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Therachiyil L, Krishnankutty R, Ahmad F, Mateo JM, Uddin S, Korashy HM. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Promotes Cell Growth, Stemness Like Characteristics, and Metastasis in Human Ovarian Cancer via Activation of PI3K/Akt, β-Catenin, and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6395. [PMID: 35742838 PMCID: PMC9223661 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) ranks first in cancer-related deaths out of all female reproductive malignancies with high-pitched tumor relapse and chemoresistance. Several reports correlate cancer occurrences with exposure to xenobiotics via induction of a protein receptor named aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). However, the effect of AhR on OC proliferation, expansion, and chemoresistance remains unrevealed. For this purpose, OC cells A2780 and A2780cis cells were treated with AhR activator, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), and the effects were determined by Real-Time Cell Analyzer, clonogenic assay, flow cytometry, immunoblotting and wound healing assay. Our results showed that activation of AhR by TCDD in A2780 cells induced the PI3K/AKT pathway followed by induction of anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-2, BCL-xl, and MCL-1. In addition, a significant increase in stemness marker aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH1) was observed. This effect was also associated with an accumulation of β-catenin, a Wnt transcription factor. Moreover, we observed induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) upon AhR activation. In conclusion, the results from the current study confirm that AhR mediates OC progression, stemness characteristics, and metastatic potential via activation of PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, and EMT. This study provides a better insight into the modulatory role of AhR that might help in developing novel therapeutic strategies for OC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubna Therachiyil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar;
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (R.K.); (F.A.); (J.M.M.); (S.U.)
| | - Roopesh Krishnankutty
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (R.K.); (F.A.); (J.M.M.); (S.U.)
| | - Fareed Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (R.K.); (F.A.); (J.M.M.); (S.U.)
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Jericha M. Mateo
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (R.K.); (F.A.); (J.M.M.); (S.U.)
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (R.K.); (F.A.); (J.M.M.); (S.U.)
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Hesham M. Korashy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar;
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Foo J, Basanta D, Rockne RC, Strelez C, Shah C, Ghaffarian K, Mumenthaler SM, Mitchell K, Lathia JD, Frankhouser D, Branciamore S, Kuo YH, Marcucci G, Vander Velde R, Marusyk A, Hang S, Hari K, Jolly MK, Hatzikirou H, Poels K, Spilker M, Shtylla B, Robertson-Tessi M, Anderson ARA. Roadmap on plasticity and epigenetics in cancer. Phys Biol 2022; 19. [PMID: 35078159 PMCID: PMC9190291 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ac4ee2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The role of plasticity and epigenetics in shaping cancer evolution and response to therapy has taken center stage with recent technological advances including single cell sequencing. This roadmap article is focused on state-of-the-art mathematical and experimental approaches to interrogate plasticity in cancer, and addresses the following themes and questions: is there a formal overarching framework that encompasses both non-genetic plasticity and mutation-driven somatic evolution? How do we measure and model the role of the microenvironment in influencing/controlling non-genetic plasticity? How can we experimentally study non-genetic plasticity? Which mathematical techniques are required or best suited? What are the clinical and practical applications and implications of these concepts?
