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Westaby D, Jiménez-Vacas JM, Figueiredo I, Rekowski J, Pettinger C, Gurel B, Lundberg A, Bogdan D, Buroni L, Neeb A, Padilha A, Taylor J, Zeng W, Das S, Hobern E, Riisnaes R, Crespo M, Miranda S, Ferreira A, Hanratty BP, Nava Rodrigues D, Bertan C, Seed G, Fenor de La Maza MDLD, Guo C, Carmichael J, Grochot R, Chandran K, Stavridi A, Varkaris A, Stylianou N, Hollier BG, Tunariu N, Balk SP, Carreira S, Yuan W, Nelson PS, Corey E, Haffner M, de Bono J, Sharp A. BCL2 expression is enriched in advanced prostate cancer with features of lineage plasticity. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e179998. [PMID: 39286979 PMCID: PMC11405043 DOI: 10.1172/jci179998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The widespread use of potent androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSIs) has led to an increasing emergence of AR-independent castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), typically driven by loss of AR expression, lineage plasticity, and transformation to prostate cancers (PCs) that exhibit phenotypes of neuroendocrine or basal-like cells. The anti-apoptotic protein BCL2 is upregulated in neuroendocrine cancers and may be a therapeutic target for this aggressive PC disease subset. There is an unmet clinical need, therefore, to clinically characterize BCL2 expression in metastatic CRPC (mCRPC), determine its association with AR expression, uncover its mechanisms of regulation, and evaluate BCL2 as a therapeutic target and/or biomarker with clinical utility. Here, using multiple PC biopsy cohorts and models, we demonstrate that BCL2 expression is enriched in AR-negative mCRPC, associating with shorter overall survival and resistance to ARSIs. Moreover, high BCL2 expression associates with lineage plasticity features and neuroendocrine marker positivity. We provide evidence that BCL2 expression is regulated by DNA methylation, associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and increased by the neuronal transcription factor ASCL1. Finally, BCL2 inhibition had antitumor activity in some, but not all, BCL2-positive PC models, highlighting the need for combination strategies to enhance tumor cell apoptosis and enrich response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Westaby
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Jan Rekowski
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Bora Gurel
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Arian Lundberg
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Denisa Bogdan
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Buroni
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antje Neeb
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Padilha
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joe Taylor
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wanting Zeng
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Souvik Das
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Hobern
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Riisnaes
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mateus Crespo
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susana Miranda
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Ferreira
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Claudia Bertan
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - George Seed
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Christina Guo
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Juliet Carmichael
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Rafael Grochot
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Khobe Chandran
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andreas Varkaris
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nataly Stylianou
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brett G Hollier
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nina Tunariu
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Steven P Balk
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Wei Yuan
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter S Nelson
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Eva Corey
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michael Haffner
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Johann de Bono
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Sharp
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
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2
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Maffini F, Lepanto D, Chu F, Tagliabue M, Vacirca D, De Berardinis R, Gandini S, Vignati S, Ranghiero A, Taormina S, Rappa A, Cossu Rocca M, Alterio D, Chiocca S, Barberis M, Preda L, Pagni F, Fusco N, Ansarin M. A Transcriptomic Analysis of Laryngeal Dysplasia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9685. [PMID: 39273632 PMCID: PMC11395940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179685] [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: 07/31/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
This article describes how the transcriptional alterations of the innate immune system divide dysplasias into aggressive forms that, despite the treatment, relapse quickly and more easily, and others where the progression is slow and more treatable. It elaborates on how the immune system can change the extracellular matrix, favoring neoplastic progression, and how infections can enhance disease progression by increasing epithelial damage due to the loss of surface immunoglobulin and amplifying the inflammatory response. We investigated whether these dysregulated genes were linked to disease progression, delay, or recovery. These transcriptional alterations were observed using the RNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel Oncomine Immune Response Research Assay (OIRRA) to measure the expression of genes associated with lymphocyte regulation, cytokine signaling, lymphocyte markers, and checkpoint pathways. During the analysis, it became apparent that certain alterations divide dysplasia into two categories: progressive or not. In the future, these biological alterations are the first step to provide new treatment modalities with different classes of drugs currently in use in a systemic or local approach, including classical chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin and fluorouracile, older drugs like fenretinide, and new checkpoint inhibitor drugs such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab, as well as newer options like T cell therapy (CAR-T). Following these observed alterations, it is possible to differentiate which dysplasias progress or not or relapse quickly. This information could, in the future, be the basis for determining a close follow-up, minimizing surgical interventions, planning a correct and personalized treatment protocol for each patient and, after specific clinical trials, tailoring new drug treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fausto Maffini
- Department of Surgical Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Lepanto
- Department of Surgical Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Chu
- Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Tagliabue
- Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Davide Vacirca
- Department of Surgical Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Rita De Berardinis
- Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Gandini
- Molecular and Pharmaco-Epidemiology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvano Vignati
- Molecular and Pharmaco-Epidemiology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Ranghiero
- Department of Surgical Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Sergio Taormina
- Department of Surgical Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rappa
- Department of Surgical Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Cossu Rocca
- Medical Oncology Division of Urogenital and Head and Neck Tumors, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Alterio
- Department of Radiotherapy, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Susanna Chiocca
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Barberis
- Department of Surgical Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Preda
- Diagnostic Imaging Unit, National Center of Oncological Hadron-Therapy (CNAO), 27100 Pavia, Italy
- State University School of Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabio Pagni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Department of Surgical Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- State University School of Medicine, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Mohssen Ansarin
- Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
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Chang Z, Gao Y, Chen P, Gao W, Zhao W, Wu D, Liang W, Chen Z, Chen L, Xi H. THBS2 promotes gastric cancer progression and stemness via the Notch signaling pathway. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:3433-3450. [PMID: 39113869 PMCID: PMC11301304 DOI: 10.62347/uxwk4038] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Thrombospondin-2 (THBS2), a secreted extracellular matrix protein, plays a crucial role in various biological processes including angiogenesis, tissue remodeling, and inflammation. Our study focuses on its function in human gastric cancer (GC). Through bioinformatics and tumor tissue analysis, we compared THBS2 expression in GC tissues and adjacent tissues, and predicted regulatory upstream and downstream molecules. The direct regulatory effect of miR-29b-3p on THBS2 was evaluated through dual-luciferase reporter assays, showing that miR-29b-3p targets the 3'-UTR of THBS2 mRNA, reducing its expression in GC cells. The influence of THBS2 on tumorigenesis and stemness was examined on protein expression levels via Western blot. In vivo, THBS2's role was investigated through xenograft and metastasis assays in nude mice, demonstrating that downregulation of THBS2 impairs GC tumorigenesis and liver metastasis. Our study identified THBS2 as a highly expressed prognostic factor in GC patients. Functionally, THBS2 promotes GC progression through the Notch signaling pathway by regulating Notch3, NEY1, and HES1 proteins, and sustains cancer stem cell-like characteristics by Notch3, including the expression of CD44, Nanog, OCT4, and SOX2. In sum, our study reveals that THBS2 promotes GC progression and stemness, modulated negatively by miR-29b-3p. This suggests potential therapeutic targets within the THBS2/Notch signaling axis for combating gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyao Chang
- Medical School of Chinese PLABeijing 100853, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing 100853, China
| | - Yunhe Gao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing 100853, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing 100853, China
| | - Wenxing Gao
- Medical School of Chinese PLABeijing 100853, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing 100853, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing 100853, China
- School of Medicine, Nankai UniversityTianjin 300071, China
| | - Di Wu
- Medical School of Chinese PLABeijing 100853, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing 100853, China
| | - Wenquan Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing 100853, China
| | - Zhida Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing 100853, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing 100853, China
| | - Hongqing Xi
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing 100853, China
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4
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Adebayo AK, Bhat-Nakshatri P, Davis C, Angus SP, Erdogan C, Gao H, Green N, Kumar B, Liu Y, Nakshatri H. Oxygen tension-dependent variability in the cancer cell kinome impacts signaling pathways and response to targeted therapies. iScience 2024; 27:110068. [PMID: 38872973 PMCID: PMC11170190 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Most cells in solid tumors are exposed to oxygen levels between 0.5% and 5%. We developed an approach that allows collection, processing, and evaluation of cancer and non-cancer cells under physioxia, while preventing exposure to ambient air. This aided comparison of baseline and drug-induced changes in signaling pathways under physioxia and ambient oxygen. Using tumor cells from transgenic models of breast cancer and cells from breast tissues of clinically breast cancer-free women, we demonstrate oxygen-dependent differences in cell preference for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ) signaling. Physioxia caused PDGFRβ-mediated activation of AKT and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) that reduced sensitivity to EGFR and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) inhibition and maintained PDGFRβ+ epithelial-mesenchymal hybrid cells with potential cancer stem cell (CSC) properties. Cells in ambient air displayed differential EGFR activation and were more sensitive to targeted therapies. Our data emphasize the importance of oxygen considerations in preclinical cancer research to identify effective drug targets and develop combination therapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adedeji K. Adebayo
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | | | - Christopher Davis
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Steven P. Angus
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Cihat Erdogan
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Hongyu Gao
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Nick Green
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Brijesh Kumar
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Yunlong Liu
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Harikrishna Nakshatri
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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5
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Nadasy GL, Patai BB, Molnar AA, Hetthessy JR, Tokes AM, Varady Z, Dornyei G. Vicious Circle With Venous Hypertension, Irregular Flow, Pathological Venous Wall Remodeling, and Valve Destruction in Chronic Venous Disease: A Review. Angiology 2024:33197241256680. [PMID: 38839285 DOI: 10.1177/00033197241256680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Substantial advances occurred in phlebological practice in the last two decades. With the use of modern diagnostic equipment, the patients' venous hemodynamics can be examined in detail in everyday practice. Application of venous segments for arterial bypasses motivated studies on the effect of hemodynamic load on the venous wall. New animal models have been developed to study hemodynamic effects on the venous system. In vivo and in vitro studies revealed cellular phase transitions of venous endothelial, smooth muscle, and fibroblastic cells and changes in connective tissue composition, under hemodynamic load and at different locations of the chronically diseased venous system. This review is an attempt to integrate our knowledge from epidemiology, paleoanthropology and anthropology, clinical and experimental hemodynamic studies, histology, cell physiology, cell pathology, and molecular biology on the complex pathomechanism of this frequent disease. Our conclusion is that the disease is initiated by limited genetic adaptation of mankind not to bipedalism but to bipedalism in the unmoving standing or sitting position. In the course of the disease several pathologic vicious circles emerge, sustained venous hypertension inducing cellular phase transitions, chronic wall inflammation, apoptosis of cells, pathologic dilation, and valvular damage which, in turn, further aggravate the venous hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyorgy L Nadasy
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Andrea A Molnar
- Department of Cardiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Anna-Maria Tokes
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Gabriella Dornyei
