1
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Yang W, Chen H, Ma L, Wei M, Xue X, Li Y, Jin Z, dong J, Xiao H. The oncogene MYBL2 promotes the malignant phenotype and suppresses apoptosis through hedgehog signaling pathway in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27772. [PMID: 38510035 PMCID: PMC10950673 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27772] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple cancers have been associated with MYB-related protein B (MYBL2), its involvement in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has yet to be demonstrated. Our study revealed a significant upregulation of MYBL2 in ccRCC tissues, correlating with clinicopathological features and patient prognosis. Increased MYBL2 expression promoted cell proliferation and suppressed apoptosis. RNA-seq analysis unveiled a reduction in smoothened (SMO) expression upon MYBL2 silencing. However, luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays demonstrated MYBL2's positive regulation of SMO expression by directly targeting the SMO promoter. Reintroduction of SMO expression in MYBL2-knocked down cells partially restored cell proliferation and mitigated apoptosis inhibition. Overall, these results indicate that MYBL2 facilitates ccRCC progression by enhancing SMO expression, suggesting its potential as an intriguing drug target for ccRCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mengchao Wei
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Xue
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Yingjie Li
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Zhaoheng Jin
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Jie dong
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - He Xiao
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng, Beijing, 100000, China
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2
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Wang MY, Wang XW, Zhao WX, Li Y, Cai ML, Wang KX, Xi XM, Zhao C, Zhou HM, Shao RG, Xia GM, Zhang YF, Zhao WL. Enhanced binding of β-catenin and β-TrCP mediates LMPt's anti-CSCs activity in colorectal cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115577. [PMID: 37137416 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115577] [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: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation of tumor cells with the features of self-renewal, tumor initiation, and insensitivity to common physical and chemical agents, are the key to cancer relapses, metastasis, and resistance. Accessible CSCs inhibitory strategies are primarily based on small molecule drugs, yet toxicity limits their application. Here, we report a liposome loaded with low toxicity and high effectiveness of miriplatin, lipo-miriplatin (LMPt) with high miriplatin loading, and robust stability, exhibiting a superior inhibitory effect on CSCs and non-CSCs. LMPt predominantly inhibits the survival of oxaliplatin-resistant (OXA-resistant) cells composed of CSCs. Furthermore, LMPt directly blocks stemness features of self-renewal, tumor initiation, unlimited proliferation, metastasis, and insensitivity. In mechanistic exploration, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that LMPt downregulates the levels of pro-stemness proteins and that the β-catenin-mediated stemness pathway is enriched. Further research shows that either in adherent cells or 3D-spheres, the β-catenin-OCT4/NANOG axis, the vital pathway to maintain stemness, is depressed by LMPt. The consecutive activation of the β-catenin pathway induced by mutant β-catenin (S33Y) and OCT4/NANOG overexpression restores LMPt's anti-CSCs effect, elucidating the key role of the β-catenin-OCT4/NANOG axis. Further studies revealed that the strengthened binding of β-catenin and β-TrCP initiates ubiquitination and degradation of β-catenin induced by LMPt. In addition,the ApcMin/+transgenicmouse model, in which colon tumors are spontaneously formed, demonstrates LMPt's potent anti-non-CSCs activity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yan Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Wei Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Xia Zhao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Yang Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Mei-Lian Cai
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Ke-Xin Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ming Xi
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Cong Zhao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Min Zhou
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Rong-Guang Shao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Beijing 100050, P.R. China.
| | - Gui-Min Xia
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Beijing 100050, P.R. China.
| | - Ye-Fan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery/National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Wu-Li Zhao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Beijing 100050, P.R. China.
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3
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Eid RA, Alaa Edeen M, Shedid EM, Kamal ASS, Warda MM, Mamdouh F, Khedr SA, Soltan MA, Jeon HW, Zaki MSA, Kim B. Targeting Cancer Stem Cells as the Key Driver of Carcinogenesis and Therapeutic Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021786. [PMID: 36675306 PMCID: PMC9861138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging concept of cancer stem cells (CSCs) as the key driver behind carcinogenesis, progression, and diversity has displaced the prior model of a tumor composed of cells with similar subsequently acquired mutations and an equivalent capacity for renewal, invasion, and metastasis. This significant change has shifted the research focus toward targeting CSCs to eradicate cancer. CSCs may be characterized using cell surface markers. They are defined by their capacity to self-renew and differentiate, resist conventional therapies, and generate new tumors following repeated transplantation in xenografted mice. CSCs' functional capabilities are governed by various intracellular and extracellular variables such as pluripotency-related transcription factors, internal signaling pathways, and external stimuli. Numerous natural compounds and synthetic chemicals have been investigated for their ability to disrupt these regulatory components and inhibit stemness and terminal differentiation in CSCs, hence achieving clinical implications. However, no cancer treatment focuses on the biological consequences of these drugs on CSCs, and their functions have been established. This article provides a biomedical discussion of cancer at the time along with an overview of CSCs and their origin, features, characterization, isolation techniques, signaling pathways, and novel targeted therapeutic approaches. Additionally, we highlighted the factors endorsed as controlling or helping to promote stemness in CSCs. Our objective was to encourage future studies on these prospective treatments to develop a framework for their application as single or combined therapeutics to eradicate various forms of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Refaat A. Eid
- Pathology Department, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha P.O. Box 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Alaa Edeen
- Cell Biology, Histology & Genetics Division, Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
- Correspondence: (M.A.E.); (B.K.)
| | - Eslam M. Shedid
- Biotechnology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Al Qalyubia Governorate, Banha 13511, Egypt
| | - Al Shaimaa S. Kamal
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Al Qalyubia Governorate, Banha 13511, Egypt
| | - Mona M. Warda
- Biotechnology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Al Qalyubia Governorate, Banha 13511, Egypt
| | - Farag Mamdouh
- Biotechnology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Al Qalyubia Governorate, Banha 13511, Egypt
| | - Sohila A. Khedr
- Industrial Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31733, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A. Soltan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University, Ismailia 41611, Egypt
| | - Hee Won Jeon
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohamed Samir A. Zaki
- Anatomy Department, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha P.O. Box 62529, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 31527, Egypt
| | - Bonglee Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (M.A.E.); (B.K.)
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4
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Mishra A, Pathak Y, Mishra SK, Prakash H, Tripathi V. Natural compounds as a potential modifier of stem cells renewal: Comparative analysis. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 938:175412. [PMID: 36427534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175412] [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: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are indispensable for development, progression, drug resistance, and tumor metastasis. Current cancer-directed interventions target targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells and slow dividing CSCs, which are the root cause of cancer origin and recurrence. The most promising targets include several self-renewal pathways involved in the maintenance and renewal of CSCs, such as the Wnt/β-Catenin, Sonic Hedgehog, Notch, Hippo, Autophagy, and Ferroptosis. In view of safety, natural compounds are coming to the front line of treatment modalities for modifying various signaling pathways simultaneously involved in maintaining CSCs. Therefore, targeting CSCs with natural compounds is a promising approach to treating various types of cancers. In view of this, here we provide a comprehensive update on the current status of natural compounds that effectively tune key self-renewal pathways of CSCs. In addition, we highlighted surface expression markers in several types of cancer. We also emphasize how natural compounds target these self-renewal pathways to reduce therapy resistance and cancer recurrence properties of CSCs, hence providing valuable cancer therapeutic strategies. The inclusion of nutraceuticals is believed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of current cancer-directed interventions significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaresh Mishra
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, 201310, India
| | - Yamini Pathak
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, 201310, India
| | | | - Hridayesh Prakash
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vishwas Tripathi
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, 201310, India.
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5
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Song J, Ge Y, Sun X, Guan Q, Gong S, Wei M, Niu J, Zhao L. Noncoding RNAs related to the hedgehog pathway in cancer: clinical implications and future perspectives. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:115. [PMID: 35581586 PMCID: PMC9112456 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01591-z] [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: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a type of malignant affliction threatening human health worldwide; however, the molecular mechanism of cancer pathogenesis remains to be elusive. The oncogenic hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a highly evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway in which the hedgehog-Patched complex is internalized to cellular lysosomes for degradation, resulting in the release of Smoothened inhibition and producing downstream intracellular signals. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) with diversified regulatory functions have the potency of controlling cellular processes. Compelling evidence reveals that Hh pathway, ncRNAs, or their crosstalk play complicated roles in the initiation, metastasis, apoptosis and drug resistance of cancer, allowing ncRNAs related to the Hh pathway to serve as clinical biomarkers for targeted cancer therapy. In this review, we attempt to depict the multiple patterns of ncRNAs in the progression of malignant tumors via interactions with the Hh crucial elements in order to better understand the complex regulatory mechanism, and focus on Hh associated ncRNA therapeutics aimed at boosting their application in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Song
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuexin Ge
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiutong Guan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiqiang Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Minjie Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China.,Shenyang Kangwei Medical Laboratory Analysis Co. LTD, Shenyang, 110000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jumin Niu
- Department of Gynecology, Shenyang Women's and Children's Hospital, Shenyang, 110011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China. .,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China.
