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Samant C, Kale R, Pai KSR, Nandakumar K, Bhonde M. Role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cancer drug resistance: Insights into molecular aspects of major solid tumors. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 729:150348. [PMID: 38986260 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Adaptive resistance to conventional and targeted therapies remains one of the major obstacles in the effective management of cancer. Aberrant activation of key signaling mechanisms plays a pivotal role in modulating resistance to drugs. An evolutionarily conserved Wnt/β-catenin pathway is one of the signaling cascades which regulate resistance to drugs. Elevated Wnt signaling confers resistance to anticancer therapies, either through direct activation of its target genes or via indirect mechanisms and crosstalk over other signaling pathways. Involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cancer hallmarks like inhibition of apoptosis, promotion of invasion and metastasis and cancer stem cell maintenance makes this pathway a potential target to exploit for addressing drug resistance. Accumulating evidences suggest a critical role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in imparting resistance across multiple cancers including PDAC, NSCLC, TNBC, etc. Here we present a comprehensive assessment of how Wnt/β-catenin pathway mediates cancer drug resistance in majority of the solid tumors. We take a deep dive into the Wnt/β-catenin signaling-mediated modulation of cellular and downstream molecular mechanisms and their impact on cancer resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charudatt Samant
- Department of Pharmacology, Novel Drug Discovery and Development (NDDD), Lupin Limited, Survey No. 46A/47A, Village Nande, Taluka Mulshi, Pune, 412115, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ramesh Kale
- Department of Pharmacology, Novel Drug Discovery and Development (NDDD), Lupin Limited, Survey No. 46A/47A, Village Nande, Taluka Mulshi, Pune, 412115, Maharashtra, India
| | - K Sreedhara Ranganath Pai
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Krishnadas Nandakumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Mandar Bhonde
- Department of Pharmacology, Novel Drug Discovery and Development (NDDD), Lupin Limited, Survey No. 46A/47A, Village Nande, Taluka Mulshi, Pune, 412115, Maharashtra, India
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2
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Freeman P, Bellomo G, Ireland L, Abudula M, Luckett T, Oberst M, Stafferton R, Ghaneh P, Halloran C, Schmid MC, Mielgo A. Inhibition of insulin-like growth factors increases production of CXCL9/10 by macrophages and fibroblasts and facilitates CD8 + cytotoxic T cell recruitment to pancreatic tumours. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1382538. [PMID: 39165364 PMCID: PMC11334161 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1382538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy with an urgent unmet clinical need for new therapies. Using a combination of in vitro assays and in vivo preclinical models we demonstrate that therapeutic inhibition of the IGF signalling axis promotes the accumulation of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells within the tumour microenvironment of PDAC tumours. Mechanistically, we show that IGF blockade promotes macrophage and fibroblast production of the chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 to facilitate CD8+ T cell recruitment and trafficking towards the PDAC tumour. Exploring this pathway further, we show that IGF inhibition leads to increased STAT1 transcriptional activity, correlating with a downregulation of the AKT/STAT3 signalling axis, in turn promoting Cxcl9 and Cxcl10 gene transcription. Using patient derived tumour explants, we also demonstrate that our findings translate into the human setting. PDAC tumours are frequently described as "immunologically cold", therefore bolstering CD8+ T cell recruitment to PDAC tumours through IGF inhibition may serve to improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors which rely on the presence of CD8+ T cells in tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Freeman
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Gaia Bellomo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Ireland
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Maidinaimu Abudula
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Teifion Luckett
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Oberst
- Department of Oncology Research, AstraZeneca, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Ruth Stafferton
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Paula Ghaneh
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Halloran
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Michael C. Schmid
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ainhoa Mielgo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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3
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Chikhirzhina E, Tsimokha A, Tomilin AN, Polyanichko A. Structure and Functions of HMGB3 Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7656. [PMID: 39062899 PMCID: PMC11276821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
HMGB3 protein belongs to the group of HMGB proteins from the superfamily of nuclear proteins with high electrophoretic mobility. HMGB proteins play an active part in almost all cellular processes associated with DNA-repair, replication, recombination, and transcription-and, additionally, can act as cytokines during infectious processes, inflammatory responses, and injuries. Although the structure and functions of HMGB1 and HMGB2 proteins have been intensively studied for decades, very little attention has been paid to HMGB3 until recently. In this review, we summarize the currently available data on the molecular structure, post-translational modifications, and biological functions of HMGB3, as well as the possible role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system-dependent HMGB3 degradation in tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Chikhirzhina
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Av. 4, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.T.); (A.N.T.); (A.P.)
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Meng Y, Shu Z, Wang X, Hong L, Wang B, Jiang J, He K, Cao Q, Shi F, Wang H, Gong L, Diao H. Hepatitis B Virus-Mediated m6A Demethylation Increases Hepatocellular Carcinoma Stemness and Immune Escape. Mol Cancer Res 2024; 22:642-655. [PMID: 38546386 PMCID: PMC11217737 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-23-0720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B viral (HBV) persistent infection plays a significant role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis. Many studies have revealed the pivotal roles of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in multiple cancers, while the regulatory mechanism in stemness maintenance of HBV persistent infection-related HCC remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated that the level of m6A modification was downregulated by HBV in HBV-positive HCC, through enhanced stability of ALKBH5 mRNA. More specifically, we also identified that ALKBH5 mRNA was functionally required for the stemness maintenance and self-renewal in the HBV-positive HCC, but dispensable in HBV-negative HCC. Mechanistically, ALKBH5 demethylated the m6A modification in the 3' untranslated region of the oncogenic gene SNAI2 to prevent the recognition of YTHDF2 therewith stabilize SNAI2 transcripts, contributing to cancer stem cell traits in HBV-positive HCC. Moreover, the expression of SNAI2 reversed the suppression of stemness properties by knocking down ALKBH5. In addition, ALKBH5/SNAI2 axis accelerates tumor immune evasion through activated ligand of immune checkpoint CD155. Our study unveiled that the ALKBH5 induces m6A demethylation of the SNAI2 as a key regulator in HBV-related HCC, and identifies the function of ALKBH5/SNAI2/YTHDF2 axis in promoting the stem-like cells phenotype and immune escape during HBV infection. IMPLICATIONS HBV promotes HCC stemness maintenance through elevate m6A modification of SNAI2 in an ALKBH5-YTHDF2-dependent manner and increases the expression of the ligand of immune checkpoint CD155.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Meng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Zheyue Shu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xueyao Wang
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Liang Hong
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Baohua Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Kangxin He
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Qingyi Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Fan Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Hai Wang
- Department of Laboratory, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Lan Gong
- Microbiome Research Centre, St George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hongyan Diao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
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Hernández-Magaña A, Bensussen A, Martínez-García JC, Álvarez-Buylla ER. Engineering principles for rationally design therapeutic strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1404319. [PMID: 38939509 PMCID: PMC11208463 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1404319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The search for new therapeutic strategies against cancer has favored the emergence of rationally designed treatments. These treatments have focused on attacking cell plasticity mechanisms to block the transformation of epithelial cells into cancerous cells. The aim of these approaches was to control particularly lethal cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma. However, they have not been able to control the progression of cancer for unknown reasons. Facing this scenario, emerging areas such as systems biology propose using engineering principles to design and optimize cancer treatments. Beyond the possibilities that this approach might offer, it is necessary to know whether its implementation at a clinical level is viable or not. Therefore, in this paper, we will review the engineering principles that could be applied to rationally design strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma, and discuss whether the necessary elements exist to implement them. In particular, we will emphasize whether these engineering principles could be applied to fight hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Bensussen
- Departamento de Control Automático, Cinvestav-IPN, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Elena R. Álvarez-Buylla
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad (C3), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Wang P, Kang Q, Wu WS, Rui L. Hepatic Snai1 and Snai2 promote liver regeneration and suppress liver fibrosis in mice. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113875. [PMID: 38451818 PMCID: PMC11025633 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver injury stimulates hepatocyte replication and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, thereby driving liver regeneration. Aberrant HSC activation induces liver fibrosis. However, mechanisms underlying liver regeneration and fibrosis remain poorly understood. Here, we identify hepatic Snai1 and Snai2 as important transcriptional regulators for liver regeneration and fibrosis. Partial hepatectomy or CCl4 treatment increases occupancies of Snai1 and Snai2 on cyclin A2 and D1 promoters in the liver. Snai1 and Snai2 in turn increase promoter H3K27 acetylation and cyclin A2/D1 expressions. Hepatocyte-specific deletion of both Snai1 and Snai2, but not one alone, suppresses liver cyclin A2/D1 expression and regenerative hepatocyte proliferation after hepatectomy or CCl4 treatments but augments CCl4-stimulated HSC activation and liver fibrosis. Conversely, Snai2 overexpression in the liver enhances hepatocyte replication and suppresses liver fibrosis after CCl4 treatment. These results suggest that hepatic Snai1 and Snai2 directly promote, via histone modifications, reparative hepatocyte replication and indirectly inhibit liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Wang
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510640, China; School of Chemical Engineering and Light Insulation, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qianqian Kang
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Wen-Shu Wu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UI Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Liangyou Rui
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Elizabeth Weiser Caswell Diabetes Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Zhao H, Han R, Wang Z, Xian J, Bai X. Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells and Targeted Agents. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2763. [PMID: 38140103 PMCID: PMC10748092 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Since their discovery, cancer stem cells have become a hot topic in cancer therapy research. These cells possess stem cell-like self-renewal and differentiation capacities and are important factors that dominate cancer metastasis, therapy-resistance and recurrence. Worse, their inherent characteristics make them difficult to eliminate. Colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Targeting colorectal cancer stem cells (CR-CSCs) can inhibit colorectal cancer metastasis, enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce recurrence. Here, we introduced the origin, biomarker proteins, identification, cultivation and research techniques of CR-CSCs, and we summarized the signaling pathways that regulate the stemness of CR-CSCs, such as Wnt, JAK/STAT3, Notch and Hh signaling pathway. In addition to these, we also reviewed recent anti-CR-CSC drugs targeting signaling pathways, biomarkers and other regulators. These will help researchers gain insight into the current agents targeting to CR-CSCs, explore new cancer drugs and propose potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haobin Zhao
- Department of General Practice, People’s Hospital of Longhua, 38 Jinglong Jianshe Road, Shenzhen 518109, China; (H.Z.); (J.X.)
