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Verhoog NJD, Spies LML. The anti-aromatase and anti-estrogenic activity of plant products in the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 243:106581. [PMID: 38997071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Despite being the focal point of decades of research, female breast cancer (BC) continues to be one of the most lethal cancers in the world. Given that 80 % of all diagnosed BC cases are estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) with carcinogenesis driven by estrogen-ERα signalling, current standard of care (SOC) hormone therapies are geared towards modulating the function and expression levels of estrogen and its receptors, ERα and ERβ. Currently, aromatase inhibitors (AIs), selective ER modulators (SERMs) and selective ER degraders (SERDs) are clinically prescribed for the management and treatment of ER+ BC, with the anti-aromatase activity of AIs abrogating estrogen biosynthesis, while the anti-estrogenic SERMs and SERDs antagonise and degrade the ER, respectively. The use of SOC hormone therapies is, however, significantly hampered by the onset of severe side-effects and the development of resistance. Given that numerous studies have reported on the beneficial effects of plant compounds and/or extracts and the multiple pathways through which they target ER+ breast carcinogenesis, recent research has focused on the use of dietary chemopreventive agents for BC management. When combined with SOC treatments, several of these plant components and/or extracts have demonstrated improved efficacy and/or synergistic impact. Moreover, despite a lack of in vivo investigations, plant products are generally reported to have a lower side-effect profile than SOC therapies and are therefore thought to be a safer therapeutic choice. Thus, the current review summarizes the findings from the last five years regarding the anti-aromatase and anti-estrogenic activity of plant products, as well as their synergistic anti-ER+ BC effects in combination with SOC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lee-Maine Lorin Spies
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Van de Byl Street, Stellenbosch, 7601, South Africa
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2
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Xiang Q, Zhou D, Xiang X, Le X, Deng C, Sun R, Li C, Pang H, He J, Zheng Z, Tang J, Peng W, Peng X, He X, Wu F, Qiu J, Xu Y, Xiang T. Neuroglobin plays as tumor suppressor by disrupting the stability of GPR35 in colorectal cancer. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:57. [PMID: 37005662 PMCID: PMC10067258 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01472-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has increased in recent years. Identification of accurate tumor markers has become the focus of CRC research. Early and frequent DNA methylation tends to occur in cancer. Thus, identifying accurate methylation biomarkers would improve the efficacy of CRC treatment. Neuroglobin (NGB) is involved in neurological and oncological diseases. However, there are currently no reports on epigenetic regulation involvement of NGB in CRC. RESULTS NGB was downregulated or silenced in majority CRC tissues and cell lines. The hypermethylation of NGB was detected in tumor tissue, but no or a very low methylation frequency in normal tissues. Overexpression of NGB induced G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis, suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion in vitro, and inhibited CRC tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo. Isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (Itraq)-based proteomics identified approximately 40% proteins related to cell-cell adhesion, invasion, and tumor vessel formation in the tumor microenvironment, among which GPR35 was proved critical for NGB-regulated tumor angiogenesis suppression in CRC. CONCLUSIONS NGB, an epigenetically silenced factor, inhibits metastasis through the GPR35 in CRC. It is expected to grow into a potential cancer risk assessment factor and a valuable biomarker for early diagnosis and prognosis assessment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Xiang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Dishu Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Xinni Xiang
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Le
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Chaoqun Deng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Ran Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Chunhong Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Huayang Pang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Jin He
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zeze Zheng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Jun Tang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Weiyan Peng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xi Peng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xiaoqian He
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jingfu Qiu
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Yongzhu Xu
- Chongqing Blood Center, Chongqing, 400015, China.
| | - Tingxiu Xiang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China.