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6
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Joshi J, Patel H, Bhavnagari H, Tarapara B, Pandit A, Shah F. Eliminating Cancer Stem-Like Cells in Oral Cancer by Targeting Elementary Signaling Pathways. Crit Rev Oncog 2022; 27:65-82. [PMID: 37199303 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.2022047207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Oral cancer is a heterogeneous, aggressive, and complex entity. Current major treatment options for the disease are surgery, chemo, and/or radiotherapy either alone or in combination with each other. Each treatment method has its own limitations such as a significant journey with deformities and a protracted rehabilitation process leading to loss of self-esteem, loss of tolerance, and therapeutic side effects. Conventional therapies are frequently experienced with regimen resistance and recurrence attributed to the cancer stem cells (CSCs). Given that CSCs exert their tumorigenesis by affecting several cellular and molecular targets and pathways an improved understanding of CSCs' actions is required. Hence, more research is recommended to fully understand the fundamental mechanisms driving CSC-mediated treatment resistance. Despite the difficulties and disagreements surrounding the removal of CSCs from solid tumors, a great amount of knowledge has been derived from the characterization of CSCs. Various efforts have been made to identify the CSCs using several cell surface markers. In the current review, we will discuss numerous cell surface markers such as CD44, ALDH1, EPCAM, CD24, CD133, CD271, CD90, and Cripto-1 for identifying and isolating CSCs from primary oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Further, a spectrum of embryonic signaling pathways has been thought to be the main culprit of CSCs' active state in cancers, resulting in conventional therapeutic resistance. Hence, we discuss the functional and molecular bases of several signaling pathways such as the Wnt/beta;-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, and Hippo pathways and their associations with disease aggressiveness. Moreover, numerous inhibitors targeting the above mentioned signaling pathways have already been identified and some of them are already undergoing clinical trials. Hence, the present review encapsulates the characterization and effectiveness of the prospective potential targeted therapies for eradicating CSCs in oral cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jigna Joshi
- Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-III, Department of Cancer Biology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Hitarth Patel
- Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-III, Department of Cancer Biology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Hunayna Bhavnagari
- Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-III, Department of Cancer Biology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Bhoomi Tarapara
- Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-III, Department of Cancer Biology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Apexa Pandit
- Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-III, Department of Cancer Biology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Franky Shah
- Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-III, Department of Cancer Biology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
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7
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Chai JY, Sugumar V, Alshanon AF, Wong WF, Fung SY, Looi CY. Defining the Role of GLI/Hedgehog Signaling in Chemoresistance: Implications in Therapeutic Approaches. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4746. [PMID: 34638233 PMCID: PMC8507559 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Insight into cancer signaling pathways is vital in the development of new cancer treatments to improve treatment efficacy. A relatively new but essential developmental signaling pathway, namely Hedgehog (Hh), has recently emerged as a major mediator of cancer progression and chemoresistance. The evolutionary conserved Hh signaling pathway requires an in-depth understanding of the paradigm of Hh signaling transduction, which is fundamental to provide the necessary means for the design of novel tools for treating cancer related to aberrant Hh signaling. This review will focus substantially on the canonical Hh signaling and the treatment strategies employed in different studies, with special emphasis on the molecular mechanisms and combination treatment in regard to Hh inhibitors and chemotherapeutics. We discuss our views based on Hh signaling's role in regulating DNA repair machinery, autophagy, tumor microenvironment, drug inactivation, transporters, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and cancer stem cells to promote chemoresistance. The understanding of this Achilles' Heel in cancer may improve the therapeutic outcome for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yi Chai
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Vaisnevee Sugumar
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Ahmed F. Alshanon
- Center of Biotechnology Researches, University of Al-Nahrain, Baghdad 10072, Iraq;
| | - Won Fen Wong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Shin Yee Fung
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Chung Yeng Looi
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia;
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8
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Yang J, Wang J, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Huang W, Zou Y, Qiu Y, Cai W, Gao J, Zhou H, Wu Y, Liu W, Ding Q, Zhang Y, Yin PH, Tan W. PGE2-JNK signaling axis non-canonically promotes Gli activation by protecting Gli2 from ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:707. [PMID: 34267186 PMCID: PMC8282835 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03995-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Both bench and bedside investigations have challenged the supportive role of Hedgehog (Hh) activity in the progression of colorectal cancers, thus raising a critical need to further deeply determine the contribution of Hh to the growth of colorectal cancer. Combining multiple complementary means, including in vitro and in vivo inflammatory colorectal cancer models, and pathological analysis of clinical colorectal cancer patients samples. We report that colorectal cancer cells hijack prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to non-canonically promote Hh transcriptional factor Gli activity and Gli-dependent proliferation of colorectal cancer cells in a Smo-independent manner. Mechanistically, PGE2 activates c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which in turn enables Gli2 to evade ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation by phosphorylating Gli2 at Thr1546. This study not only presents evidence for understanding the contribution of Hh to colorectal cancers, but also provides a novel molecular portrait underlying how PGE2-activated JNK fine-tunes the evasion of Gli2 from ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation. Therefore, it proposes a rationale for the future evaluation of chemopreventive and selective therapeutic strategies for colorectal cancers by targeting PGE2-JNK-Gli signaling route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjing Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zou
- Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China.,Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 230601, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yanyan Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China.,Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 230601, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Weiyang Cai
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai 9th pepople's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, 201999, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingli Wu
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Chemical Biology Division of Shanghai Universities E-Institutes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijun Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, 63108, USA
| | - Qingqing Ding
- Department of pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yanjie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai 9th pepople's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, 201999, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei-Hao Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China. .,Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 230601, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Wenfu Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China.
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9
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Kumar V, Vashishta M, Kong L, Wu X, Lu JJ, Guha C, Dwarakanath BS. The Role of Notch, Hedgehog, and Wnt Signaling Pathways in the Resistance of Tumors to Anticancer Therapies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:650772. [PMID: 33968932 PMCID: PMC8100510 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.650772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to therapy is the major hurdle in the current cancer management. Cancer cells often rewire their cellular process to alternate mechanisms to resist the deleterious effect mounted by different therapeutic approaches. The major signaling pathways involved in the developmental process, such as Notch, Hedgehog, and Wnt, play a vital role in development, tumorigenesis, and also in the resistance to the various anticancer therapies. Understanding how cancer utilizes these developmental pathways in acquiring the resistance to the multi-therapeutic approach cancer can give rise to a new insight of the anti-therapy resistance mechanisms, which can be explored for the development of a novel therapeutic approach. We present a brief overview of Notch, Hedgehog, and Wnt signaling pathways in cancer and its role in providing resistance to various cancer treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Understanding the importance of these molecular networks will provide a rational basis for novel and safer combined anticancer therapeutic approaches for the improvement of cancer treatment by overcoming drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Kumar
- R&D Dept, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center (SPHIC), Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai, China
| | - Mohit Vashishta
- R&D Dept, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center (SPHIC), Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Kong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Cancer Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Wu
- R&D Dept, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center (SPHIC), Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiade J Lu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Cancer Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Chandan Guha
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Bronx, NY, United States
| | - B S Dwarakanath
- R&D Dept, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center (SPHIC), Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai, China
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10
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Jiang X, Jiang L, Cheng J, Chen F, Ni J, Yin C, Wang Q, Wang Z, Fang D, Yi Z, Yu G, Zhong Q, Carter BZ, Meng F. Inhibition of EZH2 by chidamide exerts antileukemia activity and increases chemosensitivity through Smo/Gli-1 pathway in acute myeloid leukemia. J Transl Med 2021; 19:117. [PMID: 33743723 PMCID: PMC7981995 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02789-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epigenetic dysregulation plays important roles in leukemogenesis and the progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) reciprocally regulate the acetylation and deacetylation of nuclear histones. Aberrant activation of HDACs results in uncontrolled proliferation and blockade of differentiation, and HDAC inhibition has been investigated as epigenetic therapeutic strategy against AML. Methods Cell growth was assessed with CCK-8 assay, and apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry in AML cell lines and CD45 + and CD34 + CD38- cells from patient samples after staining with Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/propidium iodide (PI). EZH2 was silenced with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or overexpressed by lentiviral transfection. Changes in signaling pathways were detected by western blotting. The effect of chidamide or EZH2-specific shRNA (shEZH2) in combination with adriamycin was studied in vivo in leukemia-bearing nude mouse models. Results In this study, we investigated the antileukemia effects of HDAC inhibitor chidamide and its combinatorial activity with cytotoxic agent adriamycin in AML cells. We demonstrated that chidamide suppressed the levels of EZH2, H3K27me3 and DNMT3A, exerted potential antileukemia activity and increased the sensitivity to adriamycin through disruption of Smo/Gli-1 pathway and downstream signaling target p-AKT in AML cells and stem/progenitor cells. In addition to decreasing the levels of H3K27me3 and DNMT3A, inhibition of EZH2 either pharmacologically by chidamide or genetically by shEZH2 suppressed the activity of Smo/Gli-1 pathway and increased the antileukemia activity of adriamycin against AML in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions Inhibition of EZH2 by chidamide has antileukemia activity and increases the chemosensitivity to adriamycin through Smo/Gli-1 pathway in AML cells (Fig. 5). These findings support the rational combination of HDAC inhibitors and chemotherapy for the treatment of AML. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-021-02789-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejie Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Ling Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaying Cheng
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinle Ni
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Changxin Yin
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhixiang Wang
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Dan Fang
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhengshan Yi
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Guopan Yu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingxiu Zhong
- Department of Hematology, Kanghua Hospital, Dongguan, 523080, Guangdong, China
| | - Bing Z Carter
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fanyi Meng
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China. .,Department of Hematology, Kanghua Hospital, Dongguan, 523080, Guangdong, China.