- Department of Morphology and Physiology, Health Science Faculty, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Wang F, Zhou C, Zhu Y, Keshavarzi M. The microRNA Let-7 and its exosomal form: Epigenetic regulators of gynecological cancers. Cell Biol Toxicol 2024; 40:42. [PMID: 38836981 PMCID: PMC11153289 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-024-09884-3] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Many types of gynecological cancer (GC) are often silent until they reach an advanced stage, and are therefore often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. Hence, there is a real need for more efficient diagnosis and treatment for patients with GC. During recent years, researchers have increasingly studied the impact of microRNAs cancer development, leading to a number of applications in detection and treatment. MicroRNAs are a particular group of tiny RNA molecules that regulate regular gene expression by affecting the translation process. The downregulation of numerous miRNAs has been observed in human malignancies. Let-7 is an example of a miRNA that controls cellular processes as well as signaling cascades to affect post-transcriptional gene expression. Recent research supports the hypothesis that enhancing let-7 expression in those cancers where it is downregulated may be a potential treatment option. Exosomes are tiny vesicles that move through body fluids and can include components like miRNAs (including let-7) that are important for communication between cells. Studies proved that exosomes are able to enhance tumor growth, angiogenesis, chemoresistance, metastasis, and immune evasion, thus suggesting their importance in GC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- Haiyan People's Hospital, Zhejiang Province, Jiaxing, 314300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chundi Zhou
- Haiyan People's Hospital, Zhejiang Province, Jiaxing, 314300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanping Zhu
- Haiyan People's Hospital, Zhejiang Province, Jiaxing, 314300, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Maryam Keshavarzi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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7
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Wang Y, Chen Y, Zhao M. N6-methyladenosine modification and post-translational modification of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:209. [PMID: 38834851 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01048-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Traditionally, colorectal cancer has been recognized as a disease caused by genetic mutations. However, recent studies have revealed the significant role of epigenetic alterations in the progression of colorectal cancer. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a critical step in cancer cell metastasis, has been found to be closely associated with the tumor microenvironment and immune factors, thereby playing a crucial role in many kinds of biological behaviors of cancers. In this review, we explored the impact of N6-methyladenosine and post-translational modifications (like methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, glycosylation, etc.) on the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer and the epigenetic regulation for the transcription factors and pathways correlated to epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, we emphasized that the complex regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by epigenetics can provide new strategies for overcoming drug resistance and improving treatment outcomes. This review aims to provide important scientific evidence for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer based on epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingnan Wang
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Yufan Chen
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhao
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
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8
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Yu X, Xu J. TWIST1 Drives Cytotoxic CD8+ T-Cell Exhaustion through Transcriptional Activation of CD274 (PD-L1) Expression in Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1973. [PMID: 38893094 PMCID: PMC11171171 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16111973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In breast cancer, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is positively associated with programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and immune escape, and TWIST1 silences ERα expression and induces EMT and cancer metastasis. However, how TWIST1 regulates PD-L1 and immune evasion is unknown. This study analyzed TWIST1 and PD-L1 expression in breast cancers, investigated the mechanism for TWIST1 to regulate PD-L1 transcription, and assessed the effects of TWIST1 and PD-L1 in cancer cells on cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Interestingly, TWIST1 expression is correlated with high-level PD-L1 expression in ERα-negative breast cancer cells. The overexpression and knockdown of TWIST1 robustly upregulate and downregulate PD-L1 expression, respectively. TWIST1 binds to the PD-L1 promoter and recruits the TIP60 acetyltransferase complex in a BRD8-dependent manner to transcriptionally activate PD-L1 expression, which significantly accelerates the exhaustion and death of the cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Accordingly, knockdown of TWIST1 or BRD8 or inhibition of PD-L1 significantly enhances the tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells to suppress the growth of breast cancer cells. These results demonstrate that TWIST1 directly induces PD-L1 expression in ERα-negative breast cancer cells to promote immune evasion. Targeting TWIST1, BRD8, and/or PD-L1 in ERα-negative breast cancer cells with TWIST1 expression may sensitize CD8+ T-cell-mediated immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Yu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Jianming Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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9
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Vos AM, Pijnenborg L, van Vliet S, Kodach LL, Ciompi F, van der Post RS, Simmer F, Nagtegaal ID. Biological background of colorectal polyps and carcinomas with heterotopic ossification: A national study and literature review. Hum Pathol 2024; 145:34-41. [PMID: 38367815 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The biological mechanisms and potential clinical impact of heterotopic ossification (HO) in colorectal neoplasms are not fully understood. This study investigates the clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal neoplasms associated with HO and examines the potential role of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway in development of HO. An artificial intelligence (AI) based classification of colorectal cancers (CRC) exhibiting HO and their association with consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) is performed. The study included 77 cases via the Dutch nationwide Pathology databank. Immunohistochemistry for BMP2, SMAD4, and Osterix was performed. An AI algorithm assessed the tumour-stroma ratio to approximate the CMS. A literature search yielded 96 case reports, which were analysed and compared with our cases for clinicopathological parameters. HO was more frequently observed in our cohort in traditional serrated adenomas (25%), tubulovillous adenomas (25%) and juvenile polyps (25%), while in the literature it was most often seen in juvenile polyps (38.2%) and inflammatory polyps (29.4%). In both cohorts, carcinomas were mostly conventional (>60%) followed by mucinous and serrated adenocarcinomas. Higher expression of BMP2, SMAD4, and Osterix was observed in tumour and/or stromal cells directly surrounding bone, indicating activation of the BMP pathway. The tumour-stroma analysis appointed >50% of the cases to the mesenchymal subtype (CMS4) (59%). HO has a predilection for serrated and juvenile/inflammatory polyps, mucinous and serrated adenocarcinomas. BMP signalling is activated and seems to play a role in formation of HO in colorectal neoplasms. In line with TGFβ/BMP pathway activation associated with CMS4 CRC, HO seems associated with CMS4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie Vos
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Lieke Pijnenborg
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Shannon van Vliet
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Liudmila L Kodach
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Dutch Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Francesco Ciompi
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rachel S van der Post
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Femke Simmer
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Iris D Nagtegaal
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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BharathwajChetty B, Sajeev A, Vishwa R, Aswani BS, Alqahtani MS, Abbas M, Kunnumakkara AB. Dynamic interplay of nuclear receptors in tumor cell plasticity and drug resistance: Shifting gears in malignant transformations and applications in cancer therapeutics. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:321-362. [PMID: 38517618 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10171-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances have brought forth the complex interplay between tumor cell plasticity and its consequential impact on drug resistance and tumor recurrence, both of which are critical determinants of neoplastic progression and therapeutic efficacy. Various forms of tumor cell plasticity, instrumental in facilitating neoplastic cells to develop drug resistance, include epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) alternatively termed epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, the acquisition of cancer stem cell (CSC) attributes, and transdifferentiation into diverse cell lineages. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a superfamily of transcription factors (TFs) that play an essential role in regulating a multitude of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. NRs have been implicated to play a critical role in modulating gene expression associated with tumor cell plasticity and drug resistance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of how NRs regulate these key aspects of cancer biology. We discuss the diverse mechanisms through which NRs influence tumor cell plasticity, including EMT, stemness, and metastasis. Further, we explore the intricate relationship between NRs and drug resistance, highlighting the impact of NR signaling on chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapies. We also discuss the emerging therapeutic strategies targeting NRs to overcome tumor cell plasticity and drug resistance. This review also provides valuable insights into the current clinical trials that involve agonists or antagonists of NRs modulating various aspects of tumor cell plasticity, thereby delineating the potential of NRs as therapeutic targets for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandari BharathwajChetty
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Anjana Sajeev
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Ravichandran Vishwa
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Babu Santha Aswani
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Mohammed S Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India.
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11
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den Hollander P, Maddela JJ, Mani SA. Spatial and Temporal Relationship between Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Stem Cells in Cancer. Clin Chem 2024; 70:190-205. [PMID: 38175600 PMCID: PMC11246550 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvad197] [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: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is often linked with carcinogenesis. However, EMT is also important for embryo development and only reactivates in cancer. Connecting how EMT occurs during embryonic development and in cancer could help us further understand the root mechanisms of cancer diseases. CONTENT There are key regulatory elements that contribute to EMT and the induction and maintenance of stem cell properties during embryogenesis, tissue regeneration, and carcinogenesis. Here, we explore the implications of EMT in the different stages of embryogenesis and tissue development. We especially highlight the necessity of EMT in the mesodermal formation and in neural crest cells. Through EMT, these cells gain epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP). With this transition, crucial morphological changes occur to progress through the metastatic cascade as well as tissue regeneration after an injury. Stem-like cells, including cancer stem cells, are generated from EMT and during this process upregulate factors necessary for stem cell maintenance. Hence, it is important to understand the key regulators allowing stem cell awakening in cancer, which increases plasticity and promotes treatment resistance, to develop strategies targeting this cell population and improve patient outcomes. SUMMARY EMT involves multifaceted regulation to allow the fluidity needed to facilitate adaptation. This regulatory mechanism, plasticity, involves many cooperating transcription factors. Additionally, posttranslational modifications, such as splicing, activate the correct isoforms for either epithelial or mesenchymal specificity. Moreover, epigenetic regulation also occurs, such as acetylation and methylation. Downstream signaling ultimately results in the EMT which promotes tissue generation/regeneration and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra den Hollander
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Joanna Joyce Maddela
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Sendurai A Mani
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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12
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Wang X, Li N, Zheng M, Yu Y, Zhang S. Acetylation and deacetylation of histone in adipocyte differentiation and the potential significance in cancer. Transl Oncol 2024; 39:101815. [PMID: 37935080 PMCID: PMC10654249 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101815] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipocytes are derived from pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells and can develop into several cell types including adipocytes, myocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes. Adipocyte differentiation is regulated by a variety of transcription factors and signaling pathways. Various epigenetic factors, particularly histone modifications, play key roles in adipocyte differentiation and have indispensable functions in altering chromatin conformation. Histone acetylases and deacetylases participate in the regulation of protein acetylation, mediate transcriptional and post-translational modifications, and directly acetylate or deacetylate various transcription factors and regulatory proteins. The adipocyte differentiation of stem cells plays a key role in various metabolic diseases. Cancer stem cells(CSCs) play an important function in cancer metastasis, recurrence, and drug resistance, and have the characteristics of stem cells. They are expressed in various cell lineages, including adipocytes. Recent studies have shown that cancer stem cells that undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transformation can undergo adipocytic differentiation, thereby reducing the degree of malignancy. This opens up new possibilities for cancer treatment. This review summarizes the regulation of acetylation during adipocyte differentiation, involving the functions of histone acetylating and deacetylating enzymes as well as non-histone acetylation modifications. Mechanistic studies on adipogenesis and acetylation during the differentiation of cancer cells into a benign cell phenotype may help identify new targets for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Wang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300121, China; Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300121, China; Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Minying Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300121, China
| | - Yongjun Yu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300121, China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300121, China.
