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Miao L, Miao T, Zhang Y, Hao J. Association of lipid-lowering drug targets with risk of cutaneous melanoma: a mendelian randomization study. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:602. [PMID: 38760735 PMCID: PMC11102253 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12366-8] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma proliferation is partly attributed to dysregulated lipid metabolism. The effectiveness of lipid-lowering drugs in combating cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a subject of ongoing debate in both in vitro and clinical studies. METHOD This study aims to evaluate the causal relationship between various lipid-lowering drug targets, namely 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR, targeted by statins), Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9, targeted by alirocumab and evolocumab), and Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1, targeted by ezetimibe), and the outcomes of cutaneous melanoma. To mimic the effects of lipid-lowering drugs, we utilized two genetic tools: analysis of polymorphisms affecting the expression levels of drug target genes, and genetic variations linked to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and drug target genes. These variations were sourced from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We applied Summary-data-based Mendelian Randomization (SMR) and Inverse Variance Weighted Mendelian Randomization (IVW-MR) to gauge the effectiveness of these drugs. RESULTS Our findings, with SMR results showing an odds ratio (OR) of 1.44 (95% CI: 1.08-1.92; P = 0.011) and IVW-MR results indicating an OR of 1.56 (95% CI: 1.10-2.23; P = 0.013), demonstrate a positive correlation between PCSK9 expression and increased risk of CM. However, no such correlations were observed in other analyses. CONCLUSION The study concludes that PCSK9 plays a significant role in the development of CM, and its inhibition is linked to a reduced risk of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lusheng Miao
- Department of Dermatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Taosheng Miao
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Hao
- Department of Dermatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Oza PP, Kashfi K. The evolving landscape of PCSK9 inhibition in cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 949:175721. [PMID: 37059376 PMCID: PMC10229316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a disease with a significant global burden in terms of premature mortality, loss of productivity, healthcare expenditures, and impact on mental health. Recent decades have seen numerous advances in cancer research and treatment options. Recently, a new role of cholesterol-lowering PCSK9 inhibitor therapy has come to light in the context of cancer. PCSK9 is an enzyme that induces the degradation of low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs), which are responsible for clearing cholesterol from the serum. Thus, PCSK9 inhibition is currently used to treat hypercholesterolemia, as it can upregulate LDLRs and enable cholesterol reduction through these receptors. The cholesterol-lowering effects of PCSK9 inhibitors have been suggested as a potential mechanism to combat cancer, as cancer cells have been found to increasingly rely on cholesterol for their growth needs. Additionally, PCSK9 inhibition has demonstrated the potential to induce cancer cell apoptosis through several pathways, increase the efficacy of a class of existing anticancer therapies, and boost the host immune response to cancer. A role in managing cancer- or cancer treatment-related development of dyslipidemia and life-threatening sepsis has also been suggested. This review examines the current evidence regarding the effects of PCSK9 inhibition in the context of different cancers and cancer-associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak P Oza
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Khosrow Kashfi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10031, USA; Graduate Program in Biology, City University of New York Graduate Center, New York, 10091, USA.
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Wang Y, Nie J, Dai L, Hu W, Han S, Zhang J, Chen X, Ma X, Tian G, Wu D, Zhang Z, Long J, Fang J. Construction of an endoplasmic reticulum stress-related signature in lung adenocarcinoma by comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. BMC Pulm Med 2023; 23:172. [PMID: 37189138 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02443-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a major component of lung cancer. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) has emerged as a new target for some tumor treatments. METHODS The expression and clinical data of LUAD samples were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, followed by acquiring ERS-related genes (ERSGs) from the GeneCards database. Differentially expressed endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes (DE-ERSGs) were screened and used to construct a risk model by Cox regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to determine the risk validity of the model. Moreover, enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the high- and low- risk groups was conducted to investigate the functions related to the risk model. Furthermore, the differences in ERS status, vascular-related genes, tumor mutation burden (TMB), immunotherapy response, chemotherapy drug sensitivity and other indicators between the high- and low- risk groups were studied. Finally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate the mRNA expression levels of prognostic model genes. RESULTS A total of 81 DE-ERSGs were identified in the TCGA-LUAD dataset, and a risk model, including HSPD1, PCSK9, GRIA1, MAOB, COL1A1, and CAV1, was constructed by Cox regression analysis. K-M and ROC analyses showed that the high-risk group had a low survival, and the Area Under Curve (AUC) of ROC curves of 1-, 3- and 5-years overall survival was all greater than 0.6. In addition, functional enrichment analysis suggested that the risk model was related to collagen and extracellular matrix. Furthermore, differential analysis showed vascular-related genes FLT1, TMB, neoantigen, PD-L1 protein (CD274), Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE), and T cell exclusion score were significantly different between the high- and low-risk groups. Finally, qRT-PCR results showed that the mRNA expression levels of 6 prognostic genes were consistent with the analysis. CONCLUSION A novel ERS-related risk model, including HSPD1, PCSK9, GRIA1, MAOB, COL1A1, and CAV1, was developed and validated, which provided a theoretical basis and reference value for ERS-related fields in the study and treatment of LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Thoracic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
- Clinical Trial Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Nie
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Thoracic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Ling Dai
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Thoracic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Weiheng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Thoracic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Sen Han
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Thoracic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Thoracic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Thoracic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Xiangjuan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Thoracic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Guangming Tian
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Thoracic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Thoracic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Ziran Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Thoracic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Jieran Long
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Thoracic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Jian Fang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Thoracic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China.