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11
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Yun T, Wang J, Yang J, Huang W, Lai L, Tan W, Liu Y. Discovery of Small Molecule Inhibitors Targeting the Sonic Hedgehog. Front Chem 2020; 8:498. [PMID: 32612978 PMCID: PMC7309560 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The aberrant activation of hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is closely related to human diseases. The upstream protein, N-terminal product of sonic hedgehog (ShhN) is overexpressed in many cancers and considered as a promising antitumor target. Inhibitors that bind to ShhN and break its interaction with the 12-transmembrane glycoprotein patched (Ptch) protein are highly wanted to tune down the abnormal Hh pathway activation. However, research of ShhN inhibitors remains lacking. In this paper, we computationally screened potential inhibitors against the ShhN-Ptch interaction interface, and tested their activities by experimental studies. Seven compounds (1-7) with diverse scaffolds, showed inhibition in cellular assays and directly bound to ShhN in vitro. The compounds were verified to modulate the Hh pathway activity. Furthermore, we studied the structure-activity relationship of the pyrimidine (7) derivatives and identified a potent compound (7_3d3) with IC50 of 0.4 ± 0.1 μM in cellular assays. These small molecule inhibitors of ShhN provide novel chemical probes for future investigations of Hh signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taikangxiang Yun
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjing Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Luhua Lai
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenfu Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Peking University, Beijing, China
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12
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Kong D, Hughes CJ, Ford HL. Cellular Plasticity in Breast Cancer Progression and Therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:72. [PMID: 32391382 PMCID: PMC7194153 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With the exception of non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignant disease among women, with the majority of mortality being attributable to metastatic disease. Thus, even with improved early screening and more targeted treatments which may enable better detection and control of early disease progression, metastatic disease remains a significant problem. While targeted therapies exist for breast cancer patients with particular subtypes of the disease (Her2+ and ER/PR+), even in these subtypes the therapies are often not efficacious once the patient's tumor metastasizes. Increases in stemness or epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in primary breast cancer cells lead to enhanced plasticity, enabling tumor progression, therapeutic resistance, and distant metastatic spread. Numerous signaling pathways, including MAPK, PI3K, STAT3, Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch, amongst others, play a critical role in maintaining cell plasticity in breast cancer. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate breast cancer cell plasticity is essential for understanding the biology of breast cancer progression and for developing novel and more effective therapeutic strategies for targeting metastatic disease. In this review we summarize relevant literature on mechanisms associated with breast cancer plasticity, tumor progression, and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deguang Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Connor J. Hughes
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Pharmacology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Heide L. Ford
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Pharmacology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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13
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Yang L, Shi P, Zhao G, Xu J, Peng W, Zhang J, Zhang G, Wang X, Dong Z, Chen F, Cui H. Targeting cancer stem cell pathways for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:8. [PMID: 32296030 PMCID: PMC7005297 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0110-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 925] [Impact Index Per Article: 231.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since cancer stem cells (CSCs) were first identified in leukemia in 1994, they have been considered promising therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. These cells have self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential and contribute to multiple tumor malignancies, such as recurrence, metastasis, heterogeneity, multidrug resistance, and radiation resistance. The biological activities of CSCs are regulated by several pluripotent transcription factors, such as OCT4, Sox2, Nanog, KLF4, and MYC. In addition, many intracellular signaling pathways, such as Wnt, NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB), Notch, Hedgehog, JAK-STAT (Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription), PI3K/AKT/mTOR (phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin), TGF (transforming growth factor)/SMAD, and PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor), as well as extracellular factors, such as vascular niches, hypoxia, tumor-associated macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells, extracellular matrix, and exosomes, have been shown to be very important regulators of CSCs. Molecules, vaccines, antibodies, and CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T cell) cells have been developed to specifically target CSCs, and some of these factors are already undergoing clinical trials. This review summarizes the characterization and identification of CSCs, depicts major factors and pathways that regulate CSC development, and discusses potential targeted therapy for CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Pengfei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Gaichao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Guanghui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhen Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China.
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China.
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14
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Zhan M, Wang H, Xu SW, Yang LH, Chen W, Zhao SX, Shen H, Liu Q, Yang RM, Wang J. Variants in oxidative stress-related genes affect the chemosensitivity through Nrf2-mediated signaling pathway in biliary tract cancer. EBioMedicine 2019; 48:143-160. [PMID: 31590928 PMCID: PMC6838379 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Oxidative stress and their effectors play critical roles in carcinogenesis and chemoresistance. However, the role of oxidative stress-related genes variants in biliary tract cancer (BTC) chemoresistance remains unknown. In this work, we aim to investigate oxidative stress-dependent molecular mechanisms underlying chemoresistance, and find potential biomarkers to predict chemotherapy response for BTC. Methods Sixty-six SNPs in 21 oxidative stress-related genes were genotyped and analyzed in 367 BTC patients. Immunoblot, immunohistochemical, immunofluorescent, quantitative PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis and study of animal xenograft models were performed to discover oxidative stress-related susceptibility genes underlying chemoresistance mechanism of BTC. Findings We found that 3 functional polymorphisms (CAT_rs769217, GPX4_rs4807542, and GSR_rs3779647), which were shown to affect their respective gene expression levels, modified the effect of chemotherapy on overall survival (OS). We then demonstrated that knockdown of GPX4, CAT, or GSR induced chemoresistance through elevation of ROS level and activation of Nrf2-ABCG2 pathway in BTC cell lines. Moreover, the association between Nrf2 expression and BTC prognosis is only found in patients who received chemotherapy. Knockdown of Nrf2 enhanced chemosensitivity or even eliminated postoperative recurrence in BTC xenograft mouse models. Importantly, upon chemotherapy treatment patients harboring high oxidative stress-related score received higher survival benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy compared with patients with low oxidative stress-related score. Interpretation The result of our study suggests, for the first time, that the oxidative stress-related score calculated by combining variations in CAT, GPX4, and GSR or Nrf2 expression could be used for predicting the chemosensitivity of BTC patients. Fund This work was supported by the National Science Foundation of China, Foundation of Shanghai Shen Kang Hospital Development Center, and Shanghai Outstanding Academic Leaders Plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhan
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Sun-Wang Xu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Lin-Hua Yang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Shuang-Xia Zhao
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Rui-Meng Yang
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China.
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
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15
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Song Q, Wang B, Liu M, Ren Z, Fu Y, Zhang P, Yang M. MTA1 promotes the invasion and migration of oral squamous carcinoma by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the hedgehog signaling pathway. Exp Cell Res 2019; 382:111450. [PMID: 31152708 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The metastasis-associated gene 1 (MTA1) has previously been recognized as an oncogene in many tumors, and aberrant MTA1 expression has been related to invasion and migration; however, its role and underlying molecular mechanism in oral squamous carcinoma (OSCC) remain largely unexplored. In this work, we determined the expression of MTA1 in OSCC tissues and cell lines. The effect of MTA1 on metastasis and the role of MTA1 in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of OSCC cells were evaluated by assays both in vitro and in vivo. We also identified the key Hedgehog signaling pathway-related protein involved in the MTA1-induced EMT. We found that MTA1 expression was upregulated and positively related to the metastasis in OSCC tissues and cell lines. MTA1 overexpression promoted OSCC invasion, migration, and induced EMT, while its silencing had the opposite effect both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, our data further revealed the relevant molecular mechanism, Hedgehog(Hh) signaling pathway contributed to the effect of MTA1 on the aggressive phenotypes of OSCC cells.These findings indicate that MTA1 enhances OSCC cells invasion and migration by inducing EMT via the Hedgehog signaling pathway, which suggests MTA1 may be an effective anti-OSCC therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingcui Song
- Department of Oncology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Affiliated to Shandong University and Clinical School of Shandong First Medical University, Liaocheng, 252000, PR China.
| | - Baozhong Wang
- Department of Oncology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Affiliated to Shandong University and Clinical School of Shandong First Medical University, Liaocheng, 252000, PR China.
| | - Meirong Liu
- Department of Oncology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Affiliated to Shandong University and Clinical School of Shandong First Medical University, Liaocheng, 252000, PR China.
| | - Zhongxi Ren
- Department of Mammary and Thyroidology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Affiliated to Shandong University and Clinical School of Shandong First Medical University, Liaocheng, 252000, PR China.
| | - Ying Fu
- Department of Oncology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Affiliated to Shandong University and Clinical School of Shandong First Medical University, Liaocheng, 252000, PR China.
| | - Pu Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Affiliated to Shandong University and Clinical School of Shandong First Medical University, Liaocheng, 252000, PR China.
| | - Mengxiang Yang
- Department of Oncology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Affiliated to Shandong University and Clinical School of Shandong First Medical University, Liaocheng, 252000, PR China.