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13
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Giotopoulou N, Shi W, Parniewska MM, Sun W, Fuxe J. TGFß1 Stimulates Lymphatic Endothelial Cells to Produce IL7 and IL15, Which Act as Chemotactic Factors for Breast Cancer Cells with Mesenchymal Properties. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2023; 28:25. [PMID: 38055067 PMCID: PMC10700205 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-023-09552-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic system is a major gateway for tumor cell dissemination but the mechanisms of how tumor cells gain access to lymphatic vessels are not completely understood. Breast cancer cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) gain invasive and migratory properties. Overexpression of the cytokine transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), a potent inducer of EMT, is frequently detected in the tumor microenvironment and correlates with invasion and lymph metastasis. Recently, we reported that TGFβ1 stimulated breast cancer cells with mesenchymal properties to migrate in a targeted fashion towards the lymphatic system via CCR7/CCL21-mediated chemotaxis, similar to dendritic cells during inflammation. Here, we aimed to identify additional chemotactic factors and corresponding receptors that could be involved in guiding breast cancer cells through the lymphatic system. Through a combination of RNA sequencing analysis, database screening and invasion assays we identified IL7/IL7R and IL15/IL15R as pairs of chemokines and receptors with potential roles in promoting chemotactic migration of breast cancer cells with mesenchymal properties towards the lymphatics. The results demonstrate the capacity of TGFβ1 to orchestrate crosstalk between tumor cells and lymphatic endothelial cells and warrant further studies to explore the roles of IL7 and IL15 in promoting lymph metastasis of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolina Giotopoulou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-14152, Sweden
| | - Wenyang Shi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-14152, Sweden
| | - Malgorzata Maria Parniewska
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-14152, Sweden
| | - Wenwen Sun
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-17164, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
| | - Jonas Fuxe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-14152, Sweden.
- Division of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden.
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14
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Yu X, He T, Tong Z, Liao L, Huang S, Fakhouri WD, Edwards DP, Xu J. Molecular mechanisms of TWIST1-regulated transcription in EMT and cancer metastasis. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e56902. [PMID: 37680145 PMCID: PMC10626429 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202356902] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
TWIST1 induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to drive cancer metastasis. It is yet unclear what determines TWIST1 functions to activate or repress transcription. We found that the TWIST1 N-terminus antagonizes TWIST1-regulated gene expression, cancer growth and metastasis. TWIST1 interacts with both the NuRD complex and the NuA4/TIP60 complex (TIP60-Com) via its N-terminus. Non-acetylated TWIST1-K73/76 selectively interacts with and recruits NuRD to repress epithelial target gene transcription. Diacetylated TWIST1-acK73/76 binds BRD8, a component of TIP60-Com that also binds histone H4-acK5/8, to recruit TIP60-Com to activate mesenchymal target genes and MYC. Knockdown of BRD8 abolishes TWIST1 and TIP60-Com interaction and TIP60-Com recruitment to TWIST1-activated genes, resulting in decreasing TWIST1-activated target gene expression and cancer metastasis. Both TWIST1/NuRD and TWIST1/TIP60-Com complexes are required for TWIST1 to promote EMT, proliferation, and metastasis at full capacity. Therefore, the diacetylation status of TWIST1-K73/76 dictates whether TWIST1 interacts either with NuRD to repress epithelial genes, or with TIP60-Com to activate mesenchymal genes and MYC. Since BRD8 is essential for TWIST1-acK73/76 and TIP60-Com interaction, targeting BRD8 could be a means to inhibit TWIST1-activated gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Yu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Tao He
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
- Present address:
Institute for Cancer MedicineSouthwest Medical UniversitySichuanChina
| | - Zhangwei Tong
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Lan Liao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer CenterBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Shixia Huang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer CenterBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Walid D Fakhouri
- Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Craniofacial Research, School of DentistryUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTXUSA
| | - Dean P Edwards
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer CenterBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Jianming Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer CenterBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
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15
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Afkhami H, Mahmoudvand G, Fakouri A, Shadab A, Mahjoor M, Komeili Movahhed T. New insights in application of mesenchymal stem cells therapy in tumor microenvironment: pros and cons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1255697. [PMID: 37849741 PMCID: PMC10577325 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1255697] [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: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely accepted as a useful tool for cell-based therapy of various diseases including malignancies. The therapeutic effects of MSCs are mainly attributed to their immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive properties. Despite the promising outcomes of MSCs in cancer therapy, a growing body of evidence implies that MSCs also show tumorigenic properties in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which might lead to tumor induction and progression. Owing to the broad-spectrum applications of MSCs, this challenge needs to be tackled so that they can be safely utilized in clinical practice. Herein, we review the diverse activities of MSCs in TME and highlight the potential methods to convert their protumorigenic characteristics into onco-suppressive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Afkhami
- Nervous System Stem Cells Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Golnaz Mahmoudvand
- Student Research Committee, USERN Office, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Arshia Fakouri
- Student Research Committee, USERN Office, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Alireza Shadab
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Iran University of Medical Sciences, Deputy of Health, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohamad Mahjoor
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Luo Y, Zhu Q, Xiang S, Wang Q, Li J, Chen X, Yan W, Feng J, Zu X. Downregulated circPOKE promotes breast cancer metastasis through activation of the USP10-Snail axis. Oncogene 2023; 42:3236-3251. [PMID: 37717099 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02823-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death among females. Metastasis accounts for the majority of BC related deaths. One feasible strategy to solve this challenging problem is to disrupt the capabilities required for tumor metastasis. Herein, we verified a novel metastasis suppressive circRNA, circPOKE in BC. circPOKE was downregulated in primary and metastatic BC tissues and overexpression of circPOKE inhibited the metastatic potential but not the proliferative ability of BC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circPOKE competitively binds to USP10, and reduces its binding to Snail, a key transcriptional regulator of EMT, thereby inhibiting Snail stability via the protein-ubiquitination degradation pathway. In addition, we found that circPOKE could be secreted into the extracellular space via exosomes and that exosome-carried circPOKE significantly inhibited the invasive capabilities of BC cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the levels of circPOKE, USP10 and Snail are clinically relevant in BC, suggesting that circPOKE may be used as a potential therapeutic target for patients with BC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Luo
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Qingyun Zhu
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Shasha Xiang
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Qi Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Jun Li
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Xiguang Chen
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Wen Yan
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Jianbo Feng
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China.
| | - Xuyu Zu
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China.
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17
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Toriumi K, Onodera Y, Takehara T, Mori T, Hasei J, Shigi K, Iwawaki N, Ozaki T, Akagi M, Nakanishi M, Teramura T. LRRC15 expression indicates high level of stemness regulated by TWIST1 in mesenchymal stem cells. iScience 2023; 26:106946. [PMID: 37534184 PMCID: PMC10391581 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used as a major source for cell therapy, and its application is expanding in various diseases. On the other hand, reliable method to evaluate quality and therapeutic properties of MSC is limited. In this study, we focused on TWIST1 that is a transcription factor regulating stemness of MSCs and found that the transmembrane protein LRRC15 tightly correlated with the expression of TWIST1 and useful to expect TWIST1-regulated stemness of MSCs. The LRRC15-positive MSC populations in human and mouse bone marrow tissues highly expressed stemness-associated transcription factors and therapeutic cytokines, and showed better therapeutic effect in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model mice. This study provides evidence for the important role of TWIST1 in the MSC stemness, and for the utility of the LRRC15 protein as a marker to estimate stem cell quality in MSCs before cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Toriumi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuta Onodera
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Kindai University Hospital, Osaka-sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Takehara
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Kindai University Hospital, Osaka-sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tatsufumi Mori
- Life Science Institute, Kindai University, Osaka-sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Joe Hasei
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Okayama, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kanae Shigi
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Kindai University Hospital, Osaka-sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Natsumi Iwawaki
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Kindai University Hospital, Osaka-sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Ozaki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Okayama, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masao Akagi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Takeshi Teramura
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Kindai University Hospital, Osaka-sayama, Osaka, Japan
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18
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Truskowski K, Amend SR, Pienta KJ. Dormant cancer cells: programmed quiescence, senescence, or both? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:37-47. [PMID: 36598661 PMCID: PMC10014758 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10073-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is the overwhelming driver of cancer mortality, accounting for the majority of cancer deaths. Many patients present with metastatic relapse years after eradication of the primary lesion. Disseminated cancer cells can undergo a durable proliferative arrest and lie dormant in secondary tissues before reentering the cell cycle to seed these lethal relapses. This process of cancer cell dormancy remains poorly understood, largely due to difficulties in studying these dormant cells. In the face of these challenges, the application of knowledge from the cellular senescence and quiescence fields may help to guide future thinking on the study of dormant cancer cells. Both senescence and quiescence are common programs of proliferative arrest that are integral to tissue development and homeostasis. Despite phenotypic differences, these two states also share common characteristics, and both likely play a role in cancer dormancy and delayed metastatic relapse. Understanding the cell biology behind these states, their overlaps and unique characteristics is critical to our future understanding of dormant cancer cells, as these cells likely employ some of the same molecular programs to promote survival and dissemination. In this review, we highlight the biology underlying these non-proliferative states, relate this knowledge to what we currently know about dormant cancer cells, and discuss implications for future work toward targeting these elusive metastatic seeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Truskowski
- Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Graduate Training Program, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument St. Suite 20103, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Cancer Ecology Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Sarah R Amend
- Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Graduate Training Program, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument St. Suite 20103, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Cancer Ecology Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kenneth J Pienta
- Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Graduate Training Program, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument St. Suite 20103, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Cancer Ecology Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, USA
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19
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Chu F, Maffini F, Lepanto D, Vacirca D, Taormina SV, De Berardinis R, Gandini S, Vignati S, Ranghiero A, Rappa A, Chiocca S, Barberis M, Tagliabue M, Ansarin M. The Genetic and Immunologic Landscape Underlying the Risk of Malignant Progression in Laryngeal Dysplasia. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041117. [PMID: 36831458 PMCID: PMC9954731 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The development of laryngeal cancer is a multistep process involving structural alterations of the epithelial mucosa, from dysplasia (LDy) to invasive carcinoma. In this study, we define new biomarkers, prognostic for malignant transformation, in patients affected by LDy. (2) Methods: We used targeted next-generation sequencing and immunohistochemical analysis to define the mutational and immunological landscape of 15 laryngeal dysplasia progressing to invasive cancer (progressing dysplasia), as well as 31 cases of laryngeal dysplasia that did not progress to carcinoma (non-progressing dysplasia). Two pathologists independently analyzed the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in LDy pre-embedded paraffin-fixed specimens. The RNA-based next-generation sequencing panel OIRRA was used to evaluate the expression of 395 genes related to immune system activation. (3) Results: High TILs are significantly correlated with a higher risk of malignant transformation. The non-brisk pattern was significantly associated with an 86% reduced risk of malignant progression (OR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.03-0.5, p = 0.008). TILs showed a highly positive correlation with CCR6, CD83, HLA-DPB1, MX1 and SNAI1, and they were inversely correlated with CD48, CIITA, CXCR4, FCER1G, IL1B, LST1 and TLR8. (4) Conclusions: TILs have a great potential to identify high-risk progression dysplasia and thus to define surveillance protocols and prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Chu
- Division of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Fausto Maffini
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Lepanto
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Vacirca
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Sergio Vincenzo Taormina
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Rita De Berardinis
- Division of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.D.B.); (M.T.); Tel.: +39-02-57489380 (R.D.B. & M.T.)