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3
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Resveratrol Analogs and Prodrugs Differently Affect the Survival of Breast Cancer Cells Impairing Estrogen/Estrogen Receptor α/Neuroglobin Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032148. [PMID: 36768470 PMCID: PMC9916867 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the first leading tumor in women in terms of incidence worldwide. Seventy percent of cases are estrogen receptor (ER) α-positive. In these malignancies, 17β-estradiol (E2) via ERα increases the levels of neuroglobin (NGB), a compensatory protein that protects cancer cells from stress-induced apoptosis, including chemotherapeutic drug treatment. Our previous data indicate that resveratrol (RSV), a plant-derived polyphenol, prevents E2/ERα-induced NGB accumulation in this cellular context, making E2-dependent breast cancer cells more prone to apoptosis. Unfortunately, RSV is readily metabolized, thus preventing its effectiveness. Here, four different RSV analogs have been developed, and their effect on the ERα/NGB pathway has been compared with RSV conjugated with highly hydrophilic gold nanoparticles as prodrug to evaluate if RSV derivatives maintain the breast cancer cells' susceptibility to the chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel as the original compound. Results demonstrate that RSV conjugation with gold nanoparticles increases RSV efficacy, with respect to RSV analogues, reducing NGB levels and enhancing the pro-apoptotic action of paclitaxel, even preventing the anti-apoptotic action exerted by E2 treatment on these cells. Overall, RSV conjugation with gold nanoparticles makes this complex a promising agent for medical application in breast cancer treatment.
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4
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Zhao Y, Wang X, Liu Y, Wang HY, Xiang J. The effects of estrogen on targeted cancer therapy drugs. Pharmacol Res 2022; 177:106131. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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5
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Solar Fernandez V, Fiocchetti M, Cipolletti M, Segatto M, Cercola P, Massari A, Ghinassi S, Cavaliere F, Marino M. Neuroglobin: A New Possible Marker of Estrogen-Responsive Breast Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081986. [PMID: 34440755 PMCID: PMC8393432 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of the α-subtype of Estrogen Receptor (ERα) characterizes most breast cancers (more than 75%), for which endocrine therapy is the mainstay for their treatment. However, a high percentage of ERα+ breast cancers are de novo or acquired resistance to endocrine therapy, and the definition of new targets for improving therapeutic interventions and the prediction of treatment response is demanding. Our previous data identified the ERα/AKT/neuroglobin (NGB) pathway as a common pro-survival process activated in different ERα breast cancer cell lines. However, no in vivo association between the globin and the malignity of breast cancer has yet been done. Here, we evaluated the levels and localization of NGB in ERα+ breast ductal carcinoma tissue of different grades derived from pre-and post-menopausal patients. The results indicate a strong association between NGB accumulation, ERα, AKT activation, and the G3 grade, while no association with the menopausal state has been evidenced. Analyses of the data set (e.g., GOBO) strengthen the idea that NGB accumulation could be linked to tumor cell aggressiveness (high grade) and resistance to treatment. These data support the view that NGB accumulation, mainly related to ER expression and tumor grade, represents a compensatory process, which allows cancer cells to survive in an unfavorable environment.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis
- Breast Neoplasms/chemistry
- Breast Neoplasms/mortality
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Breast Neoplasms/therapy
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/chemistry
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/mortality
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/therapy
- Case-Control Studies
- Disease Progression
- Estrogen Receptor alpha/analysis
- Female
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Grading
- Neuroglobin/analysis
- Progression-Free Survival
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/analysis
- Signal Transduction
- Tumor Microenvironment
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Solar Fernandez
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy; (V.S.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Marco Fiocchetti
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy; (V.S.F.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-06-5733-6455 (M.F.); +39-06-5733-6320 (M.M.); Fax: +39-06-5733-6321 (M.F. & M.M.)
| | - Manuela Cipolletti
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy; (V.S.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Marco Segatto
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche (IS), Italy;
| | - Paolo Cercola
- Division of Senology, Belcolle Hospital, Str. Sammartinese, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (P.C.); (A.M.); (S.G.); (F.C.)
| | - Annalisa Massari
- Division of Senology, Belcolle Hospital, Str. Sammartinese, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (P.C.); (A.M.); (S.G.); (F.C.)
| | - Sabrina Ghinassi
- Division of Senology, Belcolle Hospital, Str. Sammartinese, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (P.C.); (A.M.); (S.G.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesco Cavaliere
- Division of Senology, Belcolle Hospital, Str. Sammartinese, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (P.C.); (A.M.); (S.G.); (F.C.)
| | - Maria Marino
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy; (V.S.F.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-06-5733-6455 (M.F.); +39-06-5733-6320 (M.M.); Fax: +39-06-5733-6321 (M.F. & M.M.)