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Foo
- University of Minnesota System, School of Mathematics, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455-2020, UNITED STATES
| | - David Basanta
- Integrated Mathematical Oncology, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Center Inc, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, MRC-3 West/IMO, Tampa, Florida 33612USA, Tampa, Florida, 33612-9416, UNITED STATES
| | - Russell C Rockne
- Computational and Quantitative Medicine; Division of Mathematical Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, 1500 E Duarte Rd, Rose Vogel Building (74), Duarte, California, 91010, UNITED STATES
| | - Carly Strelez
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute , Transformative Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90064, UNITED STATES
| | - Curran Shah
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute , Transformative Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90064, UNITED STATES
| | - Kimya Ghaffarian
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute , Transformative Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90064, UNITED STATES
| | - Shannon M Mumenthaler
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute , Transformative Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90064, UNITED STATES
| | - Kelly Mitchell
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, 44195-5243, UNITED STATES
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, 44195-5243, UNITED STATES
| | - David Frankhouser
- Computational and Quantitative Medicine; Division of Mathematical Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, 1500 E Duarte Rd, Rose Vogel Building (74), Duarte, California, 91010, UNITED STATES
| | - Sergio Branciamore
- Computational and Quantitative Medicine; Division of Mathematical Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, 1500 E Duarte Rd, Rose Vogel Building (74), Duarte, California, 91010, UNITED STATES
| | - Ya-Huei Kuo
- Hematologic Malignancies Translational Science, City of Hope National Medical Center, Beckman Research Institute, 1500 E Duarte Rd, Rose Vogel Building (74), Duarte, California, 91010, UNITED STATES
| | - Guido Marcucci
- Hematologic Malignancies Translational Science, City of Hope National Medical Center, Beckman Research Institute, 1500 E Duarte Rd, Rose Vogel Building (74), Duarte, California, 91010, UNITED STATES
| | - Robert Vander Velde
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Center Inc, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, MRC-3 West/IMO, Tampa, Florida 33612USA, Tampa, Florida, 33612-9416, UNITED STATES
| | - Andriy Marusyk
- Cancer Physiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Florida, 33612, UNITED STATES
| | - Sui Hang
- Institute for Systems Biology, Systems Biology, WA , WA 98109, UNITED STATES
| | - Kishore Hari
- Indian Institute of Science, 560012 Bangalore, Bangalore, 560012, INDIA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering,, Indian Institute of Science, 560012 Bangalore, Bangalore, 560012, INDIA
| | - Haralampos Hatzikirou
- Khalifa University, P.O. Box: 127788, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, NA, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
| | - Kamrine Poels
- Early Clinical Development, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Early Clinical Development, Groton, Connecticut, 06340, UNITED STATES
| | - Mary Spilker
- Medicine Design, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Medicine Design, Groton, Connecticut, 06340, UNITED STATES
| | - Blerta Shtylla
- Early Clinical Development, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Early Clinical Development, Groton, Connecticut, 06340, UNITED STATES
| | - Mark Robertson-Tessi
- Integrated Mathematical Oncology Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Florida, 33612, UNITED STATES
| | - Alexander R A Anderson
- Integrated Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Co-Director of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, 12902 Magnolia Drive, SRB 4 Rm 24000H, Tampa, Florida 33612, Tampa, 33612, UNITED STATES
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Salinas-Jazmín N, Rosas-Cruz A, Velasco-Velázquez M. Reporter gene systems for the identification and characterization of cancer stem cells. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:861-876. [PMID: 34367481 PMCID: PMC8316869 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i7.861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are tumor cells that share functional characteristics with normal and embryonic stem cells. CSCs have increased tumor-initiating capacity and metastatic potential and lower sensitivity to chemo- and radiotherapy, with important roles in tumor progression and the response to therapy. Thus, a current goal of cancer research is to eliminate CSCs, necessitating an adequate phenotypic and functional characterization of CSCs. Strategies have been developed to identify, enrich, and track CSCs, many of which distinguish CSCs by evaluating the expression of surface markers, the initiation of specific signaling pathways, and the activation of master transcription factors that control stemness in normal cells. We review and discuss the use of reporter gene systems for identifying CSCs. Reporters that are under the control of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1, CD133, Notch, Nanog homeobox, Sex-determining region Y-box 2, and POU class 5 homeobox can be used to identify CSCs in many tumor types, track cells in real time, and screen for drugs. Thus, reporter gene systems, in combination with in vitro and in vivo functional assays, can assess changes in the CSCs pool. We present relevant examples of these systems in the evaluation of experimental CSCs-targeting therapeutics, demonstrating their value in CSCs research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nohemí Salinas-Jazmín
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Arely Rosas-Cruz
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Marco Velasco-Velázquez
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico.