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16
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Wang MY, Qiu YH, Cai ML, Zhang CH, Wang XW, Liu H, Chen Y, Zhao WL, Liu JB, Shao RG. Role and molecular mechanism of stem cells in colorectal cancer initiation. J Drug Target 2019; 28:1-10. [PMID: 31244351 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2019.1632317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the rate of colorectal cancer has sharply increased, especially in China, where it ranks second for the number of cancer fatalities. Currently, the treatment of colorectal cancer patients involves the combination of resection surgery and treatment with postoperative anticancer drugs such as 5-FU and oxaliplatin. However, recurrence and metastasis after treatment are still the dominant reasons for the low survival rate. Colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs) are regarded as the key contributors to tumour recurrence and metastasis due to their resistance to chemotherapy drugs and their extremely high tumourigenicity. Once CSCs overcome chemotherapy treatment, they continue to survive and reinitiate proliferation to form tumours, leading to recurrence. The dominant reason for CSC resistance is that most anticancer drugs are aimed at inhibiting proliferative pathways in cancer cells that differ from those in CSCs. Therefore, studies on the characteristics of CSCs and their intracellular molecular pathways are essential for the exploration of CSC-targeted drugs. In this report, we review recent advances in the research of CSCs and, in particular, review the important intracellular molecular pathways, such as HOXA5-catenin, STRAP-NOTCH and YAP/TAZ, related to the maintenance and differentiation of stem cells to generate a theoretical basis for the exploration of CSC-targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Han Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mei-Lian Cai
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cong-Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi- Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Chinese Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wu-Li Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Bo Liu
- Department of Urology, Dongzhimen Hospital Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong-Guang Shao
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Inhibition of BRD4 suppresses the malignancy of breast cancer cells via regulation of Snail. Cell Death Differ 2019; 27:255-268. [PMID: 31114028 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0353-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic action of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) in cancer motility, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), remains largely undefined. We found that targeted inhibition of BRD4 reduces migration, invasion, in vivo growth of patient-derived xenograft (PDX), and lung colonization of breast cancer (BC) cells. Inhibition of BRD4 rapidly decreases the expression of Snail, a powerful EMT transcription factor (EMT-TF), via diminishing its protein stability and transcription. Protein kinase D1 (PRKD1) is responsible for BRD4-regulated Snail protein stability by triggering phosphorylation at Ser11 of Snail and then inducing proteasome-mediated degradation. BRD4 inhibition also suppresses the expression of Gli1, a key transductor of Hedgehog (Hh) required to activate the transcription of SNAI1, in BC cells. The GACCACC sequence (-341 to -333) in the SNAI1 promoter is responsible for Gli1-induced transcription of SNAI1. Clinically, BRD4 and Snail levels are increased in lung-metastasized, estrogen receptor-negative (ER-), and progesterone receptor-negative (PR-) breast cancers and correlate with the expression of mesenchymal markers. Collectively, BRD4 can regulate malignancy of breast cancer cells via both transcriptional and post-translational regulation of Snail.
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18
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Guo L, Cheng X, Chen H, Chen C, Xie S, Zhao M, Liu D, Deng Q, Liu Y, Wang X, Chen X, Wang J, Yin Z, Qi S, Gao J, Ma Y, Guo N, Shi M. Induction of breast cancer stem cells by M1 macrophages through Lin-28B-let-7-HMGA2 axis. Cancer Lett 2019; 452:213-225. [PMID: 30917918 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Proinflammatory macrophage (M1) is now being suggested as a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer because of its tumoricidal capacity. However, few studies have been focused directly on the effects of M1 macrophages on cancer cells. Here, we found that M1 induced a subpopulation of CD44high/CD24-/low or ALDH1+ cells with CSC-like phenotypes from different types of breast cancer cells (BCCs) in a paracrine manner. Stat3/NF-κB pathways in BCCs were activated by proinflammatory cytokines, igniting Lin-28B-let-7-HMGA2 axis to induce CSC through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Previously, we reported that Stat3-coordinated Lin-28B-let-7-HMGA2 axis initiated EMT in BCCs. Here, inhibition of Stat3/NF-κB pathways or Lin-28B-let-7-HMGA2 axis suppressed EMT/CSCs program. Notably, HMGA2 knockdown directly repressed M1-induced CSC formation and expression of Klf-4 and Nanog. Meanwhile, prolonged coculture with BCCs endowed M1 with M2 properties. M1 supernatant induced CSC from non-stem cancer cells, while M2 supernatant sustained a higher proportion of ALDH1+ cells. Our data suggest that macrophages might modulate CSC formation and maintenance by transferring between M1/M2 phenotype. Given that M1 are being considered as a promising immunotherapy tool, it is important to inhibit their CSC-inducing potential by targeting key molecules and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Guo
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, PR China.
| | - Xiang Cheng
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Changguo Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Navy General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, PR China
| | - Shuai Xie
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Medical School of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, PR China
| | - Min Zhao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Dan Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Que Deng
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Yanjun Liu
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Medical School of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, PR China
| | - Xiaomeng Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Xintian Chen
- Department of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Tangshan People's Hospital, Tangshan, 063001, PR China
| | - Jiangong Wang
- Department of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Tangshan People's Hospital, Tangshan, 063001, PR China
| | - Zhaoyang Yin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, 100048, PR China
| | - Siyong Qi
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, 100048, PR China
| | - Jiangping Gao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, 100048, PR China
| | - Yuanfang Ma
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Medical School of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, PR China
| | - Ning Guo
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Ming Shi
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, PR China.
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19
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Li J, He Y, Cao Y, Yu Y, Chen X, Gao X, Hu Q. Upregulation of Twist is involved in Gli1 induced migration and invasion of hepatocarcinoma cells. Biol Chem 2019; 399:911-919. [PMID: 29908118 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2018-0131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is involved in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while its detailed mechanisms are not well illustrated. Our present study revealed that the expression of Gli1, while not Gli2 or Gli3, is significantly increased in HCC cell lines and 20/28 (71.4%) HCC tissues as compared with their corresponding controls. Over expression of Gli1 can promote the migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells. Gli1 can increase the expression of Twist, while not other EMT transcription factors such as Snail, ZEB1 or Slug. Gli1 increases the transcription of Twist while it has no significant effect on the protein or mRNA stability. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-polymerase chain reaction confirms that Gli1 can directly bind to the promoter of Twist, in which the third binding site is essential for Gli1 induced transcription. Collectively, our data suggest that upregulation of Twist is involved in Gli1 induced migration and invasion of HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yuting He
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yuan Cao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yan Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Xiaojuan Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Qiuyue Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
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20
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Long L, Xiang H, Liu J, Zhang Z, Sun L. ZEB1 mediates doxorubicin (Dox) resistance and mesenchymal characteristics of hepatocarcinoma cells. Exp Mol Pathol 2019; 106:116-122. [PMID: 30615851 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The acquired chemoresistance during long term chemotherapy is one of the most important factors to limit the application of Doxorubicin (Dox) on clinical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Our present study found that Dox resistant HCC (HCC/Dox) cells had greater capability of in vitro migration and invasion compared to their parental cells. HCC/Dox cells exhibited mesenchymal characteristics, which was evidenced by the up regulation of fibronectin, vimentin while down regulation of E-Cadherin. Zeb1, one powerful epithelial mesenchymal transition related transcription factor (EMT-TF), was markedly upregulated in HCC/Dox cells. Targeted inhibition of Zeb1 via siRNA can suppress the cell migration and re-sensitized cells to Dox treatment. The upregulation of Zeb1 in HCC/Dox cells was due to the increasing protein and mRNA stability of Zeb1. In HCC/Dox cells, the down regulation of SIAH1 mediated the upregulation of protein stability of Zeb1, while decreased levels of miR-3129-5p was responsible for the increasing mRNA stability of Zeb1. Collectively, our data suggested that SIAH1 and miR-3129-5p induced upregulation of Zeb1 mediated the Dox resistance of HCC cells. Targeted inhibition of Zeb1 might be helpful to overcome of Dox resistance of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Long
- Interventional Vascular Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, No. 61 Jiefangxi Road, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Hua Xiang
- Interventional Vascular Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, No. 61 Jiefangxi Road, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Jueshi Liu
- Interventional Vascular Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, No. 61 Jiefangxi Road, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Zhiming Zhang
- Interventional Vascular Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, No. 61 Jiefangxi Road, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Interventional Vascular Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, No. 61 Jiefangxi Road, Changsha 410005, China.