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6
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Costanzo M, Fiocchetti M, Ascenzi P, Marino M, Caterino M, Ruoppolo M. Proteomic and Bioinformatic Investigation of Altered Pathways in Neuroglobin-Deficient Breast Cancer Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26082397. [PMID: 33924212 PMCID: PMC8074618 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroglobin (NGB) is a myoglobin-like monomeric globin that is involved in several processes, displaying a pivotal redox-dependent protective role in neuronal and extra-neuronal cells. NGB remarkably exerts its function upon upregulation by NGB inducers, such as 17β-estradiol (E2) and H2O2. However, the molecular bases of NGB’s functions remain undefined, mainly in non-neuronal cancer cells. Human MCF-7 breast cancer cells with a knocked-out (KO) NGB gene obtained using CRISPR/Cas9 technology were analyzed using shotgun label-free quantitative proteomics in comparison with control cells. The differential proteomics experiments were also performed after treatment with E2, H2O2, and E2 + H2O2. All the runs acquired using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry were elaborated within the same MaxQuant analysis, leading to the quantification of 1872 proteins in the global proteomic dataset. Then, a differentially regulated protein dataset was obtained for each specific treatment. After the proteomic study, multiple bioinformatics analyses were performed to highlight unbalanced pathways and processes. Here, we report the proteomic and bioinformatic investigations concerning the effects on cellular processes of NGB deficiency and cell treatments. Globally, the main processes that were affected were related to the response to stress, cytoskeleton dynamics, apoptosis, and mitochondria-driven pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Costanzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.Ar.L., 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Fiocchetti
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, 00146 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (P.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, 00146 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (P.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Marino
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, 00146 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (P.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Marianna Caterino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.Ar.L., 80145 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Margherita Ruoppolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.Ar.L., 80145 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (M.R.)
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7
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Fiocchetti M, Solar Fernandez V, Segatto M, Leone S, Cercola P, Massari A, Cavaliere F, Marino M. Extracellular Neuroglobin as a Stress-Induced Factor Activating Pre-Adaptation Mechanisms against Oxidative Stress and Chemotherapy-Induced Cell Death in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092451. [PMID: 32872414 PMCID: PMC7564643 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Components of tumor microenvironment, including tumor and/or stromal cells-derived factors, exert a critical role in breast cancer (BC) progression. Here we evaluated the possible role of neuroglobin (NGB), a monomeric globin that acts as a compensatory protein against oxidative and apoptotic processes, as part of BC microenvironment. The extracellular NGB levels were evaluated by immunofluorescence of BC tissue sections and by Western blot of the culture media of BC cell lines. Moreover, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cell apoptosis, and cell migration were evaluated in different BC cells and non-tumorigenic epithelial mammary cells treated with BC cells (i.e., Michigan Cancer Foundation-7, MCF-7) conditioned culture media and extracellular NGB. Results demonstrate that NGB is a component of BC microenvironment. NGB is released in tumor microenvironment by BC cells only under oxidative stress conditions where it can act as autocrine/paracrine factor able to communicate cell resilience against oxidative stress and chemotherapeutic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Fiocchetti
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy; (V.S.F.); (S.L.)
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-06-5733-6455 (M.F.); +39-06-5733-6320 (M.M.); Fax: +39-06-5733-6321 (M.F. & M.M.)
| | - Virginia Solar Fernandez
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy; (V.S.F.); (S.L.)
| | - Marco Segatto
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche (IS), Italy;
| | - Stefano Leone
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy; (V.S.F.); (S.L.)
| | - Paolo Cercola
- Division of Senology, Belcolle Hospital, Str. Sammartinese, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (P.C.); (A.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Annalisa Massari
- Division of Senology, Belcolle Hospital, Str. Sammartinese, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (P.C.); (A.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesco Cavaliere
- Division of Senology, Belcolle Hospital, Str. Sammartinese, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (P.C.); (A.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Maria Marino
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy; (V.S.F.); (S.L.)
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-06-5733-6455 (M.F.); +39-06-5733-6320 (M.M.); Fax: +39-06-5733-6321 (M.F. & M.M.)