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Li J, Haque M, Shang C, Hassan B, Liu D, Chen W, Lai R. Identification and Characterization of Cancer Stem-Like Cells in ALK-Positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Using the SORE6 Reporter. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 43:543-557. [PMID: 34287231 PMCID: PMC8929104 DOI: 10.3390/cimb43020041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors Sox2 and Oct4 are essential in maintaining the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells and conferring stemness in cancer stem-like (CSL) cells. SORE6, an in-vitro reporter system, was designed to quantify the transcription activity of Sox2/Oct4 and identify CSL cells in non-hematologic cancers. Using SORE6, we identified and enriched CSL cells in ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK + ALCL). Two ALK + ALCL cell lines, SupM2 and UCONN-L2, contained approximately 20% of SORE6+ cells, which were purified based on their expression of green fluorescent protein. We then performed functional studies using single-cell clones derived from SORE6− and SORE6+ cells. Compared to SORE6− cells, SORE6+ cells were significantly more chemoresistant and clonogenic in colony-formation assays. Sox2/Oct4 are directly involved in conferring these CSL properties, since the shRNA knockdown of Sox2 in SORE6+ significantly lowered their chemoresistance, while enforced expression of Sox2/Oct4 in SORE6− cells produced opposite effects. Using Western blots, we found that the expression and subcellular localization of Sox2/Oct4 were similar between SORE6− and SORE6+ cells. However, in SORE6+ but not SORE6− cells, Sox2 and Oct4 abundantly bound to a probe containing the SORE6 consensus sequence. c-Myc, previously shown to regulate cancer stemness in ALK + ALCL, regulated the SORE6 activity. In conclusion, SORE6 is useful in identifying/enriching CSL cells in ALK + ALCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
- Electron Microscopy Center, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150080, China
| | - Moinul Haque
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
- College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, T12 AK54 Cork, Ireland
| | - Chuquan Shang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
| | - Bardes Hassan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt
| | - Dongzhe Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
- Laboratory of Biology and Chemistry, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150080, China
| | - Will Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
| | - Raymond Lai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Koshkin SA, Anatskaya OV, Vinogradov AE, Uversky VN, Dayhoff GW, Bystriakova MA, Pospelov VA, Tolkunova EN. Isolation and Characterization of Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Stem-Like Cells Based on the Endogenous Expression of the Stem Markers. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4682. [PMID: 33925224 PMCID: PMC8124683 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells' (CSCs) self-maintenance is regulated via the pluripotency pathways promoting the most aggressive tumor phenotype. This study aimed to use the activity of these pathways for the CSCs' subpopulation enrichment and separating cells characterized by the OCT4 and SOX2 expression. METHODS To select and analyze CSCs, we used the SORE6x lentiviral reporter plasmid for viral transduction of colon adenocarcinoma cells. Additionally, we assessed cell chemoresistance, clonogenic, invasive and migratory activity and the data of mRNA-seq and intrinsic disorder predisposition protein analysis (IDPPA). RESULTS We obtained the line of CSC-like cells selected on the basis of the expression of the OCT4 and SOX2 stem cell factors. The enriched CSC-like subpopulation had increased chemoresistance as well as clonogenic and migration activities. The bioinformatic analysis of mRNA seq data identified the up-regulation of pluripotency, development, drug resistance and phototransduction pathways, and the downregulation of pathways related to proliferation, cell cycle, aging, and differentiation. IDPPA indicated that CSC-like cells are predisposed to increased intrinsic protein disorder. CONCLUSION The use of the SORE6x reporter construct for CSCs enrichment allows us to obtain CSC-like population that can be used as a model to search for the new prognostic factors and potential therapeutic targets for colon cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei A. Koshkin
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, 194064 St-Petersburg, Russia; (M.A.B.); (V.A.P.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, 1015 Walnut Street, Ste. 1024, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Olga V. Anatskaya
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, 194064 St-Petersburg, Russia; (M.A.B.); (V.A.P.)
| | - Alexander E. Vinogradov
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, 194064 St-Petersburg, Russia; (M.A.B.); (V.A.P.)