- Endocrinology Department, People’s Hospital of Longhua, 38 Jinglong Jianshe Road, Shenzhen 518109, China
| | - Ruining Han
- Obstetric Department, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China;
| | - Zhankun Wang
- Emergency Department, People’s Hospital of Longhua, 38 Jinglong Jianshe Road, Shenzhen 518109, China;
| | - Junfang Xian
- Department of General Practice, People’s Hospital of Longhua, 38 Jinglong Jianshe Road, Shenzhen 518109, China; (H.Z.); (J.X.)
| | - Xiaosu Bai
- Endocrinology Department, People’s Hospital of Longhua, 38 Jinglong Jianshe Road, Shenzhen 518109, China
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Saitoh M. Transcriptional regulation of EMT transcription factors in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 97:21-29. [PMID: 37802266 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the processes by which epithelial cells transdifferentiate into mesenchymal cells in the developmental stage, known as "complete EMT." In epithelial cancer, EMT, also termed "partial EMT," is associated with invasion, metastasis, and resistance to therapy, and is elicited by several transcription factors, frequently referred to as EMT transcription factors. Among these transcription factors that regulate EMT, ZEB1/2 (ZEB1 and ZEB2), SNAIL, and TWIST play a prominent role in driving the EMT process (hereafter referred to as "EMT-TFs"). Among these, ZEB1/2 show positive correlation with both expression of mesenchymal marker proteins and the aggressiveness of various carcinomas. On the other hand, TWIST and SNAIL are also correlated with the aggressiveness of carcinomas, but are not highly correlated with mesenchymal marker protein expression. Interestingly, these EMT-TFs are not detected simultaneously in any studied cases of aggressive cancers, except for sarcoma. Thus, only one or some of the EMT-TFs are expressed at high levels in cells of aggressive carcinomas. Expression of EMT-TFs is regulated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a well-established inducer of EMT, in cooperation with other signaling molecules, such as active RAS signals. The focus of this review is the molecular mechanisms by which EMT-TFs are transcriptionally sustained at sufficiently high levels in cells of aggressive carcinomas and upregulated by TGF-β during cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masao Saitoh
- Center for Medical Education and Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo-city, Yamanashi, Japan.
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Li K, Wu X, Li Y, Hu TT, Wang W, Gonzalez FJ, Liu W. AKAP12 promotes cancer stem cell-like phenotypes and activates STAT3 in colorectal cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:3263-3276. [PMID: 37326825 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03230-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have unique biological characteristics, including tumorigenicity, immortality, and chemoresistance. Colorectal CSCs have been identified and isolated from colorectal cancers by various methods. AKAP12, a scaffolding protein, is considered to act as a potential suppressor in colorectal cancer, but its role in CSCs remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the function of AKAP12 in Colorectal CSCs. METHODS Herein, Colorectal CSCs were enriched by cell culture with a serum-free medium. CSC-associated characteristics were evaluated by Flow cytometry assay and qPCR. AKAP12 gene expression was regulated by lentiviral transfection assay. The tumorigenicity of AKAP12 in vivo by constructing a tumor xenograft model. The related pathways were explored by qPCR and Western blot. RESULTS The depletion of AKAP12 reduced colony formation, sphere formation, and expression of stem cell markers in colorectal cancer cells, while its knockdown decreased the volume and weight of tumor xenografts in vivo. AKAP12 expression levels also affected the expression of stemness markers associated with STAT3, potentially via regulating the expression of protein kinase C. CONCLUSION This study suggests Colorectal CSCs overexpress AKAP12 and maintain stem cell characteristics through the AKAP12/PKC/STAT3 pathway. AKAP12 may be an important therapeutic target for blocking the development of colorectal cancer in the field of cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai, 200070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai, 200070, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, People's Republic of China
| | - Weifeng Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Frank J Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Hashemi M, Abbaszadeh S, Rashidi M, Amini N, Talebi Anaraki K, Motahhary M, Khalilipouya E, Harif Nashtifani A, Shafiei S, Ramezani Farani M, Nabavi N, Salimimoghadam S, Aref AR, Raesi R, Taheriazam A, Entezari M, Zha W. STAT3 as a newly emerging target in colorectal cancer therapy: Tumorigenesis, therapy response, and pharmacological/nanoplatform strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 233:116458. [PMID: 37348629 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most aggressive tumor globally, and it can be categorized into two forms: colitis-mediated CRC and sporadic CRC. The therapeutic approaches for CRC encompass surgical intervention, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, even with the implementation of these techniques, the 5-year survival rate for metastatic CRC remains at a mere 12-14%. In the realm of CRC treatment, gene therapy has emerged as a novel therapeutic approach. Among the crucial molecular pathways that govern tumorigenesis, STAT3 plays a significant role. This pathway is subject to regulation by cytokines and growth factors. Once translocated into the nucleus, STAT3 influences the expression levels of factors associated with cell proliferation and metastasis. Literature suggests that the upregulation of STAT3 expression is observed as CRC cells progress towards metastatic stages. Consequently, elevated STAT3 levels serve as a significant determinant of poor prognosis and can be utilized as a diagnostic factor for cancer patients. The biological and malignant characteristics of CRC cells contribute to low survival rates in patients, as the upregulation of STAT3 prevents apoptosis and promotes pro-survival autophagy, thereby accelerating tumorigenesis. Furthermore, STAT3 plays a role in facilitating the proliferation of CRC cells through the stimulation of glycolysis and promoting metastasis via the induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Notably, an intriguing observation is that the upregulation of STAT3 can mediate resistance to 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and other anti-cancer drugs. Moreover, the radio-sensitivity of CRC diminishes with increased STAT3 expression. Compounds such as curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, and other anti-tumor agents exhibit the ability to suppress STAT3 and its associated pathways, thereby impeding tumorigenesis in CRC. Furthermore, it is worth noting that nanostructures have demonstrated anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic properties in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Abbaszadeh
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University Tonekabon Branch, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Nafisesadat Amini
- Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | | | | | - Ensi Khalilipouya
- Department of Radiology, Mahdiyeh Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sasan Shafiei
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Xsphera Biosciences, Translational Medicine Group, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - Rasoul Raesi
- Health Services Management, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Wenliang Zha
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China.
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Dong Y, Tan H, Wang L, Liu Z. Progranulin promoted the proliferation, metastasis, and suppressed apoptosis via JAK2-STAT3/4 signaling pathway in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:191. [PMID: 37660003 PMCID: PMC10475200 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03033-2] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progranulin (PGRN), a glycoprotein secreted by a wide range of epithelial cells and plays an important role in inflammatory mechanisms and tumor progression. In this study, the expression, and functions of PGRN in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) was examined to explore the potential pathogenesis of PTC. METHODS Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to detect the relationship between PGRN expression and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with PTC. PTC cell lines with PGRN overexpression and with PGRN knockdown were established to explore their effects on the biological behavior. Western blotting was used to detect the changes of relevant molecules and JAK2-STAT3/4 signaling pathway. Moreover, rescue experiments validated the involvement of the JAK2-STAT3/4 signaling pathway. And statistical analyses were analyzed using SPASS 21.0 and graph generation were performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0. RESULTS PGRN was overexpressed in PTC tissue and increased by 75% at mRNA level and 161% at relative protein level in the patients with lymph node metastasis compared to without lymph node metastasis. Besides, PGRN regulated and promoted PTC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inhibited cell apoptosis. With PGRN overexpressed, relevant molecules including the expression of BCL2/BAX, BCL2/BAD, CyclinD1, MMP2, vimentin and N-cadherin were increased, the expression level of E-cadherin was decreased, and the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3/4 were increased. JAK inhibitor (JSI-124) rescued these changes of PTC cells induced by overexpressed PGRN. CONCLUSIONS These findings revealed that PGRN promote the progression of PTC through the JAK2-STAT3/4 pathway, and PGRN could be served as a potential therapeutic target for PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxu Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Hao Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Lidong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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12
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Heidari F, Madadi S, Alizadeh N, Alimardani MH, Safari A, Armand MH, Pishgahzadeh E, Soleimani M. The potential of monoclonal antibodies for colorectal cancer therapy. Med Oncol 2023; 40:273. [PMID: 37603117 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02151-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Conventional chemotherapy has significant limitations for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, especially those who have developed metastatic recurrence CRC. A growing number of studies have investigated the potential use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for CRC therapy. mAbs showing clinical benefits for CRC, making the treatment more selective with lower side effects without significant immunogenicity. In addition, recent advancements in antibody engineering strategies and the development of bifunctional or even trifunctional drugs have helped to overcome heterogeneity as the main challenge in cancer treatment. The current review discusses advances in applying mAbs for CRC therapy alone, combined, or with small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Heidari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmide Blvd, 6517838678, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Soheil Madadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmide Blvd, 6517838678, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Neda Alizadeh
- Anesthesia and Critical Care Department, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Alimardani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmide Blvd, 6517838678, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Armin Safari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmide Blvd, 6517838678, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Armand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmide Blvd, 6517838678, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Elahe Pishgahzadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmide Blvd, 6517838678, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Meysam Soleimani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmide Blvd, 6517838678, Hamadan, Iran.