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21
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Bariwal J, Kumar V, Dong Y, Mahato RI. Design of Hedgehog pathway inhibitors for cancer treatment. Med Res Rev 2018; 39:1137-1204. [PMID: 30484872 DOI: 10.1002/med.21555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is involved in the initiation and progression of various cancers and is essential for embryonic and postnatal development. This pathway remains in the quiescent state in adult tissues but gets activated upon inflammation and injuries. Inhibition of Hh signaling pathway using natural and synthetic compounds has provided an attractive approach for treating cancer and inflammatory diseases. While the majority of Hh pathway inhibitors target the transmembrane protein Smoothened (SMO), some small molecules that target the signaling cascade downstream of SMO are of particular interest. Substantial efforts are being made to develop new molecules targeting various components of the Hh signaling pathway. Here, we have discussed the discovery of small molecules as Hh inhibitors from the diverse chemical background. Also, some of the recently identified natural products have been included as a separate section. Extensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) of each chemical class is the focus of this review. Also, clinically advanced molecules are discussed from the last 5 to 7 years. Nanomedicine-based delivery approaches for Hh pathway inhibitors are also discussed concisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender Bariwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Virender Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Yuxiang Dong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Ram I Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
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22
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Cerrizuela S, Vega-López GA, Palacio MB, Tríbulo C, Aybar MJ. Gli2 is required for the induction and migration of Xenopus laevis neural crest. Mech Dev 2018; 154:219-239. [PMID: 30086335 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The neural crest (NC) is a multipotent migratory embryonic population that is formed during late gastrulation and gives rise to a wide array of derivatives, including cells from the peripheral nervous system (PNS), the craniofacial bones and cartilages, peripheral glial cells, and melanocyte cells, among others. In this work we analyzed the role of the Hedgehog signaling pathway effector gli2 in Xenopus NC. We provide evidence that the gli2 gene is expressed in the prospective, premigratory and migratory NC. The use of a specific morpholino against gli2 and the pharmacological specific inhibitor GANT61 in different experimental approaches allowed us to determine that gli2 is required for the induction and specification of NC cells as a transcriptional activator. Moreover, gli2 also acts by reducing apoptosis in the NC without affecting its cell proliferation status. We also demonstrated that gli2 is required cell-autonomously for NC migration, and for the formation of NC derivatives such as the craniofacial cartilages, melanocytes and the cranial ganglia. Altogether, our results showed that gli2 is a key transcriptional activator to accomplish the proper specification and development of Xenopus NC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Cerrizuela
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.
| | - Guillermo A Vega-López
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina; Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.
| | - María Belén Palacio
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Celeste Tríbulo
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina; Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.
| | - Manuel J Aybar
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina; Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.
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23
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Qin Y, Chen X, Liu Z, Tian X, Huo Z. miR-106a Reduces 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) Sensitivity of Colorectal Cancer by Targeting Dual-Specificity Phosphatases 2 (DUSP2). Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:4944-4951. [PMID: 30011263 PMCID: PMC6067019 DOI: 10.12659/msm.910016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy is a conventional therapeutic approach for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). However, development of 5-FU resistance frequently occurs. We explored a potential method for regulating the sensitivity to 5-FU-based chemotherapy in CRC patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cell viability was determined by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Gene expression levels were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Protein expression levels were evaluated by Western blot. TargetScan was used for the prediction of binding sites for miRNA in mRNAs. The interaction between mRNA 3'UTR and miRNA was verified by dual luciferase reporter assay. Tissue samples were obtained from 33 CRC patients who received surgery at Xingtai People's Hospital. RESULTS miR-106a level was associated with 5-FU sensitivity in CRC cells. Overexpression of miR-106a reduced 5-FU sensitivity of HCT116 and SW620 cells, and antagonist of miR-106a sensitized HCT116 and SW620 towards 5-FU. miR-106a overexpression decreased dual-specificity phosphatases 2 (DUSP2) expression at mRNA and protein levels in HCT116 and SW620 cells. Through downregulation of DUSP2, miR-106a elevation increased COX-2 expression and stemness-maintenance genes (SOX2 and OCT4). Furthermore, we predicted that miR-106a directly binds to 3'UTR of DUSP2 mRNA, which was confirmed by dual luciferase assay. Silencing of DUSP2 reversed elevated 5-FU sensitivity induced by miR-106a antagonist in HCT116 cells. A negative correlation was discovered between miR-106a and DUSP2 in tumor samples of CRC patients. CONCLUSIONS miR-106a plays an important role in mediating response to 5-FU-based chemotherapy in CRC and could serve as a potential target for CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Qin
- Surgical Department of Gastrointestinal Neoplasms, Xingtai People's Hospital, Xingtai, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Xiao Chen
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Xingtai People's Hospital, Xingtai, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Zhihu Liu
- Surgical Department of Gastrointestinal Neoplasms, Xingtai People's Hospital, Xingtai, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaopeng Tian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xingtai People's Hospital, Xingtai, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Zhibin Huo
- Surgical Department of Gastrointestinal Neoplasms, Xingtai People's Hospital, Xingtai, Hebei, China (mainland)
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24
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Zhang J, Cui Y, Sun S, Cao J, Fang X. Casticin inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ovarian carcinoma via the hedgehog signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2018. [PMID: 29541219 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.7880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Casticin inhibits migration, invasion and induced apoptosis in numerous cancer cells; however, the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is a key factor in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The present study aimed to assess whether casticin affects the expression of members of the Hh signaling pathway and EMT effectors in ovarian carcinoma. The ovarian cancer SKOV3 cell line was incubated in the presence of various concentrations of casticin or cyclopamine. Next, the expression levels of the main Hh signaling effector glioma-associated oncogene-1 (Gli-1) and EMT-associated factors [Twist-related protein 1 (Twist1), E-cadherin and N-cadherin] were determined by western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation and growth were assessed using MTT and soft agar assays; cell migration and invasion was evaluated using an in vitro migration assay and a transwell invasion assay, respectively. Compared with control group values, Gli-1, Twist1 and N-cadherin expression levels were reduced, whereas E-cadherin levels were increased in the casticin- and cyclopamine-treated groups. Incubation with casticin or cyclopamine resulted in markedly reduced SKOV3 cell viability, migration and invasion, in a dose-dependent manner. To the best of our knowledge, the findings of the present study indicated for first time that casticin may inhibit EMT via Hh signaling in vitro, reducing the migratory ability of ovarian cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China.,Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Yinghong Cui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medical College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - Shuwen Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medical College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - Jianguo Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medical College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoling Fang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
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25
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Ning X, Zhang K, Wu Q, Liu M, Sun S. Emerging role of Twist1 in fibrotic diseases. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 22:1383-1391. [PMID: 29314610 PMCID: PMC5824384 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a pathological process that occurs in a variety of diseases, including organ fibrosis. Twist1, a basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor, is involved in EMT and plays significant roles in various fibrotic diseases. Suppression of the EMT process represents a promising approach for the treatment of fibrotic diseases. In this review, we discuss the roles and the underlying molecular mechanisms of Twist1 in fibrotic diseases, including those affecting kidney, lung, skin, oral submucosa and other tissues. We aim at providing new insight into the pathogenesis of various fibrotic diseases and facilitating the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods for their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Ning
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qingfeng Wu
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minna Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shiren Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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26
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Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Embryonic Development, Tissue Repair and Cancer: A Comprehensive Overview. J Clin Med 2017; 7:jcm7010001. [PMID: 29271928 PMCID: PMC5791009 DOI: 10.3390/jcm7010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a central role in both normal physiological events (e.g., embryonic development) and abnormal pathological events (e.g., tumor formation and metastasis). The processes that occur in embryonic development are often reactivated under pathological conditions such as oncogenesis. Therefore, defining the regulatory networks (both gene and protein levels) involved in the EMT during embryonic development will be fundamental in understanding the regulatory networks involved in tumor development, as well as metastasis. There are many molecules, factors, mediators and signaling pathways that are involved in the EMT process. Although the EMT is a very old topic with numerous publications, recent new technologies and discoveries give this research area some new perspective and direction. It is now clear that these important processes are controlled by a network of transcriptional and translational regulators in addition to post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications that amplify the initial signals. In this review article, we will discuss some key concepts, historical findings, as well as some recent progresses in the EMT research field.