| | - Sara Gandini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvano Vignati
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Ranghiero
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rappa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Susanna Chiocca
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Barberis
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Tagliabue
- Division of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.D.B.); (M.T.); Tel.: +39-02-57489380 (R.D.B. & M.T.)
| | - Mohssen Ansarin
- Division of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
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20
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Mann JP, Duan X, Patel S, Tábara LC, Scurria F, Alvarez-Guaita A, Haider A, Luijten I, Page M, Protasoni M, Lim K, Virtue S, O'Rahilly S, Armstrong M, Prudent J, Semple RK, Savage DB. A mouse model of human mitofusin-2-related lipodystrophy exhibits adipose-specific mitochondrial stress and reduced leptin secretion. eLife 2023; 12:e82283. [PMID: 36722855 PMCID: PMC9937658 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82283] [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: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction has been reported in obesity and insulin resistance, but primary genetic mitochondrial dysfunction is generally not associated with these, arguing against a straightforward causal relationship. A rare exception, recently identified in humans, is a syndrome of lower body adipose loss, leptin-deficient severe upper body adipose overgrowth, and insulin resistance caused by the p.Arg707Trp mutation in MFN2, encoding mitofusin 2. How the resulting selective form of mitochondrial dysfunction leads to tissue- and adipose depot-specific growth abnormalities and systemic biochemical perturbation is unknown. To address this, Mfn2R707W/R707W knock-in mice were generated and phenotyped on chow and high fat diets. Electron microscopy revealed adipose-specific mitochondrial morphological abnormalities. Oxidative phosphorylation measured in isolated mitochondria was unperturbed, but the cellular integrated stress response was activated in adipose tissue. Fat mass and distribution, body weight, and systemic glucose and lipid metabolism were unchanged, however serum leptin and adiponectin concentrations, and their secretion from adipose explants were reduced. Pharmacological induction of the integrated stress response in wild-type adipocytes also reduced secretion of leptin and adiponectin, suggesting an explanation for the in vivo findings. These data suggest that the p.Arg707Trp MFN2 mutation selectively perturbs mitochondrial morphology and activates the integrated stress response in adipose tissue. In mice, this does not disrupt most adipocyte functions or systemic metabolism, whereas in humans it is associated with pathological adipose remodelling and metabolic disease. In both species, disproportionate effects on leptin secretion may relate to cell autonomous induction of the integrated stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake P Mann
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Xiaowen Duan
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Satish Patel
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Luis Carlos Tábara
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Fabio Scurria
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Anna Alvarez-Guaita
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Afreen Haider
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Ineke Luijten
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Margherita Protasoni
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Koini Lim
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Sam Virtue
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Stephen O'Rahilly
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Julien Prudent
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Robert K Semple
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - David B Savage
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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21
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Zarin B, Nedaeinia R, Laher I, Manian M, Javanmard SH. The effects of ALK5 inhibition and simultaneous inhibition or activation of HIF-1α in melanoma tumor growth and angiogenesis. Tumour Biol 2023; 45:111-126. [PMID: 37927290 DOI: 10.3233/tub-220020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia is the most common signature of the tumor microenvironment that drives tumorigenesis through the complex crosstalk of a family of transcription factors called hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), with other intercellular signaling networks. Hypoxia increases transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) expression. TGF-β and HIF-1α play critical roles in several malignancies and their interactions in melanoma progression remain unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of inhibiting activin receptor-like kinase-5 (ALK5), a TGF-β receptor, on the response to HIF-1α activation or inhibition in melanoma tumor progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS Tumors were induced in C57BL/6J mice by subcutaneous inoculation with B16F10 melanoma cells. Mice were divided into HIF-1α inhibitor, ALK5 inhibitor (1 mg/kg) and HIF-1α inhibitor (100 mg/kg), ALK5 inhibitor, HIF-1α activator (1000 mg/kg), HIF-1α activator and ALK5 inhibitor, and control groups to receive inhibitors and activators through intraperitoneal injection. The expression of E-cadherin was evaluated by RT-qPCR. Vessel density and platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR)-β+ cells around the vessels were investigated using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The groups receiving HIF-1α inhibitor and activator showed lower and higher tumor growth compared to the control group, respectively. E-cadherin expression decreased in all groups compared to the control group, illustrating the dual function of E-cadherin in the tumor microenvironment. Vascular density was reduced in the groups given HIF-1α inhibitor, ALK5 inhibitor, and ALK5 and HIF-1α inhibitor simultaneously. The percentage of PDGFR-β+ cells was reduced in the presence of HIF-1α inhibitor, ALK5 inhibitor, HIF-1α and ALK5 inhibitors, and upon simultaneous treatment with HIF-1α activator and ALK5 inhibitor. CONCLUSION Despite increased expression and interaction between TGF-β and HIF-1α pathways in some cancers, in melanoma, inhibition of either pathway alone may have a stronger effect on tumor inhibition than simultaneous inhibition of both pathways. The synergistic effects may be context-dependent and should be further evaluated in different cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Zarin
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Reza Nedaeinia
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ismail Laher
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mostafa Manian
- Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Alzahra Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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22
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Goh JJH, Goh CJH, Lim QW, Zhang S, Koh CG, Chiam KH. Transcriptomics indicate nuclear division and cell adhesion not recapitulated in MCF7 and MCF10A compared to luminal A breast tumours. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20902. [PMID: 36463288 PMCID: PMC9719475 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24511-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) cell lines are useful experimental models to understand cancer biology. Yet, their relevance to modelling cancer remains unclear. To better understand the tumour-modelling efficacy of cell lines, we performed RNA-seq analyses on a combined dataset of 2D and 3D cultures of tumourigenic MCF7 and non-tumourigenic MCF10A. To our knowledge, this was the first RNA-seq dataset comprising of 2D and 3D cultures of MCF7 and MCF10A within the same experiment, which facilitates the elucidation of differences between MCF7 and MCF10A across culture types. We compared the genes and gene sets distinguishing MCF7 from MCF10A against separate RNA-seq analyses of clinical luminal A (LumA) and normal samples from the TCGA-BRCA dataset. Among the 1031 cancer-related genes distinguishing LumA from normal samples, only 5.1% and 15.7% of these genes also distinguished MCF7 from MCF10A in 2D and 3D cultures respectively, suggesting that different genes drive cancer-related differences in cell lines compared to clinical BC. Unlike LumA tumours which showed increased nuclear division-related gene expression compared to normal tissue, nuclear division-related gene expression in MCF7 was similar to MCF10A. Moreover, although LumA tumours had similar cell adhesion-related gene expression compared to normal tissues, MCF7 showed reduced cell adhesion-related gene expression compared to MCF10A. These findings suggest that MCF7 and MCF10A cell lines were limited in their ability to model cancer-related processes in clinical LumA tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Joon Ho Goh
- grid.418325.90000 0000 9351 8132Bioinformatics Institute, 30 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138671 Singapore ,grid.59025.3b0000 0001 2224 0361School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551 Singapore
| | - Corinna Jie Hui Goh
- grid.418325.90000 0000 9351 8132Bioinformatics Institute, 30 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138671 Singapore
| | - Qian Wei Lim
- grid.59025.3b0000 0001 2224 0361School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551 Singapore
| | - Songjing Zhang
- grid.59025.3b0000 0001 2224 0361School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551 Singapore
| | - Cheng-Gee Koh
- grid.59025.3b0000 0001 2224 0361School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551 Singapore
| | - Keng-Hwee Chiam
- grid.418325.90000 0000 9351 8132Bioinformatics Institute, 30 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138671 Singapore ,grid.59025.3b0000 0001 2224 0361School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551 Singapore
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23
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Santilli F, Fabrizi J, Pulcini F, Santacroce C, Sorice M, Delle Monache S, Mattei V. Gangliosides and Their Role in Multilineage Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123112. [PMID: 36551867 PMCID: PMC9775755 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Gangliosides (GGs) are a glycolipid class present on Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) surfaces with a critical appearance role in stem cell differentiation, even though their mechanistic role in signaling and differentiation remains largely unknown. This review aims to carry out a critical analysis of the predictive role of gangliosides as specific markers of the cellular state of undifferentiated and differentiated MSCs, towards the osteogenic, chondrogenic, neurogenic, and adipogenic lineage. For this reason, we analyzed the role of GGs during multilineage differentiation processes of several types of MSCs such as Umbilical Cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs), Bone Marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs), Dental Pulp derived MSCs (DPSCs), and Adipose derived MSCs (ADSCs). Moreover, we examined the possible role of GGs as specific cell surface markers to identify or isolate specific stem cell isotypes and their potential use as additional markers for quality control of cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Santilli
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, Sabina Universitas, Angelo Maria Ricci 35A, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Jessica Fabrizi
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, Sabina Universitas, Angelo Maria Ricci 35A, 02100 Rieti, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fanny Pulcini
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Costantino Santacroce
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, Sabina Universitas, Angelo Maria Ricci 35A, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sorice
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Delle Monache
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.D.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Mattei
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, Sabina Universitas, Angelo Maria Ricci 35A, 02100 Rieti, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.D.M.); (V.M.)