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13
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Xu Y, Xu M, Li X, Weng X, Su Z, Zhang M, Tan J, Zeng H, Li X, Nie L, Gong J, Chen N, Chen X, Zhou Q. SOX9 and HMGB3 co-operatively transactivate NANOG and promote prostate cancer progression. Prostate 2023; 83:440-453. [PMID: 36541373 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The homeodomain-containing transcription factor NANOG is overexpressed in prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa) and predicts poor prognosis. The SOX family transcription factor SOX9, as well as the transcription co-activator HMGB3 of the HMGB family, are also overexpressed and may play pivotal roles in PCa. However, it is unknown whether SOX9 and HMGB3 interact with each other, or if they regulate NANOG gene transcription. METHODS We identified potential SOX9 responsive elements in NANOG promoter, and investigated if SOX9 regulated NANOG transcription in co-operation with HMGB3 by experimental analysis of potential SOX9 binding sites in NANOG promoter, reporter gene transcription assays with or without interference or artificial overexpression of SOX9 and/or HMGB3, and protein-binding assays of SOX9-HMGB3 interaction. Clinicopathologic and prognostic significance of SOX9-HMGB3 overexpression in PCa was analyzed. RESULTS SOX9 activated NANOG gene transcription by preferentially binding to a highly conserved consensus cis-regulatory element (-573 to -568) in NANOG promoter, and promoted the expression of NANOG downstream oncogenic genes. Importantly, HMGB3 functioned as a partner of SOX9 to co-operatively enhance transactivation of NANOG by interacting with SOX9, predominantly via the HMG Box A domain of HMGB3. Overexpression of SOX9 and/or HMGB3 enhanced PCa cell survival and cell migration and were significantly associated with PCa progression. Notably, Cox proportional regression analysis showed that co-overexpression of both SOX9 and HMGB3 was an independent unfavorable prognosticator for both CRPC-free survival (relative risk [RR] = 3.779,95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.159-12.322, p = 0.028) and overall survival (RR = 3.615,95% CI: 1.101-11.876, p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS These findings showed a novel SOX9/HMGB3/NANOG regulatory mechanism, deregulation of which played important roles in PCa progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyi Xu
- Department of Pathology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Miao Xu
- Department of Pathology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinglan Li
- Department of Pathology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Weng
- Department of Pathology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengzheng Su
- Department of Pathology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengni Zhang
- Department of Pathology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junya Tan
- Department of Pathology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hao Zeng
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Nie
- Department of Pathology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Gong
- Department of Pathology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ni Chen
- Department of Pathology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xueqin Chen
- Department of Pathology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Department of Pathology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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14
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Chatterjee D, Cong F, Wang XF, Machado Costa CA, Huang YC, Deng WM. Cell polarity opposes Jak/STAT-mediated Escargot activation that drives intratumor heterogeneity in a Drosophila tumor model. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112061. [PMID: 36709425 PMCID: PMC10374876 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In proliferating neoplasms, microenvironment-derived selective pressures promote tumor heterogeneity by imparting diverse capacities for growth, differentiation, and invasion. However, what makes a tumor cell respond to signaling cues differently from a normal cell is not well understood. In the Drosophila ovarian follicle cells, apicobasal-polarity loss induces heterogeneous epithelial multilayering. When exacerbated by oncogenic-Notch expression, this multilayer displays an increased consistency in the occurrence of morphologically distinguishable cells adjacent to the polar follicle cells. Polar cells release the Jak/STAT ligand Unpaired (Upd), in response to which neighboring polarity-deficient cells exhibit a precursor-like transcriptomic state. Among the several regulons active in these cells, we could detect and further validate the expression of Snail family transcription factor Escargot (Esg). We also ascertain a similar relationship between Upd and Esg in normally developing ovaries, where establishment of polarity determines early follicular differentiation. Overall, our results indicate that epithelial-cell polarity acts as a gatekeeper against microenvironmental selective pressures that drive heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeptiman Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Fei Cong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Xian-Feng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Caique Almeida Machado Costa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Yi-Chun Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Wu-Min Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
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15
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Antony GR, Littleflower AB, Parambil ST, Subhadradevi L. PD-1/PD-L1 blockade inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and improves chemotherapeutic response in breast cancer. Med Oncol 2023; 40:108. [PMID: 36842157 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-01965-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Therapies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis have recently been implemented for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) management with limited efficacy, indicating that this axis may promote tumor growth by means other than immune suppression. Because PD-L1 overexpression causes resistance to the chemotherapeutic response in many cancers, here we explored the tumor promoting role of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in breast cancer. We observed that the downregulation of PD-L1 by specific siRNA and pharmacological inhibitor significantly suppressed tumor cell proliferation, invasion and migration thereby enhancing T cell-mediated cell killing in vitro. We also showed that inhibiting PD-L1 improves cytotoxic sensitivity to chemotherapy in TNBC cells. Our in vivo results confirmed that combining a PD-L1 inhibitor with chemotherapy could significantly reduce tumor progression by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Overall, our results proved that PD-L1 contributes to the transformation and progression of breast cancer cells and that its intervention is a promising therapeutic strategy against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisha Rose Antony
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Division of Cancer Research, Regional Cancer Centre (Research Centre, University of Kerala), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
| | - Ajeesh Babu Littleflower
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Division of Cancer Research, Regional Cancer Centre (Research Centre, University of Kerala), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
| | - Sulfath Thottungal Parambil
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Division of Cancer Research, Regional Cancer Centre (Research Centre, University of Kerala), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
| | - Lakshmi Subhadradevi
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Division of Cancer Research, Regional Cancer Centre (Research Centre, University of Kerala), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India.
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16
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Kasprzak A. Autophagy and the Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) System in Colonic Cells: Implications for Colorectal Neoplasia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043665. [PMID: 36835075 PMCID: PMC9959216 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common human malignancies worldwide. Along with apoptosis and inflammation, autophagy is one of three important mechanisms in CRC. The presence of autophagy/mitophagy in most normal mature intestinal epithelial cells has been confirmed, where it has mainly protective functions against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced DNA and protein damage. Autophagy regulates cell proliferation, metabolism, differentiation, secretion of mucins and/or anti-microbial peptides. Abnormal autophagy in intestinal epithelial cells leads to dysbiosis, a decline in local immunity and a decrease in cell secretory function. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway plays an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis. This is evidenced by the biological activities of IGFs (IGF-1 and IGF-2), IGF-1 receptor type 1 (IGF-1R) and IGF-binding proteins (IGF BPs), which have been reported to regulate cell survival, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Defects in autophagy are found in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and CRC. In neoplastic cells, the IGF system modulates the autophagy process bidirectionally. In the current era of improving CRC therapies, it seems important to investigate the exact mechanisms not only of apoptosis, but also of autophagy in different populations of tumor microenvironment (TME) cells. The role of the IGF system in autophagy in normal as well as transformed colorectal cells still seems poorly understood. Hence, the aim of the review was to summarize the latest knowledge on the role of the IGF system in the molecular mechanisms of autophagy in the normal colon mucosa and in CRC, taking into account the cellular heterogeneity of the colonic and rectal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldona Kasprzak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Medical Sciences, Swiecicki Street 6, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
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17
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Merhi M, Ahmad F, Taib N, Inchakalody V, Uddin S, Shablak A, Dermime S. The complex network of transcription factors, immune checkpoint inhibitors and stemness features in colorectal cancer: A recent update. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 89:1-17. [PMID: 36621515 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunity is regulated by several mechanisms that include co-stimulatory and/or co-inhibitory molecules known as immune checkpoints expressed by the immune cells. In colorectal cancer (CRC), CTLA-4, LAG3, TIM-3 and PD-1 are the major co-inhibitory checkpoints involved in tumor development and progression. On the other hand, the deregulation of transcription factors and cancer stem cells activity plays a major role in the development of drug resistance and in the spread of metastatic disease in CRC. In this review, we describe how the modulation of such transcription factors affects the response of CRC to therapies. We also focus on the role of cancer stem cells in tumor metastasis and chemoresistance and discuss both preclinical and clinical approaches for targeting stem cells to prevent their tumorigenic effect. Finally, we provide an update on the clinical applications of immune checkpoint inhibitors in CRC and discuss the regulatory effects of transcription factors on the expression of the immune inhibitory checkpoints with specific focus on the PD-1 and PD-L1 molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysaloun Merhi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fareed Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nassiba Taib
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Inchakalody
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alaaeldin Shablak
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Said Dermime
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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18
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Zhang T, Cao W, Sun H, Yu D, Zhong C. Diallyl Trisulfide Suppresses the Renal Cancer Stem-like Cell Properties via Nanog. Nutr Cancer 2023; 75:971-979. [PMID: 36562732 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2022.2156553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), which play an important role in tumor initiation and progression, have been identified in many cancers. Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) is an organosulfur compound extracted from garlic with anticancer activities. Nanog is a transcription factor responsible for maintaining the stemness of CSCs, but its role in the DATS-induced attenuation of renal CSC properties is unknown. In this study, renal CSCs were enriched from human renal cancer cell lines 786-O and ACHN cultured in a serum-free medium (SFM). The properties of CSCs were analyzed by evaluating the ability of the cells in sphere formation and measuring the expression of stem cell markers. We found that downregulation of Nanog inhibited renal CSC properties. DATS suppressed renal CSC activities by reducing tumorsphere formation, decreasing stem cell markers including Nanog, CD44, ALDH1A1, and Oct4, inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. We further revealed that overexpression of Nanog reversed the suppressive effects of DATS on renal CSCs. Taken together, our results demonstrated that DATS inhibited renal CSCs by suppressing Nanog. These novel findings suggested that, through Nanog targeting, DATS can potentially be used as an anti-tumor agent for renal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taotao Zhang
- Health Management Center , The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wanshuang Cao
- Cancer Research Division, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongliang Sun
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Taikang Xianlin Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dexin Yu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Caiyun Zhong
- Cancer Research Division, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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19
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Sui Y, Jiang H, Kellogg CM, Oh S, Janknecht R. Promotion of colorectal cancer by transcription factor BHLHE40 involves upregulation of ADAM19 and KLF7. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1122238. [PMID: 36890812 PMCID: PMC9986587 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1122238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BHLHE40 is a transcription factor, whose role in colorectal cancer has remained elusive. We demonstrate that the BHLHE40 gene is upregulated in colorectal tumors. Transcription of BHLHE40 was jointly stimulated by the DNA-binding ETV1 protein and two associated histone demethylases, JMJD1A/KDM3A and JMJD2A/KDM4A, which were shown to also form complexes on their own and whose enzymatic activity was required for BHLHE40 upregulation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that ETV1, JMJD1A and JMJD2A interacted with several regions within the BHLHE40 gene promoter, suggesting that these three factors directly control BHLHE40 transcription. BHLHE40 downregulation suppressed both growth and clonogenic activity of human HCT116 colorectal cancer cells, strongly hinting at a pro-tumorigenic role of BHLHE40. Through RNA sequencing, the transcription factor KLF7 and the metalloproteinase ADAM19 were identified as putative BHLHE40 downstream effectors. Bioinformatic analyses showed that both KLF7 and ADAM19 are upregulated in colorectal tumors as well as associated with worse survival and their downregulation impaired HCT116 clonogenic activity. In addition, ADAM19, but not KLF7, downregulation reduced HCT116 cell growth. Overall, these data have revealed a ETV1/JMJD1A/JMJD2A→BHLHE40 axis that may stimulate colorectal tumorigenesis through upregulation of genes such as KLF7 and ADAM19, suggesting that targeting this axis represents a potential novel therapeutic avenue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Sui
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Hanlin Jiang
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Collyn M Kellogg
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Sangphil Oh
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States.,Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Ralf Janknecht
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States.,Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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20
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TRIB3 promotes pulmonary fibrosis through inhibiting SLUG degradation by physically interacting with MDM2. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:1631-1647. [PMID: 37139431 PMCID: PMC10150180 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is the pathological structure of incurable fibroproliferative lung diseases that are attributed to the repeated lung injury-caused failure of lung alveolar regeneration (LAR). Here, we report that repetitive lung damage results in a progressive accumulation of the transcriptional repressor SLUG in alveolar epithelial type II cells (AEC2s). The abnormal increased SLUG inhibits AEC2s from self-renewal and differentiation into alveolar epithelial type I cells (AEC1s). We found that the elevated SLUG represses the expression of the phosphate transporter SLC34A2 in AEC2s, which reduces intracellular phosphate and represses the phosphorylation of JNK and P38 MAPK, two critical kinases supporting LAR, leading to LAR failure. TRIB3, a stress sensor, interacts with the E3 ligase MDM2 to suppress SLUG degradation in AEC2s by impeding MDM2-catalyzed SLUG ubiquitination. Targeting SLUG degradation by disturbing the TRIB3/MDM2 interaction using a new synthetic staple peptide restores LAR capacity and exhibits potent therapeutic efficacy against experimental PF. Our study reveals a mechanism of the TRIB3-MDM2-SLUG-SLC34A2 axis causing the LAR failure in PF, which confers a potential strategy for treating patients with fibroproliferative lung diseases.