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27
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Prieto-Vila M, Takahashi RU, Usuba W, Kohama I, Ochiya T. Drug Resistance Driven by Cancer Stem Cells and Their Niche. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122574. [PMID: 29194401 PMCID: PMC5751177 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 333] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance represents one of the greatest challenges in cancer treatment. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subset of cells within the tumor with the potential for self-renewal, differentiation and tumorigenicity, are thought to be the major cause of cancer therapy failure due to their considerable chemo- and radioresistance, resulting in tumor recurrence and eventually metastasis. CSCs are situated in a specialized microenvironment termed the niche, mainly composed of fibroblasts and endothelial, mesenchymal and immune cells, which also play pivotal roles in drug resistance. These neighboring cells promote the molecular signaling pathways required for CSC maintenance and survival and also trigger endogenous drug resistance in CSCs. In addition, tumor niche components such as the extracellular matrix also physically shelter CSCs from therapeutic agents. Interestingly, CSCs contribute directly to the niche in a bilateral feedback loop manner. Here, we review the recent advances in the study of CSCs, the niche and especially their collective contribution to resistance, since increasingly studies suggest that this interaction should be considered as a target for therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Prieto-Vila
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan.
| | - Ryou-U Takahashi
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan.
| | - Wataru Usuba
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan.
| | - Isaku Kohama
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan.
| | - Takahiro Ochiya
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan.
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28
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Liu G, Huang W, Wang J, Liu X, Yang J, Zhang Y, Geng Y, Tan W, Zhang A. Discovery of Novel Macrocyclic Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors Acting by Suppressing the Gli-Mediated Transcription. J Med Chem 2017; 60:8218-8245. [PMID: 28873303 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
A systemic medicinal chemistry campaign was conducted based on a literature hit compound 5 bearing the 4,5-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,5]oxazocin-6(3H)-one core through cyclization of two side substituents of the bicyclic skeleton combined with N-atom walking or ring walking and the central ring expansion or extraction approaches, leading to several series of structurally unique tricyclic compounds. Among these, compound 29a was identified as the most potent against the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway showing an IC50 value of 23 nM. Mechanism studies indicated that compound 29a inhibited the Hh signaling pathway by suppressing the expression of the transcriptional factors Gli rather than by interrupting the binding of Gli with DNA. We further observed that 29a was equally potent against both Smo wild type and the two major resistant mutants (Smo D473H and Smo W535L). It potently inhibited the proliferation of medulloblastoma cells and showed significant tumor growth inhibition in the ptch± ;p53-/- medulloblastoma allograft mice model. Though more studies are needed to clarify the precise interaction pattern of 29a with Gli, its promising in vitro and in vivo properties encourage further profiling as a new-generation Hh signaling inhibitor to treat tumors primarily or secondarily resistant to current Smo inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, and the State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM) , Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenjing Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, and the State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM) , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yong Geng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, and the State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM) , Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenfu Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, and the State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM) , Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University , Shanghai 201210, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, China
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29
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Zhao Z, Rahman MA, Chen ZG, Shin DM. Multiple biological functions of Twist1 in various cancers. Oncotarget 2017; 8:20380-20393. [PMID: 28099910 PMCID: PMC5386770 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Twist1 is a well-known regulator of transcription during embryonic organogenesis in many species. In humans, Twist1 malfunction was first linked to Saethre-Chotzen syndrome and later identified to play an essential role in tumor initiation, stemness, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and chemo-resistance in a variety of carcinomas, sarcomas, and hematological malignances. In this review, we will first focus on systematically elaborating the diverse pathological functions of Twist1 in various cancers, then delineating the intricate underlying network of molecular mechanisms, based on which we will summarize current therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment that target and modulate Twist1-involved signaling pathways. Most importantly, we will put special emphasis on revealing the independence and interdependency of these multiple biological functions of Twist1, piecing together the whole delicate picture of Twist1's diversified pathological roles in different cancers and providing new perspectives to guide future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang Zhao
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.,Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mohammad Aminur Rahman
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Zhuo G Chen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Dong M Shin
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
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30
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Armas-López L, Piña-Sánchez P, Arrieta O, de Alba EG, Ortiz-Quintero B, Santillán-Doherty P, Christiani DC, Zúñiga J, Ávila-Moreno F. Epigenomic study identifies a novel mesenchyme homeobox2-GLI1 transcription axis involved in cancer drug resistance, overall survival and therapy prognosis in lung cancer patients. Oncotarget 2017; 8:67056-67081. [PMID: 28978016 PMCID: PMC5620156 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Several homeobox-related gene (HOX) transcription factors such as mesenchyme HOX-2 (MEOX2) have previously been associated with cancer drug resistance, malignant progression and/or clinical prognostic responses in lung cancer patients; however, the mechanisms involved in these responses have yet to be elucidated. Here, an epigenomic strategy was implemented to identify novel MEOX2 gene promoter transcription targets and propose a new molecular mechanism underlying lung cancer drug resistance and poor clinical prognosis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays derived from non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) hybridized on gene promoter tiling arrays and bioinformatics analyses were performed, and quantitative, functional and clinical validation were also carried out. We statistically identified a common profile consisting of 78 gene promoter targets, including Hedgehog-GLI1 gene promoter sequences (FDR≤0.1 and FDR≤0.2). The GLI-1 gene promoter region from -2,192 to -109 was occupied by MEOX2, accompanied by transcriptionally active RNA Pol II and was epigenetically linked to the active histones H3K27Ac and H3K4me3; these associations were quantitatively validated. Moreover, siRNA genetic silencing assays identified a MEOX2-GLI1 axis involved in cellular cytotoxic resistance to cisplatinum in a dose-dependent manner, as well as cellular migration and proliferation. Finally, Kaplan-Maier survival analyses identified significant MEOX2-dependent GLI-1 protein expression associated with clinical progression and poorer overall survival using an independent cohort of NSCLC patients undergoing platinum-based oncological therapy with both epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-non-mutated and EGFR-mutated status. In conclusion, this is the first study to investigate epigenome-wide MEOX2-transcription factor occupation identifying a novel overexpressed MEOX2-GLI1 axis and its clinical association with platinum-based cancer drug resistance and EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-based therapy responses in NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonel Armas-López
- National University Autonomous of México (UNAM), Facultad de Estudios Superiores (FES) Iztacala, Biomedicine Research Unit (UBIMED), Lung Diseases And Cancer Epigenomics Laboratory, Mexico State, Mexico
| | - Patricia Piña-Sánchez
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Centro Medico Nacional (CMN) Siglo XXI, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Oncológicas (UIMEO), Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Oscar Arrieta
- National Cancer Institute (INCAN), Thoracic Oncology Clinic, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Enrique Guzman de Alba
- National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER) “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Blanca Ortiz-Quintero
- National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER) “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - David C. Christiani
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joaquín Zúñiga
- National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER) “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Federico Ávila-Moreno
- National University Autonomous of México (UNAM), Facultad de Estudios Superiores (FES) Iztacala, Biomedicine Research Unit (UBIMED), Lung Diseases And Cancer Epigenomics Laboratory, Mexico State, Mexico
- National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER) “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Mexico City, Mexico
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31
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Gunarta IK, Li R, Nakazato R, Suzuki R, Boldbaatar J, Suzuki T, Yoshioka K. Critical role of glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 in maintaining invasive and mesenchymal-like properties of melanoma cells. Cancer Sci 2017; 108:1602-1611. [PMID: 28635133 PMCID: PMC5543504 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. This aggressiveness appears to be due to the cancer cells' ability to reversibly switch between phenotypes with non-invasive and invasive potential, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is known to play a central role in this process. The transcription factor glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1) is a component of the canonical and noncanonical sonic hedgehog pathways. Although GLI1 has been suggested to be involved in melanoma progression, its precise role and the mechanism underlying invasion remain unclear. Here we investigated whether and how GLI1 is involved in the invasive ability of melanoma cells. Gli1 knockdown (KD) melanoma cell lines, established by using Gli1-targeting lentiviral short hairpin RNA, exhibited a markedly reduced invasion ability, but their MITF expression and activity were the same as controls. Gli1 KD melanoma cells also led to less lung metastasis in mice compared with control melanoma cells. Furthermore, the Gli1 KD melanoma cells underwent a mesenchymal-to-epithelial-like transition, accompanied by downregulation of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-inducing transcription factors (EMT-TF) Snail1, Zeb1 and Twist1, but not Snail2 or Zeb2. Collectively, these results indicate that GLI1 is important for maintaining the invasive and mesenchymal-like properties of melanoma cells independent of MITF, most likely by modulating a subset of EMT-TF. Our findings provide new insight into how heterogeneity and plasticity are achieved and regulated in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Ketut Gunarta