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24
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The role of exosomes in the molecular mechanisms of metastasis: Focusing on EMT and cancer stem cells. Life Sci 2022; 310:121103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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25
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Zheng Z, Li P, Shen F, Shi Y, Shao C. Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Cancer: from Initiation to Metastasis. Arch Med Res 2022; 53:785-793. [PMID: 36462949 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2022.11.001] [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: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) exist in many tissues and have pleiotropic potential to self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types. Recent research in tumor biology has focused on their low immunogenicity and tumorhoming properties. MSCs promote cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis through several different mechanisms, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and through their interaction with immune cells. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenic role of MSCs in regulating tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis, thus providing a strong rationale for targeting MSCs in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Zheng
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peng Li
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fangrong Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Changshun Shao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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26
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Matrix from urine stem cells boosts tissue-specific stem cell mediated functional cartilage reconstruction. Bioact Mater 2022; 23:353-367. [PMID: 36474659 PMCID: PMC9709166 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.11.012] [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: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Articular cartilage has a limited capacity to self-heal once damaged. Tissue-specific stem cells are a solution for cartilage regeneration; however, ex vivo expansion resulting in cell senescence remains a challenge as a large quantity of high-quality tissue-specific stem cells are needed for cartilage regeneration. Our previous report demonstrated that decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) deposited by human synovium-derived stem cells (SDSCs), adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), urine-derived stem cells (UDSCs), or dermal fibroblasts (DFs) provided an ex vivo solution to rejuvenate human SDSCs in proliferation and chondrogenic potential, particularly for dECM deposited by UDSCs. To make the cell-derived dECM (C-dECM) approach applicable clinically, in this study, we evaluated ex vivo rejuvenation of rabbit infrapatellar fat pad-derived stem cells (IPFSCs), an easily accessible alternative for SDSCs, by the abovementioned C-dECMs, in vivo application for functional cartilage repair in a rabbit osteochondral defect model, and potential cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this rejuvenation. We found that C-dECM rejuvenation promoted rabbit IPFSCs' cartilage engineering and functional regeneration in both ex vivo and in vivo models, particularly for the dECM deposited by UDSCs, which was further confirmed by proteomics data. RNA-Seq analysis indicated that both mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) and inflammation-mediated macrophage activation and polarization are potentially involved in the C-dECM-mediated promotion of IPFSCs' chondrogenic capacity, which needs further investigation.
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27
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Huang Y, Hong W, Wei X. The molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of EMT in tumor progression and metastasis. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:129. [PMID: 36076302 PMCID: PMC9461252 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01347-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 124.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential process in normal embryonic development and tissue regeneration. However, aberrant reactivation of EMT is associated with malignant properties of tumor cells during cancer progression and metastasis, including promoted migration and invasiveness, increased tumor stemness, and enhanced resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. EMT is tightly regulated by a complex network which is orchestrated with several intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including multiple transcription factors, post-translational control, epigenetic modifications, and noncoding RNA-mediated regulation. In this review, we described the molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, and the stages of tumorigenesis involved in the EMT process and discussed the dynamic non-binary process of EMT and its role in tumor metastasis. Finally, we summarized the challenges of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in EMT and proposed strategies for tumor therapy targeting EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhe Huang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weiqi Hong
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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28
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Ritter A, Kreis NN, Hoock SC, Solbach C, Louwen F, Yuan J. Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells, Obesity and the Tumor Microenvironment of Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3908. [PMID: 36010901 PMCID: PMC9405791 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and a common cause of cancer-related death in women. It is well recognized that obesity is associated with an enhanced risk of more aggressive breast cancer as well as reduced patient survival. Adipose tissue is the major microenvironment of breast cancer. Obesity changes the composition, structure, and function of adipose tissue, which is associated with inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Interestingly, adipose tissue is rich in ASCs/MSCs, and obesity alters the properties and functions of these cells. As a key component of the mammary stroma, ASCs play essential roles in the breast cancer microenvironment. The crosstalk between ASCs and breast cancer cells is multilateral and can occur both directly through cell-cell contact and indirectly via the secretome released by ASC/MSC, which is considered to be the main effector of their supportive, angiogenic, and immunomodulatory functions. In this narrative review, we aim to address the impact of obesity on ASCs/MSCs, summarize the current knowledge regarding the potential pathological roles of ASCs/MSCs in the development of breast cancer, discuss related molecular mechanisms, underline the possible clinical significance, and highlight related research perspectives. In particular, we underscore the roles of ASCs/MSCs in breast cancer cell progression, including proliferation and survival, angiogenesis, migration and invasion, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer stem cell development, immune evasion, therapy resistance, and the potential impact of breast cancer cells on ASCS/MSCs by educating them to become cancer-associated fibroblasts. We conclude that ASCs/MSCs, especially obese ASCs/MSCs, may be key players in the breast cancer microenvironment. Targeting these cells may provide a new path of effective breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ritter
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Juping Yuan
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
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29
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Revisiting Epithelial Carcinogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137437. [PMID: 35806442 PMCID: PMC9267463 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The origin of cancer remains one of the most important enigmas in modern biology. This paper presents a hypothesis for the origin of carcinomas in which cellular aging and inflammation enable the recovery of cellular plasticity, which may ultimately result in cancer. The hypothesis describes carcinogenesis as the result of the dedifferentiation undergone by epithelial cells in hyperplasia due to replicative senescence towards a mesenchymal cell state with potentially cancerous behavior. In support of this hypothesis, the molecular, cellular, and histopathological evidence was critically reviewed and reinterpreted when necessary to postulate a plausible generic series of mechanisms for the origin and progression of carcinomas. In addition, the implications of this theoretical framework for the current strategies of cancer treatment are discussed considering recent evidence of the molecular events underlying the epigenetic switches involved in the resistance of breast carcinomas. The hypothesis also proposes an epigenetic landscape for their progression and a potential mechanism for restraining the degree of dedifferentiation and malignant behavior. In addition, the manuscript revisits the gradual degeneration of the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to propose an integrative generalized mechanistic explanation for the involution and carcinogenesis of tissues associated with aging. The presented hypothesis might serve to understand and structure new findings into a more encompassing view of the genesis of degenerative diseases and may inspire novel approaches for their study and therapy.
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30
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Yang X, Tian S, Fan L, Niu R, Yan M, Chen S, Zheng M, Zhang S. Integrated regulation of chondrogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells and differentiation of cancer cells. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:169. [PMID: 35488254 PMCID: PMC9052535 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02598-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chondrogenesis is the formation of chondrocytes and cartilage tissues and starts with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) recruitment and migration, condensation of progenitors, chondrocyte differentiation, and maturation. The chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs depends on co-regulation of many exogenous and endogenous factors including specific microenvironmental signals, non-coding RNAs, physical factors existed in culture condition, etc. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) exhibit self-renewal capacity, pluripotency and cellular plasticity, which have the potential to differentiate into post-mitotic and benign cells. Accumulating evidence has shown that CSCs can be induced to differentiate into various benign cells including adipocytes, fibrocytes, osteoblast, and so on. Retinoic acid has been widely used in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia. Previous study confirmed that polyploid giant cancer cells, a type of cancer stem-like cells, could differentiate into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. In this review, we will summarize signaling pathways and cytokines in chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. Understanding the molecular mechanism of chondrogenic differentiation of CSCs and cancer cells may provide new strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Yang
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Shifeng Tian
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Linlin Fan
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Niu
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Man Yan
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Minying Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China.
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31
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Glycosphingolipids in human embryonic stem cells and breast cancer stem cells, and potential cancer therapy strategies based on their structures and functions. Glycoconj J 2022; 39:177-195. [PMID: 35267131 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-021-10032-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Expression profiles of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines and their differentiated embryoid body (EB) outgrowth cells, consisting of three germ layers, were surveyed systematically. Several globo- and lacto-series GSLs were identified in undifferentiated hESCs and during differentiation of hESCs to EB outgrowth cells, and core structure switching of these GSLs to gangliosides was observed. Such switching was attributable to altered expression of key glycosyltransferases (GTs) in GSL biosynthetic pathways, reflecting the unique stage-specific transitions and mechanisms characteristic of the differentiation process. Lineage-specific differentiation of hESCs was associated with further GSL alterations. During differentiation of undifferentiated hESCs to neural progenitor cells, core structure switching from globo- and lacto-series to primarily gangliosides (particularly GD3) was again observed. During differentiation to endodermal cells, alterations of GSL profiles were distinct from those in differentiation to EB outgrowth or neural progenitor cells, with high expression of Gb4Cer and low expression of stage-specific embryonic antigen (SSEA)-3, -4, or GD3 in endodermal cells. Again, such profile changes resulted from alterations of key GTs in GSL biosynthetic pathways. Novel glycan structures identified on hESCs and their differentiated counterparts presumably play functional roles in hESCs and related cancer or cancer stem cells, and will be useful as surface biomarkers. We also examined GSL expression profiles in breast cancer stem cells (CSCs), using a model of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-induced human breast CSCs. We found that GD2 and GD3, together with their common upstream GTs, GD3 synthase (GD3S) and GD2/GM2 synthase, maintained stem cell phenotype in breast CSCs. Subsequent studies showed that GD3 was associated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and activated EGFR signaling in breast CSCs and breast cancer cell lines. GD3S knockdown enhanced cytotoxicity of gefitinib (an EGFR kinase inhibitor) in resistant MDA-MB468 cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings indicate that GD3S contributes to gefitinib resistance in EGFR-positive breast cancer cells, and is a potentially useful therapeutic target in drug-resistant breast cancers.