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21
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Kilmister EJ, Koh SP, Weth FR, Gray C, Tan ST. Cancer Metastasis and Treatment Resistance: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Targeting of Cancer Stem Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112988. [PMID: 36428556 PMCID: PMC9687343 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastasis and treatment resistance are the main causes of treatment failure and cancer-related deaths. Their underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated and have been attributed to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs)-a small population of highly tumorigenic cancer cells with pluripotency and self-renewal properties, at the apex of a cellular hierarchy. CSCs drive metastasis and treatment resistance and are sustained by a dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME). Numerous pathways mediate communication between CSCs and/or the surrounding TME. These include a paracrine renin-angiotensin system and its convergent signaling pathways, the immune system, and other signaling pathways including the Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, and Sonic Hedgehog pathways. Appreciation of the mechanisms underlying metastasis and treatment resistance, and the pathways that regulate CSCs and the TME, is essential for developing a durable treatment for cancer. Pre-clinical and clinical studies exploring single-point modulation of the pathways regulating CSCs and the surrounding TME, have yielded partial and sometimes negative results. This may be explained by the presence of uninhibited alternative signaling pathways. An effective treatment of cancer may require a multi-target strategy with multi-step inhibition of signaling pathways that regulate CSCs and the TME, in lieu of the long-standing pursuit of a 'silver-bullet' single-target approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabrina P. Koh
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
| | - Freya R. Weth
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
| | - Clint Gray
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
| | - Swee T. Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
- Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial & Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Correspondence:
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22
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Cao M, Wang Y, Lu G, Qi H, Li P, Dai X, Lu J. Classical Angiogenic Signaling Pathways and Novel Anti-Angiogenic Strategies for Colorectal Cancer. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:4447-4471. [PMID: 36286020 PMCID: PMC9601273 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44100305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although productive progress has been made in colorectal cancer (CRC) researchs, CRC is the second most frequent type of malignancy and the major cause of cancer-related death among gastrointestinal cancers. As angiogenesis constitutes an important point in the control of CRC progression and metastasis, understanding the key signaling pathways that regulate CRC angiogenesis is critical in elucidating ways to inhibit CRC. Herein, we comprehensively summarized the angiogenesis-related pathways of CRC, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), Wingless and int-1 (Wnt), and Notch signaling pathways. We divided the factors influencing the specific pathway into promoters and inhibitors. Among these, some drugs or natural compounds that have antiangiogenic effects were emphasized. Furthermore, the interactions of these pathways in angiogenesis were discussed. The current review provides a comprehensive overview of the key signaling pathways that are involved in the angiogenesis of CRC and contributes to the new anti-angiogenic strategies for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Cao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yunmeng Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Guige Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Haoran Qi
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Peiyu Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaoshuo Dai
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Correspondence:
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DiNatale A, Castelli MS, Nash B, Meucci O, Fatatis A. Regulation of Tumor and Metastasis Initiation by Chemokine Receptors. J Cancer 2022; 13:3160-3176. [PMID: 36118530 PMCID: PMC9475358 DOI: 10.7150/jca.72331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-initiating cells (TICs) are a rare sub-population of cells within the bulk of a tumor that are major contributors to tumor initiation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. TICs have a stem-cell-like phenotype that is dictated by the expression of master regulator transcription factors, including OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2. These transcription factors are expressed via activation of multiple signaling pathways that drive cancer initiation and progression. Importantly, these same signaling pathways can be activated by select chemokine receptors. Chemokine receptors are increasingly being revealed as major drivers of the TIC phenotype, as their signaling can lead to activation of stemness-controlling transcription factors. Additionally, the cell surface expression of chemokine receptors provides a unique therapeutic target to disrupt signaling pathways that control the expression of master regulator transcription factors and the TIC phenotype. This review summarizes the master regulator transcription factors known to dictate the TIC phenotype, along with the complex signaling pathways that can mediate their expression and the chemokine receptors that are most upstream of this phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony DiNatale
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.,Present Address: Janssen Oncology, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Maria Sofia Castelli
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.,Present address: Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bradley Nash
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Olimpia Meucci
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.,Program in Immune Cell Regulation & Targeting, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Alessandro Fatatis
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.,Program in Translational and Cellular Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Gao X, Liao Z, Su R, Zheng D, Huang G, Huang Z, Cheng X. Depletion of Fibroblast Growth Factor 12 Restrains the Viability, Stemness, and Motility of Colorectal Cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:9948461. [PMID: 35860801 PMCID: PMC9293533 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9948461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death. CRC patients have a poor prognosis due to tumor metastasis and recurrence. Fibroblast growth factor 12 (FGF12), a member of the FGF family, is highly expressed in several cancers. However, little is known about the roles of FGF12 in CRC progression. Methods The overall survival (OS) of CRC patients was detected via Kaplan-Meier analysis. The FGF12 expression in both CRC tissues and cells was analyzed by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blotting (WB). LoVo and SW480 cells were transfected with shFGF12 lentivirus to silence FGF12. In vivo and in vitro experiments were performed to explore the FGF12 functions in CRC, including CCK-8, Edu, flow cytometry, Transwell, EMT, cancer stemness, and tumor xenograft experiments. Results FGF12 was upregulated in both CRC cells and tissues. High expression of FGF12 indicated a shorter OS in CRC patients. FGF12 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, invasion, stemness, and EMT of CRC cells. FGF12 knockdown promoted CRC cell apoptosis in vitro. 740 Y-P (a PI3K/AKT pathway activator) restored the proliferation, stemness, invasion, and EMT in FGF12-deficient cells and reversed LoVo cell apoptosis induced by FGF12 depletion. Depletion of FGF12 inhibited tumor growth, EMT, cancer stemness, and PI3K/AKT pathway in a xenograft mouse model. Conclusions FGF12 predicts bad clinical outcome and modulates the viability, stemness, and motility of CRC cells. Our study may provide a new insight for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyuan Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Beihai People's Hospital, Beihai, Guangxi 536000, China
| | - Zuowei Liao
- Department of General Surgery, Beihai People's Hospital, Beihai, Guangxi 536000, China
| | - Rukui Su
- Department of General Surgery, Beihai People's Hospital, Beihai, Guangxi 536000, China
| | - Dongni Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Beihai People's Hospital, Beihai, Guangxi 536000, China
| | - Guoyuan Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Beihai People's Hospital, Beihai, Guangxi 536000, China
| | - Zhong Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Beihai People's Hospital, Beihai, Guangxi 536000, China
| | - Xueyuan Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Beihai People's Hospital, Beihai, Guangxi 536000, China
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25
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Cho SJ, Jeong BY, Song YS, Park CG, Cho DY, Lee HY. STAT3 mediates RCP-induced cancer cell invasion through the NF-κB/Slug/MT1-MMP signaling cascade. Arch Pharm Res 2022; 45:460-474. [PMID: 35809175 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-022-01396-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Rab coupling protein (RCP) has been known to induce cancer invasion and metastasis, and STAT3 is one of major oncogenic factors. In the present study, we identify the critical role of STAT3 in RCP-induced cancer cell invasion. Immunohistochemical data of ovarian cancer tissues presented that levels of RCP expression are closely correlated with those of phospho-STAT3 (p-STAT3). In addition, ovarian cancer patients with high expression of both RCP and p-STAT3 had significantly lower progress-free and overall survival rates compared to those with low either RCP or p-STAT3 expression. Mechanistically, RCP induced STAT3 phosphorylation in both ovarian and breast cancer cells. Silencing or pharmacological inhibition of STAT3 significantly inhibited RCP-induced cancer cell invasion. In addition, we provide evidence that the β1 integrin/EGFR axis is important for RCP-induced STAT3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, STAT3 activated NF-κB for Slug expression that in turn upregulated MT1-MMP expression for cancer cell invasion. Collectively, our present data demonstrate that STAT3 is located downstream of the β1 integrin/EGFR axis and induces Slug and MT1-MMP expression for cancer cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Jin Cho
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, 821 Medical Science Building, 158 Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Young Jeong
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, 821 Medical Science Building, 158 Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea.,Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Young Soo Song
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Gyo Park
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, 821 Medical Science Building, 158 Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Yeun Cho
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoi Young Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, 821 Medical Science Building, 158 Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea.
