidence for dysregulated IGF/IGF-1R signaling especially in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated HCC. The regulation of cancer stemness expression and drug resistance will be highlighted. Current clinical treatments and potential therapies targeting IGF/IGF-1R signaling for the treatment of HCC will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai-Huong Thi Ngo
- International PhD Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (M.-H.T.N.); (J.D.N.); (A.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Han-Yin Jeng
- Research Center of Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (H.-Y.J.); (Y.-C.K.)
| | - Yung-Che Kuo
- Research Center of Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (H.-Y.J.); (Y.-C.K.)
| | - Josephine Diony Nanda
- International PhD Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (M.-H.T.N.); (J.D.N.); (A.B.)
| | - Ageng Brahmadhi
- International PhD Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (M.-H.T.N.); (J.D.N.); (A.B.)
| | - Thai-Yen Ling
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (T.-Y.L.); (T.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); Tel.: +886-2-2312-3456 (ext. 8-8322) (T.-Y.L.); +886-5-3621-000 (ext. 2242) (T.-S.C.); +886-2-2736-1661 (ext. 3150) (Y.-H.H.)
| | - Te-Sheng Chang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33382, Taiwan
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (T.-Y.L.); (T.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); Tel.: +886-2-2312-3456 (ext. 8-8322) (T.-Y.L.); +886-5-3621-000 (ext. 2242) (T.-S.C.); +886-2-2736-1661 (ext. 3150) (Y.-H.H.)
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- International PhD Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (M.-H.T.N.); (J.D.N.); (A.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Research Center of Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (H.-Y.J.); (Y.-C.K.)
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- PhD Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (T.-Y.L.); (T.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); Tel.: +886-2-2312-3456 (ext. 8-8322) (T.-Y.L.); +886-5-3621-000 (ext. 2242) (T.-S.C.); +886-2-2736-1661 (ext. 3150) (Y.-H.H.)
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Zhou Y, Li X, Ye M. Morusin inhibits the growth of human colorectal cancer HCT116‑derived sphere‑forming cells via the inactivation of Akt pathway. Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:1. [PMID: 33576447 PMCID: PMC7891835 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of colorectal cancer stem-like cells (CSC) is responsible for the failure of current treatments against colorectal cancer. Therefore, novel therapies need be developed to target CSCs. Some natural agents, including morusin have been proposed as possible candidates for this purpose. Morusin has been shown to exert antitumor effects. In the present study, it is demonstrated that morusin exerts antitumor effects on colorectal CSCs (CCSCs). The viability of human CCSCs was enhanced when the CCSCs formed spheroids in a serum-free and non-adhesive floating culture system. HCT116 sphere cells exhibited an increased proliferative capacity and a higher expression of stemness markers [octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4), Sox2 and Nanog]. Morusin inhibited the development of cancer spheroids and suppressed the growth of sphere cells via the induction of cell cycle arrest. Similarly, morusin decreased the expression levels of the stemness markers, Nanog and Oct4. The data partially revealed the molecular mechanisms involved: β-catenin signaling maintains the growth of CSCs and directly modulates the expression of Nanog and Oct4. Morusin suppressed the activity of β-catenin signaling via the inactivation of Akt; the executive β-catenin/TCF4 complex and the downstream targets, c-Myc, survivin and cyclin D1, were also downregulated. Moreover, the morusin-induced inactivation of Akt also increased the expression of p21Cip1/WAF1 and p27Kip, which can block the cell cycle by interacting with cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) complexes. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that morusin inhibited the growth of colorectal cancer sphere cells, which were enriched with CCSCs via the inactivation of the Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Zhou
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, 904 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, P.R. China
| | - Xiangyong Li
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, 904 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, P.R. China
| | - Min Ye
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
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Zhang J, Song Q, Wu M, Zheng W. The Emerging Roles of Exosomes in the Chemoresistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:93-109. [PMID: 32000636 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200130103206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common gastrointestinal malignancy with a leading incidence of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite the progress of treatment options, there remains low efficacy for patients with intermediate-advanced HCC, due to tumor metastasis, recurrence and chemoresistance. Increasing evidence suggests that exosomes in the tumor microenvironment (TME), along with other extracellular vesicles (EVs) and cytokines, contribute to the drug chemosensitivity of cancer cells. Exosomes, the intercellular communicators in various biological activities, have shown to play important roles in HCC progression. This review summarizes the underlying associations between exosomes and chemoresistance of HCC cells. The exosomes derived from distinct cell types mediate the drug resistance by regulating drug efflux, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cell (CSC) properties, autophagic phenotypes, as well as the immune response. In summary, TME-related exosomes can be a potential target to reverse chemoresistance and a candidate biomarker of drug efficacy in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Department of Chemotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qianqian Song
- Department of Radiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, One Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, 27157 NC, United States
| | - Mengna Wu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjie Zheng
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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Suppression of Nanog inhibited cell migration and increased the sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 894:173871. [PMID: 33460610 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nanog is a major transcription factor related to cellular multipotency that plays important roles in the development of tumor cells, drug resistance, migration, and stemness; indicating its great potential as a therapeutic target for various malignancies including colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the Nanog suppression effect using small interference RNA (siRNA) combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on CRC cells. Nanog-overexpressing SW-480 cells were transfected with Nanog si-RNA and treated with 5-FU, in combination or separately. Subsequently, it was observed that Nanog expression was significantly reduced after transfection of SW-480 cells using Nanog siRNA in mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, Nanog knockdown significantly increased CRC cell sensitivity to 5-FU drug via modulating Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA expression. Also, Nanog knockdown and 5-FU treatment cooperatively decreased the migration and self-renewal ability of SW-480 cells by regulating the expression of relevant genes. Moreover, combination therapy led to cell cycle arrest at the sub-G1 phase in CRC cells. In conclusion, our results indicated that Nanog may play an important role in the drug sensitivity, migration, and self-renewal of CRC cells; suggesting Nanog as a promising target in combination with 5-FU for the development of new therapeutic approaches for CRC.