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8
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Acconcia F. The Network of Angiotensin Receptors in Breast Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061336. [PMID: 32471115 PMCID: PMC7349848 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a network of proteins regulating many aspects of human physiology, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, and immune system physiology. The RAS is a complicated network of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) (i.e., AT1R, AT2R, MASR, and MRGD) orchestrating the effects of several hormones (i.e., angiotensin II, angiotensin (1-7), and alamandine) produced by protease-based transmembrane receptors (ACE1 and ACE2). Two signaling axes have been identified in the RAS endocrine system that mediate the proliferative actions of angiotensin II (i.e., the AT1R-based pathway) or the anti-proliferative effects of RAS hormones (i.e., the AT2R-, MAS-, and MRGD-based pathways). Disruption of the balance between these two axes can cause different diseases (e.g., cardiovascular pathologies and the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2- (SARS-CoV-2)-based COVID-19 disease). It is now accepted that all the components of the RAS endocrine system are expressed in cancer, including cancer of the breast. Breast cancer (BC) is a multifactorial pathology for which there is a continuous need to identify novel drugs. Here, I reviewed the possible roles of both axes of the RAS endocrine network as potential druggable pathways in BC. Remarkably, the analysis of the current knowledge of the different GPCRs of the RAS molecular system not only confirms that AT1R could be considered a drug target and that its inhibition by losartan and candesartan could be useful in the treatment of BC, but also identifies Mas-related GPCR member D (MRGD) as a druggable protein. Overall, the RAS of GPCRs offers multifaceted opportunities for the development of additional compounds for the treatment of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Acconcia
- Department of Sciences, Biomedical Sciences and Technology Section, University Roma TRE, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Rome, Italy
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9
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Montalesi E, Cipolletti M, Cracco P, Fiocchetti M, Marino M. Divergent Effects of Daidzein and its Metabolites on Estrogen-Induced Survival of Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12010167. [PMID: 31936631 PMCID: PMC7017042 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although soy consumption is associated with breast cancer prevention, the low bioavailability and the extensive metabolism of soy-active components limit their clinical application. Here, the impact of daidzein (D) and its metabolites on estrogen-dependent anti-apoptotic pathway has been evaluated in breast cancer cells. In estrogen receptor α-positive breast cancer cells treated with D and its metabolites, single or in mixture, ERα activation and Neuroglobin (NGB) levels, an anti-apoptotic estrogen/ERα-inducible protein, were evaluated. Moreover, the apoptotic cascade activation, as well as the cell number after stimulation was assessed in the absence/presence of paclitaxel to determine the compound effects on cell susceptibility to a chemotherapeutic agent. Among the metabolites, only D-4'-sulfate maintains the anti-estrogenic effect of D, reducing the NGB levels and rendering breast cancer cells more prone to the paclitaxel treatment, whereas other metabolites showed estrogen mimetic effects, or even estrogen independent effects. Intriguingly, the co-stimulation of D and gut metabolites strongly reduced D effects. The results highlight the important and complex influence of metabolic transformation on isoflavones physiological effects and demonstrate the need to take biotransformation into account when assessing the potential health benefits of consumption of soy isoflavones in cancer.
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10
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Busonero C, Leone S, Bartoloni S, Acconcia F. Strategies to degrade estrogen receptor α in primary and ESR1 mutant-expressing metastatic breast cancer. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 480:107-121. [PMID: 30389467 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of omic technologies, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying estrogen receptor α (ERα)-expressing breast cancer (BC) progression has grown exponentially. Nevertheless, the most widely used therapy for inhibiting this disease is endocrine therapy (ET) (i.e., aromatase inhibitors, tamoxifen - Tam, faslodex/fulvestrant - FUL). However, in a considerable number of cases, prolonged patient treatment with ET generates the development of resistant tumor cells and, consequently, tumor relapse, which manifests as metastatic disease that is extremely difficult to manage, especially because such metastatic BCs (MBCs) often express ERα mutations (e.g., Y537S, D538G) that confer pronounced growth advantages to tumor cells. Interestingly, ET continues to be the therapy of choice for this neoplasia, which underscores the need to identify novel drugs that could work in primary and MBCs. In this study, we review the approaches that have been undertaken to discover these new anti-ERα compounds, especially considering those focused on evaluating ERα degradation. A literature analysis demonstrated that current strategies for discovering new anti-BC drugs are focusing on the identification either of novel ERα inhibitors, of compounds that inhibit ERα-related pathways or of drugs that influence ERα-unrelated cellular pathways. Several lines of evidence suggest that all of these molecules alter the ERα content and block the proliferation of both primary and MBCs. In turn, we propose to rationalize all these discoveries into the definition of e.m.eral.d.s (i.e., selective modulators of ERα levels and degradation) as a novel supercategory of anti-ERα drugs that function both as modulators of ERα levels and inhibitors of BC cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Busonero
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446, I-00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Leone
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446, I-00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Bartoloni
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446, I-00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Acconcia
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446, I-00146, Rome, Italy.