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Tang WJ, Watson CJ, Olmstead T, Allan CH, Kwon RY. Single-cell resolution of MET- and EMT-like programs in osteoblasts during zebrafish fin regeneration. iScience 2022; 25:103784. [PMID: 35169687 PMCID: PMC8829776 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish regenerate fin rays following amputation through epimorphic regeneration, a process that has been proposed to involve the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to elucidate osteoblastic transcriptional programs during zebrafish caudal fin regeneration. We show that osteoprogenitors are enriched with components associated with EMT and its reverse, mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), and provide evidence that the EMT markers cdh11 and twist2 are co-expressed in dedifferentiating cells at the amputation stump at 1 dpa, and in differentiating osteoblastic cells in the regenerate, the latter of which are enriched in EMT signatures. We also show that esrp1, a regulator of alternative splicing in epithelial cells that is associated with MET, is expressed in a subset of osteoprogenitors during outgrowth. This study provides a single cell resource for the study of osteoblastic cells during zebrafish fin regeneration, and supports the contribution of MET- and EMT-associated components to this process. Osteoblasts express EMT/MET signatures during zebrafish fin regeneration De/re-differentiating osteoblasts express cdh11, an EMT marker A subset of osteoprogenitors express the MET marker esrp1 Our scRNA-seq data can be explored online
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Affiliation(s)
- W Joyce Tang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Claire J Watson
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Theresa Olmstead
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Christopher H Allan
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ronald Y Kwon
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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33
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Buyuk B, Jin S, Ye K. Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Signaling Pathways Responsible for Breast Cancer Metastasis. Cell Mol Bioeng 2022; 15:1-13. [PMID: 35096183 PMCID: PMC8761190 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-021-00694-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast carcinoma is highly metastatic and invasive. Tumor metastasis is a convoluted and multistep process involving tumor cell disseminating from their primary site and migrating to the secondary organ. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the crucial steps that initiate cell progression, invasion, and metastasis. During EMT, epithelial cells alter their molecular features and acquire a mesenchymal phenotype. The regulation of EMT is centered by several signaling pathways, including primary mediators TGF-β, Notch, Wnt, TNF-α, Hedgehog, and RTKs. It is also affected by hypoxia and microRNAs (miRNAs). All these pathways are the convergence on the transcriptional factors such as Snail, Slug, Twist, and ZEB1/2. In addition, a line of evidence suggested that EMT and cancer stem like cells (CSCs) are associated. EMT associated cancer stem cells display mesenchymal phenotypes and resist to chemotherapy or targeted therapy. In this review, we highlighted recent discoveries in these signaling pathways and their regulation in breast cancer metastasis and invasion. While the clinical relevance of EMT and breast cancers remains controversial, we speculated a convergent signaling network pivotal to elucidating the transition of epithelial to mesenchymal phenotypes and onset of metastasis of breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Busra Buyuk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY), PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902 USA
| | - Sha Jin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY), PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902 USA
| | - Kaiming Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY), PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902 USA
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Murugan NJ, Voutsadakis IA. Proteasome regulators in pancreatic cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:38-54. [PMID: 35116102 PMCID: PMC8790418 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i1.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the most lethal cancers with rising incidence. Despite progress in its treatment, with the introduction of more effective chemotherapy regimens in the last decade, prognosis of metastatic disease remains inferior to other cancers with long term survival being the exception. Molecular characterization of pancreatic cancer has elucidated the landscape of the disease and has revealed common lesions that contribute to pancreatic carcinogenesis. Regulation of proteostasis is critical in cancers due to increased protein turnover required to support the intense metabolism of cancer cells. The proteasome is an integral part of this regulation and is regulated, in its turn, by key transcription factors, which induce transcription of proteasome structural units. These include FOXO family transcription factors, NFE2L2, hHSF1 and hHSF2, and NF-Y. Networks that encompass proteasome regulators and transduction pathways dysregulated in pancreatic cancer such as the KRAS/ BRAF/MAPK and the Transforming growth factor beta/SMAD pathway contribute to pancreatic cancer progression. This review discusses the proteasome and its transcription factors within the pancreatic cancer cellular micro-environment. We also consider the role of stemness in carcinogenesis and the use of proteasome inhibitors as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirosha J Murugan
- Department of Biology, Algoma University, Sault Sainte Marie P6A3T6, ON, Canada
| | - Ioannis A Voutsadakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sault Area Hospital, Sault Sainte Marie P6A3T6, ON, Canada
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35
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Chelakkot C, Yang H, Shin YK. Relevance of Circulating Tumor Cells as Predictive Markers for Cancer Incidence and Relapse. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:75. [PMID: 35056131 PMCID: PMC8781286 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Shedding of cancer cells from the primary site or undetectable bone marrow region into the circulatory system, resulting in clinically overt metastasis or dissemination, is the hallmark of unfavorable invasive cancers. The shed cells remain in circulation until they extravasate to form a secondary metastatic lesion or undergo anoikis. The circulating tumor cells (CTCs) found as single cells or clusters carry a plethora of information, are acknowledged as potential biomarkers for predicting cancer prognosis and cancer progression, and are supposed to play key roles in determining tailored therapies for advanced diseases. With the advent of novel technologies that allow the precise isolation of CTCs, more and more clinical trials are focusing on the prognostic and predictive potential of CTCs. In this review, we summarize the role of CTCs as a predictive marker for cancer incidence, relapse, and response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaithanya Chelakkot
- Bio-MAX/N-Bio, Bio-MAX Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08226, Korea
- Genobio Corp., Seoul 08394, Korea
| | - Hobin Yang
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08226, Korea
| | - Young Kee Shin
- Bio-MAX/N-Bio, Bio-MAX Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08226, Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08226, Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08226, Korea
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Liu X, Zhan T, Gao Y, Cui S, Liu W, Zhang C, Zhuang S. Benzophenone-1 induced aberrant proliferation and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells via activated ERα and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118370. [PMID: 34656677 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Benzophenone-1 (BP-1) belongs to personal care product-related contaminants of emerging concern and has been recently reported to induce xenoestrogenic effects. However, the underlying mechanisms leading to the activation of target receptors and subsequent various adverse outcomes remain unclear, which is beneficial to safety and health risk assessment of benzophenone-type ultraviolet filters with their widespread occurrence. Herein, we investigated disrupting effects of BP-1 at environmentally relevant concentrations (10-9-10-6 M) on estrogen receptor (ER) α-associated signaling pathways. Molecular dynamics simulations together with yeast-based assays revealed the steady binding of BP-1 to ERα ligand binding domain (LBD) and hence the observed agonistic activity. BP-1 triggered interaction between ERα and β-catenin in human SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells and caused translocation of β-catenin from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, leading to aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin. BP-1 consequently induced dissemination of SKOV3 via regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMT) biomarkers including minimally downregulating ZO-1 gene to 78.0 ± 10.1% and maximally upregulating MMP9 gene to 144.1 ± 29.7% and promoted 1.03-1.83 fold proliferation, migration and invasion of SKOV3. We provide the first evidence that the BP-1 activated ERα triggers crosstalk between ERα and Wnt/β-catenin pathway, leading to the abnormal stimulation and progression of SKOV3 cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xujun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Tingjie Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yuchen Gao
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shixuan Cui
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Weiping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chunlong Zhang
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77058, United States
| | - Shulin Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Elucidated tumorigenic role of MAML1 and TWIST1 in gastric cancer is associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Microb Pathog 2021; 162:105304. [PMID: 34818576 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has a fundamental role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Helicobacter pylori (HP) induces EMT and thus causes gastric cancer (GC) by deregulating multiple signaling pathways involved in EMT. TWIST1 and MAML1 have been confirmed to be critical inducers of EMT via diverse signaling pathways such as Notch signaling. This study aimed to investigate for the first time possible associations between TWIST1/MAML1 mRNA expression levels, HP infection, and clinicopathological characteristics in GC patients. METHOD TWIST1 and MAML1 mRNA expression levels were evaluated in tumoral and adjacent normal tissues in 73 GC patients using the quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) method. PCR technique was also applied to examine the infection with HP in GC samples. RESULTS Upregulation of TWIST1 and MAML1 expression was observed in 35 (48%) and 34 (46.6%) of 73 tumor samples, respectively. Co-overexpression of these genes was found in 26 of 73 (35.6%) tumor samples; meanwhile, there was a significant positive correlation between MAML1 and TWIST1 mRNA expression levels (P < 0.001). MAML1 overexpression exhibited meaningful associations with advanced tumor stages (P = 0.006) and nodal metastases (P ˂ 0.001). 34 of 73 (46.6%) tumors tested positive for HP, and meanwhile, MAML1 expression was positively related with T (P = 0.05) and grade (P = 0.0001) in these HP-positive samples. Increased TWIST1 expression was correlated with patient sex (P = 0.035) and advanced tumor grade (P = 0.017) in HP-infected tumors. Furthermore, TWIST1 and MAML1 expression levels were inversely linked with histologic grade in HP-negative tumor samples (P = 0.021 and P = 0.048, respectively). CONCLUSION We propose TWIST1 and MAML1 as potential biomarkers of advanced-stage GC that determine the characteristics and aggressiveness of the disease. Based on accumulating evidence and our findings, they can be introduced as promising therapeutic targets to modify functional abnormalities in cells that promote GC progression. Moreover, HP may enhance GC growth and metastasis by disrupting TWIS1/MAML1 expression patterns and related pathways.