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Barati M, Akhondi M, Mousavi NS, Haghparast N, Ghodsi A, Baharvand H, Ebrahimi M, Hassani SN. Pluripotent Stem Cells: Cancer Study, Therapy, and Vaccination. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:1975-1992. [PMID: 34115316 PMCID: PMC8193020 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are promising tools for modern regenerative medicine applications because of their stemness properties, which include unlimited self-renewal and the ability to differentiate into all cell types in the body. Evidence suggests that a rare population of cells within a tumor, termed cancer stem cells (CSCs), exhibit stemness and phenotypic plasticity properties that are primarily responsible for resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, metastasis, cancer development, and tumor relapse. Different therapeutic approaches that target CSCs have been developed for tumor eradication. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION In this review, we first provide an overview of different viewpoints about the origin of CSCs. Particular attention has been paid to views believe that CSCs are probably appeared through dysregulation of very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) which reside in various tissues as the main candidate for tissue-specific stem cells. The expression of pluripotency markers in these two types of cells can strengthen the validity of this theory. In this regard, we discuss the common properties of CSCs and PSCs, and highlight the potential of PSCs in cancer studies, therapeutic applications, as well as educating the immune system against CSCs. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the resemblance of CSCs to PSCs can provide an appropriate source of CSC-specific antigens through cultivation of PSCs which brings to light promising ideas for prophylactic and therapeutic cancer vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Barati
- Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Akhondi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Sabahi Mousavi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Newsha Haghparast
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Asma Ghodsi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ebrahimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh-Nafiseh Hassani
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product Technology Development Center (ATMP-TDC), Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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Liu Y, Yang W, VoPham T, Ma Y, Simon TG, Gao X, Chan AT, Meyerhardt JA, Giovannucci EL, Zhang X. Plant-Based and Animal-Based Low-Carbohydrate Diets and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Among US Men and Women. Hepatology 2021; 73:175-185. [PMID: 32222996 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Little is known about the role of low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We prospectively evaluated the associations between plant-based and animal-based LCDs and risk of HCC in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS). APPROACH AND RESULTS Dietary intake was assessed every 4 years using validated food frequency questionnaires. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). HRs are shown for a 1-standard deviation (SD) increment with variables modeled as continuous. During 3,664,769 person-years of follow-up, there were 156 incident HCC cases. Although there were no associations between overall or animal-based LCD score and risk of HCC, plant-based LCD score was inversely associated with HCC risk (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70-0.98; Ptrend = 0.03). Carbohydrate intake, especially from refined grains (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.00-1.39; Ptrend = 0.04), was positively, while plant fat (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.65-0.95; Ptrend = 0.01) was inversely associated with HCC risk. Substituting 5% of energy from plant fat and protein for carbohydrate (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58-0.93; Ptrend = 0.01) or refined grains (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.55-0.90; Ptrend = 0.006) was associated with lower HCC risk. In conclusion, a plant-based LCD and dietary restriction of carbohydrate from refined grains were associated with a lower risk of HCC. Substituting plant fat and protein for carbohydrate, particularly refined grains, may decrease HCC incidence. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support a potential benefit in emphasizing plant sources of fat and protein in the diet for HCC primary prevention; additional studies that carefully consider hepatitis B and C virus infections and chronic liver diseases are needed to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Wanshui Yang
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Trang VoPham
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA.,Epidemiology Program, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Yanan Ma
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Tracey G Simon
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Nutritional Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Andrew T Chan
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jeffrey A Meyerhardt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Edward L Giovannucci
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA.,Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
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