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11
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Cipolletti M, Montalesi E, Nuzzo MT, Fiocchetti M, Ascenzi P, Marino M. Potentiation of paclitaxel effect by resveratrol in human breast cancer cells by counteracting the 17β-estradiol/estrogen receptor α/neuroglobin pathway. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:3147-3157. [PMID: 30421506 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Neuroglobin (NGB), an antiapoptotic protein upregulated by 17β-estradiol (E2), is part of E2/estrogen receptor α (ERα) pathway pointed to preserve cancer cell survival in presence of microenvironmental stressors including chemotherapeutic drugs. Here, the possibility that resveratrol (Res), an anticancer plant polyphenol, could increase the susceptibility of breast cancer cells to paclitaxel (Pacl) by affecting E2/ERα/NGB pathway has been evaluated. In MCF-7 and T47D (ERα-positive), but not in MDA-MB 231 (ERα-negative) nor in SK-N-BE (ERα and ERβ positive), Res decreases NGB levels interfering with E2/ERα-induced NGB upregulation and with E2-induced ERα and protein kinase B phosphorylation. Although Res treatment does not reduce cell viability by itself, this compound potentiates Pacl proapoptotic effects. Notably, the increase of NGB levels by NGB expression vector transfection prevents Pacl or Res/Pacl effects. Taken together, these findings indicate a new Res-based mechanism that acts on tumor cells impairing the E2/ERα/NGB signaling pathways and increasing cancer cell susceptibility to chemotherapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Marino
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
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12
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Cipolletti M, Solar Fernandez V, Montalesi E, Marino M, Fiocchetti M. Beyond the Antioxidant Activity of Dietary Polyphenols in Cancer: the Modulation of Estrogen Receptors (ERs) Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2624. [PMID: 30189583 PMCID: PMC6165334 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential "health benefits" of dietary polyphenols have been ascribed to their direct antioxidant activity and their impact on the regulation of cell and tissue redox balance. However, because of the relative poor bioavailability of many of these compounds, their effects could not be easily explained by the antioxidant action, which may occur only at high circulating and tissue concentrations. Therefore, many efforts have been put forward to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlining the biological effect of polyphenols in physiological and pathological conditions. Polyphenols' bioavailability, metabolism, and their effects on enzyme, membrane, and/or nuclear receptors and intracellular transduction mechanisms may define the overall impact of these compounds on cancer risk and progression, which is still debated and not yet clarified. Polyphenols are able to bind to estrogen receptor α (ERα) and β (ERβ), and therefore induce biological effects in human cells through mimicking or inhibiting the action of endogenous estrogens, even at low concentrations. In this work, the role and effects of food-contained polyphenols in hormone-related cancers will be reviewed, mainly focusing on the different polyphenols' mechanisms of action with particular attention on their estrogen receptor-based effects, and on the consequences of such processes on tumor progression and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Cipolletti
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy.
| | | | - Emiliano Montalesi
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy.
| | - Maria Marino
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy.
| | - Marco Fiocchetti
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy.