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Sadrkhanloo M, Entezari M, Orouei S, Ghollasi M, Fathi N, Rezaei S, Hejazi ES, Kakavand A, Saebfar H, Hashemi M, Goharrizi MASB, Salimimoghadam S, Rashidi M, Taheriazam A, Samarghandian S. STAT3-EMT axis in tumors: modulation of cancer metastasis, stemness and therapy response. Pharmacol Res 2022; 182:106311. [PMID: 35716914 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mechanism is responsible for metastasis of tumor cells and their spread to various organs and tissues of body, providing undesirable prognosis. In addition to migration, EMT increases stemness and mediates therapy resistance. Hence, pathways involved in EMT regulation should be highlighted. STAT3 is an oncogenic pathway that can elevate growth rate and migratory ability of cancer cells and induce drug resistance. The inhibition of STAT3 signaling impairs cancer progression and promotes chemotherapy-mediated cell death. Present review focuses on STAT3 and EMT interaction in modulating cancer migration. First of all, STAT3 is an upstream mediator of EMT and is able to induce EMT-mediated metastasis in brain tumors, thoracic cancers and gastrointestinal cancers. Therefore, STAT3 inhibition significantly suppresses cancer metastasis and improves prognosis of patients. EMT regulators such as ZEB1/2 proteins, TGF-β, Twist, Snail and Slug are affected by STAT3 signaling to stimulate cancer migration and invasion. Different molecular pathways such as miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs modulate STAT3/EMT axis. Furthermore, we discuss how STAT3 and EMT interaction affects therapy response of cancer cells. Finally, we demonstrate targeting STAT3/EMT axis by anti-tumor agents and clinical application of this axis for improving patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdokht Sadrkhanloo
- Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Orouei
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ghollasi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nikoo Fathi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shamin Rezaei
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Sadat Hejazi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirabbas Kakavand
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Saebfar
- European University Association, League of European Research Universities, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Healthy Ageing Research Centre, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
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Yang T, Liang N, Li J, Hu P, Huang Q, Zhao Z, Wang Q, Zhang H. MDSCs might be "Achilles heel" for eradicating CSCs. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 65:39-50. [PMID: 35595600 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
During tumor initiation and progression, the complicated role of immune cells in the tumor immune microenvironment remains a concern. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a group of immune cells that originate from the bone marrow and have immunosuppressive potency in various diseases, including cancer. In recent years, the key role of cancer stemness has received increasing attention in cancer development and therapy. Several studies have demonstrated the important regulatory relationship between MDSCs and cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, there is still no clear understanding regarding the complex interacting regulation of tumor malignancy, and current research progress is limited. In this review, we summarize the complicated role of MDSCs in the modulation of cancer stemness, evaluate the mechanism of the relationship between CSCs and MDSCs, and discuss potential strategies for eradicating CSCs with respect to MDSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ning Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali 671000, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Stomatology, Shaanxi Provincial Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Pan Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the 920 Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese PLA, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali 671000, China
| | - Zifeng Zhao
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - Hongxin Zhang
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Department of Intervention Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China.
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Pavlič A, Hauptman N, Boštjančič E, Zidar N. Long Non-Coding RNAs as Potential Regulators of EMT-Related Transcription Factors in Colorectal Cancer—A Systematic Review and Bioinformatics Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092280. [PMID: 35565409 PMCID: PMC9105237 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Emerging evidence highlights long non-coding RNAs as important regulators of epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Numerous studies have attempted to define their possible diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic values in various human cancers. The aim of this review is to summarize long non-coding RNAs involved in the regulation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in colorectal carcinoma. Additional candidate long non-coding RNAs are identified through a bioinformatics analysis. Abstract Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis, influencing cancer progression, metastases, stemness, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming and therapeutic resistance. EMT in most carcinomas, including colorectal carcinoma (CRC), is only partial, and can be evidenced by identification of the underlying molecular drivers and their regulatory molecules. During EMT, cellular reprogramming is orchestrated by core EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs), namely ZEB1/2, TWIST1/2, SNAI1 (SNAIL) and SNAI2 (SLUG). While microRNAs have been clearly defined as regulators of EMT, the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in EMT is poorly defined and controversial. Determining the role of lncRNAs in EMT remains a challenge, because they are involved in a number of cellular pathways and are operating through various mechanisms. Adding to the complexity, some lncRNAs have controversial functions across different tumor types, acting as EMT promotors in some tumors and as EMT suppressors in others. The aim of this review is to summarize the role of lncRNAs involved in the regulation of EMT-TFs in human CRC. Additional candidate lncRNAs were identified through a bioinformatics analysis.
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Gargalionis AN, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. Targeting STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Colorectal Cancer. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9081016. [PMID: 34440220 PMCID: PMC8392110 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a critical transcription factor that has been firmly associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation and development. STAT3 mediates key inflammatory mechanisms in colitis-associated cancer, becomes excessively activated in CRC, and enhances cancer cell proliferation, tumor growth, angiogenesis, invasion, and migration. STAT3 hyperactivation in malignant cells, surrounding immune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, mediates inhibition of the innate and adaptive immunity of the tumor microenvironment, and, therefore, tumor evasion from the immune system. These features highlight STAT3 as a promising therapeutic target; however, the mechanisms underlying these features have not been fully elucidated yet and STAT3 inhibitors have not reached the clinic in everyday practice. In the present article, we review the STAT3 signaling network in CRC and highlight the current notion for the design of STAT3-focused treatment approaches. We also discuss recent breakthroughs in combination immunotherapy regimens containing STAT3 inhibitors, therefore providing a new perception for the clinical application of STAT3 in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios N. Gargalionis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.N.G.); (K.A.P.)
- Department of Biopathology, Aeginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas A. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.N.G.); (K.A.P.)
| | - Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.N.G.); (K.A.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-746-2508; Fax: +30-210-746-2703
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The Role of the IL-6 Cytokine Family in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158334. [PMID: 34361105 PMCID: PMC8347315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) plays critical roles during embryonic development, wound repair, fibrosis, inflammation and cancer. During cancer progression, EMP results in heterogeneous and dynamic populations of cells with mixed epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics, which are required for local invasion and metastatic dissemination. Cancer development is associated with an inflammatory microenvironment characterized by the accumulation of multiple immune cells and pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines. Cytokines from the interleukin 6 (IL-6) family play fundamental roles in mediating tumour-promoting inflammation within the tumour microenvironment, and have been associated with chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, infectious diseases and cancer, where some members often act as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. All IL-6 family members signal through the Janus kinase (JAK)–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway and are able to activate a wide array of signalling pathways and transcription factors. In general, IL-6 cytokines activate EMP processes, fostering the acquisition of mesenchymal features in cancer cells. However, this effect may be highly context dependent. This review will summarise all the relevant literature related to all members of the IL-6 family and EMP, although it is mainly focused on IL-6 and oncostatin M (OSM), the family members that have been more extensively studied.
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Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) Signaling in Glucose Metabolism in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126434. [PMID: 34208601 PMCID: PMC8234711 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common aggressive carcinoma types worldwide, characterized by unfavorable curative effect and poor prognosis. Epidemiological data re-vealed that CRC risk is increased in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its serum components (e.g., hyperglycemia). High glycemic index diets, which chronically raise post-prandial blood glucose, may at least in part increase colon cancer risk via the insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway. However, the underlying mechanisms linking IGF-1 and MetS are still poorly understood. Hyperactivated glucose uptake and aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect) are considered as a one of six hallmarks of cancer, including CRC. However, the role of insulin/IGF-1 signaling during the acquisition of the Warburg metabolic phenotypes by CRC cells is still poorly understood. It most likely results from the interaction of multiple processes, directly or indirectly regulated by IGF-1, such as activation of PI3K/Akt/mTORC, and Raf/MAPK signaling pathways, activation of glucose transporters (e.g., GLUT1), activation of key glycolytic enzymes (e.g., LDHA, LDH5, HK II, and PFKFB3), aberrant expression of the oncogenes (e.g., MYC, and KRAS) and/or overexpression of signaling proteins (e.g., HIF-1, TGF-β1, PI3K, ERK, Akt, and mTOR). This review describes the role of IGF-1 in glucose metabolism in physiology and colorectal carcinogenesis, including the role of the insulin/IGF system in the Warburg effect. Furthermore, current therapeutic strategies aimed at repairing impaired glucose metabolism in CRC are indicated.