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38
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Streef TJ, Smits AM. Epicardial Contribution to the Developing and Injured Heart: Exploring the Cellular Composition of the Epicardium. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:750243. [PMID: 34631842 PMCID: PMC8494983 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.750243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The epicardium is an essential cell population during cardiac development. It contributes different cell types to the developing heart through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and it secretes paracrine factors that support cardiac tissue formation. In the adult heart the epicardium is a quiescent layer of cells which can be reactivated upon ischemic injury, initiating an embryonic-like response in the epicardium that contributes to post-injury repair processes. Therefore, the epicardial layer is considered an interesting target population to stimulate endogenous repair mechanisms. To date it is still not clear whether there are distinct cell populations in the epicardium that contribute to specific lineages or aid in cardiac repair, or that the epicardium functions as a whole. To address this putative heterogeneity, novel techniques such as single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA seq) are being applied. In this review, we summarize the role of the epicardium during development and after injury and provide an overview of the most recent insights into the cellular composition and diversity of the epicardium.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anke M. Smits
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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39
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A Comparative Endocrine Trans-Differentiation Approach to Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells with Different EMT Phenotypes Identifies Quasi-Mesenchymal Tumor Cells as Those with Highest Plasticity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184663. [PMID: 34572891 PMCID: PMC8466512 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancer types with the quasi-mesenchymal (QM) subtype of PDAC having the worst prognosis. De-differentiation of the ductal tumor cells to a mesenchymal phenotype occurs as a result of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process associated with the acquisition of stem cell traits. While QM tumor cells are highly metastatic and drug-resistant, their increased plasticity opens a window of opportunity for trans-differentiation into non-malignant pancreatic cells. In this study we compared established PDAC-derived cell lines of either epithelial (E) or QM phenotype for their potential to be differentiated to pancreatic endocrine cells. We found that QM cells responded more strongly than E cells with transcriptional activation of a pancreatic progenitor or pancreatic β cell-specific program. Our results bear strong implications for a novel type of targeted therapy, namely EMT-based trans-differentiation of highly metastatic PDAC cells in vivo to non-malignant endocrine cells. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive and therapy-resistant cancer types which is largely due to tumor heterogeneity, cancer cell de-differentiation, and early metastatic spread. The major molecular subtypes of PDAC are designated classical/epithelial (E) and quasi-mesenchymal (QM) subtypes, with the latter having the worst prognosis. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the reverse process, mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), are involved in regulating invasion/metastasis and stem cell generation in cancer cells but also early pancreatic endocrine differentiation or de-differentiation of adult pancreatic islet cells in vitro, suggesting that pancreatic ductal exocrine and endocrine cells share common EMT programs. Using a panel of PDAC-derived cell lines classified by epithelial/mesenchymal expression as either E or QM, we compared their trans-differentiation (TD) potential to endocrine progenitor or β cell-like cells since studies with human pancreatic cancer cells for possible future TD therapy in PDAC patients are not available so far. We observed that QM cell lines responded strongly to TD culture using as inducers 5′-aza-2′-deoxycytidine or growth factors/cytokines, while their E counterparts were refractory or showed only a weak response. Moreover, the gain of plasticity was associated with a decrease in proliferative and migratory activities and was directly related to epigenetic changes acquired during selection of a metastatic phenotype as revealed by TD experiments using the paired isogenic COLO 357-L3.6pl model. Our data indicate that a QM phenotype in PDAC coincides with increased plasticity and heightened trans-differentiation potential to activate a pancreatic β cell-specific transcriptional program. We strongly assume that this specific biological feature has potential to be exploited clinically in TD-based therapy to convert metastatic PDAC cells into less malignant or even benign cells.
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40
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Modulating cell differentiation in cancer models. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1803-1816. [PMID: 34436513 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer has been traditionally viewed as a disease characterised by excessive and uncontrolled proliferation, leading to the development of cytotoxic therapies against highly proliferating malignant cells. However, tumours frequently relapse due to the presence of slow-cycling cancer stem cells eluding chemo and radiotherapy. Since these malignant stem cells are largely undifferentiated, inducing their lineage commitment has been proposed as a potential intervention strategy to deplete tumours from their most resistant components. Pro-differentiation approaches have thus far yielded clinical success in the reversion of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), and new developments are fast widening their therapeutic applicability to solid carcinomas. Recent advances in cancer differentiation discussed here highlight the potential and outstanding challenges of differentiation-based approaches.
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Addison JB, Voronkova MA, Fugett JH, Lin CC, Linville NC, Trinh B, Livengood RH, Smolkin MB, Schaller MD, Ruppert JM, Pugacheva EN, Creighton CJ, Ivanov AV. Functional Hierarchy and Cooperation of EMT Master Transcription Factors in Breast Cancer Metastasis. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:784-798. [PMID: 33500360 PMCID: PMC8137545 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Several master transcription factors (TF) can activate the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, their individual and combinatorial contributions to EMT in breast cancer are not defined. We show that overexpression of EMT-TFs individually in epithelial cells upregulated endogenous SNAI2, ZEB1/2, TCF4, and TWIST1/2 as a result of positive feedback mediated in part by suppression of their negative regulator miRNAs miR200s/203/205. We identified TCF4 as a potential new target of miR200s. Expression of ZEB1/2 strongly correlated with the mesenchymal phenotype in breast cancer cells, with the CD24-/CD44+ stemness profile, and with lower expression of core epithelial genes in human breast tumors. Knockdown of EMT-TFs identified the key role of ZEB1 and its functional cooperation with other EMT-TFs in the maintenance of the mesenchymal state. Inducible ZEB1+2 knockdown in xenograft models inhibited pulmonary metastasis, emphasizing their critical role in dissemination from primary site and in extravasation. However, ZEB1+2 depletion one-week after intravenous injection did not inhibit lung colonization, suggesting that ZEB1/2 and EMT are not essential for macrometastatic outgrowth. These results provide strong evidence that EMT is orchestrated by coordinated expression of several EMT-TFs and establish ZEB1 as a key master regulator of EMT and metastasis in breast cancer. IMPLICATIONS: The EMT program is orchestrated by coordinated expression of multiple EMT transcription factors, whereas ZEB1 integrates the EMT master regulatory network and plays the major role in promoting EMT and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B Addison
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Maria A Voronkova
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - James H Fugett
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Chen-Chung Lin
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Nathaniel C Linville
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Brandon Trinh
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Ryan H Livengood
- Department of Pathology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Matthew B Smolkin
- Department of Pathology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Michael D Schaller
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - J Michael Ruppert
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Elena N Pugacheva
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Chad J Creighton
- Department of Medicine and Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center Division of Biostatistics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Alexey V Ivanov
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia.
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Sphyris N, King C, Hoar J, Werden SJ, Vijay GV, Miura N, Gaharwar A, Sarkar TR. Carcinoma cells that have undergone an epithelial-mesenchymal transition differentiate into endothelial cells and contribute to tumor growth. Oncotarget 2021; 12:823-844. [PMID: 33889304 PMCID: PMC8057273 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia stimulates neoangiogenesis, promoting tumor outgrowth, and triggers the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which bestows cells with mesenchymal traits and multi-lineage differentiation potential. Here, we investigated whether EMT can confer endothelial attributes upon carcinoma cells, augmenting tumor growth and vascularization. Following orthotopic implantation of MCF-7 human epithelial breast cancer cells into mice, tumors of different sizes were immunostained for markers of hypoxia and EMT. Larger tumors were well-vascularized with CD31-positive cells of human origin. Hypoxic regions, demarcated by HIF-1α staining, exhibited focal areas of E-cadherin loss and elevated levels of vimentin and the EMT-mediator FOXC2. Implantation of MCF-7 cells, co-mixed with human mammary epithelial (HMLE) cells overexpressing the EMT-inducer Snail, markedly potentiated tumor growth and vascularization, compared with MCF-7 cells injected alone or co-mixed with HMLE-vector cells. Intra-tumoral vessels contained CD31-positive cells derived from either donor cell type. FOXC2 knockdown abrogated the potentiating effects of HMLE-Snail cells on MCF-7 tumor growth and vascularization, and compromised endothelial transdifferentiation of mesenchymal cells cultured in endothelial growth medium. Hence, cells that have undergone EMT can promote tumor growth and neovascularization either indirectly, by promoting endothelial transdifferentiation of carcinoma cells, or directly, by acquiring an endothelial phenotype, with FOXC2 playing key roles in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Sphyris
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Present address: Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Cody King
- Department of Biochemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan Hoar
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Steven J Werden
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Geraldine V Vijay
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Naoyuki Miura
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Akhilesh Gaharwar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Tapasree Roy Sarkar
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.,These authors contributed equally to this work
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Abstract
Being the second leading cause of death globally, cancer has been a long-standing and rapidly evolving focus of biomedical research and practice in the world. A tremendous effort has been made to understand the origin of cancer cells, the formation of cancerous tissues, and the mechanism by which they spread and relapse, but the disease still remains mysterious. Here, we made an attempt to scrutinize evidences that indicate the role of stem cells in tumorigenesis and metastasis, and cancer relapse. We also looked into the influence of cancers on stem cells, which in turn represent a major constituent of tumor microenvironment. Based on current understandings of the properties of (cancer) stem cells and their relation to cancers, we can foresee that novel therapeutic approaches would become the next wave of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Yin
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jialing Wang
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Linling Jiang
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Y James Kang
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Sichuan 610041, China.,Memphis Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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44
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Wang H, Chirshev E, Hojo N, Suzuki T, Bertucci A, Pierce M, Perry C, Wang R, Zink J, Glackin CA, Ioffe YJ, Unternaehrer JJ. The Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transcription Factor SNAI1 Represses Transcription of the Tumor Suppressor miRNA let-7 in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061469. [PMID: 33806868 PMCID: PMC8004805 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary When cells undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) they gain characteristics of stem cells. We investigated the mechanism by which the EMT transcription factor SNAI1 induces stem cell features. In these studies, we observed that SNAI1 represses a microRNA that maintains differentiation, let-7. This microRNA is lost in cancer, and its loss correlates with poor prognosis. In breast, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer cell lines the cell stemness in increased by SNAI1 overexpression and reduced by SNAI1 knockdown. We extended the ovarian cancer results to patient-derived cells, and to a mouse xenograft model. In mice, we used nanoparticles to deliver small RNAs (RNAi) targeting SNAI1, resulting in restoration of let-7 levels, inhibition of stemness, and reduced tumor burden. Our studies validate nanoparticle-delivered RNAi targeting SNAI1 as a clinically relevant approach. Abstract We aimed to determine the mechanism of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-induced stemness in cancer cells. Cancer relapse and metastasis are caused by rare stem-like cells within tumors. Studies of stem cell reprogramming have linked let-7 repression and acquisition of stemness with the EMT factor, SNAI1. The mechanisms for the loss of let-7 in cancer cells are incompletely understood. In four carcinoma cell lines from breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and ovarian cancer and in ovarian cancer patient-derived cells, we analyzed stem cell phenotype and tumor growth via mRNA, miRNA, and protein expression, spheroid formation, and growth in patient-derived xenografts. We show that treatment with EMT-promoting growth factors or SNAI1 overexpression increased stemness and reduced let-7 expression, while SNAI1 knockdown reduced stemness and restored let-7 expression. Rescue experiments demonstrate that the pro-stemness effects of SNAI1 are mediated via let-7. In vivo, nanoparticle-delivered siRNA successfully knocked down SNAI1 in orthotopic patient-derived xenografts, accompanied by reduced stemness and increased let-7 expression, and reduced tumor burden. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that SNAI1 binds the promoters of various let-7 family members, and luciferase assays revealed that SNAI1 represses let-7 transcription. In conclusion, the SNAI1/let-7 axis is an important component of stemness pathways in cancer cells, and this study provides a rationale for future work examining this axis as a potential target for cancer stem cell-specific therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanmin Wang
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (H.W.); (E.C.); (N.H.); (T.S.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Evgeny Chirshev
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (H.W.); (E.C.); (N.H.); (T.S.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Nozomi Hojo
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (H.W.); (E.C.); (N.H.); (T.S.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Tise Suzuki
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (H.W.); (E.C.); (N.H.); (T.S.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Antonella Bertucci
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (H.W.); (E.C.); (N.H.); (T.S.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Michael Pierce
- Department of Biology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA;
| | - Christopher Perry
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (H.W.); (E.C.); (N.H.); (T.S.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Ruining Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (R.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jeffrey Zink
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (R.W.); (J.Z.)