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13
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Van Acker ZP, Luyckx E, Dewilde S. Neuroglobin Expression in the Brain: a Story of Tissue Homeostasis Preservation. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:2101-2122. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1212-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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14
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Jin Y, Hu W, Liu T, Rana U, Aguilera-Barrantes I, Kong A, Kumar SN, Wang B, Gao P, Wang X, Duan Y, Shi A, Song D, Yang M, Li S, Han B, Zhao G, Fan Z, Miao QR. Nogo-B receptor increases the resistance of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer to paclitaxel. Cancer Lett 2018; 419:233-244. [PMID: 29373839 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsic or acquired chemoresistance is a hurdle in oncology. Only 7%-16% of estrogen receptor α (ERα) positive breast cancer cases achieve a pathological complete response (pCR) after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Nogo-B receptor (NgBR) is a cell surface receptor that binds farnesylated Ras and promotes Ras translocation to the plasma membrane. Here, we demonstrate NgBR as a potential therapeutic target for ERα positive breast cancer patients to attenuate paclitaxel resistance. NgBR knockdown enhanced paclitaxel-induced cell apoptosis by modulating expression of p53 and survivin in ERα positive breast cancer cells via NgBR-mediated PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. NgBR knockdown attenuated either 17β-estradiol or epidermal growth factor stimulated phosphorylation of ERα at Serine 118 residue. The ChIP-PCR assay further demonstrated that NgBR knockdown decreased ERα binding to the estrogen response element (ERE) of the ERα target gene and increased the binding of p53 to the promoter region of survivin to attenuate survivin transcription. In summary, our data suggest that NgBR expression is essential to promoting ERα positive breast cancer cell resistance to paclitaxel. Findings from this study implicate a novel therapeutic target for treating ERα positive breast cancer in neo-adjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jin
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China; Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA; Divisions of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Wenquan Hu
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA; Divisions of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Tong Liu
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA; Divisions of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA; Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130033, China
| | - Ujala Rana
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA; Divisions of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Irene Aguilera-Barrantes
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Amanda Kong
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Suresh N Kumar
- Divisions of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Bei Wang
- Department of Pathology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Pin Gao
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China; Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA; Divisions of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Xiang Wang
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA; Divisions of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Yajun Duan
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA; Divisions of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA; College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Aiping Shi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Dong Song
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Sijie Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Zhimin Fan
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China.
| | - Qing Robert Miao
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA; Divisions of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
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15
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Fiocchetti M, Cipolletti M, Ascenzi P, Marino M. Dissecting the 17β-estradiol pathways necessary for neuroglobin anti-apoptotic activity in breast cancer. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:5087-5103. [PMID: 29219195 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuroglobin (NGB) is a relatively recent discovered monomeric heme-protein, which behave in neurons as a sensor of injuring stimuli including oxidative stress, hypoxia, and neurotoxicity. In addition, the anti-apoptotic activity of overexpressed NGB has been reported both in neurons and in cancer cell lines. We recently demonstrated that, NGB functions as a compensatory protein of the steroid hormone 17β-estradiol (E2) protecting cancer cells against the apoptotic death induced by oxidative stress. However, the E2-induced signaling pathways at the root of NGB over-expression and mitochondrial re-localization in breast cancer cells is still elusive. By using a kinase screening library, here, we report that: i) There is a strong positive correlation between NGB and ERα expression and activity in breast cancer cells; ii) The E2-activated phosphatidyl-inositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) and protein kinase C (PKC) pathways are necessary to modulate the NGB protein levels; iii) The E2-induced persistent activation of AKT drive NGB to mitochondria; iv) Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-inducing compounds activating rapidly and transiently AKT does not affect the NGB mitochondrial level; and v) High level of NGB into mitochondria are necessary for the pro-survival and anti-apoptotic effect of this globin in cancer cells. As a whole, these results underline the E2 triggered pathways in E2-responsive breast cancer cells that involve NGB as a compensatory protein devoted to cancer cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Science, University of Roma Tre, Roma, Italy.,Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, University of Roma Tre, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Marino
- Department of Science, University of Roma Tre, Roma, Italy
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16
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Bellei M, Bortolotti CA, Di Rocco G, Borsari M, Lancellotti L, Ranieri A, Sola M, Battistuzzi G. The influence of the Cys46/Cys55 disulfide bond on the redox and spectroscopic properties of human neuroglobin. J Inorg Biochem 2018; 178:70-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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17
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Compensatory role of Neuroglobin in nervous and non-nervous cancer cells in response to the nutrient deprivation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189179. [PMID: 29216269 PMCID: PMC5720711 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors or adverse growth conditions that may reduce cell function or viability are considered stress. The cell ability to sense and respond to environmental stresses determine its function and survival destiny. We recently defined Neuroglobin (NGB), a heme-protein, as a compensatory protein in the 17β-Estradiol (E2) anti-apoptotic activity and as a sensor of oxidative stress in both neurons and breast cancer cells. Here, the possibility that NGB levels could represent a pivotal regulator of integrated response of cancer cells to stress has been evaluated. Data obtained in neuroblastoma and in breast cancer cell lines evidence that nutrient deprivation significantly up-regulated NGB levels at different time points. However, the analysis of autophagy activation led to exclude any possible role of stress- or E2-induced NGB in the upstream regulation of general autophagy. However, the over-expression of Flag-NGB in ERα stable transfected HEK-293 cells completely affects nutrient deprivation-induced decrease in cell number. In addition, reported results indicate that modulation of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 level may play a key role in the protective NGB function against energetic stress. Overall, these data define a role of NGB as compensatory protein in the cell machinery activated in response to stress and as general stress adaptation marker of cancer cells susceptible to oxidative stress, oxygen and, as demonstrated here for the first time, even to nutrient willingness. Despite the lacking of any direct NGB role on autophagic flux activated by energetic stress, NGB upregulation appears functional in delaying stress-related cell death allowing an appropriate cell response and adaptation to the changing extracellular conditions.