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Domfeh SA, Narkwa PW, Quaye O, Kusi KA, Awandare GA, Ansah C, Salam A, Mutocheluh M. Cryptolepine inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth through inhibiting interleukin-6/STAT3 signalling. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:161. [PMID: 34078370 PMCID: PMC8170807 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03326-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diverse signalling pathways are involved in carcinogenesis and one of such pathways implicated in many cancers is the interleukin 6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (IL-6/STAT3) signalling pathway. Therefore, inhibition of this pathway is targeted as an anti-cancer intervention. This study aimed to establish the effect of cryptolepine, which is the main bioactive alkaloid in the medicinal plant Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, on the IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway. METHODS First, the effect of cryptolepine on the IL-6/STAT3 pathway in human hepatoma cells (HepG2 cells) was screened using the Cignal Finder Multi-Pathway Reporter Array. Next, to confirm the effect of cryptolepine on the IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway, the pathway was activated using 200 ng/mL IL-6 in the presence of 0.5-2 μM cryptolepine. The levels of total STAT3, p-STAT3 and IL-23 were assessed by ELISA. RESULTS Cryptolepine downregulated 12 signalling pathways including the IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway and upregulated 17 signalling pathways. Cryptolepine, in the presence of IL-6, decreased the levels of p-STAT3 and IL-23 in a dose-dependent fashion. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that cryptolepine inhibits the IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway, and therefore cryptolepine-based remedies such as Cryptolepis sanguinolenta could potentially be used as an effective immunotherapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth A Domfeh
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Patrick W Narkwa
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Osbourne Quaye
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Kwadwo A Kusi
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Gordon A Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Charles Ansah
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Mohamed Mutocheluh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
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Yoshida K, Yamamoto Y, Ochiya T. miRNA signaling networks in cancer stem cells. Regen Ther 2021; 17:1-7. [PMID: 33598508 PMCID: PMC7848775 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small cell subpopulation in many cancer types and are involved in various processes of tumor progression, such as initiation, metastasis and recurrence. The distinguished features of CSCs include a variety of biological properties, including self-renewal, multidifferentiation, stemness marker expression, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite their great potential of clinical importance, the CSC signaling pathways are not well understood at the molecular level. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous noncoding RNAs that play an important role in the regulation of several cellular, physiological, and developmental processes. Aberrant miRNA expression is associated with many human diseases, including cancer. miRNAs have been implicated in the regulation of CSC properties; therefore, a better understanding of miRNA-induced modulation of CSC gene expression could aid in the identification of promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In the present review, we summarize the major findings of the impacts of miRNAs on CSC signaling networks; we then discuss the recent advances that have improved our understanding of CSC regulation by miRNA-mediated signaling networks and that may lead to the development of miRNA therapeutics specifically targeting CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Yoshida
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yusuke Yamamoto
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ochiya
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Kopenhaver J, Crutcher M, Waldman SA, Snook AE. The shifting paradigm of colorectal cancer treatment: a look into emerging cancer stem cell-directed therapeutics to lead the charge toward complete remission. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 21:1335-1345. [PMID: 33977849 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1929167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Despite advances in early detection, ~25% of patients are late stage, and treated patients have <12% chance of survival after five years. Tumor relapse and metastasis are the main causes of patient death. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare population of cancer cells characterized by properties of self-renewal, chemo- and radio-resistance, tumorigenicity, and high plasticity. These qualities make CSCs particularly important for metastasic seeding, DNA-damage resistance, and tumor repopulating.Areas Covered: The following review article focuses on the role of CRC-SCs in tumor initiation, metastasis, drug resistance, and tumor relapse, as well as on potential therapeutic options for targeting CSCs.Expert Opinion: Current studies are underway to better isolate and discriminate CSCs from normal stem cells and to produce CSC-targeted therapeutics. The intestinal receptor, guanylate cyclase C (GUCY2C) could potentially provide a unique therapeutic target for both non-stem cells and CSCs alike in colorectal cancer through immunotherapies. Indeed, immunotherapies targeting CSCs have the potential to break the treatment-recurrence cycle in the management of advanced malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Kopenhaver
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Madison Crutcher
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, United States.,Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Scott A Waldman
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Adam E Snook
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, United States
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Oliveres H, Pesántez D, Maurel J. Lessons to Learn for Adequate Targeted Therapy Development in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5019. [PMID: 34065119 PMCID: PMC8126031 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22095019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that regulates cell growth and proliferation. Upregulation of the IGF1R pathway constitutes a common paradigm shared with other receptor tyrosine kinases such as EGFR, HER2, and MET in different cancer types, including colon cancer. The main IGF1R signaling pathways are PI3K-AKT and MAPK-MEK. However, different processes, such as post-translational modification (SUMOylation), epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and microenvironment complexity, can also contribute to intrinsic and acquired resistance. Here, we discuss new strategies for adequate drug development in metastatic colorectal cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Oliveres
- Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapeutics in Solid Tumors Group, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Pesántez
- Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapeutics in Solid Tumors Group, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Maurel
- Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapeutics in Solid Tumors Group, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Oncology Group, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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Novel Regulators of the IGF System in Cancer. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020273. [PMID: 33673232 PMCID: PMC7918569 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system is a dynamic network of proteins, which includes cognate ligands, membrane receptors, ligand binding proteins and functional downstream effectors. It plays a critical role in regulating several important physiological processes including cell growth, metabolism and differentiation. Importantly, alterations in expression levels or activation of components of the IGF network are implicated in many pathological conditions including diabetes, obesity and cancer initiation and progression. In this review we will initially cover some general aspects of IGF action and regulation in cancer and then focus in particular on the role of transcriptional regulators and novel interacting proteins, which functionally contribute in fine tuning IGF1R signaling in several cancer models. A deeper understanding of the biological relevance of this network of IGF1R modulators might provide novel therapeutic opportunities to block this system in neoplasia.
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Expression of Selected Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Transcription Factors in Endometrial Cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2020:4584250. [PMID: 33457409 PMCID: PMC7785369 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4584250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic malignancy in developed countries. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of SNAIL, SLUG, TWIST1, TWIST2, ZEB1, and ZEB 2 in primary tumor and the correlation with morphological and clinical characteristics of EC. The study included 158 patients with EC after surgical treatments: total hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy. The percentages of EC specimens testing positively for the EMT transcription factors were 84.5% for SNAIL, 92.2% for SLUG, 10.9% for TWIST1, 100% for TWIST2, 89% for ZEB1, and 98% for ZEB2. The expression of SLUG in patients with FIGO stage III or IV, type II EC, myometrial invasion ≥ 50% of the uterine wall thickness, and adnexal involvement and in patients with distant metastases was significantly higher. SLUG and ZEB2 expressions were identified as significant predictors of higher FIGO stages (III or IV) on univariate analysis. The overexpression of SLUG was a significant predictor of more aggressive type II EC, myometrial invasion ≥ 50% of the uterine wall thickness, and distant metastases on both univariate and multivariate analysis. Moreover, the overexpression of SLUG and ZEB2 was shown to be significant predictors of adnexal involvement on univariate analysis. ZEB 2 overexpression was identified in multivariate analysis as another independent predictor associated with a lesser likelihood of type II EC. Both univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that SLUG expression was the only predictor of 5-year survival in the study group. The overexpression of SLUG was associated with a significant increase in mortality hazard on univariate analysis and was shown to be a highly significant predictor of death on multivariate analysis. Conclusions. Selected proteins of the EMT pathway play a role in endometrial carcinogenesis; SLUG and ZEB2 expressions in the primary tumor might predict clinical outcomes in EC and drive therapeutic decisions regarding adjuvant treatment in patients with this malignancy.
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Marginean EC, Gotfrit J, Marginean H, Yokom DW, Bateman JJ, Daneshmand M, Sud S, Gown AM, Jonker D, Asmis T, Goodwin RA. Phosphorylated transducer and activator of transcription-3 (pSTAT3) immunohistochemical expression in paired primary and metastatic colorectal cancer. Transl Oncol 2020; 14:100996. [PMID: 33341488 PMCID: PMC7750168 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100996] [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: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-3 (STAT3) mediates cellular functions. We assessed the IHC expression of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) in paired primary tumors and liver metastases in patients with advanced stage colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS We included patients with tissue blocks available from both the primary CRC and a surgically resected liver metastasis. The IHC pSTAT3 expression agreement was measured using Cohen's kappa statistic. RESULTS The study included 103 patients, 55% male, median age was 64. 43% tumors originated in rectum, and 63% of the primary tumors were synchronous. Expression of pSTAT3 was 76% in liver metastases and 71% in primary tumors. A difference in pSTAT3 staining between the primary tumor and liver metastases was noted in 64%. There was lost expression of pSTAT3 in the liver metastases in 28% and gained expression in 36% of cases compared to the primary. The kappa statistic comparing agreement between staining patterns of the primary tumors and liver metastases was a "less-than-chance", at -0.02. Median survival was 4.9 years, with no difference in survival outcomes by pSTAT3 expression in the primary tumor or liver metastases. DISCUSSION STAT3 is not a prognostic marker in the selective setting of metastatic CRC to liver, but it may remain a potential therapeutic target given most liver metastases expressed pSTAT3. Discordant pSTAT3 expression in between primary tumors and paired liver metastases suggests that use of this class of drug to treat liver predominant metastatic colorectal cancer in a biomarker-driven approach may require confirmatory liver tumor biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmeralda C Marginean
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H 8L6 Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9.
| | - Joanna Gotfrit
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H 8L6 Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9.
| | - Horia Marginean
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H 8L6 Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9.
| | - Daniel W Yokom
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H 8L6 Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9.
| | - Justin J Bateman
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9; The Ottawa Hospital, Department of Pathology, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H 8L6 Canada.
| | - Manijeh Daneshmand
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H 8L6 Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9.
| | - Shelly Sud
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H 8L6 Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9.
| | - Allen M Gown
- PhenoPath Laboratories, 551 N. 34th Street Seattle 98103 USA.
| | - Derek Jonker
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H 8L6 Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9.
| | - Timothy Asmis
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H 8L6 Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9.
| | - Rachel A Goodwin
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H 8L6 Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9.