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Guy W. Dayhoff
- Department of Chemistry, College of Art and Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA;
| | - Margarita A. Bystriakova
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, 194064 St-Petersburg, Russia; (M.A.B.); (V.A.P.)
| | - Valery A. Pospelov
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, 194064 St-Petersburg, Russia; (M.A.B.); (V.A.P.)
| | - Elena N. Tolkunova
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, 194064 St-Petersburg, Russia; (M.A.B.); (V.A.P.)
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Pádua D, Barros R, Luísa Amaral A, Mesquita P, Filipa Freire A, Sousa M, Filipe Maia A, Caiado I, Fernandes H, Pombinho A, Filipe Pereira C, Almeida R. A SOX2 Reporter System Identifies Gastric Cancer Stem-Like Cells Sensitive to Monensin. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E495. [PMID: 32093282 PMCID: PMC7072720 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer remains a serious health burden with few therapeutic options. Therefore, the recognition of cancer stem cells (CSCs) as seeds of the tumorigenic process makes them a prime therapeutic target. Knowing that the transcription factors SOX2 and OCT4 promote stemness, our approach was to isolate stem-like cells in human gastric cancer cell lines using a traceable reporter system based on SOX2/OCT4 activity (SORE6-GFP). Cells transduced with the SORE6-GFP reporter system were sorted into SORE6+ and SORE6- cell populations, and their biological behavior characterized. SORE6+ cells were enriched for SOX2 and exhibited CSC features, including a greater ability to proliferate and form gastrospheres in non-adherent conditions, a larger in vivo tumor initiating capability, and increased resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment. The overexpression and knockdown of SOX2 revealed a crucial role of SOX2 in cell proliferation and drug resistance. By combining the reporter system with a high-throughput screening of pharmacologically active small molecules we identified monensin, an ionophore antibiotic, displaying selective toxicity to SORE6+ cells. The ability of SORE6-GFP reporter system to recognize cancer stem-like cells facilitates our understanding of gastric CSC biology and serves as a platform for the identification of powerful therapeutics for targeting gastric CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Pádua
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (R.B.); (A.L.A.); (P.M.); (A.F.F.); (M.S.); (A.F.M.); (A.P.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Barros
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (R.B.); (A.L.A.); (P.M.); (A.F.F.); (M.S.); (A.F.M.); (A.P.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Amaral
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (R.B.); (A.L.A.); (P.M.); (A.F.F.); (M.S.); (A.F.M.); (A.P.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Mesquita
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (R.B.); (A.L.A.); (P.M.); (A.F.F.); (M.S.); (A.F.M.); (A.P.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Filipa Freire
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (R.B.); (A.L.A.); (P.M.); (A.F.F.); (M.S.); (A.F.M.); (A.P.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Sousa
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (R.B.); (A.L.A.); (P.M.); (A.F.F.); (M.S.); (A.F.M.); (A.P.)
- IBMC—Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - André Filipe Maia
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (R.B.); (A.L.A.); (P.M.); (A.F.F.); (M.S.); (A.F.M.); (A.P.)
- IBMC—Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Caiado
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; (I.C.); (H.F.); (C.F.P.)
- Cell Reprogramming in Hematopoiesis and Immunity laboratory, Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, BMC A12, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Hugo Fernandes
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; (I.C.); (H.F.); (C.F.P.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Pombinho
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (R.B.); (A.L.A.); (P.M.); (A.F.F.); (M.S.); (A.F.M.); (A.P.)
- IBMC—Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carlos Filipe Pereira
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; (I.C.); (H.F.); (C.F.P.)