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18
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Acconcia F, Fiocchetti M, Marino M. Xenoestrogen regulation of ERα/ERβ balance in hormone-associated cancers. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 457:3-12. [PMID: 27816767 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The hormone 17β-estradiol (E2) contributes to body homeostasis maintenance by regulating many different physiological functions in both male and female organs. E2 actions in reproductive and non-reproductive tissues rely on a complex net of nuclear and extra-nuclear signal transduction pathways triggered by at least two estrogen receptor subtypes (ERα and ERβ). Consequently, the de-regulation of E2:ER signaling contributes to the pathogenesis of many diseases including cancer. Among other factors, the ERα/ERβ ratio is considered one of the pivotal mechanisms at the root of E2 action in cancer progression. Remarkably, several natural or synthetic exogenous chemicals, collectively called xenoestrogens, bind to ERs and interfere with their signals and intracellular functions. In this review, the molecular mechanism(s) through which xenoestrogens influence ERα and ERβ intracellular concentrations and the consequences of this influence on E2-related cancer will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Acconcia
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446, I-00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiocchetti
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446, I-00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Marino
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446, I-00146, Rome, Italy.
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19
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Leone S, Busonero C, Acconcia F. A high throughput method to study the physiology of E2:ERα signaling in breast cancer cells. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:3713-3722. [PMID: 29091270 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
17β-estradiol (E2) regulates diverse physiological effects including cell proliferation through the estrogen receptor α (ERα), which as a transcription factor drives gene transcription and as an extra-nuclear localized receptor triggers the membrane-dependent activation of diverse kinase cascades. E2 also modifies ERα intracellular levels via diverse intracellular mechanisms. In this way, the E2-acivated ERα integrates signaling cascades with the modulation of receptor intracellular concentration and with the induction of DNA synthesis and ultimately drives cell proliferation. In turn, E2 signaling deregulation can cause many diseases including breast cancer (BC). Recently, we performed a Western blotting (WB)-based screen to identify novel pathways affecting ERα intracellular levels and BC cell proliferation. However, because WB lacks high throughput potential, a high-content method to detect all aspects of E2:ERα signaling (nuclear and extra-nuclear receptor activity, ERα levels, E2-induced DNA synthesis) is desirable. Here, we set up a rapid way to measure E2:ERα signaling in 96-well plate format. To demonstrate its robustness, we also challenged 4OH-tamoxifen resistant (Tam-Res) BC cells with a library of anti-cancer drugs and identified methotrexate (MTX) as a molecule inducing ERα degradation and preventing BC cell proliferation. Overall, our research provides a high-content technique to study the physiology of E2:ERα signaling in cells and further suggests a possible anti-ERα and anti-proliferative use for MTX in Tam-Res BCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Leone
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Busonero
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Acconcia
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
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20
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Zhang B, Liu Y, Li Y, Zhe X, Zhang S, Zhang L. Neuroglobin promotes the proliferation and suppresses the apoptosis of glioma cells by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. Mol Med Rep 2017; 17:2757-2763. [PMID: 29207186 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.8132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous study demonstrated that neuroglobin (Ngb) functions as an independent predictive indicator of the prognosis of patients with glioma and promotes cancer cell growth by suppressing apoptosis. However, the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the survival‑enhancing function of Ngb in glioma is limited. In the present study, KEGG PathwayFinder by gene correlation analysis was performed on the R2: Genomics Analysis and Visualization Platform, which revealed a high association between Ngb and the phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway using glioma data (GSE4290) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Furthermore, western blotting experiments were performed in U251 and U87 glioma cells, and Ngb knockdown using short hairpin RNA reduced the protein levels of phosphorylated (p)‑AKT, p‑mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and antiapoptotic factor Bcl‑2, and increased the expression of the proapoptotic protein Bcl‑2‑associated X, in U251 cells. In addition, Ngb overexpression promoted the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in U87 cells. MK2206, a PI3K/AKT signaling inhibitor, reduced the expression of p‑AKT and increased the levels of apoptosis‑associated proteins, including cleaved poly(ADP‑ribose) polymerase 1 and cleaved caspase‑3/7/8, in Ngb‑overexpressing U87 cells. Furthermore, MK2206 treatment reduced the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of Ngb‑overexpressing U87 cells, as indicated by the results of MTT, colony formation and flow cytometry assays. In addition, insulin‑like growth factor‑1, a PI3K/AKT signaling activator, reversed Ngb knockdown‑induced growth arrest and apoptosis in U251 cells. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that Ngb may facilitate a malignant phenotype of glioma cells by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710077, P.R. China