- Division of Molecular Cell SignalingCancer Research InstituteKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Rong Li
- Division of Molecular Cell SignalingCancer Research InstituteKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Ryota Nakazato
- Division of Molecular Cell SignalingCancer Research InstituteKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Ryusuke Suzuki
- Division of Molecular Cell SignalingCancer Research InstituteKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Jambaldorj Boldbaatar
- Division of Molecular Cell SignalingCancer Research InstituteKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Takeshi Suzuki
- Division of Functional GenomicCancer Research InstituteKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Katsuji Yoshioka
- Division of Molecular Cell SignalingCancer Research InstituteKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
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32
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Hedgehog signaling pathway affects the sensitivity of hepatoma cells to drug therapy through the ABCC1 transporter. J Transl Med 2017; 97:819-832. [PMID: 28414325 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2017.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor response to drug therapy often seen in hepatocellular carcinoma requires insight into the molecular interplay responsible for intrinsic or acquired drug resistance. We previously demonstrated that the CD133-/EpCAM- subpopulation of the Huh-7 hepatoma cell line features aberrant activation of the hedgehog signaling (Hh) pathway and chemoresistance. The prevailing hypothesis of the present study is that hedgehog signaling may govern expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which are responsible for drug resistance in the CD133-/EpCAM- subpopulation. Our aim is to reveal the molecular interplay in the mediation of drug resistance with a newly established Huh-7 subpopulation featuring high Hh signaling activity and drug resistance. In this study, chemoresistance was determined in a newly established Huh-7-DN subpopulation featuring the CD133-/EpCAM- surface marker profile, aberrant expression of Hh pathway, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Expression of ABC transporter proteins (ABCB1, ABCC1, and ABCG2) and Hh transcription factor Gli-1/2 was evaluated with and without Hh signaling antagonists LDE225 or itraconazole. We found that hedgehog signaling activity as determined by transfection with a Gli-Lux reporter cassette and gene expression levels tended to increase from Huh-7 CD133+/EpCAM+ to CD133-/EpCAM-, and the highest levels were found in Huh-7-DN cells. The Huh-7-DN subpopulation exhibited characteristics of EMT as evidenced by increased expression of vimentin and loss of E-cadherin. Sorafenib significantly inhibited the viability of all subpopulations except the Huh-7-DN subpopulation. Compared with other sorafenib-sensitive subpopulations, the Huh-7-DN subpopulation showed enhanced expression of Hh transcription factor Gli-2 and ABCC1 transporter protein. Silencing Gli-2 by lentivirus harboring shRNA against Gli-2 or LDE225 significantly suppressed expression of Gli-2 and ABCC1 genes in Huh-7-DN subpopulation. In conclusion, aberrant hedgehog signaling activation is linked to poor differentiation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and chemoresistance in the Huh-7-DN subpopulation. Hedgehog signaling transcription factor Gli-2 appears to be the primary regulator for drug sensitivity of hepatoma through the ABCC1 transporter.
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33
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Neelakantan D, Zhou H, Oliphant MUJ, Zhang X, Simon LM, Henke DM, Shaw CA, Wu MF, Hilsenbeck SG, White LD, Lewis MT, Ford HL. EMT cells increase breast cancer metastasis via paracrine GLI activation in neighbouring tumour cells. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15773. [PMID: 28604738 PMCID: PMC5472791 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent fate-mapping studies concluded that EMT is not required for metastasis of carcinomas. Here we challenge this conclusion by showing that these studies failed to account for possible crosstalk between EMT and non-EMT cells that promotes dissemination of non-EMT cells. In breast cancer models, EMT cells induce increased metastasis of weakly metastatic, non-EMT tumour cells in a paracrine manner, in part by non-cell autonomous activation of the GLI transcription factor. Treatment with GANT61, a GLI1/2 inhibitor, but not with IPI 926, a Smoothened inhibitor, blocks this effect and inhibits growth in PDX models. In human breast tumours, the EMT-transcription factors strongly correlate with activated Hedgehog/GLI signalling but not with the Hh ligands. Our findings indicate that EMT contributes to metastasis via non-cell autonomous effects that activate the Hh pathway. Although all Hh inhibitors may act against tumours with canonical Hh/GLI signalling, only GLI inhibitors would act against non-canonical EMT-induced GLI activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Neelakantan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado-Denver, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Room P18-6115, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA.,Molecular Biology Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Hengbo Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado-Denver, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Room P18-6115, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA.,Cancer Biology Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Michael U J Oliphant
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado-Denver, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Room P18-6115, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA.,Integrated Physiology Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Xiaomei Zhang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Lukas M Simon
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München (GmbH), Neuherberg 85764, Germany
| | - David M Henke
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Chad A Shaw
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Meng-Fen Wu
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Susan G Hilsenbeck
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Lisa D White
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Michael T Lewis
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Heide L Ford
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado-Denver, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Room P18-6115, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA.,Molecular Biology Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA.,Cancer Biology Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA.,Integrated Physiology Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
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34
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Wu SM, Lin SL, Lee KY, Chuang HC, Feng PH, Cheng WL, Liao CJ, Chi HC, Lin YH, Tsai CY, Chen WJ, Yeh CT, Lin KH. Hepatoma cell functions modulated by NEK2 are associated with liver cancer progression. Int J Cancer 2017; 140:1581-1596. [PMID: 27925179 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
NEK2 (NIMA-related expressed kinase 2) is a serine/threonine centrosomal kinase that acts as a critical regulator of centrosome structure and function. Aberrant NEK2 activities lead to failure in regulating centrosome duplication. NEK2 overexpression promotes tumorigenesis and is associated with poor prognosis in several cancers. Increased NEK2 expression during the late pathological stage has been detected in the Oncomine liver dataset and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) specimens. Elevated NEK2 protein is associated with poor overall survival in patients with HCC. However, the precise roles and mechanisms of NEK2 in liver cancer progression remain largely unknown. An earlier functional study revealed that NEK2 mediates drug resistance (cisplatin or lipo-doxorubicin) via expression of an ABCC10 transporter. Active angiogenesis and metastasis underlie the rapid recurrence and poor survival of HCC. Results from the current study showed that NEK2 mediates tumor growth, metastasis and angiogenesis in vivo. NEK2-mediated drug resistance was blocked by a specific PI3K or AKT inhibitor. Moreover, NEK2 mediated liver cancer cell migration via pAKT/NF-κB signaling and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activation. Angiogenesis was induced via the same signaling pathway and IL-8 stimulation. Our findings collectively indicate that NEK2 modulates hepatoma cell functions, including growth, drug resistance, metastasis and angiogenesis via downstream genes activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Ming Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Syuan-Ling Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Yun Lee
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Chi Chuang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Hao Feng
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Li Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Liao
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Cheng Chi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Hsiang Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Ying Tsai
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jan Chen
- Cardiovascular Division, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linko, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kwang-Huei Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linko, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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35
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Naik PP, Das DN, Panda PK, Mukhopadhyay S, Sinha N, Praharaj PP, Agarwal R, Bhutia SK. Implications of cancer stem cells in developing therapeutic resistance in oral cancer. Oral Oncol 2016; 62:122-135. [PMID: 27865365 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Conventional therapeutics are often frequented with recurrences, refraction and regimen resistance in oral cavity cancers which are predominantly manifested by cancer stem cells (CSCs). During oncoevolution, cancer cells may undergo structural and functional reprogramming wherein they evolve as highly tolerant CSC phenotypes with greater survival advantages. The CSCs possess inherent and exclusive properties including self-renewal, hierarchical differentiation, and tumorigenicity that serve as the basis of chemo-radio-resistance in oral cancer. However, the key mechanisms underlying the CSC-mediated therapy resistance need to be further elucidated. A spectrum of dysfunctional cellular pathways including the developmental signaling, apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle regulation, DNA damage responses and epigenetic regulations protect the CSCs from conventional therapies. Moreover, tumor niche shelters CSCs and creates an immunosuppressive environment favoring the survival of CSCs. Maintenance of lower redox status, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metabolic reprogramming and altered drug responses are the accessory features that aid in the process of chemo-radio-resistance in oral CSCs. This review deals with the functional and molecular basis of cancer cell pluripotency-associated resistance highlighting the abrupt fundamental cellular processes; targeting these events may hold a great promise in the successful treatment of oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajna Paramita Naik
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Durgesh Nandini Das
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Prashanta Kumar Panda
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Subhadip Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Niharika Sinha
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | | | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States; University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States.
| | - Sujit Kumar Bhutia
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India.