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Wang L, Li S, Luo H, Lu Q, Yu S. PCSK9 promotes the progression and metastasis of colon cancer cells through regulation of EMT and PI3K/AKT signaling in tumor cells and phenotypic polarization of macrophages. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:303. [PMID: 36242053 PMCID: PMC9563506 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02477-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is the ninth member of the proprotein convertase family that regulates lipoprotein homeostasis and altered PCSK9 expression was reportedly associated with tumor development and progression. This study assessed PCSK9 expression and functions in human colon cancer and then explored the underlying molecular events. Methods Colon cancer tissues were utilized for analysis of PCSK9 expression for association with clinicopathological factors from patients by immunohistochemistry assay. Manipulation of PCSK9 expression was assessed in vitro and in vivo for colon cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion using cell viability CCK-8, Transwell tumor cell migration and invasion, and wound-healing assays. Next, proteomic analysis, Western blot, qRT-PCR and Flow cytometry were conducted to assess downstream targets and tumor cell-derived PCSK9 action on macrophage polarization. Results PCSK9 expression was upregulated in colon cancer tissues versus the normal tissues, and associated with advanced tumor pathological grade. Knockdown of PCSK9 expression reduced colon cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and suppressed tumor metastasis in vivo. PCSK9 directly or indirectly upregulated Snail 1 and in turn to downregulate E-cadherin expression, but upregulate N-cadherin and MMP9 levels and thereafter, to induce colon cancer cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and activated PI3K/AKT signaling. However, PCSK9 overexpression showed the inverse effects on colon cancer cells. Knockdown of PCSK9 expression inhibited M2 macrophage polarization, but also promoted M1 macrophage polarization by reduction of lactate, protein lactylation and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels. Conclusion PCSK9 played an important role in the progression and metastasis of colon cancer by regulation of tumor cell EMT and PI3K/AKT signaling and in the phenotypic polarization of macrophages by mediating MIF and lactate levels. Targeting PCSK9 expression or activity could be used to effectively control colon cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02477-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- grid.452222.10000 0004 4902 7837Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China ,grid.410638.80000 0000 8910 6733Department of Pharmacy, Central Hospital Affiliated to, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250012 China
| | - Shuangshuang Li
- grid.452222.10000 0004 4902 7837Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
| | - Huanhua Luo
- grid.410638.80000 0000 8910 6733Department of Pharmacy, Central Hospital Affiliated to, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250012 China
| | - Qi Lu
- grid.452222.10000 0004 4902 7837Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
| | - Shuwen Yu
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Phase I Drug Clinical Trial Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Since the discovery of PCSK9 in 2003, this proprotein convertase was shown to target specific receptors for degradation in endosomes/lysosomes, including LDLR and other family members and hence to enhance the levels of circulating LDL-cholesterol (LDLc). Accordingly, inhibitors of PCSK9, including monoclonal antibodies blocking its circulating activity and siRNA silencers of its hepatic expression, are now used in clinics worldwide to treat hypercholesterolemia patients effectively and safely in combination with statins and/or ezetimibe. These powerful treatments reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis by at least 20%. Since 2008, novel targets of PCSK9 began to be defined, thereby expanding its roles beyond LDLc regulation into the realm of inflammation, pathogen infections and cellular proliferation in various cancers and associated metastases. Recent Findings Some pathogens such as dengue virus exploit the ability of PCSK9 to target the LDLR for degradation to enhance their ability to infect cells. Aside from increasing the degradation of the LDLR and its family members VLDLR, ApoER2 and LRP1, circulating PCSK9 also reduces the levels of other receptors such as CD36 (implicated in fatty acid uptake), oxidized LDLR receptor (that clears oxidized LDLc) as well as major histocompatibility class-I (MHC-I) receptors (implicated in the immune response to antigens). Thus, these novel targets provided links between PCSK9 and inflammation/atherosclerosis, viral infections and cancer/metastasis. The functional activities of PCSK9, accelerated the development of novel therapies to inhibit PCSK9 functions, including small molecular inhibitors, long-term vaccines, and possibly CRISPR-based silencing of hepatic expression of PCSK9. Summary The future of inhibitors/silencers of PCSK9 function or expression looks bright, as these are expected to provide a modern armamentarium to treat various pathologies beyond hypercholesterolemia and its effects on atherosclerosis.
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