| | - Yong Liu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yajun Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710077, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Zhe
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710077, P.R. China
| | - Shijun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710077, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710077, P.R. China
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21
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Neuroglobin functions as a prognostic marker and promotes the tumor growth of glioma via suppressing apoptosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 88:173-180. [PMID: 28103511 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroglobin (Ngb) has been reported to be upregulated by hypoxia and plays an anti-apoptotic function. Previous studies have reported that Ngb is expressed in human glioblastoma cells and up-regulated in hypoxic microregions of glioblastoma tumor xenografts. While, the clinical significance of Ngb and its function in human glioma keep unknown. Ngb expression was analyzed in 86 glioma tissues and 20 normal brain tissues. Results showed that Ngb was significantly overexpressed in glioma tissues compared to normal brain tissues. In addition, increased levels of Ngb also observed in glioma cell lines. Clinicopathological analysis verified that the positive expression of Ngb was associated with histological type and world health organization (WHO) grade of glioma. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier analysis found that Ngb overexpression led to a shorter survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that Ngb expression was an independent prognostic marker. Further experiments illustrated that Ngb knockdown significantly inhibited proliferation and facilitated apoptosis in U251 cells. In vivo experiments further confirmed that Ngb silencing notably prohibited the tumor growth of glioma in nude mice. While, Ngb overexpression prominently promoted proliferation and suppressed apoptosis in U87 cells. Taken together, this work support the first evidence that Ngb can be potentially used as a promising biomarker and target for novel treatment of human glioma.
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Ascenzi P, di Masi A, Leboffe L, Fiocchetti M, Nuzzo MT, Brunori M, Marino M. Neuroglobin: From structure to function in health and disease. Mol Aspects Med 2016; 52:1-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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23
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Critical re-evaluation of neuroglobin expression reveals conserved patterns among mammals. Neuroscience 2016; 337:339-354. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Guidolin D, Tortorella C, Marcoli M, Maura G, Agnati LF. Neuroglobin, a Factor Playing for Nerve Cell Survival. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17111817. [PMID: 27809238 PMCID: PMC5133818 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17111817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell death represents the final outcome of several pathological conditions of the central nervous system and available evidence suggests that in both acute injuries and neurodegenerative diseases it is often associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, the possibility to prevent mitochondrial events involved in cell death might represent efficient tools to limit neuronal damage. In recent years, increased attention has been paid to the endogenous protein neuroglobin, since accumulating evidence showed that its high expression was associated with preserved mitochondrial function and to an increased survival of nerve cells in vitro and in vivo in a variety of experimental models of cell insult. The biological and structural features of neuroglobin and the mitochondria-related mechanisms of neuroglobin-induced neuroprotection will be here briefly discussed. In this respect, the inhibition of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis emerges as a key neuroprotective effect induced by the protein. These findings could open the possibility to develop efficient neuroglobin-mediated therapeutic strategies aimed at minimizing the neuronal cell death occurring in impacting neurological pathologies like stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Guidolin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova 35122, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Tortorella
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova 35122, Italy.
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Genova 16126, Italy.
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Genova 16126, Italy.
| | - Luigi F Agnati
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41121, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden.
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