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Shih PC, Mei KC. Role of STAT3 signaling transduction pathways in cancer stem cell-associated chemoresistance. Drug Discov Today 2020; 26:1450-1458. [PMID: 33307211 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chemoresistance resulting from cancer stem cells (CSCs) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) results in inconsistent chemotherapeutic efficacy. The co-existence of CSCs and the EMT allows cancer cells to interconvert between differentiated and stem-like states, a phenomenon known as cellular plasticity. Phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3) has been increasingly identified as a major contributor to CSCs and the EMT, as evidenced from preclinical studies that reversed chemoresistance through STAT3 pathway inhibition. In this review, we discuss mechanisms that center on STAT3 and its target genes responsible for regulating the EMT. We also highlight the current status of clinical trials using STAT3 pathway inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Chang Shih
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1AX, UK; Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan.
| | - Kuo-Ching Mei
- Division of NanoMedicine, David Geffen School of Medicine and California NanoSystems Institute at University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Growth Hormone Upregulates Mediators of Melanoma Drug Efflux and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition In Vitro and In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123640. [PMID: 33291663 PMCID: PMC7761932 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Growth hormone (GH) action is strongly implicated in the progression and therapy resistance in several types of solid tumors which overexpress the GH receptor (GHR). The aim of our study was to characterize the effects of GH and its downstream effector insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) on melanoma using in vitro and in vivo models. We confirmed an IGF-1-independent role of elevated circulating GH in upregulating key mechanisms of therapy resistance and malignancy with analyses conducted at the molecular and cellular level. We identified that GH upregulates key mechanisms of therapy resistance and metastases in melanoma tumors in an IGF-1 dependent and independent manner by upregulating multidrug efflux pumps and EMT transcription factors. Our study reveals that GH action renders an intrinsic drug resistance phenotype to the melanoma tumors—a clinically crucial property of GH verifiable in other human cancers with GHR expression. Abstract Growth hormone (GH) and the GH receptor (GHR) are expressed in a wide range of malignant tumors including melanoma. However, the effect of GH/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) on melanoma in vivo has not yet been elucidated. Here we assessed the physical and molecular effects of GH on mouse melanoma B16-F10 and human melanoma SK-MEL-30 cells in vitro. We then corroborated these observations with syngeneic B16-F10 tumors in two mouse lines with different levels of GH/IGF: bovine GH transgenic mice (bGH; high GH, high IGF-1) and GHR gene-disrupted or knockout mice (GHRKO; high GH, low IGF-1). In vitro, GH treatment enhanced mouse and human melanoma cell growth, drug retention and cell invasion. While the in vivo tumor size was unaffected in both bGH and GHRKO mouse lines, multiple drug-efflux pumps were up regulated. This intrinsic capacity of therapy resistance appears to be GH dependent. Additionally, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) gene transcription markers were significantly upregulated in vivo supporting our current and recent in vitro observations. These syngeneic mouse melanoma models of differential GH/IGF action can be valuable tools in screening for therapeutic options where lowering GH/IGF-1 action is important.
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Wang TW, Chern E, Hsu CW, Tseng KC, Chao HM. SIRT1-Mediated Expression of CD24 and Epigenetic Suppression of Novel Tumor Suppressor miR-1185-1 Increases Colorectal Cancer Stemness. Cancer Res 2020; 80:5257-5269. [PMID: 33046442 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-3188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) is a class III histone deacetylase that positively regulates cancer-related pathways such as proliferation and stress resistance. SIRT1 has been shown to promote progression of colorectal cancer and is associated with cancer stemness, yet the precise mechanism between colorectal cancer stemness and SIRT1 remains to be further clarified. Here we report that SIRT1 signaling regulates colorectal cancer stemness by enhancing expression of CD24, a colorectal cancer stemness promoter. A novel miRNA, miR-1185-1, suppressed the expression of CD24 by targeting its 3'UTR (untranslated region) and could be inhibited by SIRT1 via histone deacetylation. Targeting SIRT1 by RNAi led to elevated H3 lysine 9 acetylation on the promoter region of miR-1185-1, which increased expression of miR-1185-1 and further repressed CD24 translation and colorectal cancer stemness. In a mouse xenograft model, overexpression of miR-1185-1 in colorectal cancer cells substantially reduced tumor growth. In addition, expression of miR-1185-1 was downregulated in human colorectal cancer tissues, whereas expression of CD24 was increased. In conclusion, this study not only demonstrates the essential roles of a SIRT1-miR-1185-1-CD24 axis in both colorectal cancer stemness properties and tumorigenesis but provides a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: A novel tumor suppressor miR-1185-1 is involved in molecular regulation of CD24- and SIRT1-related cancer stemness networks, marking it a potential therapeutic target in colorectal cancer. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/80/23/5257/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teh-Wei Wang
- niChe Lab for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Edward Chern
- niChe Lab for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Wei Hsu
- niChe Lab for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chang Tseng
- niChe Lab for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Mei Chao
- niChe Lab for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Pathology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Xiong J, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Wu B, Fang L, Wang N, Yi H, Chang N, Chen L, Zhang J. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor mediates Jak2/STAT3 signaling for non-small cell lung cancer stem cell maintenance. Exp Cell Res 2020; 396:112288. [PMID: 32941808 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in shaping the invasive cancer phenotype by contributing to tumor initiation, metastasis, relapse, and therapeutic resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand activated transcription factor, which is well known for mediating the toxicity and tumorigenesis of a variety of environmental pollutants, has been extensively recognized as an important mediator in NSCLC development. Here, evidence showed that AhR was overexpressed in NSCLC tissues, and a high AhR protein level was associated with an aggressive tumor phenotype. Knockdown of AhR suppressed cell proliferation, invasion and migration, as well as CSC-like properties, while upregulation and activation of AhR enhanced CSC-like properties and increased stem cell-associated gene expression in NSCLC cells. Elevated and activated AhR leads to phosphorylation of janus kinase 2 (Jak2), as well as its downstream effector, activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), while inhibition of Jak2/STAT3 signaling by pharmacologic approach attenuates the effects of AhR-mediated NSCLC cell stemness, suggesting a role for the Jak2/STAT3 pathway in AhR-regulated NSCLC stemness. In summary, our study uncovers a transcriptional-independent mechanism of AhR through which AhR mediates NSCLC stemness via Jak2/STAT3 signaling pathway, indicating a promising target for the treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xiong
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China; Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Liang Fang
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Hongyu Yi
- Center for Infectious Disease, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ning Chang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Lihua Chen
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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Alemohammad H, Asadzadeh Z, Motafakker Azad R, Hemmat N, Najafzadeh B, Vasefifar P, Najafi S, Baradaran B. Signaling pathways and microRNAs, the orchestrators of NANOG activity during cancer induction. Life Sci 2020; 260:118337. [PMID: 32841661 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small part of cancer cells inside the tumor that have similar characteristics to normal stem cells. CSCs stimulate tumor initiation and progression in a variety of cancers. Several transcription factors such as NANOG, SOX2, and OCT4 maintain the characteristics of CSCs and their upregulation is seen in many malignancies resulting in increased metastasis, invasion, and recurrence. Among these factors, NANOG plays an important role in regulating the self-renewal and pluripotency of CSCs and the clinical significance of NANOG has been suggested as a marker of CSCs in many cancers. The up and down-regulation of NANOG is associated with several important signaling pathways, including JAK/STAT, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, TGF-β, Hedgehog, and several microRNAs (miRNAs). In this review, we will investigate the function of NANOG in CSCs and the molecular mechanism of its regulation by signaling pathways and miRNAs. We will also investigate targeting NANOG with different techniques, which is a promising treatment strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Alemohammad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Asadzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Nima Hemmat
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Basira Najafzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parisa Vasefifar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Souzan Najafi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Walcher L, Kistenmacher AK, Suo H, Kitte R, Dluczek S, Strauß A, Blaudszun AR, Yevsa T, Fricke S, Kossatz-Boehlert U. Cancer Stem Cells-Origins and Biomarkers: Perspectives for Targeted Personalized Therapies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1280. [PMID: 32849491 PMCID: PMC7426526 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 448] [Impact Index Per Article: 112.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of biomarkers in diagnosis, therapy and prognosis has gained increasing interest over the last decades. In particular, the analysis of biomarkers in cancer patients within the pre- and post-therapeutic period is required to identify several types of cells, which carry a risk for a disease progression and subsequent post-therapeutic relapse. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells that can drive tumor initiation and can cause relapses. At the time point of tumor initiation, CSCs originate from either differentiated cells or adult tissue resident stem cells. Due to their importance, several biomarkers that characterize CSCs have been identified and correlated to diagnosis, therapy and prognosis. However, CSCs have been shown to display a high plasticity, which changes their phenotypic and functional appearance. Such changes are induced by chemo- and radiotherapeutics as well as senescent tumor cells, which cause alterations in the tumor microenvironment. Induction of senescence causes tumor shrinkage by modulating an anti-tumorigenic environment in which tumor cells undergo growth arrest and immune cells are attracted. Besides these positive effects after therapy, senescence can also have negative effects displayed post-therapeutically. These unfavorable effects can directly promote cancer stemness by increasing CSC plasticity phenotypes, by activating stemness pathways in non-CSCs, as well as by promoting senescence escape and subsequent activation of stemness pathways. At the end, all these effects can lead to tumor relapse and metastasis. This review provides an overview of the most frequently used CSC markers and their implementation as biomarkers by focussing on deadliest solid (lung, stomach, liver, breast and colorectal cancers) and hematological (acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia) cancers. Furthermore, it gives examples on how the CSC markers might be influenced by therapeutics, such as chemo- and radiotherapy, and the tumor microenvironment. It points out, that it is crucial to identify and monitor residual CSCs, senescent tumor cells, and the pro-tumorigenic senescence-associated secretory phenotype in a therapy follow-up using specific biomarkers. As a future perspective, a targeted immune-mediated strategy using chimeric antigen receptor based approaches for the removal of remaining chemotherapy-resistant cells as well as CSCs in a personalized therapeutic approach are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Walcher
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Kistenmacher
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Huizhen Suo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Reni Kitte
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sarah Dluczek
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexander Strauß
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - André-René Blaudszun
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tetyana Yevsa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephan Fricke
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uta Kossatz-Boehlert
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