- Cell Reprogramming in Hematopoiesis and Immunity laboratory, Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, BMC A12, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Raquel Almeida
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (R.B.); (A.L.A.); (P.M.); (A.F.F.); (M.S.); (A.F.M.); (A.P.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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Vaddi PK, Stamnes MA, Cao H, Chen S. Elimination of SOX2/OCT4-Associated Prostate Cancer Stem Cells Blocks Tumor Development and Enhances Therapeutic Response. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091331. [PMID: 31500347 PMCID: PMC6769476 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SOX2 and OCT4 are key regulators of embryonic stem cell pluripotency. They are overexpressed in prostate cancers and have been associated with cancer stem cell (CSC) properties. However, reliable tools for detecting and targeting SOX2/OCT4-overexpressing cells are lacking, limiting our understanding of their roles in prostate cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic resistance. Here, we show that a fluorescent reporter called SORE6 can identify SOX2/OCT4-overexpressing prostate cancer cells. Among tumor cells, the SORE6 reporter identified a small fraction with CSC hallmarks: rapid self-renewal, the capability to form tumors and metastasize, and resistance to chemotherapies. Transcriptome and biochemical analyses identified PI3K/AKT signaling as critical for maintaining the SORE6+ population. Moreover, a SORE6-driven herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK) expression construct could selectively ablate SORE6+ cells in tumors, blocking tumor initiation and progression, and sensitizing tumors to chemotherapy. This study demonstrates a key role of SOX2/OCT4-associated prostate cancer stem cells in tumor development and therapeutic resistance, and identifies the SORE6 reporter system as a useful tool for characterizing CSCs functions in a native tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna Kumar Vaddi
- The Department of Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Mark A Stamnes
- The Department of Molecular Physiology and Physics, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Huojun Cao
- The Department of Endodontics, College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Songhai Chen
- The Department of Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
- The Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
- The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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Saygin C, Matei D, Majeti R, Reizes O, Lathia JD. Targeting Cancer Stemness in the Clinic: From Hype to Hope. Cell Stem Cell 2018; 24:25-40. [PMID: 30595497 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 333] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumors are composed of non-homogeneous cell populations exhibiting varying degrees of genetic and functional heterogeneity. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are capable of sustaining tumors by manipulating genetic and non-genetic factors to metastasize, resist treatment, and maintain the tumor microenvironment. Understanding the key traits and mechanisms of CSC survival provides opportunities to improve patient outcomes via improved prognostic models and therapeutics. Here, we review the clinical significance of CSCs and results of potential CSC-targeting therapies in various cancers. We discuss barriers to translating cues from pre-clinical models into clinical applications and propose new strategies for rational design of future anti-CSC trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caner Saygin
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Daniela Matei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ravindra Majeti
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Cancer Institute and Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ofer Reizes
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44192, USA
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44192, USA.
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Abstract
Advances in cancer research in the past have led to an evolving understanding of cancer pathogenesis and the development of novel drugs that significantly improve patient outcomes. However, many patients still encounter treatment resistance, recurrence, or metastasis and eventually die from progressing disease. Experimental evidence indicates that a subpopulation of cancer cells, called cancer stem cells (CSCs), possess "stemness" properties similar to normal stem cells, including self-renewal, differentiation, and proliferative potential. These stemness properties are lost during differentiation and are governed by pathways such as STAT3, NANOG, NOTCH, WNT, and HEDGEHOG, which are highly dysregulated in CSCs due to genetic and epigenetic changes. Promising results have been observed in preclinical models targeting these CSCs through the disruption of stemness pathways in combination with current treatment modalities. This has led to anti-CSC-based clinical trials in multiple stages of development. In this review, we discuss the role of CSCs and stemness pathways in cancer treatment and how they relate to clinical observations. Because CSCs and the stemness pathways governing them may explain the negative clinical outcomes observed during treatment, it is important for oncologists to understand how they contribute to cancer progression and how they may be targeted to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., NC10, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| | - Huiping Liu
- Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine (Hematology/Oncology), Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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