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36
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Rosa R, D'Amato V, De Placido S, Bianco R. Approaches for targeting cancer stem cells drug resistance. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2016; 11:1201-1212. [PMID: 27700193 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2016.1243525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several reports have suggested that a population of undifferentiated cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), is responsible for cancer formation and maintenance. In the last decade, the presence of CSCs in solid cancers have been reported. Areas covered: This review summarizes the main approaches for targeting CSCs drug resistance. It is indeed known that CSCs may contribute to resistance to conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted agents. Among the mechanisms by which CSCs escape anticancer therapies, removal of therapeutic agents by drug efflux pumps, enhanced DNA damage repair, activation of mitogenic/anti-apoptotic pathways; the main features of CSCs, stemness and EMT, are involved, as well as the capability to evade immune response. Expert opinion: Different approaches are suitable to target CSCs mediated drug resistance. Some of them are currently under clinical evaluation in different cancer types. A better understanding of CSC biology, as well as more accurate study design, may maximize the therapeutic effects of these agents. In this respect, it is important to establish: (i) which molecules should be targeted; (ii) what drug combinations may be suitable; (iii) which patient settings will CSC targeting offer the highest clinical benefit; and (iv) how to integrate therapeutic approaches targeting CSCs with standard cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Rosa
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia , Università di Napoli Federico II , Napoli , Italy
| | - Valentina D'Amato
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia , Università di Napoli Federico II , Napoli , Italy
| | - Sabino De Placido
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia , Università di Napoli Federico II , Napoli , Italy
| | - Roberto Bianco
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia , Università di Napoli Federico II , Napoli , Italy
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37
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Ren H, Du P, Ge Z, Jin Y, Ding D, Liu X, Zou Q. TWIST1 and BMI1 in Cancer Metastasis and Chemoresistance. J Cancer 2016; 7:1074-80. [PMID: 27326250 PMCID: PMC4911874 DOI: 10.7150/jca.14031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Increasing evidences revealed that cancer cells with the characteristics of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) or cancer stem cells (CSC) have high ability of progression, invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance. TWIST1 and BMI1 are crucial transcription factors required for EMT and CSC. Both TWIST1 and BMI1 are up-regulated in various cancers and have a positive correlation with poor prognosis. Although recent results showed that the two molecules function in promoting cancer metastasis and chemoresistance respectively, the correlation of TWIST1 and BMI1 is not well understood. Methods In this review, we summarize recent advance in cancer research focus on TWIST1 and BMI1 in cancer metastasis and chemoresistance, and emphasize the possible link between EMT and CSC. Results Further investigation of TWIST1 and BMI1 cooperately promote CSC proliferation due to EMT-associated effect will help to understand the mechanism of tumor cells metastasis and chemoresistance. Conclusions TWIST1 and BMI1 in cancer cells will be effective targets for treating chemoresistant metastatic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Ren
- 1. Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Peizhun Du
- 1. Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zongyu Ge
- 2. Department of General Surgery, Huzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
| | - Yiting Jin
- 1. Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Di Ding
- 3. Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiuping Liu
- 4. Department of Pathology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Zou
- 1. Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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38
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New Insights into the Crossroads between EMT and Stemness in the Context of Cancer. J Clin Med 2016; 5:jcm5030037. [PMID: 26985909 PMCID: PMC4810108 DOI: 10.3390/jcm5030037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an example of cellular plasticity, where an epithelial cell acquires a mesenchymal-like phenotype that increases its migratory and invasive properties. Stemness is the ability of stem cells to proliferate in an asymmetric way that allows them to maintain the reservoir of undifferentiated cells with stem cell identity, but also to produce new differentiated cells. Initial works revealed that activation of the EMT program in epithelial cells induces the acquisition of stem cell properties, which in the context of cancer may contribute to the appearance of tumor initiating cells (TIC). However, a number of groups have recently reported that mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) is required for efficient metastatic colonization and that EMT may be not necessarily associated with stemness. In this review, we summarize recent findings that extend our knowledge about the crossroads between EMT and stemness and their relevance under physiological or pathological conditions.
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39
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Li H, Li J, Feng L. Hedgehog signaling pathway as a therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Cancer Epidemiol 2015; 40:152-7. [PMID: 26724464 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2015.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal cause of death among gynecological malignancies. Despite advancements in surgery and chemotherapy treatment strategies, the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients remains poor; a majority of patients relapse and eventually succumb to this disease. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcome are urgently needed. The hedgehog signaling pathway is vital for embryonic development and tissue homeostasis, and its deregulation is implicated in cancer cell growth, survival, differentiation, and metastasis. The critical role of hedgehog signaling in multiple biologic processes raises concerns about its potential therapeutic use in cancer. Consequently, many studies are focusing on hedgehog signaling as an attractive target in cancer treatment. In this review, we present an overview of the hedgehog pathway and its pathological aberrations in ovarian cancer. We also discuss inhibitors of the hedgehog signaling pathway that are currently being investigated in the laboratory and in early clinical trials; as well as the clinical challenges these inhibitors face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing TianTan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Jinghua Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing TianTan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Limin Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing TianTan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.
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40
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Azzi S, Treps L, Leclair HM, Ngo HM, Harford-Wright E, Gavard J. Desert Hedgehog/Patch2 Axis Contributes to Vascular Permeability and Angiogenesis in Glioblastoma. Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:281. [PMID: 26635611 PMCID: PMC4657436 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) constitutes the most common and the most aggressive type of human tumors affecting the central nervous system. Prognosis remains dark due to the inefficiency of current treatments and the rapid relapse. Paralleling other human tumors, GBM contains a fraction of tumor initiating cells with the capacity to self-renew, initiate and maintain the tumor mass. These cells were found in close proximity to brain vasculature, suggesting functional interactions between brain tumor-initiating cells (BTICs) and endothelial cells within the so-called vascular niche. However, the mechanisms by which these cells impact on the endothelium plasticity and function remain unclear. Using culture of BTICs isolated from a cohort of 14 GBM patients, we show that BTICs secretome promotes brain endothelial cell remodeling in a VEGF-independent manner. Gene array analysis unmasked that BTICs-released factors drove the expression of Ptch2 in endothelial cells. Interestingly, BTICs produce desert hedgehog (DHH) ligand, enabling a paracrine DHH/Ptch2 signaling cascade that conveys elevated permeability and angiogenesis. Finally, DHH silencing in BTICs dramatically reduced tumor growth, as well as vascularization and intra-tumor permeability. Collectively, our data unveil a role for DHH in exacerbated tumor angiogenesis and permeability, which may ultimately favor glioblastoma growth, and thus place the DHH/Ptch2 nexus as a molecular target for novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Azzi
- INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Université Paris Descartes , Paris, France
| | - Lucas Treps
- INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Université Paris Descartes , Paris, France
| | - Héloïse M Leclair
- INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Université Paris Descartes , Paris, France ; INSERM, U892, CNRS, UMR6299, Université de Nantes , Nantes, France
| | - Hai-Mi Ngo
- INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Université Paris Descartes , Paris, France
| | - Elizabeth Harford-Wright
- INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Université Paris Descartes , Paris, France ; INSERM, U892, CNRS, UMR6299, Université de Nantes , Nantes, France
| | - Julie Gavard
- INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Université Paris Descartes , Paris, France ; INSERM, U892, CNRS, UMR6299, Université de Nantes , Nantes, France
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Liu Y, Zhang X, Wang J, Yang J, Tan WF. JNK is required for maintaining the tumor-initiating cell-like properties of acquired chemoresistant human cancer cells. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2015; 36:1099-106. [PMID: 26235742 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2015.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Many studies reveal an association between the acquired chemoresistant phenotype of cancer cells and tumor-initiating cell-like properties. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) on the tumor-initiating cell-like properties of acquired chemoresistant human cancer cells. METHODS Two well-established human acquired chemoresistant cancer cell lines K562/A02 and KB/VCR, as well as their respective parental counterparts K562 and KB were tested. The expression of relevant mRNAs and proteins was detected using qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Sphere formation and self-renewal assays were used to study the tumor-initiating cell-like properties. Soft agar and colony formation assays were used to investigate tumorigenic ability. RESULTS We observed that suppressing JNK activity by its specific small molecule inhibitor SP600125 or by limiting JNK1/2 expression with JNK1/2 shRNA lentiviruses inhibited the expression of pluripotent stem cell markers such as Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog in KB/VCR cells and K562/A02 cells as well as sphere formation and self-renewal abilities of K562/A02 cells. Additionally, inhibition of JNK activity significantly inhibited the in vitro and in vivo tumor-initiating abilities of KB/VCR cells. Furthermore, our data suggest that blocking JNK activity abundantly inhibited the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway activity, as reflected by reduction of Hedgehog (Hh) pathway target genes Gli1 and ptch1 at the mRNA level as well as Gli-luciferase activity. CONCLUSION JNK maintains the tumor-initiating cell-like properties of acquired chemoresistant K562/A02 and KB/VCR cells potentially through activating the Hedgehog pathway. Thus, disruption of tumor-initiating cell-like properties by targeting JNK may be a new approach to combating acquired chemoresistance.
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