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Kashyap T, Nath N, Mishra P, Jha A, Nagini S, Mishra R. Pluripotency transcription factor Nanog and its association with overall oral squamous cell carcinoma progression, cisplatin‐resistance, invasion and stemness acquisition. Head Neck 2020; 42:3282-3294. [DOI: 10.1002/hed.26373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tanushree Kashyap
- Department of Life Sciences School of Natural Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand Ranchi Jharkhand India
| | - Nidhi Nath
- Department of Life Sciences School of Natural Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand Ranchi Jharkhand India
| | - Prajna Mishra
- Centre for Applied Chemistry School of Natural Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand Ranchi Jharkhand India
| | - Arpita Jha
- Department of Life Sciences School of Natural Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand Ranchi Jharkhand India
| | - Siddavaram Nagini
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science Annamalai University Annamalainagar Tamil Nadu India
| | - Rajakishore Mishra
- Department of Life Sciences School of Natural Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand Ranchi Jharkhand India
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Hua H, Kong Q, Yin J, Zhang J, Jiang Y. Insulin-like growth factor receptor signaling in tumorigenesis and drug resistance: a challenge for cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:64. [PMID: 32493414 PMCID: PMC7268628 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00904-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) play important roles in mammalian growth, development, aging, and diseases. Aberrant IGFs signaling may lead to malignant transformation and tumor progression, thus providing the rationale for targeting IGF axis in cancer. However, clinical trials of the type I IGF receptor (IGF-IR)-targeted agents have been largely disappointing. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that the IGF axis not only promotes tumorigenesis, but also confers resistance to standard treatments. Furthermore, there are diverse pathways leading to the resistance to IGF-IR-targeted therapy. Recent studies characterizing the complex IGFs signaling in cancer have raised hope to refine the strategies for targeting the IGF axis. This review highlights the biological activities of IGF-IR signaling in cancer and the contribution of IGF-IR to cytotoxic, endocrine, and molecular targeted therapies resistance. Moreover, we update the diverse mechanisms underlying resistance to IGF-IR-targeted agents and discuss the strategies for future development of the IGF axis-targeted agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingbin Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Oncogene, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jie Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Oncogene, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Oncogene, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yangfu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Oncogene, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Zhong C, Tao B, Chen Y, Guo Z, Yang X, Peng L, Xia X, Chen L. B7-H3 Regulates Glioma Growth and Cell Invasion Through a JAK2/STAT3/Slug-Dependent Signaling Pathway. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:2215-2224. [PMID: 32210587 PMCID: PMC7075435 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s237841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to explore the potential role of B7-H3 in malignant glioma progression and identify an innovative approach in clinical glioma therapy. Methods The protein expression of B7-H3 in high- and low-grade tumor tissues from glioma patients was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The proliferative and invasive ability of B7-H3-overexpressing or knockout glioma cells was analyzed in vitro and in vivo by CCK-8 assay and an orthotopic mouse glioma model, respectively. Activation of the JAK2/STAT3/Slug signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was examined by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. The anticancer effects of napabucasin (NAP) and temozolomide (TMZ) were analyzed in an orthotopic mouse glioma model. Results The expression of B7-H3 was higher in high-grade than in low-grade tumor tissues from glioma patients. In line with this, overexpression of B7-H3 enhanced glioma cell proliferation, induced sustained glioma growth, and promoted glioma cell invasion in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, these effects were mediated through the activation of the JAK2/STAT3/Slug signaling pathway in B7-H3 overexpression glioma cells. We also found that B7-H3 induced EMT processes through downregulation of E-cadherin and upregulation of MMP-2/-9 expression, resulting in enhanced invasion of glioma cells. Finally, we show that the combination of NAP and TMZ significantly suppressed glioma growth and glioma cell invasion, both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion B7-H3 overexpression facilitated sustained glioma growth and promoted glioma cell invasion through a JAK2/STAT3/Slug-dependent signaling pathway. Application of the STAT3 inhibitor NAP significantly suppressed glioma growth and invasion, and has potential as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanhong Zhong
- Neurosurgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, People's Republic of China.,Neurosurgical Clinical Medical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Bei Tao
- Rheumatism Department, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yitian Chen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhangchao Guo
- Neurosurgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobo Yang
- Neurosurgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, People's Republic of China.,Neurosurgical Clinical Medical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lilei Peng
- Neurosurgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, People's Republic of China.,Neurosurgical Clinical Medical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangguo Xia
- Neurosurgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, People's Republic of China.,Neurosurgical Clinical Medical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ligang Chen
- Neurosurgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, People's Republic of China.,Neurosurgical Clinical Medical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, People's Republic of China
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48
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Role of JAK/STAT3 Signaling in the Regulation of Metastasis, the Transition of Cancer Stem Cells, and Chemoresistance of Cancer by Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Cells 2020; 9:cells9010217. [PMID: 31952344 PMCID: PMC7017057 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway plays an essential role in various types of cancers. Activation of this pathway leads to increased tumorigenic and metastatic ability, the transition of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and chemoresistance in cancer via enhancing the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT acts as a critical regulator in the progression of cancer and is involved in regulating invasion, spread, and survival. Furthermore, accumulating evidence indicates the failure of conventional therapies due to the acquisition of CSC properties. In this review, we summarize the effects of JAK/STAT3 activation on EMT and the generation of CSCs. Moreover, we discuss cutting-edge data on the link between EMT and CSCs in the tumor microenvironment that involves a previously unknown function of miRNAs, and also discuss new regulators of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway.
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49
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Navas T, Kinders RJ, Lawrence SM, Ferry-Galow KV, Borgel S, Hollingshead MG, Srivastava AK, Alcoser SY, Makhlouf HR, Chuaqui R, Wilsker DF, Konaté MM, Miller SB, Voth AR, Chen L, Vilimas T, Subramanian J, Rubinstein L, Kummar S, Chen AP, Bottaro DP, Doroshow JH, Parchment RE. Clinical Evolution of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Carcinomas. Cancer Res 2020; 80:304-318. [PMID: 31732654 PMCID: PMC8170833 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-3539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The significance of the phenotypic plasticity afforded by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) for cancer progression and drug resistance remains to be fully elucidated in the clinic. We evaluated epithelial-mesenchymal phenotypic characteristics across a range of tumor histologies using a validated, high-resolution digital microscopic immunofluorescence assay (IFA) that incorporates β-catenin detection and cellular morphology to delineate carcinoma cells from stromal fibroblasts and that quantitates the individual and colocalized expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin (E) and the mesenchymal marker vimentin (V) at subcellular resolution ("EMT-IFA"). We report the discovery of β-catenin+ cancer cells that coexpress E-cadherin and vimentin in core-needle biopsies from patients with various advanced metastatic carcinomas, wherein these cells are transitioning between strongly epithelial and strongly mesenchymal-like phenotypes. Treatment of carcinoma models with anticancer drugs that differ in their mechanism of action (the tyrosine kinase inhibitor pazopanib in MKN45 gastric carcinoma xenografts and the combination of tubulin-targeting agent paclitaxel with the BCR-ABL inhibitor nilotinib in MDA-MB-468 breast cancer xenografts) caused changes in the tumor epithelial-mesenchymal character. Moreover, the appearance of partial EMT or mesenchymal-like carcinoma cells in MDA-MB-468 tumors treated with the paclitaxel-nilotinib combination resulted in upregulation of cancer stem cell (CSC) markers and susceptibility to FAK inhibitor. A metastatic prostate cancer patient treated with the PARP inhibitor talazoparib exhibited similar CSC marker upregulation. Therefore, the phenotypic plasticity conferred on carcinoma cells by EMT allows for rapid adaptation to cytotoxic or molecularly targeted therapy and could create a form of acquired drug resistance that is transient in nature. SIGNIFICANCE: Despite the role of EMT in metastasis and drug resistance, no standardized assessment of EMT phenotypic heterogeneity in human carcinomas exists; the EMT-IFA allows for clinical monitoring of tumor adaptation to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Navas
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Robert J Kinders
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Scott M Lawrence
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Katherine V Ferry-Galow
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Suzanne Borgel
- In Vivo Evaluation Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | | | - Apurva K Srivastava
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Sergio Y Alcoser
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Hala R Makhlouf
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Rodrigo Chuaqui
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Deborah F Wilsker
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Mariam M Konaté
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sarah B Miller
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Andrea Regier Voth
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Li Chen
- Molecular Characterization and Clinical Assay Development Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Tomas Vilimas
- Molecular Characterization and Clinical Assay Development Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Jyothi Subramanian
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Shivaani Kummar
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Alice P Chen
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - James H Doroshow
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ralph E Parchment
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland.
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50
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Gai X, Zhou P, Xu M, Liu Z, Zheng X, Liu Q. Hyperactivation of IL-6/STAT3 pathway leaded to the poor prognosis of post-TACE HCCs by HIF-1α/SNAI1 axis-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. J Cancer 2020; 11:570-582. [PMID: 31942180 PMCID: PMC6959052 DOI: 10.7150/jca.35631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been considered the standard treatment for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma according to BCLC algorithm. However, it has been unclear about the TACE-related predictive bio-markers and underlying molecular mechanisms. This investigation revealed that HCCs with higher HIF-1α suffered from unfavorable OS after TACE. mRNA expression microarray revealed that HIF-1α was potential target of p-STAT3 which was verified by ChIP and immunoblotting assay. Activation of IL-6/STAT3/HIF-1α signaling was found to promote EMT and chemoresistance to Doxorubicin in vitro and in vivo by regulating SNAI1. Hypoxia did not enhance HIF-1α expression and influence cell growth and chemoresistence to Doxorubicin in HCC cells when STAT3 expression was abolished. Taken together, HIF-1α overexpression in HCC tissues predicted the unfavorable outcome of HCCs after TACE and IL-6/STAT3 pathway resulted in EMT induced-metastases and chemoresistance of HCC after TACE through HIF-1α/SNAI1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Gai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Xian NO.3 Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710001, China
| | - Meng Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Zhikui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Qingguang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
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