| | | | - Yevgeniya J. Ioffe
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA;
| | - Juli J. Unternaehrer
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (H.W.); (E.C.); (N.H.); (T.S.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-909-558-7691; Fax: +1-909-558-4887
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Jiang M, Fang S, Zhao X, Zhou C, Gong Z. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related circular RNAs in lung carcinoma. Cancer Biol Med 2021; 18:j.issn.2095-3941.2020.0238. [PMID: 33710806 PMCID: PMC8185863 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2020.0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a highly complex phenotypic conversion during embryogenesis, and is important for metastasis, which contributes to tumor deterioration and poor prognoses of cancer patients. Lung carcinoma has a high tendency to develop the EMT. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in EMT-related cell invasion and metastasis in various types of cancers. Moreover, circRNAs have been found to be a link to EMT-related transcription factors and EMT-associated signaling pathways. This review mainly focuses on the influence of EMT-related circRNAs on lung carcinomas. More specifically, the roles of EMT-inducing and EMT-suppressive circRNAs in lung carcinomas are discussed. With circRNAs potentially becoming promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer managements, they will hopefully stimulate the interest of medical workers in the early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and positive prognoses in the era of precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meina Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo 315211, China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Shuai Fang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo 315211, China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo 315211, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Chengwei Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo 315211, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Zhaohui Gong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo 315211, China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo 315211, China
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Tweaking EMT and MDR dynamics to constrain triple-negative breast cancer invasiveness by EGFR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulation. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2021; 44:405-422. [PMID: 33398673 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00576-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Due to a lack of effective targeted therapies, patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have poor clinical outcomes. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is known to contribute to cancer progression, invasiveness and multidrug resistance (MDR). There is a strong correlation between various drug efflux mechanisms, cancer stem cells and tumor microenvironments, which in turn is synchronized by complex signaling crosstalk between EMT and MDR. We hypothesize that combining these regulatory connections with targeted combinatorial therapies may be an effective approach to annihilate the progression/metastasis of TNBC. METHODS AlamarBlue assays were used to depict TNBC cell viability, whereas flow cytometry was used to detect apoptotic cell populations, reactive-oxygen species (ROS) levels as well as mitochondrial depolarization. qRT-PCR, Western blotting and confocal microscopy were used to provide molecular-level information of the genes and proteins involved. RESULTS Our initial analyses showed that targeting EGFR by either erlotinib (EGFR inhibitor) or lapatinib (EGFR/HER-2 inhibitor) alone was ineffective against TNBC. Interestingly, we subsequently found that a low dose of lapatinib did act as a substrate rather than as an inhibitor facilitating EMT and MDR, leading to metastasis. Additional gene expression studies indicated that co-targeting the EGFR and Wnt/β-catenin pathways with lapatinib and XAV939 (a tankyrase inhibitor) promoted mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET). Application of these inhibitors led to a 5.62-fold increase in the epithelial marker E-cadherin and a 3.33-fold decrease in the stemness marker EpCAM, with concomitant 1.5-fold and 3.22-fold reductions in the ABC transporters ABCB1 and ABCG2, respectively. These co-targeting effects resulted in overcoming EMT and MDR, which in turn was highlighted by reduced levels of pEGFR, pAKT, pMAPK, pSTAT-3, pGSK-3β and β-catenin. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that the synergistic action of targeting both the EGFR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in TNBC cells may open up new avenues for combatting this disease.
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The Intimate Relationship Among EMT, MET and TME: A T(ransdifferentiation) E(nhancing) M(ix) to Be Exploited for Therapeutic Purposes. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123674. [PMID: 33297508 PMCID: PMC7762343 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Intratumoral heterogeneity is considered the major cause of drug resistance and hence treatment failure in cancer patients. Tumor cells are known for their phenotypic plasticity that is the ability of a cell to reprogram and change its identity to eventually adopt multiple phenotypes. Tumor cell plasticity involves the reactivation of developmental programs, the acquisition of cancer stem cell properties and an enhanced potential for retro- or transdifferentiation. A well-known transdifferentiation mechanism is the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Current evidence suggests a complex interplay between EMT, genetic and epigenetic alterations, and various signals from the tumor microenvironment (TME) in shaping a tumor cell’s plasticity. The vulnerabilities exposed by cancer cells when residing in a plastic or stem-like state have the potential to be exploited therapeutically, i.e., by converting highly metastatic cells into less aggressive or even harmless postmitotic ones. Abstract Intratumoral heterogeneity is considered the major cause of drug unresponsiveness in cancer and accumulating evidence implicates non-mutational resistance mechanisms rather than genetic mutations in its development. These non-mutational processes are largely driven by phenotypic plasticity, which is defined as the ability of a cell to reprogram and change its identity (phenotype switching). Tumor cell plasticity is characterized by the reactivation of developmental programs that are closely correlated with the acquisition of cancer stem cell properties and an enhanced potential for retrodifferentiation or transdifferentiation. A well-studied mechanism of phenotypic plasticity is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Current evidence suggests a complex interplay between EMT, genetic and epigenetic alterations, and clues from the tumor microenvironment in cell reprogramming. A deeper understanding of the connections between stem cell, epithelial–mesenchymal, and tumor-associated reprogramming events is crucial to develop novel therapies that mitigate cell plasticity and minimize the evolution of tumor heterogeneity, and hence drug resistance. Alternatively, vulnerabilities exposed by tumor cells when residing in a plastic or stem-like state may be exploited therapeutically, i.e., by converting them into less aggressive or even postmitotic cells. Tumor cell plasticity thus presents a new paradigm for understanding a cancer’s resistance to therapy and deciphering its underlying mechanisms.
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Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells: Developmental origin, tumorigenesis and translational cancer therapeutics. Transl Oncol 2020; 14:100948. [PMID: 33190044 PMCID: PMC7672320 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
While a large and growing body of research has demonstrated that mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) play a dual role in tumor growth and inhibition, studies exploring the capability of MSCs to contribute to tumorigenesis are rare. MSCs are key players during tumorigenesis and cancer development, evident in their faculty to increase cancer stem cells (CSCs) population, to generate the precursors of certain forms of cancer (e.g. sarcoma), and to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition to create the CSC-like state. Indeed, the origin and localization of the native MSCs in their original tissues are not known. MSCs are identified in the primary tumor sites and the fetal and extraembryonic tissues. Acknowledging the developmental origin of MSCs and tissue-resident native MSCs is essential for better understanding of MSC contributions to the cellular origin of cancer. This review stresses that the plasticity of MSCs can therefore instigate further risk in select therapeutic strategies for some patients with certain forms of cancer. Towards this end, to explore the safe and effective MSC-based anti-cancer therapies requires a strong understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of MSC action, ultimately guiding new strategies for delivering treatment. While clinical trial efforts using MSC products are currently underway, this review also provides new insights on the underlying mechanisms of MSCs to tumorigenesis and focuses on the approaches to develop MSC-based anti-cancer therapeutic applications.
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Qin S, Jiang J, Lu Y, Nice EC, Huang C, Zhang J, He W. Emerging role of tumor cell plasticity in modifying therapeutic response. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:228. [PMID: 33028808 PMCID: PMC7541492 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00313-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to cancer therapy is a major barrier to cancer management. Conventional views have proposed that acquisition of resistance may result from genetic mutations. However, accumulating evidence implicates a key role of non-mutational resistance mechanisms underlying drug tolerance, the latter of which is the focus that will be discussed here. Such non-mutational processes are largely driven by tumor cell plasticity, which renders tumor cells insusceptible to the drug-targeted pathway, thereby facilitating the tumor cell survival and growth. The concept of tumor cell plasticity highlights the significance of re-activation of developmental programs that are closely correlated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, acquisition properties of cancer stem cells, and trans-differentiation potential during drug exposure. From observations in various cancers, this concept provides an opportunity for investigating the nature of anticancer drug resistance. Over the years, our understanding of the emerging role of phenotype switching in modifying therapeutic response has considerably increased. This expanded knowledge of tumor cell plasticity contributes to developing novel therapeutic strategies or combination therapy regimens using available anticancer drugs, which are likely to improve patient outcomes in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Lu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Road, 611137, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Weifeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
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Yu J, Hung JT, Wang SH, Cheng JY, Yu AL. Targeting glycosphingolipids for cancer immunotherapy. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:3602-3618. [PMID: 32860713 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant expression of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) is a unique feature of cancer and stromal cells in tumor microenvironments. Although the impact of GSLs on tumor progression remains largely unclear, anticancer immunotherapies directed against GSLs are attracting growing attention. Here, we focus on GD2, a disialoganglioside expressed in tumors of neuroectodermal origin, and Globo H ceramide (GHCer), the most prevalent cancer-associated GSL overexpressed in a variety of epithelial cancers. We first summarize recent advances on our understanding of GD2 and GHCer biology and then discuss the clinical development of the first immunotherapeutic agent targeting a glycolipid, the GD2-specific antibody dinutuximab, its approved indications, and new strategies to improve its efficacy for neuroblastoma. Next, we review ongoing clinical trials on Globo H-targeted immunotherapeutics. We end with highlighting how these studies provide sound scientific rationales for targeting GSLs in cancer and may facilitate a rational design of new GSL-targeted anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Tung Hung
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Hung Wang
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Yan Cheng
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Alice L Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California in San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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